This is the controversial one. IK Multimedia’s ToneX is a commercial product, but they offer a (Custom Shop) version for free. The free version allows you to play unlimited user-generated neural captures, but you cannot capture your own hardware. Because the user base is huge, you can find captures of vintage Dumbles, rare Diezels, and yes—captures of Neural DSP plugins themselves.
Leo clicked. No flashy graphics, just a download button for a plugin called
If you want high-end amp sims (not Neural DSP but comparable): free neural dsp plugin
The free CS version of TONEX includes drawn from 40 different amps and 20 pedals, plus unlimited downloads of user‑created Tone Models from ToneNET. While the full version is paid, the CS edition offers plenty to work with.
Every single plugin on the Neural DSP website comes with a 14-day free trial. This is the controversial one
The trials are not restricted. You get access to every amp, cab sim, pedal, and pre-programmed artist preset.
To answer your original query directly: The company does not operate a freemium model. Because the user base is huge, you can
During the trial period, you get access to everything: every amp model, every pedal effect, the full cab simulation suite, and all the post‑effects like delay, reverb, and compression. You can record with it, use it in your DAW, publish music made with it, and even use it for commercial projects if you wish. The trial exists primarily to ensure system compatibility before purchase, and Neural DSP encourages you to use it extensively.
Popular Archetype plugins to test during your trial include:
There are no feature restrictions; you get the full suite, all effects, and all presets for two full weeks. Here is how to legally and securely grab your trial: