AmpForge vs Neural Amp Modeler

AmpForge is a free, open-source guitar amp simulator plugin that also includes vocal effects. Its pedalboard has 19 internal modules that can be reordered while the plugin is running. The NAM module loads Neural Amp Modeler capture files supplied by the user. Vocal tools include autotune pitch correction and a de-esser for sibilance. AmpForge is available as VST3, LV2, and CLAP plugins, plus a standalone app on supported platforms. It can run in compatible hosts such as Reaper, Carla, and Bitwig. Users can save, update, delete, import, and export custom presets, alongside the included factory presets. Hosts can automate every parameter, including pedal positions. An IR loader is included, but users need to provide cabinet impulse responses and NAM captures. AmpForge supports Linux, macOS, and Windows. The Windows installer offers VST3, CLAP, and LV2, but no standalone executable. The macOS build is not signed or notarized; the README describes a Gatekeeper workaround for installation.

Neural Amp Modeler (NAM) uses deep learning to create models of guitar amplifiers and pedals. The project is free and open source, with three code repositories under permissive licenses that are open to contributions. Users can train models online in Google Colab or install the Python-based trainer locally from PyPI. The Gateway plugin loads and plays snapshot models of gear, while ParametricOD demonstrates modeling across an overdrive's knobs and switches. The plugin repository produces VST3 and AU plugins as well as a standalone desktop application. Models can be shared through TONE3000, a community-organized online library. NAM runs on Windows, macOS, Linux, Raspberry Pi, embedded systems, and websites. Existing A1 models remain supported in NeuralAmpModelerCore and NeuralAmpModelerPlugin. Builders can incorporate NAM's open-source modeling technology into their own products. The training code depends on PyTorch Lightning; version 0.12.3 excludes compromised Lightning versions 2.6.2 and 2.6.3.