What is NAM?

NAM stands for Neural Amp Modeler: an open-source project created by Steven Atkinson to capture the input-to-output behaviour of guitar and bass equipment with trained neural networks.

A NAM capture can represent a guitar amp, bass amp, preamp, distortion pedal, compressor, EQ or a complete signal chain. The trainer plays a known signal through the target gear, compares the recorded result and learns how that particular setup responded. The resulting .nam file is a learned snapshot of the gear at the captured settings, not a conventional component-by-component circuit model.

TONE3000 has become a major discovery, training and distribution platform for NAM models. That convenience does not remove the variables that affect results: capture calibration, training data, the chosen architecture, playback input level, cabinet treatment and the quality of the audio path all matter.

From A1 to A2: the architecture change

A2 is a new NAM architecture, not a cosmetic file update. Software and hardware that load A1 models need a compatible core or firmware update before they can play A2 natively.

A1: multiple model sizes

A1 Standard offered the greatest modelling capacity in the original family. A1 Lite, Feather and Nano reduced the computational load for increasingly constrained systems, with a corresponding reduction in capacity. These A1 formats remain useful and widely available. An A1-capable product does not, however, support A2 merely because both use the NAM name.

A2 Full and A2 Lite

A2 Full is the maximum-width playback mode for software and hardware with suitable processing headroom. A2 Lite runs the same trained A2 model at a narrower width for compact or cost-sensitive devices. This shared architecture is important: a creator does not need to maintain a separate A2 Lite capture catalogue.

A2 Full led TONE3000’s blind listening comparison

TONE3000 reports that more than 1,000 participants compared anonymised recordings of real gear and digital models using a MUSHRA listening test. In its published mean-score view, A2 Full scored 92.4, the highest result among the tested digital modelers. The recorded reference scored 97.5 and is not a modeler.

NAM and amp modelling evolution

NAM A2 belongs to a longer shift from fixed digital amp models toward profiling, neural capture and increasingly portable model files.

1. 1998 Line 6 POD The original red POD helped make direct digital amp modelling mainstream for recording and live use.
2. 2011 Kemper PROFILER Profiling shifted attention from a fixed model list to capturing the sound of a specific amplifier setup.
3. 2021 Quad Cortex ships Neural Capture arrived inside a touchscreen floorboard with integrated effects, routing and cloud sharing.
4. 2022–2023 TONEX software and pedal IK released TONEX software in 2022 and followed with dedicated pedal hardware in 2023.
5. 2023 onward Open NAM adoption Open-source NAM playback and community model sharing expanded across plug-ins and third-party projects.
6. A1 generation Standard to Nano Multiple network sizes opened a path from desktop playback toward embedded hardware.
7. 2 June 2026 NAM A2 released A2 became NAM’s new standard architecture, with one model able to run in Full or Lite form.
8. 2026 Native embedded support grows A2 Lite targets constrained devices while A2 Full reaches higher-power software and stage hardware.

This is a broad technology overview, not a claim that each system follows the same technical chain. Fractal, for example, is primarily associated with component-level algorithmic modelling and a separate Tone Match process.

Run NAM on an iPhone, iPad or laptop

You do not need a dedicated NAM pedal. Your iPhone, iPad or laptop can now function as the amp modeller.

To run NAM, you only need three things:

The complete signal flow

That is the complete NAM rig.

• No dedicated modeller pedal is required
• The host device runs the software
• The audio interface handles the input and output conversion
• The speaker or headphones reproduce the processed tone

Connection notes by device

NAM apps for mobile and desktop

The host determines where a model can run, whether it works as a standalone rig or plug-in, and whether A2 is supported directly.

All Apple links and prices above use the Australian App Store in AUD, checked on 28 July 2026. Availability, compatibility and pricing can change after publication. Check the current listing before buying an app for a specific device or A2 workflow.

Watch: using NAM in an app

This walkthrough starts at 12:20 and plays inside the guide, so you can go directly to the practical app section.

Recommended mobile NAM setups

A class-compliant, USB-C bus-powered interface with one or two inputs is usually the most practical front end for a portable NAM rig.

Part 1 summary

Part 2 continues below with a verification-led hardware support database. It separates native A2 Full, native A2 Lite, A1 conversion, announced updates and unconfirmed claims, so a product is not marked compatible simply because its manufacturer has joined the wider A2 ecosystem.

Part 2 · Hardware database
NAM A2 hardware support tracker

This database separates hardware you can use now from promised updates, converted imports and products that use a different capture system.

Status was rechecked against manufacturer pages, firmware notes and TONE3000 partner announcements on 29 July 2026. A manufacturer partnership is useful evidence of direction, but it is not the same as a downloadable firmware release for a specific product.

Darkglass Anagram A2 Full + A2 Lite · released Hotone Ampero II Stage Native A2 Lite · firmware V1.7.0 Blackstar Beam Mini Native A2 Lite · TONE3000 inside Beam app Blackstar Beam Solo Native A2 Lite · released firmware

Complete NAM A2 hardware table

GSUS4-linked products and the wider native A2 ecosystem are combined below. “Released” means a device-specific firmware or shipping implementation was verified; announced and pre-release products remain clearly labelled.

What the main hardware updates actually mean

Darkglass Anagram: Full and Lite on one stage processor

The Darkglass Anagram is the clearest high-end example in the current GSUS4 range. KosmOS 1.16 adds A2 model loading and lets the user choose Full or Lite inside the loader block. It also retains legacy A1 support. Training or creating the model still happens elsewhere; Anagram is the stage playback and effects host.

Hotone: Stage now, Ampero II and Stomp later

The Ampero II Stage now runs A2 Lite natively through firmware V1.7.0, with Ampero II Software V1.5.1 or Ampero II Stage Mobile V1.2.2 handling the import workflow. The Ampero II and Ampero II Stomp are scheduled to receive A2 Lite in later updates. Until their own firmware is released, they belong in the announced column.

Blackstar: A2 Lite in a mini amp and a headphone amp

The Beam Mini launched with native embedded A2 support and direct TONE3000 access through the Beam app. Early material used the name A2-Nano; TONE3000 later standardised that embedded runtime name as A2 Lite. The Beam Solo received native A2 Lite through a free firmware update, bringing the same open capture workflow to a headphone-format practice device.

NUX MG-30: native A2 Lite through the Gen2 NAM Loader

The NUX MG-30 can now run compatible A2 Lite models through its Gen2 firmware path. The matching Gen2 QuickTone editor provides ten NAM locations inside the AMP block. Back up presets first and use firmware that matches the unit’s language version; NUX warns that the English and Mandarin firmware packages are not interchangeable.

MOOER GE1000: conversion is no longer required for A2 Lite

MOOER’s GE1000 and GE1000 Li received native A2 Lite loading in firmware V3.1.0. This is an important distinction from the earlier V3.0.8 workflow, which could import NAM files only through an external converter. The current V3.1.1 editor update further optimises A2 Lite loading performance and imported-model volume balance.

XRecer XR1: native A2 Full in a pre-release platform

The XRecer XR1 is being developed with native A2 Full and Lite playback as part of its high-powered multi-effects architecture. It belongs in the unified tracker because A2 Full support is a stated platform feature, but it is not marked released: XRecer has not yet presented the XR1 as a generally available production product, so final OS behaviour and the shipping import workflow still need confirmation.

Sonicake Pocket Master: useful NAM access, but A1 conversion

The compact Sonicake Pocket Master can import legacy A1 material through Sonicake’s conversion or distillation workflow. It should not be described as a native A2 or A2 Lite device. When sourcing a model from TONE3000 for this unit, choose the legacy A1 version and follow Sonicake’s current manager-software instructions.

Which hardware route makes sense?

Part 3 · Platform comparison
NAM A2 versus the major modeller ecosystems

NAM A2 is not automatically the best answer for every player. Its defining advantage is an open, portable model format. The established commercial platforms often answer a different question: how much capture creation, signal routing, effects and stage control can one integrated system provide?

“Proprietary” is not a criticism of sound quality. It describes who controls the file format and compatible playback devices. “Open” does not guarantee that every host supports every NAM capacity or offers the same performance.

The practical differences behind the table

NAM A2 versus Quad Cortex

Quad Cortex is the more integrated capture appliance. Neural Capture V2 is created with Quad Cortex and Cortex Control, then managed through the Cortex account and cloud ecosystem. NAM separates the model from the playback box: creation normally happens on a computer or service, while a growing range of third-party hosts can load the result. Choose Quad Cortex for a tightly coordinated capture-to-stage workflow; choose NAM when model portability and host choice matter more.

Darkglass Anagram is a NAM host, not a competing format

The Darkglass Anagram belongs on both sides of this discussion. Its KosmOS effects, touchscreen workflow and presets are part of the Darkglass platform, while its Neural Loader runs open NAM files. It therefore combines an integrated stage processor with A2 Full and Lite playback rather than replacing NAM with a proprietary capture type.

NAM A2 versus TONEX

Both systems use machine learning to recreate a recorded gear state, but their ecosystems are different. NAM publishes an open model format and is appearing in independent software and hardware. TONEX uses IK’s proprietary Tone Model format across its own software, mobile and pedal products. TONEX can feel more unified if you want one vendor’s library and hardware workflow; NAM is more attractive when the same model should move between unrelated hosts.

NAM A2 versus Kemper

Kemper remains a mature profiling and live-performance platform, with dedicated hardware, Rig Manager, foot control and a large established profile library. NAM can be much less expensive on a laptop or mobile device and offers an open path into third-party hardware. The choice is less about which can sound “real” and more about whether you want a complete long-running stage ecosystem or an open model that can follow you between hosts.

NAM A2 versus Fractal Audio

Fractal’s main strength is deep editable modelling: amp parameters, cabinet behaviour, effects and routing can be treated as a complete programmable rig. Axe-Fx III Tone Match shapes an existing preset toward a reference and can export the result as a User Cab IR, but it is not the same workflow as loading an open neural amp snapshot. Choose Fractal when detailed control and effects architecture are the priority; choose NAM when a particular captured setting and cross-host portability are the priority.

NAM A2 versus HeadRush

HeadRush currently offers its own Amp Cloner and SuperClone workflow alongside touchscreen rig building. Those clones are not NAM files. Native A2 support has been announced for HeadRush Prime, HeadRush Core and HeadRush Flex Prime, which would let the same hardware run both HeadRush’s proprietary clones and open NAM models. Until that firmware is publicly listed, treat NAM as a future feature rather than a current purchase guarantee.

Which ecosystem is right for you?

NAM A2 roadmap: what is confirmed and what is still a watch item

The important 2026 change is not one more plug-in. It is the separation of a neural amp model from a single hardware brand. The confirmed releases in Part 2 prove that open A2 playback can scale from a computer down to embedded practice products.

Extended NAM A2 FAQ

These answers separate model quality, file compatibility and the features of the device that plays the model.

Final verdict: what NAM A2 changes

NAM A2 matters because a high-quality neural model no longer has to belong to one software company or one pedal manufacturer. The same open architecture can now appear in a free desktop host, a mobile rig, a practice amp or a professional stage processor.

Living-guide policy: app prices and compatibility were checked in the Australian market on 28 July 2026, while hardware status was matched to public firmware and manufacturer information available on 29 July 2026. Recheck the linked release notes before purchasing for one specific feature.

Sources and verification

1. Neural Amp Modeler — official project overview
2. Neural Amp Modeler — Architecture A2 development overview
3. Neural Amp Modeler — A2 release announcement, 2 June 2026
4. NeuralAmpModelerPlugin — official open-source plug-in project
5. TONE3000 — NAM A2 complete guide and listening-test methodology
6. Line 6 — POD Go press release noting the original POD’s 1998 debut
7. Kemper — official PROFILER overview
8. Neural DSP — Quad Cortex shipping announcement, 18 March 2021
9. IK Multimedia — TONEX Mac/PC release, 29 September 2022
10. IK Multimedia — TONEX Pedal announcement, 16 February 2023
11. Neural Amp Modeler — Gateway desktop downloads
12. Apple App Store Australia — NAM XT
13. Apple App Store Australia — GigFast Lite
14. Apple App Store Australia — NAM Loader Pedal
15. Apple App Store Australia — Ampz
16. Apple App Store Australia — ToneRig
17. Apple App Store Australia — NAM Live
18. Apple App Store Australia — NAM Sandwich
19. Darkglass — Anagram product page and KosmOS 1.16 changelog
20. TONE3000 — Darkglass Anagram native A2 Full announcement
21. Hotone — NAM A2 support announcement and Ampero II timeline
22. Global Music Imports Australia — mirrored Hotone release details and firmware versions
23. TONE3000 — Blackstar Beam Mini native A2 launch details
24. TONE3000 — Blackstar Beam Solo native A2 Lite update
25. Blackstar — Beam Mini official product specifications
26. Sonicake — Pocket Master official product information
27. HeadRush — current Prime, Core and Flex Prime firmware downloads
28. NUX — MG-30 Gen2 NAM Loader firmware and QuickTone requirements
29. NUX — current MG-30 family comparison identifying native A2 Lite import
30. MOOER — GE1000 and GE1000 Li official product page
31. MOOER — GE1000 V3.1.0 native A2 Lite and V3.1.1 editor update notes
32. XRecer — XR1 official platform site and release updates
33. TONE3000 — VTR Effects IGNIS native A2 Lite announcement
34. TONE3000 — PiPedal 2.0 A2 integration
35. TONE3000 — LAVA STUDIO native A2 Lite integration
36. TONE3000 — Chaos Audio Stratus and Nimbus A2 status
37. TONE3000 — Sonulab StompStation and StompStation PRO integration
38. Neural DSP — Neural Capture Version 2 creation workflow
39. Kemper — Profiling and Profiling 2.0 overview
40. Fractal Audio — current product-family modelling and Tone Match overview
41. Fractal Audio — Axe-Fx III Tone Match manual
42. HeadRush — Prime modelling, Amp Cloner and SuperClone overview
43. TONE3000 — A2 launch partners and hardware roadmap

Support status can change through app and firmware updates. Recheck the current official release notes before purchasing specifically for NAM A2 compatibility.