AIDA-X vs Amp Locker

AIDA-X is a free AI amp model player for loading and playing music-gear models, primarily for high-fidelity amplifier simulations. Signal chains can combine amp and cabinet models with distortion, drive, fuzz, boost, and EQ. The desktop plugin supports CLAP, LV2, VST2, and VST3, and a standalone version is available. Its cabinet simulator follows the amp model and accepts WAV or FLAC impulse-response files. Controls include input and output meters, bypass, input level, EQ tone controls, and output level. Desktop installers are provided for macOS and Windows, with Linux binary tarballs. The experimental browser version runs in WebAssembly-capable browsers and lets users load their own amp models and cabinet IRs, but it uses preselected guitar loops instead of audio input. The standalone app connects to the system-default audio device and does not offer another input or output selection. Desktop builds are unsigned and may trigger untrusted-developer warnings. AIDA-X is licensed under GPL-3.0-or-later.

Amp Locker is a guitar sound-shaping suite built around virtual amps, stompboxes, cabinets, and effects. It runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux as a standalone app or plug-in. The free download includes the Prestige 1950 amp, seven FX pedals, seven rack effects, and 11 three-dimensional cabinets with 11 microphones. Users can adjust pedals and rack effects and move microphones around the cabinets. Other listed tools include double tracking emulation, MIDI support, an IR loader, and the 3D Cab Impact algorithm. The stated plug-in formats are AU, VST3, RTAS, and AAX. More gear modules can be licensed individually inside the application, and optional extras include DSP and AI amp profile players. The $5 a month subscription covers Amp Locker and Mix Locker modules, but excludes 3D Cab add-on packs and signature amp sims such as Berry Amp. Cancelling the subscription deactivates the plug-in. The license limits installation to machines where the licensee is the sole user and bars machines that could redistribute plug-ins to other computers.