GENOME

GENOME is a guitar-and-bass amp, effects and cabinet processor for players who want to build software-based signal chains. It best suits musicians working on macOS or Windows who value multiple capture formats and DAW integration; the free plan is a useful entry point, but its desktop license does not cover iOS.

Overview

GENOME brings amp modeling, effects and virtual cabinets into a standalone app or DAW plugin. Its CODEX engine loads Neural Amp Modeler (NAM), AIDA-X and Proteus captures in one workflow, alongside more than 40 premium AI amp captures included with the product. That combination gives players room to work with both the included material and supported captures from those formats.

Signal paths can run in series or parallel, with up to 12 components in each lane and the option to expand to two lanes. This is a strong fit for players who want to shape more involved chains in software; anyone looking for only a simple amp-and-cab setup may not need that flexibility. A Two notes account is required.

Key features

Amps, cabinets and effects

The paid GENOME plan includes 24 amps, 49 pedals, 16 DynIR cabinets and 16 Studio FX. The product separately describes 65 effects and includes an IR loader. The component count makes the paid edition a substantial core toolkit, but it excludes FairTone and Artist Series premium components, so buyers seeking those collections should account for that limitation.

Routing and control

Series and parallel routing and dual-lane expansion give players options beyond a single linear chain. Parameter automation, MIDI mapping and MIDI Learn support software control and external MIDI hardware. Two notes also lists Captor, Captor X, OPUS and ReVolt hardware as compatible with GENOME.

DAW integration

GENOME runs as VST3, AU and AAX plugins as well as a standalone application. Two notes lists Pro Tools, Logic Pro X, Ableton Live, Cubase, Studio One and Reaper as tested DAWs. The range of formats suits musicians who want to use the processor in different recording setups, while standalone operation also serves players who do not need a DAW in the signal path.

Pricing

GENOME uses a freemium model, with a 14-day free trial for GENOME and its components.

• GENOME Intro — free: Includes 4 TSM-Ai amplifiers, 14 pedals, 5 DynIR cabinets and 4 Studio FX. It is a no-cost way to explore the software, but the smaller collection makes it better for trying the workflow than for buyers who want the full paid catalog.
• GENOME — $89.99, paid once: The one-time price buys 24 amps, 49 pedals, 16 DynIR cabinets and 16 Studio FX. It suits players who want the broader component collection without a recurring charge, though FairTone and Artist Series premium components remain excluded.

The desktop license does not include GENOME iOS: iPad use requires a separate iOS Access Pass. The download page offers GENOME 2.1 for macOS 10.15 or newer, Windows 64-bit and iPad running iOS 12 or newer.

Platforms

GENOME is available for macOS, Windows and iPad. The desktop requirements are macOS 10.15 or newer or 64-bit Windows; the iPad download requires iOS 12 or newer. Keep the separate Access Pass in mind if iPad use is part of the plan.

Who it's for

GENOME is well suited to guitarists and bassists who want amp, cabinet and effects processing in one environment, particularly those who use supported captures, build elaborate chains or need a standalone app and plugin formats in the same tool. Players who need only a small free collection can start with Intro, while those who want more components can move to the one-time paid plan. It is less suitable for someone who needs the desktop purchase to cover iPad access or wants FairTone and Artist Series content included.

Pros and cons

• Pros: CODEX combines NAM, AIDA-X and Proteus capture support in one workflow, broadening the range of compatible amp captures.
• Pros: Series and parallel routing, up to 12 components per lane and dual-lane expansion provide substantial signal-chain flexibility.
• Pros: Standalone operation and VST3, AU and AAX formats cover both independent playing and DAW use.
• Cons: Intro includes only 4 amplifiers, 14 pedals, 5 cabinets and 4 Studio FX, limiting its usefulness for players seeking a larger ready-made collection.
• Cons: The paid plan excludes FairTone and Artist Series premium components.
• Cons: iPad use requires an additional iOS Access Pass beyond the desktop license.

Alternatives

Guitar Amp Software is a useful directory starting point for comparing more options in the category.

Choose Neural Amp Modeler instead if you want a free, open-source option with Linux support as well as macOS, Windows and web access; GENOME, by contrast, brings multiple capture formats, a larger included component suite and commercial DAW plugin formats.

Amp Locker may suit buyers who prefer a free download and the option to purchase extra modules individually and own them outright.

AmpForge is another free, open-source plugin for Linux, Windows and macOS.

Amplifikation 360 is a freemium alternative for macOS and Windows.

Gjalla is a free, open-source option for Linux, macOS and Windows, with no free trial.

Helix Stadium Native offers a free, no-time-limit Intro plan for macOS and Windows, plus a free trial.

IK Multimedia ReSing is a separate freemium option for macOS and Windows, with a free tier and a one-time paid plan.

Soundshed Guitar is a free option for Linux, macOS and Windows with no licensing, paywall or extra purchases.

Verdict

GENOME is a strong choice for guitarists and bassists who want flexible routing, broad capture compatibility and both standalone and DAW use in one processor. Its paid plan offers a substantial collection for a one-time price, but the compact Intro tier, excluded premium components and separate iOS Access Pass are meaningful trade-offs. Look elsewhere if you need those premium components included or want a free, open-source option across Linux and desktop platforms.