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EnglishWhat is Neural DSP and what does it offer?
Updated
Neural DSP is a music software and hardware company that makes tools for designing guitar and bass tones. It offers two main product lines: software plugins (such as the Archetype series and Darkglass Ultimate) and hardware amp modelers (the Quad Cortex family). The company states its products are "trusted and used by the world's top musicians," and it offers a 14-day free trial of any plugin. If you play guitar or bass and want studio-quality tone shaping on a computer or in a floorboard unit, this is the audience Neural DSP builds for.
What Neural DSP makes
Software plugins
Plugins run on Windows and Mac computers. The site lists several current examples:
| Plugin | Price (as listed) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Archetype: John Mayer X | €169.00 | Compatible with Quad Cortex and Quad Cortex mini |
| Darkglass Ultimate | €99.00 | Desktop only — Windows and Mac, not available on Quad Cortex devices |
| Archetype: Misha Mansoor X | €125.00 | Compatible with Quad Cortex and Quad Cortex mini |
| Mantra | Not shown in the excerpt | Desktop only — Windows and Mac |
Prices shown include VAT for EU and UK customers; for US and international customers, taxes are calculated at checkout. Each plugin listing includes a free trial option alongside "Add to cart" and "Buy now."
The plugin catalog is organized by category: All, Vocal, Guitar, Bass, Archetype, Multivoicer, and Synth. Some plugins are marked "COMPATIBLE," meaning that after purchasing a license and logging into your Neural DSP account on the device, you can unlock them on Quad Cortex hardware.
Hardware
The hardware lineup includes:
- Quad Cortex — described as "the most powerful floorboard amp modeler on the planet"
- Quad Cortex mini — "No compromises. Just smaller."
- Nano Cortex — "An infinite number of amps and pedals on your pedalboard"
The site also references CorOS 4.1.0, described as the biggest CorOS update yet, adding expanded plugin compatibility, new virtual devices, and device presets. It is a free update for existing users.
Who it's for
Neural DSP targets guitarists and bassists who want to design tones digitally — whether in a DAW via plugins or on a physical pedalboard via the Quad Cortex family. The product range covers different needs: desktop-only plugins for studio work, hardware-compatible plugins for players who want the same sounds on stage, and standalone hardware for those who prefer a floorboard setup.
Trying before buying
Every plugin listing includes a free trial, and the site's own description states you can "download a 14-day free trial of any plugin." Hardware is sold through dealers — the site provides a "Find a dealer" link rather than direct hardware pricing.