Neural Amp Modeler
Open-source amp modelling plugin that plays deep-learning captures of real guitar amps and pedals.
Updated · AppBreakup editorial · Windows, macOS
Is Neural Amp Modeler free?
Yes, free and open source
- License:
- MIT
Checked on Neural Amp Modeler's site Oct 29, 2026
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Guitar RigPrice (Pro): $199
guitarixOpen source
- Verified facts
- 5 of 5
- Alternatives ranked
- 2
- Approved reviews
- 0
- Visits sent from here
- 0
About Neural Amp Modeler
Neural Amp Modeler, usually called NAM, uses machine learning to capture the sound of a specific guitar amp or pedal and then play that capture back in real time. The project has three parts: a trainer that builds models from recordings you make by re-amping test signals through your gear, a core DSP library, and a plugin that loads the models in a DAW as VST3 or AU, or runs as a standalone desktop app. Most players never train anything themselves; they download free captures shared by others on the TONE3000 library, so the sound depends on which models you pick. It suits guitarists who want accurate tones of real hardware without paying for a commercial suite, and gear makers who want to build NAM into their own products. Everything is free under permissive open-source licences. Installers exist for Windows and macOS. It focuses on amp captures, so you add your own cabinet impulse responses and effects.
Best for: Guitarists who want accurate captures of real amps for free and don't mind building their own chain.
Pros and cons
What works
- Free and open source under the MIT licence
- Large community library of shared amp and pedal captures
- Runs as a VST3 or AU plugin and as a standalone app
- You can capture your own gear with the free trainer
Why people leave
- Each model is a fixed snapshot, so amp knobs can't be turned like a full simulation
- No built-in effects rack; you add cabinets and effects yourself
- Quality varies between community-made captures
Neural Amp Modeler vs Guitar Rig and guitarix
From each app's listing and the prices verified on its own site. A dash means we haven't verified it yet.
| Attribute | Neural Amp Modeler | Guitar Rig | guitarix |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pricing | Open source | Paid | Open source |
| Verified price | — | $199 | — |
| Free plan | Free app | No | Free app |
| Open source | Yes | No | Yes |
| Self-hostable | No | No | No |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS | Windows, macOS | Linux |
Top Neural Amp Modeler alternatives
See all 2- 1Guitar Rig68.8
A complete rig with amps, cabinets, pedals and a looper in one paid package, with no models to hunt for.
- 2guitarix61.8
Free open-source amp and effects rack for Linux users, where NAM has no official build.
Why people left Neural Amp Modeler
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Reviews
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Neural Amp Modeler: common questions
What is Neural Amp Modeler?
Neural Amp Modeler: Open-source amp modelling plugin that plays deep-learning captures of real guitar amps and pedals. Best for guitarists who want accurate captures of real amps for free and don't mind building their own chain. Available for Windows and macOS.
Is Neural Amp Modeler free?
Yes. Neural Amp Modeler is free, open-source software.
Is Neural Amp Modeler open source?
Yes. The source code is on GitHub at sdatkinson/NeuralAmpModelerPlugin.
What platforms does Neural Amp Modeler run on?
Neural Amp Modeler is available for Windows and macOS.
What are the best alternatives to Neural Amp Modeler?
The highest-ranked Neural Amp Modeler alternatives right now are Guitar Rig and guitarix. See the full ranked list for pricing, platforms and verified facts.
Neural Amp Modeler vs Guitar Rig: what's the difference?
Neural Amp Modeler is free and open source; Guitar Rig is a paid product. Neural Amp Modeler is open source and Guitar Rig is not. Both run on Windows and macOS.