Helix Stadium Native vs Neural Amp Modeler
Helix Stadium Native
line6.com
Neural Amp Modeler
neuralampmodeler.comSide by side
| Figure | Helix Stadium Native | Neural Amp Modeler |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | Yes | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | — | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | — | Yes |
| API | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 9 | 1 |
| Spec score · Guitar Amp Software | 8.6 (#2) | 7.4 (#17) |
| Plugin formats | macOS supports VST3, AU and AAX; Windows supports VST3 and AAX. | The plugin repository creates VST3 and AU plugins plus a standalone desktop application. |
| Support | The full license listing includes premium support, and Line 6 links to product manuals and customer support resources. | Builders seeking help can contact [email protected]. |
| What it does | Helix Stadium Native is a DAW plug-in that provides Helix Stadium amp, cabinet and effects processing without requiring Stadium hardware. | Neural Amp Modeler uses deep learning to create models of guitar amplifiers and pedals with state-of-the-art accuracy. |
Plans
Helix Stadium Native
- Full-feature trialFree
- Helix Stadium Native IntroFree
- IntroFree
- Helix Native upgrade$99.99, paid once
- Registered Helix Stadium XL/Floor owner$99.99, paid once
- POD Farm Platinum upgrade$199.99, paid once
- POD Farm upgrade$299.99, paid once
- Full license$399.99, paid once
- Helix Stadium Native$399.99, paid once
In their own words
Helix Stadium Native
Helix Stadium Native is an amp and effects plugin that brings Helix Stadium hardware sounds and tone tools into a digital audio workstation. It runs on macOS and Windows in AAX, AU, and VST3 formats, and is not a standalone app. The product page lists 132 amplifier models with 152 channels, more than 260 effects models, and more than 60 speaker cabinet models. The full license lists 27 Agoura amps with 55 channels plus 111 HX amps, 46 cabinets, and 274 studio effects. Hype control blends between more authentic and idealized amp sounds, while Focus View provides contextual parameter controls. The plugin supports third-party cabinet impulse responses and Proxy clones, as well as presets and setlists from Helix Stadium and Helix Stadium XL and original Helix and HX products with firmware 3.50 or later. External MIDI controllers and software can control parameters and snapshots. A free Intro plan is available; the full license costs $399.99 as a one-time purchase purchase and includes a 15-day trial.
Neural Amp Modeler
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.