Neural DSP
Neural DSP Technologies Oy is a Helsinki-based company that builds neural network-based amp modeling and vocal processing products, including the Quad Cortex hardware line, Nano Cortex pedal, and a catalog of signature software plugins, sold direct-to-consumer and through global dealers to guitarists, bassists, and producers.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2017
- HeadquartersHelsinki, Finland
- Headcount101–250
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingSoftware
What Neural DSP does
Neural DSP Technologies Oy is a Finnish private company founded in 2017 and headquartered in Helsinki that develops neural network-based digital signal processing technology for guitar, bass, and vocal audio production. The company's product architecture integrates three hardware SKUs (the flagship Quad Cortex floorboard, the compact Quad Cortex Mini, and the portable Nano Cortex pedal), a CorOS operating system that runs on the hardware, a Cortex Cloud platform for storing and sharing user-generated captures and presets, and a software catalog of more than 15 plugins including the Archetype series of artist signature plugins (John Mayer X, Misha Mansoor X, Tim Henson X, Petrucci X, Cory Wong X, Nolly X, Plini X, Gojira X), plus the Mantra vocal production plugin and the Darkglass Ultimate bass plugin. Underlying modeling is built around Neural Capture technology and the proprietary TINA automated modeling system, which the company states can model an amplifier in hours rather than the months required by manual methods.
The company sells primarily direct-to-consumer through its website and secondarily through a global network of authorized dealers and retailers, with hardware products priced between $549 and $1,399 and plugins priced between approximately €55 and €199 as one-time perpetual licenses. Distribution and demand generation are driven by NAMM trade show launches, high-profile artist endorsement and co-development partnerships (John Mayer, Misha Mansoor, John Petrucci, Tim Henson, Cory Wong, Tosin Abasi, Mark Tremonti, Nolly, Plini, Gojira), an active social and Discord community, and seasonal promotions including a 50% Black Friday plugin discount. Customer segments are horizontally distributed across professional, semi-professional, and enthusiast guitarists, bass players, and, more recently, vocalists and music producers.
Commercially, Neural DSP has raised approximately $6.58M across seed and Series A rounds between 2018 and 2020 (Contriber Ventures, Trind Ventures, CapMan) and has not disclosed subsequent funding, suggesting it has been funding growth from operating cash. The company employs 101-250 people, has received consecutive best-in-class recognition from Guitar World, Guitar Player, MusicRadar, and Guitar.com from 2021 through 2026, and was awarded NAMM Best in Show in 2026, indicating durable category leadership in the amp-modeling and multi-effects market.
Neural DSP firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Neural DSP
- Legal name
- Neural DSP Technologies Oy
- Website
- https://neuraldsp.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2017
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 101–250 employees
- Short description
- Neural DSP Technologies Oy is a Helsinki-based company that builds neural network-based amp modeling and vocal processing products, including the Quad Cortex hardware line, Nano Cortex pedal, and a catalog of signature software plugins, sold direct-to-consumer and through global dealers to guitarists, bassists, and producers.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Neural DSP industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Music Production Software
- NAICS
- Sound Recording Industries (5122)
- SIC
- Electronic & Other Electrical Equipment (No Computer Equip) (3600), Computer Peripheral Equipment, Nec (3577)
- akta.pro primary industry
- AI Music Creation & Assistive Tools (Generation, Separation, Mastering) (MPAIAIAG)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Audio Plugins & Virtual Instruments (VST/AU/AAX) (MPAIAIAB), Music Production Hardware (Synthesizers, Drum Machines, Samplers, MIDI Controllers) (MPAIAJAE), Edge AI Hardware & NPUs (SoCs, modules, accelerators) (HDAAAJAC)
Keywords
Where Neural DSP is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Helsinki
- HQ country
- Finland
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices1 record
Markets served
Neural DSP business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Software
- Cost components
- Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain, Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Hardware Sales: Sale of physical guitar modeling hardware including Quad Cortex, Quad Cortex Mini, and Nano Cortex floor-based and compact multi-effects processors
- Software Plugin Licenses: Sale of desktop plugin licenses for guitar amp/effects modeling (Archetype series, Parallax X, Soldano SLO-100 X, etc.) and vocal processing (Mantra). Plugins are sold as one-time purchases with free trials available.
- Cortex Cloud Services: Cloud-based platform for storing and sharing neural captures, presets, and connecting the hardware ecosystem
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| One time/ perpetual license | One time/ perpetual license | Quad Cortex Mini - Compact amp modeler with full processing power |
| One time/ perpetual license | One time/ perpetual license | Nano Cortex - Portable amp modeler and IR capture device |
| One time/ perpetual license | One time/ perpetual license | Archetype: John Mayer X - Signature guitar plugin |
| One time/ perpetual license | One time/ perpetual license | Archetype: Misha Mansoor X - Signature guitar plugin |
| One time/ perpetual license | One time/ perpetual license | Mantra - Vocal production plugin |
| One time/ perpetual license | One time/ perpetual license | Darkglass Ultimate - Bass effects plugin |
| One time/ perpetual license | One time/ perpetual license | Plugin Catalog - Black Friday Promotion |
| One time/ perpetual license | One time/ perpetual license | Various Archetype Plugins |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels6 records
Neural DSP product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Neural DSP develops neural network-based digital signal processing technology for guitar and bass amplifier modeling, sold through a combined software and hardware ecosystem. The company sells physical amp modelers (Quad Cortex, Quad Cortex Mini, Nano Cortex) and a catalog of desktop audio plugins (Archetype signature artist plugins, Mantra vocal plugin, Darkglass Ultimate bass plugin), all powered by proprietary Neural Capture technology that replicates the sound and feel of real amplifiers.
Product overview
Neural DSP offers a unified platform-plus-products architecture centered on neural network-based amp modeling. The hardware portfolio includes the Quad Cortex (flagship floorboard modeler), Quad Cortex mini (compact version with full power in a smaller form), and Nano Cortex (portable pedal at $549). The software portfolio includes the Mantra vocal production plugin, Darkglass Ultimate bass plugin, and over 15 Archetype signature plugins (John Mayer X, Misha Mansoor X, Tim Henson X, Petrucci X, Cory Wong X, Nolly X, Gojira X, Plini X, etc.) plus additional amp suite plugins (Soldano SLO-100 X, Fortin Nameless Suite X, Parallax X for bass). These products are powered by proprietary neural network technology, with the CorOS operating system running hardware devices and Cortex Cloud enabling capture sharing across the ecosystem.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Neural Capture: Neural network-based amplifier and gear capture technology
- Quad Cortex
- Quad Cortex mini
- Nano Cortex
- Archetype
- Mantra
- Darkglass Ultimate
- Cortex Cloud
Products and services
- Quad Cortex Neural DSP's flagship floorboard amp modeler featuring neural network-based amp modeling, touchscreen interface, and an extensive effects library. Targeted at professional and enthusiast guitarists for live performance and studio recording.
- Quad Cortex Mini A compact version of the flagship Quad Cortex that delivers full processing power in a smaller form factor, with a seven-inch touchscreen, over 90 amps, 100 effects, 1,000 IRs and 2,000 Captures. Priced at $1,399.
- Nano Cortex A compact guitar processing pedal offering powerful amp modeling and Neural Capture technology in a portable form factor with 25 amp models and USB-C audio interface connectivity. Priced at $549.
- Mantra Neural DSP's first complete vocal production plugin featuring pitch correction, noise gate, de-esser, compressors, saturation, harmonies, and effects all in one plugin, with Tracking and Mixing modes. Available for €169.
- Darkglass Ultimate A comprehensive bass guitar plugin featuring the iconic Darkglass sound, now evolved into 'the ultimate creative platform for bass.' Available for €99.
- Archetype: John Mayer X A signature guitar plugin modeled on John Mayer's personal amplifiers including a 1964 Fender Vibroverb and Dumble Steel String Singer. Priced at €169 (EU/UK) / $169 (US).
- Archetype: Misha Mansoor X Signature guitar plugin from Misha Mansoor of Periphery featuring three custom amplifiers and unique effects designed for modern metal guitarists. Priced at $125 with 14-day free trial.
- Archetype: Tim Henson X Signature guitar plugin from Tim Henson of Polyphia. Priced at €119.
- Archetype: Petrucci X Signature guitar plugin from John Petrucci of Dream Theater. Priced at €149.
- Archetype: Cory Wong X Signature guitar plugin designed for players seeking perfect clean and edge-of-break-up tones. Priced at €119. Compatible with Quad Cortex and Quad Cortex mini.
- Archetype: Nolly X Signature plugin featuring Nolly's (Adam 'Nolly' Getgood) custom-modded guitar amp collection captured with 100% accuracy. Priced at €135.
- Archetype: Gojira X Signature heavy metal guitar plugin described as 'the heaviest plugin in the universe.' Priced at €129.
- Archetype: Plini X Versatile signature guitar plugin developed with Plini. Priced at €119.
- Parallax X Bass guitar plugin developed in partnership with Periphery members, providing everything needed to design the ultimate bass tone. Priced at €99.
- Soldano SLO-100 X Amp modeling plugin of the legendary Soldano SLO-100 amplifier that originated American high-gain tone. Priced at €99.
- Fortin Nameless Suite X Amp modeling plugin featuring Fortin amplifier models described as 'precisely engineered brutality.' Priced at €99.
- Cortex Cloud Cloud-based platform for storing and sharing Neural Capture profiles, presets, and connecting the hardware ecosystem, allowing users to access their captured amplifier sounds across devices.
Quantifiable outcome
- Reduced amp modeling time from 3 months to hours using TINA automation
- +1 more outcomes
Companies that use Neural DSP
Customer profileNamed customers5 records
Segments2 records
Ideal customer profiles2 records
Neural DSP technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
AI capability4 records
Feature5 records
Neural DSP partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Seven partnerships are on record, tiered core.
- DarkglasscoreNeural DSP acquired and now offers the Darkglass Ultimate plugin, bringing the iconic Darkglass bass sound to the ultimate creative platform for bass. Priced at €99, desktop only.
- Misha MansoorcoreMisha Mansoor, lead guitarist of Periphery, partnered with Neural DSP to launch Archetype: Misha Mansoor X, featuring three custom amplifiers and unique effects designed for modern metal guitarists. Available for $125 with 14-day free trial.
- Mark TremonticoreMark Tremonti from Creed and Alter Bridge touring with Neural DSP Quad Cortex alongside his tube amps, demonstrating the hybrid workflow.
- Cory WongcoreArchetype: Cory Wong X designed for players seeking perfect clean and edge-of-break-up tones, priced at €119. Compatible with Quad Cortex and Quad Cortex mini.
- Nolly (Adam "Nolly" Getgood)coreArchetype: Nolly X plugin featuring the purest distillation of Nolly's custom-modded guitar amp collection captured with 100% accuracy. Priced at €135.
- PeripherycoreParallax X bass plugin developed in partnership with Periphery members for bass guitar tone design. Priced at €99.
- Tosin AbasicoreTosin Abasi of Animals as Leaders is mentioned as a professional collaborator with Neural DSP brand demonstrator Aadhish Nair, indicating endorsement relationship.
Scale indicators4 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Neural DSP competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Fractal Audio: Maker of the Axe-FX and FM3 amp modelers/effects processors. The most direct head-to-head competitor in high-end hardware amp modeling, serving the same professional guitarist/studio market as Neural DSP's Quad Cortex line.
- Line 6 (Yamaha): Yamaha-owned maker of the Helix floor modelers and POD plugins. Competes across the same price tiers and customer segments (live performance, studio, home) with both hardware and software offerings.
- Kemper (Kemper Amps): Maker of the Kemper Profiler, the original high-end profiling amp modeler. A direct competitor in the pro/semi-pro guitarist segment with a strong installed base in studios and live rigs.
- Positive Grid: Producer of BIAS FX, Spark amp, and Spark smart amps. Direct competitor in both software amp modeling and AI-driven smart hardware, with strong consumer and prosumer reach.
- IK Multimedia: Developer of AmpliTube and TONEX (a capture-based amp modeling platform that overlaps directly with Neural Capture). Competes on plugin software and in the growing capture/modeling category.
- Native Instruments: Major music software platform (Guitar Rig, Komplete). A direct peer in the plugin amp/effects modeling category and a competitor for the same producer/musician wallet share.
- Arturia: Developer of guitar/bass amp and effects plugins (Preamp Suite, FX Collection). A direct software-side competitor with strong brand recognition among producers and home studio users.
Broad incumbents
- Boss (Roland): Roland-owned guitar multi-effects and amp modeler brand (GT-1000, GX-100, Katana). A large incumbent with deep distribution, broad product portfolio, and pricing pressure across Neural DSP's range.
- Universal Audio: Owner of UAFX amp simulators and the broader LUNA/plugin ecosystem. A well-capitalized incumbent expanding from studio recording into guitar amp modeling and effects, competing for the same pro customer.
Emerging players
- Two Notes Audio Engineering: Specialist in Torpedo cabinet/IR processing and capture-based hardware (Torpedo Captor, Wall of Sound). A focused emerging player in the capture/IR adjacent space that overlaps with Neural Capture technology.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Neural DSP social profiles
Digital presenceNeural DSP financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Neural DSP leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles2 records
Neural DSP funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds3 records
Investors3 records
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Neural DSP M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Neural DSP
What does Neural DSP do?
Neural DSP develops neural network-based digital signal processing technology for guitar and bass amplifier modeling, sold through a combined software and hardware ecosystem. The company sells physical amp modelers (Quad Cortex, Quad Cortex Mini, Nano Cortex) and a catalog of desktop audio plugins (Archetype signature artist plugins, Mantra vocal plugin, Darkglass Ultimate bass plugin), all powered by proprietary Neural Capture technology that replicates the sound and feel of real amplifiers.
When was Neural DSP founded?
Neural DSP was founded in 2017. It employs 101 to 250 people.
Where is Neural DSP based?
Neural DSP is headquartered in Helsinki, Finland, in the Europe region.
How does Neural DSP make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Hardware Sales are the primary driver. The others are software Plugin Licenses and cortex Cloud Services.
Who are Neural DSP's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Fractal Audio, Line 6 (Yamaha), Kemper (Kemper Amps), Positive Grid, IK Multimedia, Native Instruments and Arturia. Broad incumbents are Boss (Roland) and Universal Audio. Two Notes Audio Engineering is listed as an emerging player.
Does Neural DSP have an API?
No public API is recorded for Neural DSP.
What industry is Neural DSP in?
Neural DSP's product category is Music Production Software. Its primary akta.pro industry code is MPAIAIAG, AI Music Creation & Assistive Tools (Generation, Separation, Mastering), with a secondary code of MPAIAIAB, Audio Plugins & Virtual Instruments (VST/AU/AAX). Its NAICS code is 5122 and its SIC code is 3600.