AmpForge

Overview

AmpForge is a free, open-source guitar amp simulator plugin with vocal effects, suited to players who want an adaptable signal chain and are comfortable supplying their own amp captures and cabinet files. Its broad plugin support and host automation make it a flexible choice, though the missing bundled files and unsigned macOS build add setup work.

Key features

The pedalboard has 19 internal modules that can be reordered while the plugin is running. That gives players room to shape a signal chain around a session, and host automation extends to every parameter, including pedal positions. This is a meaningful advantage for arranging changes over time in a compatible host.

A NAM module loads user-provided Neural Amp Modeler capture files, and an IR loader supports cabinet impulse responses. AmpForge bundles neither captures nor impulse responses, so players need to bring their own files before those parts of the setup can be useful. The plugin also includes autotune pitch correction and a de-esser, adding vocal processing alongside guitar amp simulation.

Users can save, update, delete, import, and export custom presets, with factory presets included. AmpForge comes as VST3, LV2, and CLAP plugins, plus a standalone app on supported platforms. Its README describes use in compatible hosts including Reaper, Carla, and Bitwig.

Pricing

AmpForge: free. The free plan is the open-source plugin for Linux, Windows, and macOS, with no paid tier described. It suits players who want to use the included modules and manage their own files without a software charge. The trade-off is that users must supply NAM captures and cabinet impulse responses themselves.

Platforms

AmpForge supports Linux, macOS, and Windows. The standalone app is available on supported platforms, but Windows has no standalone executable; Windows users get VST3, CLAP, and LV2 installers instead. The macOS build is neither code-signed nor notarized, and installation requires the Gatekeeper workaround in the README.

Who it's for

AmpForge is a strong fit for players who already have NAM captures or cabinet impulse responses, or who are willing to source them, and who want to rearrange pedals and automate their positions inside a host. Its vocal effects may also appeal to users who want pitch correction and de-essing in the same plugin. It is a weaker fit for anyone who expects a ready-to-play library of captures and cabinet files, or needs a Windows standalone app.

Pros and cons

• Pros: Nineteen reorderable internal modules and automation for every parameter support detailed signal-chain control from a compatible host.
• Pros: VST3, LV2, and CLAP formats, preset import and export, and factory presets give users several ways to fit AmpForge into a plugin-based workflow.
• Pros: The free, open-source release includes autotune and de-essing alongside guitar amp simulation.
• Cons: Users must provide their own NAM captures and cabinet impulse responses, which adds preparation before the amp and cabinet setup is complete.
• Cons: Windows has no standalone executable, and the macOS build requires a Gatekeeper workaround because it is unsigned and not notarized.

Alternatives

For a wider set of guitar amp software options, browse Guitar Amp Software.

• Neural Amp Modeler is another free, open-source option for players focused on NAM; choose it when a dedicated NAM project better suits your workflow.
• Amp Locker offers a free download with extra modules available for individual purchase and outright ownership. Choose it if you prefer to expand a paid selection of amps and effects over time.
• Amplifikation 360 has a free plan and runs on macOS and Windows. Choose it if those are your platforms and you want to compare another freemium amp option.
• GENOME has a free Intro plan with 4 amplifiers, 14 pedals, 5 cabinets, and 4 studio effects, plus a paid plan at $89.99, paid once. Choose it if you want a free starting set that includes cabinets.
• Gjalla is another free, open-source option for Linux, macOS, and Windows.
• Helix Stadium Native has a free, no-time-limit Intro plan for macOS and Windows. Choose it if its listed amps, cabinets, and studio effects match your needs.
• IK Multimedia ReSing is a vocal-focused alternative with a free tier and a 129.99 USD one-time paid plan. Choose it when voice and instrument models are the priority over guitar amp simulation.
• Soundshed Guitar is a free option for Linux, macOS, and Windows, with no licensing, paywall, or extra purchases.

Verdict

Choose AmpForge if you want a free, open-source amp simulator with vocal effects, reorderable pedals, and host automation. Its breadth of plugin formats and parameter control are compelling for host-based workflows. Look elsewhere if you need bundled cabinet impulse responses or NAM captures, or a Windows standalone app.