Capture V1 vs. V2 – Quick Breakdown
| Feature | Capture V1 | Capture V2 |
|---|---|---|
| Processing Location | On-device | Cloud-based via PC/Mac |
| Training Time | A few minutes | ~10 minutes |
| Offline Capability | Yes | No |
| Best For | Amps, OD pedals, cabs | Fuzz, compressors, dynamic amps |
| CPU Usage | Lower | Higher |
| Compression & Bloom Accuracy | Moderate | High |
| Required Hardware | Quad Cortex or Nano | Quad Cortex only (for now) |
Modeling and profiling gear has come a long way, but it still struggles with one thing — feel. You know, that dynamic, touch-sensitive response you get from a vintage fuzz when you roll your guitar’s volume knob back… or the way a tube amp breathes and sags when it’s cranked just right? Yeah, that stuff is hard to fake.
But now Neural DSP says it’s cracked the code — again — with the launch of Neural Capture Version 2, bundled into the latest CorOS 3.3.0 and NanOS 2.2.0 updates for the Quad Cortex and Nano Cortex units.
Capture V2 brings major improvements to devices that rely heavily on touch and dynamics. These devices are notoriously difficult to capture accurately, making V2 the most authentic solution on the market for reproducing the dynamic cleanup behavior of a vintage fuzz, the natural bloom of a sagging power amp, and the fast transient response of a studio compressor.
So what’s new, and why should you care? Let’s dive in.
So What Is Neural Capture V2?
In short, Capture V2 is a new way of modeling guitar gear, but this time, it’s powered by the cloud.
Here’s the upgrade in plain English:
- V1 Captures trained directly on your device. Quick and decent for most gear.
- V2 Captures get processed in the cloud using more advanced algorithms. This means:
- More realism
- Better dynamic response
- More accurate capture of tricky gear, like fuzzes, compressors, and amps that rely heavily on touch.
Think of it this way: V1 is a high-res photo. V2 is a full-on video with better lighting and color correction.
Why It Actually Matters
Here’s why Capture V2 is more than just a technical update:
- Finally, fuzz behaves right. Capturing how a fuzz pedal cleans up with your guitar’s volume is now possible — and that’s always been the Achilles’ heel of digital modeling.
- Compressors feel real. And not just the basic squash — we’re talking about transients, attack times, and subtle tone shaping that hardware does naturally.
- Tube sag is captured. That “bloom” of a cranked power section? It’s here, and it reacts to your playing in real time.
- Better use of blend knobs and nuanced controls. V2 doesn’t just take a snapshot — it captures how controls interact dynamically.
For pros building out hyper-realistic rigs or bedroom players who obsess over getting their favorite boutique drive pedal into a digital rig without compromise — this is massive.
How Do You Use It?
If you’ve got a Quad Cortex, you can create Capture V2 profiles now. Here’s what you need:
- Update to CorOS 3.3.0 and Cortex Control 1.4.0
- Hook up your gear and start a new V2 Capture through Cortex Control
- Send the signal to Cortex Cloud, where the magic happens
- Wait about 10 minutes, and boom — your model is done
The catch? Capture V2 requires:
- An internet connection
- Cortex Control running on your computer
- A bit more CPU power than V1 on the hardware
If you’re on a Nano Cortex, you can’t create V2 Captures just yet — but you can load them thanks to the new Capture V2 Player feature in NanOS 2.2.0.
Why This Is the Next Step in Digital Guitar Rigs
Neural DSP’s move to cloud-based processing for Capture V2 opens the door for even more powerful modeling in the future.
They’re not limited by hardware anymore — they can build as complex an algorithm as they want in the cloud and just send back the result.
It’s like sending your amp to a NASA lab and getting it back as a plugin.
And for players who’ve always felt that “modelers are great, but they don’t feel like the real thing,” this is a step toward closing that gap.
Bottom Line
Neural Capture V2 isn’t about replacing V1 ; it’s about giving you more options depending on what kind of gear you’re capturing. Fast, light, and offline? Stick with V1. Want every single detail of your cranked Silvertone’s sag captured down to the ghost notes? Go with V2.
Neural DSP has already given us some of the best modeling tools in the business, and Capture V2 shows they’re not done pushing boundaries. And capturing fuzz accurately? That’s practically witchcraft.
And if you need an alternative to NeuralDSP’s Cortex, check out my top picks for right now (most are a hell of a lot cheaper).
FAQ You, Man!
Can I use Capture V2 on my Nano Cortex?
You can play V2 Captures with NanOS 2.2.0, but you need a Quad Cortex to create them — for now.
Does V2 replace V1?
Nope. V1 is still the go-to for fast, efficient captures that don’t tax your CPU.
How long does a V2 Capture take?
About 10 minutes per device.
Do I need an internet connection?
Yes — all Capture V2 training happens in the cloud.
Will this update cost me anything?
Nope — it’s part of the free CorOS and NanOS updates.
Want Tone That Slaps So Hard It Files for Restraining Orders?
Or catch us talking shop and sharing horror stories from the pedalboard abyss on the Electrik Jam Podcast.
We promise it’s more fun than watching your drummer argue with a click track.
