Neural DSP vs NAM: What's the Difference?
NAM and Neural DSP lead the pack for authentic guitar amp tones. Learn how they differ.
For guitarists diving into digital tone, two names dominate the conversation right now: Neural DSP and Neural Amp Modeler (NAM). Both use advanced machine learning to recreate the sound and feel of real amplifiers. But while they share similar goals, their philosophies couldn’t be more different.
One is a commercial platform known for its polish and impressive artist partnerships. The other is a community-driven, open-source project that’s redefining what a free amp sim can do. Here’s how Neural DSP and NAM compare, and why more and more players are gravitating to NAM through TONE3000.
Neural DSP: Premium Plug-Ins for Studio-Ready Tone
Neural DSP builds some of the most popular guitar amp sims in the world. And because they leverage AI and machine learning, they sound great. Their Archetype series, featuring signature tones from (well paid) artists like Cory Wong, Plini, and Gojira, combines multiple amps, cabinets, and effects into a single polished plug-in. Each Neural DSP plug-in is essentially a self-contained amp simulator inside your computer. You load it into your DAW, pick a preset, and you’re ready to record.
However, this professional shine comes at a price. Priced around $120–$150 per plug-in, it ain’t cheap. And since each product focuses on a specific tone or artist, you’ll need to buy multiple packages if you want the kind of variety players should expect when working with software amp sims.
NAM: The Open-Source Alternative for Everyone
Neural Amp Modeler (NAM) takes a completely different approach. Created by developer Steve Atkinson, NAM is a free amp sim that also uses AI and machine learning to capture and reproduce the sound and nuance of real amplifiers. This means that if you’re looking for the highest possible quality in tone, NAM and Neural DSP are on the same level.
What makes NAM so different, and so revolutionary, is its open-source design. Anyone can capture their amp, upload it, and share it on TONE3000. This community-driven model means you can find everything from vintage classics to boutique heads, and even rare outboard studio gear. And because NAM is a free, open ecosystem, it’s constantly growing. Every day, new free NAM profiles are uploaded to TONE3000, constantly expanding its already huge library of tones.
Workflow and Customization
Neural DSP offers convenience. Each plug-in has a refined interface, integrated effects, and mix-ready presets. It’s ideal for producers or live players who want a fast, professional workflow with minimal setup.
NAM, on the other hand, is more modular. You load NAM captures into the free plugin, pair them with an IR (if you like), and add your favorite effects chain. This flexibility makes it perfect for players who enjoy crafting tones from the ground up. This can be especially cool when you start working with a hardware amp sim pedal that supports NAM captures, such as the Valeton GP series or Dimehead pedals.
Price and Accessibility
When it comes to cost, there’s no comparison. Neural DSP’s plugins are premium software with prices to match. NAM is completely free. The software, the NAM captures, and the IRs shared on TONE3000 don’t cost a thing.
That level of accessibility has created an enormous, diverse library of tones that no single company could ever replicate. For guitarists building a home studio or experimenting with a free amp sim, NAM is the clear winner.
The Future of Digital Tone
Neural DSP continues to lead the professional plug-in market and hardware space with the Quad Cortex, one of the most advanced guitar amp sim units available today. But NAM represents a new era for guitarists; one where players, not companies, shape the evolution of tone.
