The Neunaber Neuron Gain Intelligence is a dynamic multistage guitar preamp in a compact pedal, combining a gain stage, compressor, noise gate, speaker simulator, presets and MIDI1. Its Gain knob offers over 60 dB of gain, covering everything from sparkling clean to heavy distortion2. Neunaber describes the result as a "multistage, dynamic gain architecture yields unparalleled control over the desired amount of distortion"3.
What sets the Neuron apart from most amp-in-a-box pedals is that it is not an amp copy. Neunaber states the design, based on years of research into amps and pedal circuits, "is not a model, emulation or simulation of any" particular amp2. The 2019 manual puts the design goal plainly:
"Our goal was never to emulate or mimic other gear."
Neunaber Technology LLC, 2019 user guide3
What the Neuron does
The Neuron is a gain pedal that aims to deliver a full range of amp tones in one box, from clean through heavy distortion3. Quilter Labs, which now hosts the Neunaber product pages, introduces it as "a dynamic multistage guitar preamp with compressor, noise gate, speaker simulator" and presets and MIDI in a compact pedal format1.
The signal flow runs through several functions in order, and the manual notes that "the order of these functions in the signal flow is indicated above their controls" on the pedal itself4. Pedal of the Day described the architecture as producing "distortion from subtle to dense and complex"5.
Because it is not modeled on any specific amplifier, the Neuron sits apart from typical amp-emulation pedals. Players looking for a specific vintage amp clone will not find one here; instead, the pedal offers its own take on gain staging, built from studying both tube and solid-state gain circuits3.
The controls
The Neuron has six knobs on its face, and Pedal of the Day noted that "the six-knob control section is secretly hiding a multitude of other functions, adding to the presence and customization" beyond the primary controls5. The primary controls are:
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Gain | Over 60 dB of gain, clean to heavy distortion2 |
| Level | Output level of signal1 |
| Gate | Adjusts noise reduction threshold2 |
| Tightness | Adjusts a pre-gain high-pass filter2 |
| Comp | Single-knob compressor1 |
| EQ (Low, Mid, High) | Three-band EQ designed so controls do not interact1 |
Two further controls are global setup settings rather than preset parameters. The Tilt EQ is a one-knob compensation for a variety of output connections, used for adapting the Neuron to your particular setup without changing presets26. The Speaker Simulator control turns the internal speaker simulator on and off2. Both are accessed by holding down the Engage switch while turning a knob, and both are global settings independent of the preset selection7.
The two footswitches handle the basics. The Engage switch selects between engaged and bypassed, with an LED that illuminates when the pedal is engaged. The Preset switch selects a stored preset, with an LED that illuminates when a preset is selected7.
Presets and MIDI
The Neuron stores presets at three levels of access:
- Up to 6 presets are accessible via the Preset footswitch on the pedal, and these correspond to the first MIDI presets4.
- Up to 24 presets can be stored and recalled via MIDI1.
- Unlimited presets are available through the Neuron Commander software1.
By default, only one preset is accessible via the footswitch; you can increase this to as many as 6, cycled sequentially by the footswitch7.
The pedal has two operating modes3:
- Manual Mode: the Preset LED is off, and all settings are reflected by the knob positions.
- Preset Mode: the Preset LED is on, and all Primary and Alternate controls are recalled from a stored preset. Turning a knob snaps the value to the knob position, and the change is not saved until you save the preset7.
To save a preset, press and hold the Preset switch for 2 seconds; the LED turns white to indicate the preset has been saved7. A helpful detail when recalling presets: the LED blinks white when a control position matches the preset, and remains white when all controls match7. MIDI CC 113 also saves a preset7.
For computer connection, the Neuron connects via a USB-to-MIDI adapter using the 5-pin MIDI-to-2.5mm adapter cables included with the pedal, with the MIDI OUT plug going to the MIDI IN jack and the MIDI IN plug to the MIDI OUT jack6. A MIDI channel can be selected for use with a MIDI controller, though it is not necessary if you only use Neuron Commander6.
Power and connections
The Neuron runs on a standard 9V pedal power supply (not included) and accepts 9-12 V DC21. It draws 70 mA, and Neunaber recommends a 9 V DC, 100 mA or greater supply2. The connector is center-negative, 5.5 mm OD x 2.1 mm ID2.
An isolated 9V or 12V pedal power adapter is recommended. Neunaber discourages powering the Neuron in a daisy-chained connection with total current over 500 mA73.
The input is an unbalanced 1/4" TS jack with a nominal input level of -10 dBV (instrument level) and 1 MΩ input impedance; the output impedance is 1 kΩ, with an output level of 0 dB at 50% level23. The pedal measures 4.6" W x 2.8" L x 1.9" H (116 mm x 68 mm x 47 mm) and weighs 0.564 lbs (256 g)2.
History and versions
The Neuron was preceded by a prototype: Delicious Audio covered the prototype of the pedal before release, writing "We covered the prototype of the Neunaber Neuron extensively in this post"8. The finished pedal carries a list price of $279.002.
The product line now appears under Quilter Labs, which hosts the current manual page, the Neuron User Guide2. The pedal is listed at $279.002. A separate page covers the Quilter Labs Neuron Gain Intelligence listing.
Videos
Neunaber Audio
The Pedal Zone
Shawn Tubbs
Questions
Does the Neunaber Neuron have a cab sim?
Yes. The Neuron has an internal Speaker Simulator that can be turned on or off as a global setting, independent of preset selection. You access it by holding down the Engage switch while turning the knob. Neunaber says the filter is voiced to sound similar to its Iconoclast with default settings and tone knobs at 12 o'clock, and it is not adjustable.
Is the Neunaber Neuron true bypass?
Yes. The Neuron uses a relay-based true bypass, so your original signal passes through unchanged when the pedal is bypassed. Pedal of the Day noted that the true bypass ensures consistent sound from your original source when the pedal is in bypass mode.
How many presets does the Neuron hold?
Up to 6 presets are accessible from the Preset footswitch on the pedal itself, and up to 24 presets can be stored and recalled via MIDI. The Neuron Commander software allows unlimited presets. By default only one preset is accessible from the footswitch, and you can increase that to as many as 6.
Can I use the Neuron direct into a PA or audio interface?
Yes. With the internal Speaker Simulator turned on, the Neuron can feed a PA or recording setup directly. The Tilt EQ, a global one-knob control, lets you compensate for a variety of output connections without changing your presets.
Sources (8)
- Neuron - Gain Intelligence - Quilter Labs, Quilter Labs
- Neuron - Gain Intelligence - Quilter Labs, Quilter Labs (neunaber.net)
- Neuron Gain Intelligence User Guide, Neunaber Technology LLC, 2019
- Neuron Commander User Guide, Neunaber Audio (Quilter Labs)
- Neunaber Audio Neuron Gain Intelligence Preamp, Pedal of the Day, 2019-03-29
- Neuron Commander User Guide, Quilter Labs
- Neuron Gain Intelligence User Guide, Quilter Labs, 2019
- Neunaber Neuron Gain Intelligence, Delicious Audio, 2020-03-24
