Overview

AIDA-X is a free player for AI-created music-gear models, aimed chiefly at guitarists who want amplifier simulation in a plugin or standalone app. Its combination of desktop formats, cabinet impulse-response support and browser playback makes it flexible, but the standalone device restriction and browser’s loop-only input limit matter for live or recording workflows.

It is released under GPL-3.0-or-later. Aida DSP also provides an online trainer for JSON models, though making models requires neural-network training; this is a player first, not a shortcut to building a model library.

Key features

AIDA-X can combine amp and cabinet models with distortion, drive, fuzz, boost and EQ. The cabinet simulator follows the amp model and accepts WAV or FLAC impulse responses, giving users a way to shape the simulated cabinet stage with their own IRs. Plugin controls include input and output meters, bypass, input level, EQ tone controls and output level adjustment.

The desktop plugin supports CLAP, LV2, VST2 and VST3. That range suits users working across different plugin hosts, while the standalone app provides a route that does not depend on a host. Its key drawback is that standalone audio uses the system-default device and offers no selection of another input or output device.

AIDA-X Online runs in WebAssembly-capable browsers and allows users to load their own amp models and cabinet IRs. It uses preselected guitar loops rather than live audio input, so it is useful for exploring models but not for processing a guitar plugged into the browser session.

The LV2 headless engine is optimized for embedded systems including MOD Dwarf, Raspberry Pi, Portenta-X8 and Aida DSP OS. That makes it relevant to compact embedded setups as well as desktop plugin users. The project directs users to the MOD Forum’s Neural Modelling section for discussion and model sharing.

Pricing

AIDA-X is free, with a free plan and no paid tier described. Its GPL-3.0-or-later license makes it an appealing option for users who want an open-source amp-model player without a software purchase. The trade-off is that building JSON models entails neural-network training rather than a simple preset-editing workflow.

Platforms

Desktop installers are provided for Windows and macOS, with Linux binary tarballs. The desktop builds are unsigned and may trigger untrusted-developer warnings, particularly on macOS, so users should be prepared to handle those warnings. The experimental browser version needs a WebAssembly-capable browser and uses guitar loops instead of audio input. Embedded use is supported through the LV2 headless engine on the named systems.

Who it's for

AIDA-X fits guitarists and audio users who already have amp models or cabinet IRs and want a free player across common desktop plugin formats. It is also a sensible fit for embedded-system users targeting the supported LV2 setups. Choose another workflow if standalone operation requires selecting a non-default audio interface, or if browser playback must process a live instrument input.

Pros and cons

Pro: Free use across CLAP, LV2, VST2 and VST3 plugins, plus standalone operation, gives desktop users several ways to fit it into a setup.
Pro: WAV and FLAC cabinet IR support, alongside amp and effect-chain options, gives users control over more than the amp model alone.
Pro: The headless LV2 engine is optimized for several embedded platforms, extending its use beyond desktop computers.
Con: The standalone app cannot select an audio input or output device, which can rule it out where the system default is not the desired interface.
Con: The browser edition relies on preselected loops and has no audio input, making it a poor choice for live playing through a browser.
Con: Unsigned desktop builds can prompt untrusted-developer warnings, especially on macOS.

Alternatives

Neural Amp Modeler is another free option for Windows, macOS, Linux and web; consider it if you want an alternative open-source project with three code repositories available under permissive licenses and open to contributions.

Amp Locker may suit users who prefer a free download with the option to buy extra modules individually and own them outright; its free plan includes the Prestige 1950 amp, seven FX pedals and seven rack FX.

Amplifikation 360 is a freemium alternative for macOS and Windows with a free plan.

GENOME is worth considering for its free Intro plan, which includes four TSM-Ai amplifiers, 14 pedals, five DynIR cabinets and four Studio FX, or for users who want a paid one-time plan.

Helix Stadium Native offers a free Intro plan with no time limit, five Agoura amps across 11 channels, five cabs and 15 studio effects; consider it if that included set better suits your needs.

IK Multimedia ReSing is a different freemium option whose free plan includes two voices, two instruments and one RVC import, with no model generation.

Amped has a free Roots option for one amp, the 5034 Fluff, on Windows and Mac, with standalone and plugin formats.

AmpForge is another free option for Windows, macOS and Linux.

Verdict

AIDA-X is a strong fit for users who want a free, open-source amp-model player with broad desktop plugin support, IR loading and an embedded LV2 route. Its main appeal is that versatility without a purchase price; look elsewhere if standalone device selection is essential or if you need a browser to handle live audio input.

	AIDA-X	AmpForge
Free plan	No	Yes
Free trial	No	No
Paid from	—	Free
Open source	No	No
Platforms	Linux, macOS, self-hosted, Web, Windows	Linux, macOS, Windows
Free plan	Yes	Yes
Plugin formats	CLAP, LV2, VST2, VST3	VST3, LV2, CLAP
Standalone app	Yes	Yes
IR loader	Yes	Yes
Supported platforms	Windows, macOS, Linux	Linux, Windows, macOS

AIDA-X vs AmpForge

AIDA-X

AmpForge