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All three capture systems sound excellent, so the best choice depends on hardware and cost. NAM is free and open, and it’s best on a computer. ToneX offers the best-value pedals, starting with the TONEX One. Quad Cortex suits gigging players who want captures and full effects in one touchscreen floor unit.
Capture technology is the hottest topic in digital tone, and our guitar amp modeling guide explains how it differs from classic circuit modeling. This article goes head to head: NAM vs ToneX vs Neural DSP’s Quad Cortex Neural Capture.
If you’re brand new to NAM, start with our Neural Amp Modeler guide. If you already know you want a pedal, jump to best amp modeler pedals.
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NAM vs ToneX vs Quad Cortex at a Glance
| Feature | NAM (A2) | IK Multimedia ToneX | Neural DSP Quad Cortex |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Open-source neural capture | Proprietary AI capture (“Tone Models”) | Proprietary Neural Capture plus amp models |
| Software cost | Free | Free tier; paid editions | Included with hardware |
| Cheapest hardware | Budget pedals with native A2 still arriving; HeadRush floor units support A2 | TONEX One mini pedal | Quad Cortex (Nano Cortex is the smaller model) |
| Capture your own amp | Yes, free (TONE3000 or local trainer) | Yes, in ToneX software | Yes, on the device |
| Library | TONE3000, huge and free | ToneNET, large | Cortex Cloud, large |
| File portability | Any NAM-compatible host | ToneX ecosystem only | Neural DSP ecosystem only |
| Built-in effects | Depends on host | Limited on pedals | Full multi-effects |
| Best for | Computer users, tinkerers | Pedalboard players on a budget | Gigging pros |
How Each System Works: NAM vs ToneX vs Neural Capture
All three use machine learning. You send a test signal through real gear, record the result, and train a model to predict the output from the input. The differences are in the model design, the training process and, above all, where the result can run. Amp-only captures need a cabinet after them, so read our guide to guitar cab IRs.
- NAM is open source under the MIT license. Its A2 architecture, released in June 2026, runs as A2-Full on computers and A2-Lite on embedded chips.
- ToneX is IK Multimedia’s system. Captures are called Tone Models, and they run in the ToneX software and on the TONEX One, TONEX Pedal and TONEX Plug hardware. See IK Multimedia’s ToneX page.
- Neural Capture is Neural DSP’s system on the Quad Cortex. You capture straight on the device, and the results live alongside Neural DSP’s component-modeled amps.
NAM vs ToneX: Accuracy, Cost and Workflow
For most players, NAM vs ToneX comes down to computer versus pedal.
Accuracy
In March 2026, TONE3000 ran both measured-error tests and a MUSHRA blind listening test with more than 1,000 participants. It reported that NAM A2-Full beat Neural DSP’s Neural Capture V2, ToneX V2 and Line 6 Proxy “by a wide margin”, and that A2-Lite also beat them. The test code and raw ratings are published on GitHub, which is unusually transparent.
There’s an important caveat. The test was run by TONE3000, a company that co-developed A2. Public “blind tests” in this market are almost always run by a vendor or an influencer with an affiliation. Treat any NAM vs ToneX shootout as a useful data point rather than a verdict, and trust your own ears with your own guitar.
Cost
On cost, NAM vs ToneX is lopsided. NAM is free, including the plugin, the trainer and most captures. ToneX has a free ToneX CS software tier and paid SE and MAX editions. Its hardware is the cheapest dedicated capture gear you can buy, starting with the TONEX One.
Workflow
In the NAM vs ToneX workflow comparison, ToneX’s desktop editor and ToneNET library make it easy to audition and load tones on the pedal. NAM’s workflow depends on the host. The free TONE3000 plugin lets you browse the library inside your DAW. On hardware, NAM support is still rolling out, and TONE3000 expects broad A2 support by the end of 2026.
ToneX vs Quad Cortex
ToneX vs Quad Cortex isn’t really a like-for-like comparison. ToneX is primarily an amp-capture system with modest effects, while the Quad Cortex is a complete touchscreen multi-effects unit that also captures.
| Factor | ToneX (TONEX One / Pedal) | Quad Cortex |
|---|---|---|
| Price tier | Budget to mid | Premium |
| Footprint | Mini or small pedal | Compact floorboard |
| Effects | Compressor, EQ, gate, reverb, modulation and delay (varies by unit) | Full library of effects |
| Routing | Simple | Up to four parallel rows, FX loops |
| Capturing | Via software and computer | On the device |
| Best for | Adding real-amp tones to a pedalboard | Replacing a whole rig |
If you already have pedals you love, a TONEX One or TONEX Pedal at the end of your board makes sense. If you want one unit that replaces your amp, pedalboard and DI, the Quad Cortex earns its price. Want amps and effects in one box for less? Compare the best multi-effects pedals.
Neural Capture vs NAM
Neural capture vs NAM is the closest technical match-up, because both are neural networks aiming for the same goal. The real differences are practical:
- Openness: NAM files work in any NAM host, while Neural Capture files work only on Neural DSP hardware.
- Hardware: Neural Capture runs on a polished, touring-proven floor unit. NAM hardware support is newer and growing.
- Capturing: Quad Cortex captures in a few minutes on the device. NAM capture requires recording a sweep and training, either on TONE3000’s servers or on your own computer.
- Cost: NAM costs nothing, while Neural Capture requires a Quad Cortex.
NAM vs ToneX vs Quad Cortex: Which Should You Choose?
| If you… | Choose |
|---|---|
| Record at home on a computer | NAM (free) |
| Want real-amp tones on a pedalboard for under $200 | ToneX (TONEX One) |
| Gig and want one box for everything | Quad Cortex |
| Want your tones to be portable between brands | NAM |
| Hate computers | Quad Cortex or a TONEX pedal |
1. IK Multimedia TONEX One – The cheapest way into ToneX hardware
The TONEX One holds 20 Tone Models in a mini pedal. It’s the best-selling way to run ToneX captures on a pedalboard.
Pros: Compact; Huge library. Cons: Fiddly onboard editing.
IK Multimedia TONEX One: Check price on Amazon
2. IK Multimedia TONEX Pedal – ToneX with footswitched presets
The full TONEX Pedal adds three footswitches, more onboard knobs and 150 preset slots, which makes it easier to use live than the One.
Pros: Easy live switching; Hands-on knobs. Cons: Limited effects compared with multi-FX units.
IK Multimedia TONEX Pedal: Check price on Amazon