Which Pedals, Multi-Effects and Software Can Run NAM? (2026 Guide)
NAM is no longer just a plugin. A growing list of pedals and multi-effects play NAM captures — some natively, some after a conversion step — while the big modeler brands still use their own formats. Here is the picture as of late October 2026.
Hardware NAM Hub team · October 31, 2026 · 7 min read
Plugins and apps
- Official NAM plugin: VST3 and AU (Windows 10+ and macOS 10.15+) plus a standalone app. A separate third-party LV2 plugin exists for Linux.
- TONE3000 plugin: free; VST3, AU, AAX, CLAP, LV2 and standalone on macOS, Windows and Linux (including ARM64). Per its guide it runs NAM A2 models and IRs only.
- Other software: the official NAM website lists many partners, including MeldaProduction, Audio Assault and Wavemind. Their products differ, so check each product page.
Hardware that runs NAM natively
| Device | Type | Model support | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Darkglass Anagram | Multi-effects / bass DSP workstation | A2-Full and A2-Lite | The product page mentions standard-size NAM and AIDA-X models plus IRs, and downloading models from the TONE3000 library inside Darkglass Suite. |
| Dimehead NAM Player | Dedicated NAM device | A2-Full (also A1) | Loads models and IRs over USB. |
| HeadRush Prime, Core, Flex Prime | Multi-effects | A2-Full (also A1) | Listed in Guitar.com's A2 support roundup. |
| MOD Dwarf | Pedal | Nano models (per TONE3000's October 2025 list) | Better suited to light models than to heavy full captures. |
| Raspberry Pi 4/5 with PiPedal | DIY pedal | NAM via the TooB Neural Amp Modeler plugin | PiPedal 2.0 integrates the TONE3000 library and, per TONE3000, supports A2. |
Units listed with A2-Lite support
| Brand | Models listed |
|---|---|
| Blackstar | Beam Mini |
| Hotone | Ampero II Stomp, Ampero II Stage |
| Mooer | GE100 Pro, GE100 Pro Li, GE300, GE1000 |
| NUX | MG-30, MG-50Li, Trident |
A2-Lite is the lighter tier designed for limited-CPU hardware, so expect slightly less depth than A2-Full on the same capture.
Workarounds and conversion
According to TONE3000's October 2025 roundup, several units did not read .nam files directly:
- Valeton GP-200: captures were converted to Valeton's SnapTone format with the maker's desktop software. Valeton is listed as expected to follow with A2 support.
- Hotone Ampero II / Ampero One: NAM files were converted to Hotone's own format with its desktop software. Guitar.com now lists the Ampero II Stomp and Stage among A2-Lite devices (see above), so check your model and firmware.
- Sonicake Pocket Master: a budget multi-effects unit that converts uploaded captures internally.
- NUX Amp Academy Stomp: used with a USB audio or effects-loop routing workflow rather than loading files itself.
Announced but not yet listed as supported by Guitar.com: Valeton's GP series, Lava Music's smart guitars, and boutique builders Sonulab (StompStation) and Chaos Audio.
Brands that use their own formats
Kemper, Fractal Audio, Line 6 Helix, Neural DSP Quad Cortex and IK Multimedia ToneX are not listed as supporting NAM files in the sources we checked. Each has its own capture or preset ecosystem, so a .nam file cannot simply be dropped into them. If NAM models matter to you, choose a device from the lists above; if you already own one of these systems, use its own capture tools.
How to choose
- Decide on A2-Full or A2-Lite. Full is more accurate but needs a stronger processor; check which tier your target device runs.
- Check IR support. Most amp-only captures need an IR; make sure the device has an IR slot.
- Look at the file workflow. Native USB loading, a desktop app or a library connection such as TONE3000 will decide how pleasant daily use is. See where to download NAM files.
- Buy what exists today. Skip products that are only "announced" for NAM support.
FAQ
Does Kemper, Fractal, Line 6 Helix or Neural DSP Quad Cortex support NAM?
In the sources we checked in October 2026, none of them is listed as supporting NAM files. They use their own capture and preset formats. Check each manufacturer's current documentation before buying.
What is the cheapest way to play NAM on stage?
Budget multi-effects units that list NAM support, or a DIY Raspberry Pi running PiPedal. Prices and firmware change, so check current retailer listings and the maker's NAM documentation.
What is the difference between A2-Full and A2-Lite on hardware?
A2-Full gives the best accuracy and needs more processing power. A2-Lite is an optimized version designed to run natively on units with limited CPU power. Devices differ in which they support.
Can I use older A1 NAM files on hardware?
It depends on the device. Some units, such as the HeadRush Prime and Dimehead NAM Player, are listed with A1 support as well as A2-Full. Check the manufacturer's documentation.
Keep reading
What Is a .nam File? How NAM Models Work and How to Use Them
What is inside a .nam file, how A1 and A2 differ, and how to load one.
FilesWhere to Download Free NAM Files in 2026
TONE3000 (formerly ToneHunt), how its library works, and how to choose good captures.
SetupLatency When Playing Through NAM: Buffer Size, Sample Rate and CPU
How to play through NAM with low latency and no crackles.