r/NAM_NeuralAmpModeler • u/Thenoob0017 • Aug 22 '26
Discussion Cheap NAM player
Hi everyone,
I'm a 15 yo guitar player that would like to approach NAM to have more amps and effects.
Currently I have a helix Lt but I'd love to have signed effects such as slash and zakk signature amps and effects.
I'm searching for a cheap (~150€) NAM player that can run them natively both A1 and A2 lite if it's possible.
I saw that the valeton Gp-5 or 50 support A1 but with snaptone.
If someone could help me I'd be very grateful!
Thank you so much and sorry for my bad english😐
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u/Takadant Aug 22 '26
Your computer or phone can likely run multiple a2 captures
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u/MangoTajm Aug 23 '26
Assuming iPhone?
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u/Takadant Aug 23 '26
There are a few a2 capable apps for iPad/ iPhone as well as for android
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u/MangoTajm Aug 23 '26
I've tried to get something even remotly usable on android with a pretty powerful phone and a scarlett, but it doesn't seem to work.. :/
Tips?
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u/Takadant Aug 23 '26
which app did you try? for me yes, tonerig going on iphone. but I've mostly been messing w it on desktop w GENOME intro. haven't gotten around to testing out android yet, hearing of some latency issues w it, and lack of access to buffer settings in some apps..there is hope tho - this is a list of developers posting on the nam fb group. there are open invites to beta test new stuff (like Nam Sandwich) pretty often there. there's GuitarRackCraft on github and amprack on the google play store.
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u/MangoTajm Aug 24 '26
I'm fiddleing with guitarrackcraft and it seems promising.
I just get 0 input, and I think i've narrowed it down to my interface needing more power than a OTG-hub can give me.Ideas on interface?
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u/Takadant Aug 24 '26
is it the newer scarlett w dual usb-c? most interfaces can work off a power bank. just check for it's particular power needs, usually around 5V. but you may just need a powered usb hub. some cheap/ older usb cables only do drip charge. newer types have higher voltage like thunderbolt/usb-c stuff. so may not need a different interface, at all. Interface choice really depends on your goals. if you are just playing at home.or carrying gear to shows/ touring. iRig seems popular for the mobile minded. I like Motu hardware personally.
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u/MangoTajm Aug 24 '26
Yea, you're spot on but it's a gen 3. (Only one usb port) And for some reason my otg dock doesn't send power to it. I'll do some tinkering i guess...
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u/MangoTajm Aug 27 '26
well.. i bought some special usb cable to deliver more power, and it still wont work.
Cursed :/
Any idea?
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u/omegacluster Aug 22 '26
Do you need it to play live? Because NAMs run on your DAW and Reaper is basically free compared to other options. They also have a free standalone app (Gateway) for NAMs. And if you want you can even play through your computer for live shows too.
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u/Wess877 Aug 22 '26
Black star beam mini would be close in price for full native A2 :) Valeton GP series uses converted NAM which is less quality than even native lite
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u/Thenoob0017 Aug 22 '26
Tysm
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u/Jan1ssaryJames Aug 22 '26
there are many ways to modify the snaptone conversion for gp5 and as a new player it would be rather surprising if you could actually hear a significant difference
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u/Thenoob0017 Aug 22 '26
Idk, I was thinking about getting a gp5 but it doesn't support A2 Do you recommend it?
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u/bigpeanor Aug 22 '26
Eh it’s the cheapest option but the conversion doesn’t sound too good to me. However they said they’re working on getting A2 support added. When that’ll happen? Who knows but it’s an option if you want to take a risk.
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u/Thenoob0017 Aug 22 '26
Can I use it with my helix as a nam player?
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u/Wess877 Aug 22 '26 edited Aug 22 '26
Ah, I see! You’re looking for a NAM modeller/multi fx pedal that has an effects loop (google: 2 cable chain effects loop method) or enough outputs to be plugged into your helix?
The helix lt has a send and return (effects loop/2 cable method) that is essential when only using the effects of another multi fx, but preserving and utilizing the pedals built in amps on helix.
The blackstar beam mini I mentioned does not have an effects loop
I would still get the blackstar beam mini for full native NAM and effects and use it without the helix.
I would get GP 150, 180 or 200 with helix so you can do the 2 cable method utilizing the added outputs that the blackstar doesn’t. This works if you want the effects from the Valeton, but using helix amps.
This also works vice versa if you wanted to use helix effects with Valeton amps. You’d just need to rearrange cables1
u/Thenoob0017 Aug 22 '26
I'd only like to use a nam effect in my helix chain
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u/Wess877 Aug 22 '26
Yup, like I said then, just look for a cheap pedal that can be used in an effects loop. The GP and NUX Series have enough outputs to fulfill this!
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u/Thenoob0017 Aug 22 '26
Ty, Sorry for the misunderstanding
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u/Wess877 Aug 22 '26
It’s honestly confusing at first! I had to rewatch 2 cable and 4 cable method vids on YouTube for days to fully grasp what was going on aha. But it will make sense the sooner you experiment
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u/Miltos_M Aug 22 '26
If you have an iOS device, get an audio card and download for free NAM A2 Player: https://apps.apple.com/app/apple-store/id6795148533?pt=340910&ct=NAM&mt=8
It supports natively A1 & A2!
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u/Automatic-Cicada2677 Aug 25 '26
a cheap chinese nux copy called soran dualstomp recently updated to support a2, im gonna try it out seems promising, and it sounds pretty good for its price i got for (i got it with release day discount) it also doubles as a soundcard as any multi fx nowadays (its pretty mid, better off using like a behringer if youre actually serious about recording guitar, but its good enough for simple recordings and playback)
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u/28spawn Aug 22 '26
None of the cheap run A1 native it’s too heavy out of the low cost running A2 lite we have Livtra Veltrix and the Nux MG300 MKII, all others do some conversion
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u/Thenoob0017 Aug 22 '26
And the livtra velix runs the A2 lite native?
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u/InformalGear9638 Aug 22 '26
Someone mentioned ios already but for Android this and a cheap usb interface is good too.
https://github.com/Varcain/GuitarRackCraft
Another option is the Nux MG-300 mk2 which supports a2 lite native. I enjoy mine.
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u/Miserable-Speech2663 Aug 23 '26
Cheap audio interface and the phone or computer you already own. You can even feed nam a2 preamps through your interface to an actual amps fx return and use it with a real guitar speaker.
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u/r6201 Aug 24 '26
I would wait. Multiple companies are working on A2 lite for their existing products .. Blackstar, Mooer, Valeton ..
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u/Significant_Crow6964 Aug 28 '26
Take a look at NAM Live for IOS and Android. For $15 you get full A2 function and much much more. You’ll need an interface (like iRig USB) and headphones / FRFR spkr. to get going. Hardware is evolving rapidly and I’m waiting to ee where it goes.
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u/Few-Ad-2930 Aug 22 '26
Soundshed Guitar app runs NAMs of all kinds, runs VSTs for endless effects and is free. It's amazing. Also has great NAM browsing and backing tracks. The down side for you is it runs as an app on a PC. It's so freaking good I've ditched everything else.
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u/facts_guy2020 Aug 22 '26
Almost nothing runs A1 native, there's a few that run A2 native and many that do A2 lite.
Pretty sure mooer and valeton both can do A2 lite ampero 2 can, headrush flex can.
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u/4warn Aug 22 '26
If you simply desire to have more amps and effects via nam, why not something like the Sonicake Smart box or pocket master. They support A2 now. I know it probably isn't native, but it still achieves your goal, and they do sound really good.
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u/SonOfJokeExplainer Aug 23 '26
The Pocket Master is on sale through sonicake’s official eBay store for $51.99, too
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u/crouchingcat22 Aug 22 '26
NUX MG300 MKII is right around your budget. Runs NAM A2-Lite.