Neural DSP plugins have redefined what a guitar amp simulator can sound like — the Finnish company teams up with some of the most respected guitarists working today, from progressive metal legends to viral shredders, to build signature amp sims modeled directly on their personal rigs.
We’ve rounded up eight of the Neural DSP Plugins worth knowing about, covering everything from Gojira’s crushing metal tone to John Mayer’s boutique-amp blues clarity. Whether you’re chasing a specific artist’s sound or just want a studio-grade amp sim with genuinely useful effects built in, there’s likely an Archetype here for you.
Let’s dive in, starting with Archetype: Gojira:
Neural DSP – Archetype: Gojira X
More Info & Price (Trial Available)
A collaboration between one of the leading amp sim companies and one of today’s top metal bands. What else could be better for those who need a quality heavy guitar tone? It is Archetype: Gojira by Neural DSP.
Neural DSP updated their collaboration with Joe Duplantier of Gojira in January 2024, and Archetype: Gojira X is a genuine step forward rather than just a fresh coat of paint — a redesigned interface with higher-quality visual assets sits alongside a real batch of new practical features.
The three core amps remain exactly what made the original a favorite: Clean, based on a vintage tube amp with natural tube saturation; Rust, a crunch amp with one of the widest gain sweeps Neural DSP has built; and Hot, the high-gain amp responsible for Gojira’s signature wall-of-sound metal tone. What’s new is a suite of global tools built for actual practice and performance rather than just studio tracking — Transpose shifts your tuning up or down by up to 12 semitones, Doubler instantly simulates a double-tracked guitar, and a built-in Metronome and Live Tuner turn the plugin into a genuine all-in-one practice tool.
Key Features:
- Redesigned Interface with higher-resolution visual assets
- Transpose — shift tuning up or down by up to 12 semitones without retuning your guitar
- Doubler — instantly simulate a double-tracked guitar performance
- Built-In Metronome & Live Tuner for practice without needing separate apps
- Future Quad Cortex Compatibility via an upcoming CorOS update
- Same 3 Amps (Clean, Rust, Hot), 3 Cabinets with 7 mic positions, and full Pre/Time FX chain from the original
Compatibility:
Windows 10 or 11, macOS 10.14 or higher, 64-bit only. VST, VST3, AU, and AAX formats, plus standalone.
Summary:
This is a free update for existing owners, and there’s no real reason to seek out the original version anymore — the redesigned interface and new global tools (especially Transpose and the built-in tuner) make X the clear starting point for anyone chasing that crushing Gojira tone.
Neural DSP – Archetype: Cory Wong X
More Info & Price (Trial Available)
Neural DSP rebuilt their collaboration with funk guitarist Cory Wong in October 2024, and Cory Wong X runs on a completely new processing engine — Neural DSP’s “ATI” algorithm — for noticeably improved performance alongside a handful of genuinely new tools.
The three amps that defined the original are unchanged in character: the D.I. Funk Console for that classic direct-to-console “bubble tone,” Clean Machine for pristine, warm cleans, and The Amp Snob for tube-driven edge-of-breakup tones. New in X is a vintage chorus pedal called “The 80s,” an extra-large window size option for those working on bigger displays, an updated IR interpolation engine for smoother cabinet blending, and a reworked Wah-ng pedal curve that’s noticeably more usable in real-time playing.
You get three amplifiers and three cabinets with the ability to switch between them. In addition, you will have microphone options that you can move around the speakers. Need to add grit to your guitar tone? You can do it with top-notch effects pedals.
Key Features:
- New “ATI” Processing Algorithm for improved performance and lower CPU load
- “The 80s” Chorus Pedal — a new vintage-style modulation effect not in the original
- Extra-Large Window Size option for larger displays
- Tap Tempo added to the delay block
- Native Apple Silicon Support
- Same 3 Amps (D.I. Funk Console, Clean Machine, The Amp Snob) and full Pre/Post effects chain from the original
Compatibility:
Windows 10 or 11, macOS 10.14 or higher, 64-bit only. VST, VST3, AU, and AAX formats, plus standalone.
Summary:
A free update for existing owners that genuinely improves the day-to-day experience rather than just adding features for the sake of it — the new chorus pedal and smoother performance make this an easy recommendation whether you’re new to the plugin or upgrading from the original.
Neural DSP – Archetype: Petrucci X
More Info & Price (Trial Available)
Neural DSP rebuilt their collaboration with Dream Theater’s John Petrucci in late 2024, refining the original Archetype: Petrucci into a faster, more polished tool without losing what made it a fan favorite in the first place.
The four amps remain the core of the plugin — Piezo (built for piezo pickups and single coils), Clean, Rhythm, and Lead — but the X update brings a redesigned, resizable interface, noticeably improved performance, and updated 4-band semi-parametric EQs with new high- and low-pass filters on the Clean, Rhythm, and Lead amps.
Key Features:
- Redesigned, Resizable UI — click and drag to resize the plugin window to fit your workflow
- Improved Performance — faster, smoother processing under the hood
- Updated EQs with high- and low-pass filters added across the amps
- Transpose & Doubler for instant pitch changes and stereo width
- Future Quad Cortex Compatibility via an upcoming CorOS update
Compatibility: Windows 10 or higher, macOS 10.14 or higher, 64-bit only. VST2, VST3, AU, and AAX formats, plus standalone.
Summary: The X update sharpens rather than reinvents Archetype: Petrucci — if you found the original occasionally sluggish to load, this addresses that directly. Still the strongest pick on this list for progressive metal and djent tones.
Neural DSP – Parallax X
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Parallax has moved to the X series, bringing Neural DSP’s dedicated multiband bass distortion plugin in line with the rest of their Archetype lineup — now with Quad Cortex and Quad Cortex Mini compatibility on top of the same processing that made the original a favorite for parallel bass tone shaping.
The core workflow is unchanged: separate distortion controls for low, mid, and high frequencies let you shape a bass tone the way engineers traditionally would using parallel processing across multiple tracks, but all from a single plugin. The Low Compression section, graphic EQ, and dual-mic Cabsim section all carry over from the original.
Key Features:
- Multiband Distortion — independent tube-modeled distortion control across low, mid, and high frequencies
- Low Compression Section using a bus-compressor algorithm for a solid low-end foundation
- Graphic EQ (200Hz–1.5kHz) for fine-tuning mid and high frequency balance
- Cabsim Section with two movable virtual mics
- Quad Cortex & Quad Cortex Mini Compatible — new in the X update
- 100+ Artist Presets from engineers including Nolly Getgood, Kane Churko, and Forrester Savell
Compatibility:
Windows 10 or higher, macOS 10.14 or higher, 64-bit only. VST2/3, AU, AAX formats, plus standalone.
Summary:
Parallax X remains one of the most useful tools on this list specifically for bass players — the separate frequency-band distortion control gives you a mix-ready bass tone without needing to split your signal across multiple tracks manually. The new Quad Cortex compatibility is a meaningful addition if you’re building out a hardware-based rig alongside your DAW setup.
Neural DSP – Archetype: Nolly X
More Info & Price (Trial Available)
Neural DSP’s collaboration with Adam “Nolly” Getgood has moved to the X series, carrying over the same four modified tube amp models — based on a Bogner Shiva, Marshall JCM800 2203, Peavey 5150, and Victory Kraken — alongside the four-cabinet system (Greenback, Creamback, V30, and T75 speakers) with dynamic, condenser, and ribbon mic options per cabinet.
The core sound and the 640+ IR library remain exactly what made the original a favorite among modern metal and progressive players. What’s new in X is the same suite of global tools rolled out across the rest of the Archetype line — Transpose, Doubler, a built-in Metronome, and a Live Tuner — plus future compatibility with Neural DSP’s Quad Cortex hardware.
Key Features:
- 4 Modified Tube Amp Models (based on Bogner Shiva, Marshall JCM800 2203, Peavey 5150, Victory Kraken)
- 4 Cabinets (Greenback, Creamback, V30, T75) with dynamic, condenser, and ribbon mic options
- 640+ Impulse Responses, fully loadable and customizable
- Transpose, Doubler, Metronome & Live Tuner — new global tools added in the X update
- Future Quad Cortex Compatibility via an upcoming CorOS update
Compatibility:
Windows 10 or higher, macOS 10.14 or higher, 64-bit only. VST2, VST3, AU, and AAX formats, plus standalone.
Summary:
Nolly X keeps everything that made the original a go-to for modern metal and progressive tones, and the added Transpose and Doubler tools genuinely speed up tracking multiple takes. A strong pick whether you’re chasing Nolly’s exact sound or just want a versatile, heavily modified amp collection as a base to build your own tone from.
Neural DSP – Archetype: Tim Henson X
More Info & Price (Trial Available)
Neural DSP rebuilt Tim Henson’s signature plugin from the ground up in 2025, and the X update is a genuinely different tool from the original — not just a visual refresh.
Polyphia’s Tim Henson brought his full studio signal chain to this update, including a redesigned Multivoicer with two new scale options (Harmonic Minor and Melodic Minor) for richer, more complex harmonized leads. The three amps have also been rebuilt: Roses, a bright amp voiced for acoustic-style clarity; Cherubs, a British-style dual-channel amp for clean-to-crunch tones; and Pink, a dynamic, rich amp built for heavier rhythms and soaring leads.
Key Features:
- Redesigned Multivoicer — up to four pitch-shifted harmony voices, now with Harmonic and Melodic Minor scale options
- Room Send Control in the cabsim module for subtle, natural room reverb
- Updated 9-Band Graphic EQs with new high- and low-pass filters on every amp
- Global Features: Transpose, Doubler, Live Tuner, and Metronome (standalone)
- Future Quad Cortex Compatibility via an upcoming CorOS update
Compatibility: Windows 10 or higher, macOS 10.14 or higher, 64-bit only. VST2, VST3, AU, and AAX formats, plus standalone.
Summary: If you own the original Tim Henson archetype, the redesigned Multivoicer alone justifies upgrading — the new scale options open up far more harmonic territory. Still one of the most distinctive-sounding plugins on this list.
Neural DSP – Fortin NTS Suite
More Info & Price (Trial Available)
If you want a real high gain monster in the form of an amp sim plugin, the next one on our list is what you need. It is the brutal Fortin NTS Suite from Neural DSP.
The Fortin NTS Suite plugin is based on the famous Natas guitar amplifier. The name speaks for itself if you read it backward. Still, the software has absorbed all the power and fury of the physical prototype.
It’s a two-channel amp with additional gain settings, a pedal booster, and an excellent cab sim. In short, everything you need to get an aggressive metal sound.
Key Features:
- 6RIND & 6IRTH Controls
You will see these knobs on the front of the amplifier. These frequency selective gain controls interact with the 6AIN knob to control the saturation and distortion characteristics. With them, you can get a tight crunch or a complete high gain distortion.
- Grind, Zuul & Hexdrive
These are the pedals that are located in the chain before the amplifier. Zuul will give you Noice Gate, Hexdrive will act as an overdrive pedal, and Grind will add an amount of clarity and articulation to the sound, making every note defined and present, even when highly distorted.
- Cabsim
The cabinet emulation in the plugin is very comprehensive and adaptive. In addition to good-sounding speakers, you can choose between six virtual microphones, which can be positioned around the speakers. In addition, you can load your impulses or disable this section altogether.
Compatibility:
The plugin is available for Windows 7 or higher and macOS 10.14 or higher, both 64-bit only. It comes in VST, AU, AAX formats, and as a standalone host.
Summary:
The Fortin NTS Suite from Neural DSP would be fabulous for those who want the most brutal yet clean and transparent guitar sound. Although, this amp sim is versatile and can also serve for dirty tones. It is where the 6RIND and 6IRTH controls help you.
Also, a good attraction of this plugin is the pedals for even more expressive distortion and the fantastic cabinet emulation section.
Neural DSP – Archetype: John Mayer X
Closing out 2025, Neural DSP landed their biggest artist collaboration yet — a plugin built around John Mayer’s famously expensive, famously specific rig, including gear most players will never get anywhere near in real life.
Mayer is a well-known analog purist, so getting his name on a plugin is a genuine milestone for amp modeling. Archetype: John Mayer X models three of his personal amps in forensic detail: his 1964 Fender Vibroverb, his Dumble Steel String Singer #002, and his one-of-one Two-Rock Signature Prototype #83. A Three-in-One Amp mode blends all three together using Mayer’s own mic placements and EQ settings, recreating his full live and studio signal path without manual balancing.
Key Features:
- Three Forensically-Modeled Amps — Fender Vibroverb, Dumble Steel String Singer, and Two-Rock Signature Prototype
- Three-in-One Amp Mode blending all three with Mayer’s exact settings and mic placements
- Five Modeled Pedals, including a Klon Centaur recreation (Halfman OD), a Tube Screamer/Bluesbreaker dual-drive (Tealbreaker), a boost pedal (Justa Boost), and a Q-Tron-style filter (Antelope Filter)
- Studio-Grade Post Effects: Dream Delay, Studio Verb (Hall/Plate), a 4-band semi-parametric EQ, and a Distressor-modeled compressor
- Matching Cabinets for each amp, including his Dumble cab loaded with a vintage EVM12L speaker
Compatibility: macOS 13 or higher, Windows 10 or higher, 64-bit only. VST2, VST3, AU, and AAX formats, plus standalone.
Summary: This is less a typical Archetype plugin and more a museum piece you can actually play — Mayer’s rig has been an object of guitarist obsession for years precisely because almost nobody could access it. If clean, dynamic, boutique-amp tone is what you’re after, this is worth it on its own.
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Neural DSP Plugins
That’s eight Neural DSP plugins covering an enormous range of guitar tone — from Gojira X‘s wall-of-sound metal and Fortin NTS Suite‘s high-gain aggression, to Cory Wong X‘s funk-clean snap and John Mayer X‘s boutique blues warmth.
If you’re chasing a specific artist’s exact tone, start with their namesake plugin — that’s the whole point of the Archetype series. If you’re after versatility instead, Archetype: Tim Henson X and Archetype: Petrucci X are the two most feature-packed options here, both recently rebuilt with expanded effects and Quad Cortex compatibility on the way. Archetype: Nolly X is another strong all-rounder if modern metal and progressive tones are more your style.
And if you’re a bass player, don’t skip Parallax X — it’s easy to overlook in a list dominated by guitar amps, but its multiband distortion is genuinely one of the best tools available for getting a mix-ready bass tone without extensive extra processing, and it’s now Quad Cortex compatible too.
The Integraudio Editorial Team consists of experienced music producers, audio engineers, and plugin enthusiasts dedicated to providing in-depth reviews and guides for music production software.