Neural Amp Modeler (NAM)
by Steven Atkinson (open source) · Amp Sim · Capture player
vst3s Score 9.0/10 · rated #3 of 10 amp sims
A free, open-source plugin that uses deep learning to model amps and pedals with state-of-the-art accuracy.
Load community captures from TONE3000, or make your own. In blind tests it holds its own against commercial amp sims.
Best for: Guitars, Bass. Genres: Rock & Indie, Metal.
Keywords: electric guitar, sampled hardware, free, impulse-response based, AI/machine learning, open source, bass, mixing, modern.
What it does
Neural Amp Modeler (NAM) is a free, open-source project by Steven Atkinson that uses deep learning to model guitar amps and pedals.
- The plugin: loads .nam model files, with a built-in IR loader, input noise gate, basic tone-stack EQ, input and output levels, and output normalisation.
- Your own captures: record a standard training file through your amp or pedal, then train a model from the result.
- Community captures: TONE3000 (formerly ToneHunt) hosts a very large free library of NAM captures and IRs.
- Industry use: the technology is built into products from Darkglass, Two Notes, Hotone, Valeton and others.
It's MIT-licensed and free.
Source: Steven Atkinson (open source) product page
When to use it
NAM is the free, open alternative to TONEX. Its captures have a strong reputation for accuracy, but the plugin itself is bare-bones: no pedals, modulation or delays, and no curated library of its own. Next to Helix Stadium Native or the Neural DSP suites, it's a capture player, not a full rig.
- Best for: getting a specific real amp or pedal for free, capturing your own gear, and players happy to build a chain from other plugins.
- Genres: rock and metal above all, where the community's high-gain captures are strongest; bass and pedal captures are common too.
- Look elsewhere if: you want a pedalboard, effects and a guided workflow in one place; TONEX or Helix Stadium Native are easier.
- Tip: Nail The Mix recommends capturing the amp alone, without its cab, and pairing it with an IR.
What producers say
Highly regarded for accuracy, especially for the price.
- Nail The Mix (2025) said results can be "essentially indistinguishable" from the original gear, but noted the technical steps involved in training.
- Bedroom Producers Blog (William Frady, 2023) compared its response with hardware profilers, while noting occasional problems with the built-in IR loader at the time.
- Gripes: it can't model delays, reverbs or compressors, and making your own captures takes some technical effort.
Where to buy
- Neural Amp Modeler: Free
Tutorials and reviews
- How to Use Neural Amp Modeler (NAM) and TONE3000. Free Guitar Tones | 2025 Guide
- Neural Amp Modeler (NAM) - how to get started, and capture playthrough
- Getting started with Neural Amp Modeler (NAM) and Reaper
- How to use NAM Neural Amp Modeler EASY MODE
- FREE Amp Sim Alternative to Tonex (IK Multimedia) - Neural Amp Modeler VST Plugin - Review & Demo
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