Neural DSP Quad Core Mini at NAMM 2026
Touchscreen, Plenty of Connections, and Professional Sound from Neural DSP!
3,4 / 5,0 | 
What? Another modeler from Neural DSP? That’s right! The Quad Core Mini is similar to the Quad Core and Nano Core in terms of functionality and size. Essentially, we’re just dealing with the QC’s touchscreen.
All About the Neural DSP Quad Core Mini
What’s inside the Neural DSP Quad Cortex Mini?
The Quad Cortex Mini packs the DNA of the Quad Cortex into a significantly smaller package. With superior modeling technology, a large 7-inch multi-touch display, and four footswitches, it is clearly designed for performance and fast operation. It is also a more mobile version compared to the QC.
The variety of connections available in such a compact size is particularly noteworthy. The touchscreen pedal features XLR and jack outputs; a separate capture input; send/return (stereo via TRS upon request), MIDI, USB-C, and a headphone output.
How Does the Quad Cortex Mini Compare to the Quad Cortex and Nano Cortex?
The Quad Cortex Mini is more compact and portable than the large Quad Cortex. Although it has fewer footswitches and a smaller housing, it still offers a touchscreen, capture technology, and the familiar Neural DSP modeling. If you avoided the Quad Cortex because of its size or weight, the Mini offers virtually the same features in a more manageable form.
The Quad Cortex Mini is in a completely different league compared to the small Nano Core. The Nano Core is a small modeling pedal. The Mini, on the other hand, is a large multi-effects processor with a touchscreen and numerous connections.
What Features Does the Quad Core Mini Offer?
At the heart of the Mini is a 7-inch touchscreen that allows you to work as if you were using a tablet. Four knobs positioned around the screen allow you to adjust parameters and navigate menus. The knobs also act as footswitches for changing presets.
Neural Capture?
The Quad Cortex Mini can be powered by the included power supply or via USB-C with 12 V DC. It draws a lot of power (1,200 mA). It weighs 1.5 kg, comes in a sturdy case, and offers true bypass.
Conclusion
Oh, Neural DSP! There’s so much good stuff in here! The Quad Core Mini is what the Nano Core could have been! It remains to be seen whether the massive touchscreen will be problematic for people with poor motor skills who might damage it by quickly switching between pedals.
But I have to say, the price… It could have been lower to better position the pedal as a midrange product between the QC and NC. Who knows? Neural DSP seems to have permanently reduced the price of the Nano in the meantime.
How Much Does the Neural DSP Quad Core Mini Cost?
With a price tag of €1,299, the Quad Core Mini is positioned between the large Quad Core and the small Nano Core. You can order it now from Thomann*.
But Quad Core and Nano Core are still available too:
FAQ – Neural DSP Quad Cortex Mini
What makes the Quad Cortex Mini special?
It is a compact multi-effects and modeling system for guitar and bass. It features a touchscreen, capture technology, and extensive connectivity options. It brings the core idea of the larger Quad Cortex into a significantly smaller housing.
Does the Quad Cortex Mini have the same capture capabilities as the larger Quad Cortex?
Yes. The Mini supports capturing amps, pedals, and setups via the dedicated capture input.
Who is the Quad Cortex Mini designed for?
It’s designed for musicians who want high-end modeling without the bulk of a large floorboard.
How does it differ from the Nano Core?
The Nano Core is a minimalist modeling pedal, while the Quad Cortex Mini is a full-fledged, multi-effects system with a touchscreen, a capture function, MIDI, a send/return function, and multiple outputs.
Can the Quad Cortex Mini be battery-powered?
No, it cannot run on batteries. It runs on a 12V power supply or USB-C and requires a relatively large amount of power.
More Infos
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