What Is AIDA-X? How AI Amp Modeling Is Changing Guitar Forever

Nimbus specifications updated September 10, 2026. Nimbus is currently available for preorder. See the current product page for specifications, pricing and the latest delivery estimate.

AIDA-X is an open-source amp-model player. It runs trained models of music equipment so a guitar signal can pass through a learned representation of an amplifier or another captured signal chain.

Current Nimbus note: Early Nimbus material described AIDA-X. The current Nimbus design uses native NAM A2-Lite playback instead. This article explains the distinction so you can choose compatible files and tools.

Training and playback are different steps

Neural amp modeling uses recordings of a known input and the corresponding output from the target equipment. A training process fits a model to that relationship; a player then uses the exported model to process live audio. The capture setup and model format affect the result.

Loading a model does not mean the playback device can train a new capture. AIDA-X provides a separate model-training workflow. Its desktop player also includes cabinet-IR processing, and its project maintains a separate headless LV2 engine for embedded systems.

AIDA-X and NAM compatibility

AIDA-X and Neural Amp Modeler are separate projects. A model file for one engine should not be assumed to run in the other. Check the player, model architecture and file requirements before downloading a large library or buying hardware for a particular capture.

NAM Architecture 2 launched in June 2026. Each A2 model contains both Lite and Full modes, with Lite designed for efficient hardware playback. All 600,000+ amp and pedal NAM captures on TONE3000 have been retrained to A2, making the entire catalog compatible with Stratus in Lite mode.

What Nimbus supports now

Nimbus specifies native NAM A2-Lite playback without format conversion. One compatible NAM model can run at a time alongside effects and cabinet IRs. Current specifications also include 1024-sample IR support, 16GB onboard storage, 100W stereo amplification and a USB-C audio interface.

AI FX Builder serves a different purpose from amp capture playback. It generates custom effects from a description in the cloud, then delivers them for local processing. Nimbus includes 30 AI builds per month.

Start with a compatible model

Choose the player or hardware you intend to use.
Check its supported model format and architecture.
Choose a capture that suits your desired sound and follow its level guidance.
Add a cabinet IR if the capture needs one; avoid unintentionally applying cabinet simulation twice.
Save the resulting chain and test it at your intended monitoring level.

Nimbus is currently available for preorder. The Nimbus product page has current specifications, pricing and delivery estimates.

Sources: Official AIDA-X project and manual; NAM A2 release announcement; current Nimbus specifications.