Processors and Gear
What you can actually play NAM files on: from the free plugin on your computer to full guitar processors and pedals. The links below go straight to manufacturer sites.
Computer + free plugin
The Neural Amp Modeler plugin
The native, free, open-source way to play .nam files. Works as a VST3/AU/CLAP/LV2 plugin in any DAW, with a standalone version for live use without a recording project.
Official repository ↗NeuralPi
A project for running NAM (and other neural network models) on a Raspberry Pi — turning a tiny computer into a standalone "pedal" with no laptop required.
Project on GitHub ↗Guitar processors and ecosystems
Neural DSP
Plugins and hardware (Quad Cortex/Nano Cortex). Its own Neural Capture format, separate from NAM but philosophically close in its neural-network-based approach to tone modeling.
neuraldsp.com ↗Positive Grid
Spark (amp/app) and BIAS FX — a convenient ecosystem for home and rehearsal use, with its own tone library and the ability to train models from pedal photos.
positivegrid.com ↗Line 6 Helix / HX
One of the most widely used processors among touring musicians. Its own presets, not directly tied to the NAM format.
line6.com ↗Fractal Audio (Axe-Fx / FM3)
A benchmark for modeling quality among studio and session musicians. Its own preset and amp-block format.
fractalaudio.com ↗Kemper Profiler
A pioneer of amp "profiling." Uses its own Kemper Profile format, not directly compatible with .nam.
kemper-amps.com ↗IK Multimedia ToneX
The ToneX plugin and pedal, with AI-modeling tech and a large built-in library of ready-made tones.
ikmultimedia.com ↗NAM support comparison
Not every device imports .nam files directly — some require format conversion or a separate third-party tool.
| Device / plugin | Native format | Direct .nam import | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| NAM plugin | .nam | Yes | The format's native platform |
| NeuralPi (Raspberry Pi) | .nam / .json | Yes | Open-source project built on the same models |
| Neural DSP Quad Cortex | Neural Capture | No | Its own capture format; conversion is unofficial |
| Line 6 Helix / HX | Helix Preset | No | Only Line 6's own amp models |
| Fractal Axe-Fx / FM3 | Fractal Preset | No | Its own library of amp blocks |
| Kemper Profiler | Kemper Profile | No | Profiling, not neural-network modeling |
| IK Multimedia ToneX | ToneX Capture | No | Its own AI capture model |
This table is a general guideline — check the manufacturer's site for current format support before buying hardware, since firmware is updated regularly.
Reamping gear
If you want to do more than just play back other people's NAM files — and capture your own tone — here's the gear you'll need.
Audio interface
You need an interface with a good instrument input (Hi-Z) and low latency — for example, Universal Audio, Focusrite, or RME.
DI box / reamp box
Lets you send a recorded dry signal back out to a real amp's input to capture its response.
Microphone and cabinet
To capture "with cab," you need a real amp, cabinet, and studio microphone (dynamic or ribbon, for example) — or a ready-made IR library if you're only capturing the amp head.