Neural DSP releases NanOS 2.0 update for Nano Cortex
May 1, 2025 · 2 sources
Neural DSP released NanOS 2.0, the first substantive software update for its Nano Cortex pedal, on May 1, 2025. The update adds 47 new effects and utility options and changes the signal chain, according to Guitar.com's review of the firmware1.
The update adds nine new guitar drive pedals, which Guitar.com describes as mostly lower gain: a Tube Screamer, a Blues Driver, an OCD and a take on a RAT, plus one fuzz based on a classic Fuzz Face and a pair of Xotic-inspired clean boosts1. Sound On Sound lists the overdrive models as based on the Fulltone OCD, DOD 250, ProCo RAT, Xotic BB Preamp, Boss OD-1 and BD-2, Dunlop Fuzz Face, Xotic RC Booster and Ibanez TS808, with two bass overdrives, the Darkglass Microtubes B3K and Xotic RC Bass Booster2.
Moving the noise gate into its own dedicated pre-capture slot gives two slots before the amp for any onboard EQ, wah/filter, drive or compressor sound, Guitar.com reports1. Sound On Sound describes a seven-slot chain in which overdrives, wahs, filters and utilities can go in either pre-effects slot, while modulation, delay and reverb are confined to post-effects slots 1, 2 and 3 respectively2. Guitar.com notes the post-capture order remains fixed1.
The update also adds six modulations, five delays and five reverbs, bass captures and bass-specific effects (two drives and two wahs), and a global IR Loader bypass1. Sound On Sound reports new compressors modeled on the UA/UREI 1176 and SSL bus compressor plus VCA and optical options, running mono in pre-effects slots and stereo in post-effects slots, and new wah models based on Dunlop's Budda BudWah, Cry Baby and Clyde McCoy Cry Baby2. It also lists tap tempo via footswitch, app or MIDI Clock, MIDI CC control of slot bypass and expression pedal position, and IR bypass of one or both outputs2. Both publications describe the firmware as a free update12.
"NanOS 2.0 deals with this issue somewhat by adding a whopping 47 new effects and utility options to the mix"
Guitar.com rated the updated pedal 9 out of 10, praising the expanded effects and signal chain flexibility while calling the fixed signal chain "still not ideal" and noting there is "No way to use pedal and amp captures together"1.