AmpForge vs TH-U

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.

TH-U is a guitar and bass amp simulation plug-in that combines amp modeling, captured rig playback, and Fluid IR processing. TH-U Premium includes 89 guitar amplifiers, four bass amplifiers, 50 guitar cabinets, two bass cabinets, 18 microphone models, and more than 1,000 factory presets. Its Rig Player provides access to more than 32,000 captured rigs. Premium includes SuperCabinet with 1,728 Fluid IRs; users can export a cabinet as a WAV impulse response or load conventional IRs for processing. TH-U also provides a MIDI-controllable polyphonic transposer and MIDI controls that can be learned from the interface. Desktop versions are available as AudioUnit, VST, and AAX64 plug-ins or as a standalone app, with listed support for Pro Tools, Logic Pro, Cubase, Ableton Live, Studio One, and REAPER. Desktop compatibility is macOS 10.14 or later and Windows 10 or later. TH-U iOS is a standalone and AUv3 app for iOS 13 or later. A 15-day trial is available; TH-U Premium is listed at €269, paid once, with separate upgrade prices for eligible owners.