AIDA-X

Overview

AIDA-X is an AI amp model player for loading and playing models of music gear, with its primary focus on high-fidelity amplifier simulation. It is made by Aida DSP, a Turin-based startup working in digital audio processing and offering products and consulting services.

The software comes as a desktop plugin, a standalone app and an experimental browser version. Its LV2 headless engine is also intended for embedded systems. The project is licensed under GPL-3.0-or-later and directs users to the MOD Forum’s Neural Modelling section to discuss the software and share amp models.

For a broader look at this category, see our Guitar Amp Software list.

Key features

AIDA-X can run signal chains that bring together amp and cabinet models with distortion, drive, fuzz, boost and EQ. The cabinet simulator sits after the amp model and loads impulse responses in WAV or FLAC format.

The plugin includes input and output meters, bypass and input-level controls, EQ tone controls, and output-level adjustment. Desktop plugin formats include CLAP, LV2, VST2 and VST3, and the software can also run standalone.

AIDA-X Online works in WebAssembly-capable browsers and is described as otherwise fully functional and identical to the desktop edition. Users can load their own amp models and cabinet IR files, but the browser version has no audio input; it uses a selection of preloaded guitar loops instead.

The maker links an online trainer for creating JSON models, a process that requires neural-network training. The LV2 headless version is optimized for embedded systems such as MOD Dwarf, Raspberry Pi, Portenta-X8 and Aida DSP OS.

Pricing

AIDA-X is free. The project lists a free plan.

Platforms

Desktop installers are available for Windows and macOS, while Linux users can get binary tarballs. The desktop builds are unsigned and may trigger warnings that they come from an untrusted developer, particularly on macOS.

The standalone app connects to the system-default audio device and currently has no option to choose another input or output device. The browser version requires a WebAssembly-capable browser and uses preset guitar loops rather than live audio input.

Who it's for

AIDA-X is suited to musicians looking to play amp models in a plugin or standalone setup, and to users who want to explore amp and cabinet combinations with additional drive, distortion and EQ stages. The online version offers a way to try the software with supplied guitar loops, while model loading supports users with their own amp models and cabinet IRs.

Its embedded LV2 engine may also suit people working with the listed supported systems. Those who want to create models should account for the neural-network training required by the linked trainer.

Pros and cons

• Pros: Free to use; supports CLAP, LV2, VST2 and VST3 as well as standalone operation; cabinet IR support includes WAV and FLAC; browser version allows loading personal models and IRs.
• Cons: The browser version does not accept audio input; standalone operation is limited to the system-default audio device; unsigned desktop builds can prompt security warnings.

Alternatives

Other options in this category include Amp Locker, GENOME, IK Multimedia ReSing, Neural Amp Modeler, Amped, Amplifikation 360, Helix Stadium Native and AmpForge.

Verdict

AIDA-X brings amp-model playback, cabinet impulse responses and several plugin formats together in a free package with desktop, browser and embedded-system options. Its practical fit depends on the setup: the browser edition relies on preset loops instead of audio input, while the standalone app cannot select an alternative audio device. Unsigned desktop builds may also require users to address operating-system warnings before opening them.