FX Processor

Neural DSP Quad Cortex MK2

The Quad Cortex MK2 builds on the original with improved DSP horsepower and enhanced connectivity options, allowing for more complex signal chains and effects routing. The updated hardware supports higher-quality captures and more simultaneous processing blocks, which matters for guitarists running elaborate rigs with multiple amp models and effects. If you are building a new rig, the MK2 is the version to get for future-proofing your tone chain.

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Documented outputs: 44 destination connections
Documented inputs: 2Based on documented inputs
Rack space: Outside rackPlan a shelf, tray, or stage position
Power draw: 20W30W documented maximum
Catalog estimate: ~$1,999Use retailer rows for current price and stock

01 · What it does—and what that changes in your rig.

Product overview

Start with the payoff, then work through how it functions, where it fits, and the details that change a real build.

The payoff

FX Processor decisions, organized around the whole rig.

The Quad Cortex MK2 is Neural DSP's flagship floor/rack-hybrid modeler, and in a live IEM or playback rig context it functions as the entire tone engine for a guitarist who wants to leave the amp at home. It captures, processes, and routes your signal — amp models, cab sims, effects chains — all in a single unit drawing at most 30 watts. At 1.6 kg and 190 mm deep, it's physically compact enough to live in a shallow utility rack or a dedicated pedalboard-style case, though it ships as a floor unit and will need a rack tray if you're mounting it in a standard rack.

Documented outputs: 44 destination connections
Documented inputs: 2Based on documented inputs
Rack space: Outside rackPlan a shelf, tray, or stage position

Neural DSP product panelOutside rack · 20W

Function

How it works in the path

The port layout tells you how this thing actually behaves at show time: two TRS inputs give you stereo or wet-dry-wet flexibility at the front end, and the four outputs — two TRS, two XLR — mean you can split to FOH on the balanced XLR pair while feeding your in-ear mix or a personal monitor from the TRS outs simultaneously, without a splitter box in between. The USB-C handles computer-based preset management, audio interface duties during soundcheck, and firmware updates. With improved DSP headroom over the original, you're less likely to hit a processing ceiling when stacking amp captures, IR loading, and time-based effects in the same chain.

Best fit

Where it earns its place in the system

This unit belongs in a rig where the guitarist is the system integrator — someone who owns their tone chain end to end and needs one box to do the work of an amp, pedalboard, and DI combined. It earns its $1,999 price on tours where minimizing stage volume matters and consistency night-to-night is non-negotiable. It's not the right call if your workflow depends on MIDI-over-Ethernet, Dante, or AES3 connectivity — this is an analog I/O device at its core, and if your rig is already built around a digital snake or networked audio, you'll be bridging back to analog at every show.

In the rack

Details worth deciding before load-in.

Run Outputs 3 and 4 (XLR) directly to FOH or the stage box and keep Outputs 1 and 2 (TRS) dedicated to your IEM mix feed — this way a cable pull on the FOH side never disrupts what's in your ears.
If you're racking it with a tray, account for the 190 mm depth alongside your power conditioner and verify your rack bag or case is at least 250 mm deep to clear connectors at the rear.
Use the USB-C audio interface capability during line check to send a reference playback track through the unit and verify your full signal path — amp model, IR, and all outputs — before the split to the system is live.
Label your preset banks by set or song group rather than by gear name; at a dark stage during changeover, knowing 'SET 2 CLEAN' is faster than remembering which capture is on slot 14.

02 · Know the whole path before you buy.

Signal path

Learn the route as a block diagram: source, product function, transport, and destination. Select any block to see what enters, what changes, and what leaves.

Interactive block diagramAuto-looping · hover, focus, or tap to hold a stage

Port-type signalProduct functionSystem boundary

Follow one signal from source to destination

Each block answers the same three questions: what arrives, what changes here, and what leaves.

01 · Source · selected

01 · Source

2 documented inputs

¼-inch TRS

Arrives as: 2 documented inputs
Connector: ¼-inch TRS
Signal: analog audio

03 · What this product asks of the rest of the system.

Compatibility

Treat connector names as the start of the check—not the answer. These are the boundaries that determine a complete working path.

Best fit · FX Processor

Use it as fx processor tracked outside rack rails; follow the manufacturer’s mounting and form-factor guidance.

Plan the companion path

Complete the path with upstream and downstream gear that matches connector, direction, signal type, protocol, and wiring standard.

Connector boundary

Documented connectors: ¼-inch TRS, XLR male, usb c. Match connector, direction, and signal type—not shape alone.

04 · Every connector, grouped by job.

I/O ports

Switch the product view and the documented port inventory updates with it—hardware and data stay side by side.

Every connector, grouped by job.

Switch panels to keep the hardware view and the documented port list in sync.

Panel view

Front panel

Rear panel

All documented ports for Neural DSP Quad Cortex MK2
Port	Panel	Connector	Direction	Signal	Channels
Input 1 (TRS)	rear	¼-inch TRS	input	analog audio	—
Input 2 (TRS)	rear	¼-inch TRS	input	analog audio	—
Output 1 (TRS)	rear	¼-inch TRS	output	analog audio	—
Output 2 (TRS)	rear	¼-inch TRS	output	analog audio	—
Output 3 (XLR)	rear	XLR male	output	analog audio	—
Output 4 (XLR)	rear	XLR male	output	analog audio	—
USB-C	rear	usb c	bidirectional	data	—

Showing 7 of 7 documented physical ports.

05 · Compare the decision, not just the price.

Alternatives

The rows are organized around fit, power, I/O, and system role so a cheaper unit cannot hide a more expensive workflow.

Compare	External unit Neural DSP Quad Cortex MK2This gear	Lexicon PCM92 Reverb / Effects	TC Electronic D-Two Multitap Delay
Fit	📐 Outside rack	📐 1U	📐 1U
Power	⚡ 20W	⚡ 18W	⚡ 14W
Weight	⚖️ 3.5 lb	⚖️ 7.1 lb	⚖️ 6.4 lb
I/O	🔌 7	🔌 16	🔌 7
Estimate	💵 ~$1,999	💵 ~$3,499	💵 ~$999
Deep dive	Current selection	Full comparison →	Full comparison →

06 · Resolve the questions that can change the purchase or build plan.

Planning questions

Short, source-backed answers surface rack fit, power, cabling, and connection details before they become surprises.

Where does the Neural DSP Quad Cortex MK2 live in a complete rig?

The catalog assigns it no rack units. Builder tracks it as non-rack gear; follow the manufacturer’s mounting, case, and form-factor guidance.

How much power does the Neural DSP Quad Cortex MK2 draw?

Typical draw is 20W and documented maximum draw is 30W.

What connections does the Neural DSP Quad Cortex MK2 have?

7 documented physical ports, including Input 1 (TRS), Input 2 (TRS), Output 1 (TRS), Output 2 (TRS), Output 3 (XLR), Output 4 (XLR).

07 · See this gear inside a complete system plan.

Builder preview

Builder keeps non-rack gear in the same bill of materials, budget, dependency, and connection plan as the rack-mounted system around it.Open in Builder

08 · Related gear, in the order you may need it.

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