What is NAM?
NAM stands for Neural Amp Modeler, it’s an open-source project developed by Steven Atkinson that uses deep learning to create models of guitar amplifiers and pedals with state-of-the-art accuracy. From it’s roots as a plugin in a DAW, we’ve now housed it in a powerful robust hardware unit so you can take it further and it’ll take the hit.
Use it live on a pedal board, take in on the tour bus, your next hotel room, or for a studio session. read more
Where can I get NAM files?
First of all, you can generate them by yourself if you want to clone a gear you have. Follow the instructions given in the Neural Amp Modeler repository. Then there are a few platforms where people share their own NAM files. Check out the official NAM Facebook group and ToneHunt.
What is the latency?
The complete round trip latency is 0.5ms including AD/DA converter. This means that NAM player offers the most realistic/direct playing feel of all amp modelers.
Did you invent NAM?
No! NAM was developed by Steven Atkinson. All cudos go to him! However, we put quite a lot of work into getting the performance to a point where it can run on such a small hardware.
Are standard NAM files supported?
Yes! We tested a lot of NAM files and so far all of them worked just fine. If you have any NAM file that is not working on the NAM player, please contact us, so we can check it out. As NAM is very flexible in the size of the neural network, users may generate much larger versions. We have a bit of headroom on the hardware for that, but not too much. Such rare files might not work as the processing power is not enough. We are currently not aware of any such files.
Can’t I just use a PC?
Yes, for sure, but it has some problems. There is for example a VST3/AudioUnit plugin and anyone can write plugins for other software using the Neural Amp Modeler Core library. But the latency will certainly be higher compared to our specialized hardware. Even if you know what you are doing, getting below 10 ms is hard. Our hardware has 0.5 ms. If you are working in a live environment, nothing is better than a dedicated hardware pedal with clunky buttons and a good readable display.
When will it be available?
The development is complete! Most of the material for the first small batch has arrived. You can place your pre-order now. We will process the orders in their incoming order. So be one of the first. We will have the first NAM player ready for shipping in May.
What if NAM is not developed any more?
NAM was developed by Steven Atkinson and is an open source project. It can happen that Steve decides to quit development on NAM. However, this is the great advantage of open source project: Anyone can continue the project where the original author(s) left. Besides that, all the NAM files you already have will certainly continue to work on our hardware.
What about stereo?
The NAM player does not support stereo. We wanted to build a compact and robust device which is perfect for most of the users. Stereo is rarely a requirement and so decided to go for mono. If you really need stereo, you can use two of the devices 🙂
Can I control it from a Computer?
Not directly. But you can control it using MIDI, which you can do from your Computer.
Is it remote controllable using MIDI?
Yes! You can select the 128 presets via ProgramChange and control all parameters via ControlChange with your favorite MIDI controller. Under general settings you can select the Midi channel number to which the NAM player should react.
How do I program it?
Download your NAM and IR files onto a standard USB memory drive and plug it into the NAM player. You can then import the files into the NAM player and use them in your presets. The USB drive is then not required any more.
Is there a differential output?
Yes. Additional to the single-ended 6.3mm jacks (line-out + headphones), there is one differential XLR output in the back.
What is the maximum impulse response length?
The impulse response cab simulation supports wav files of a length up to 4096 samples at 48 kHz sample rate (will be resampled automatically). There is also a reverb effect, which can load impulse responses of up to 60 seconds.
Is it possible to play through mixer/PA and a real guitar box at the same time?
Yes! You can connect a power amplifier to the lineout output and use it to power your guitar box. The speaker simulation (IR) for the lineout can be switched off globally, while the XLR and headphone connection will maintain having the impulse response loaded. This allows you a dual path configuration, running into a PA as well as a power amplifier/guitar cab simultaneously without compromising on tone.
What are the other audio chain components?
As you may have seen on one of our images, there are a few more things you can adjust in the signal chain than just the NAM. We also include the following components (in order of processing):
* Noise gate: Can be turned on or off for each preset, the threshold is set globally.
* Gain: An amplification stage to set NAM input level
* NAM: The actual NAM processor
* Equalizer: A simple low-delay equalizer, controlled through three dedicated knobs
* Volume: Set the output volume and enable/disable NAM normalization
* Room: Set room effects like delay and reverb (up to 60 seconds impulse response)
* IR: Add a a speaker impulse response (up to 4096 samples @ 48 kHz = 85 ms)
What is your warranty?
We will always repair your device. Within the first two years after the purchase you don’t pay anything for the parts or our labor.
If you are confident you can fix it yourself, we will also happily send you the replacement parts directly. Just contact us.