AmpForge is a free, open-source guitar amp simulator plugin for Linux, macOS, and Windows, with vocal effects and an IR loader. Its pedalboard contains 19 modules that can be rearranged while the plugin is running. For amp modeling, its NAM module loads Neural Amp Modeler capture files that users provide. Vocal tools include pitch correction with autotune and a de-esser for sibilance. AmpForge comes as VST3, LV2, and CLAP plugins, and as a standalone app on supported platforms. Compatible hosts named in its README include Reaper, Carla, and Bitwig. Users can work with factory presets or save, revise, remove, import, and export custom ones. Hosts can automate every parameter, including pedal positions. AmpForge does not include cabinet impulse responses or NAM captures, so users need to supply those files. On Windows, the installer offers VST3, CLAP, and LV2 formats but no standalone executable. The macOS build is neither code-signed nor notarized; the README provides a Gatekeeper workaround. The project welcomes issues and pull requests through GitHub.
Who it is for
AmpForge suits guitarists and vocalists who want amp simulation and vocal effects in a plugin or, on supported platforms, a standalone app. It is also a fit for users who want to rearrange pedal modules, automate parameters, and manage their own presets.
What is good
- Free and open-source.
- 19 pedalboard modules can be reordered at runtime.
- Includes autotune pitch correction and a de-esser.
- Supports VST3, LV2, and CLAP formats.
- Every parameter, including pedal positions, is host-automatable.
- Users can import and export custom presets.
What to know first
- Users must supply their own cabinet impulse responses and NAM captures.
- Windows has no standalone executable.
- The macOS build is not code-signed or notarized.
Verdict
Choose AmpForge if you want a free, open-source amp simulator with vocal effects, flexible pedal ordering, and host automation. Look elsewhere if you need bundled cabinet impulse responses or NAM captures, or a Windows standalone app.
Get started with AmpForge
- Visit the AmpForge GitHub repository.
- Choose Linux, macOS, or Windows as your platform.
- Install a plugin format supported by your compatible host: VST3, LV2, or CLAP.
- Use the standalone app on platforms where it is supported.
- Supply your own cabinet impulse responses or NAM capture files if needed.
- On macOS, follow the README's Gatekeeper workaround to install the unsigned build.
What the free plan stops at
AmpForge is free, with no paid plan stated. Users must provide cabinet impulse responses and NAM captures; Windows does not have a standalone executable, and the macOS build is unsigned and not notarized.
Questions about AmpForge
Is AmpForge free?
Yes. It is open-source and has a free plan priced at 0.00 USD per free.
Which operating systems does it support?
Linux, macOS, and Windows. The Windows installer supports VST3, CLAP, and LV2, but does not include a standalone executable.
Which plugin formats are available?
AmpForge is available as VST3, LV2, and CLAP plugins, as well as a standalone app on supported platforms.
Does it include NAM captures or cabinet impulse responses?
No. Users supply their own NAM capture files and cabinet impulse responses.
Which hosts does the README name?
It describes use in compatible hosts including Reaper, Carla, and Bitwig.
Can users create and automate presets?
Users can save, update, delete, export, and import custom presets, and factory presets are included. Every parameter, including pedal position parameters, can be automated by the host.
AmpForge plans and pricing
All plansCompared on guitar amp software
- Free plan
- Yes
- Plugin formats
- VST3, LV2, CLAP
- Standalone app
- Yes
- IR loader
- Yes
- Supported platforms
- Linux, Windows, macOS
