VoLum is a free open-source guitar amp plugin designed for recording, practising and building complete guitar tones inside a DAW.
Based on Neural Amp Modeler technology, it includes 15 curated amplifiers, several speaker options, preamp pedals, modulation effects, delay, reverb and a Dual Amp mode. It is available as a VST3 plugin and standalone application for Windows and macOS.
A Complete Free Guitar Rig
Unlike a basic amp loader, VoLum provides a complete signal chain inside one interface. Guitarists can place effects before the amplifier, choose an amp and speaker configuration, then add delay, tremolo and reverb after the cabinet section.
The plugin is designed to deliver usable tones quickly without requiring producers to download hundreds of separate amp captures.
15 Included Guitar Amps
VoLum ships with 15 amp collections covering vintage, boutique and modern high-gain sounds.
The available models are based on amplifiers from brands and designs associated with Marshall, Orange, Soldano, Diezel, Fryette, Bad Cat and several boutique manufacturers.
Each amplifier includes several gain channels and four speaker modes:
- Direct amp output
- G12-style speaker
- G65-style speaker
- V30-style speaker
Built-In Guitar Effects
The preamp section includes compression, pitch processing and two slots for NAM-based drive pedal captures.
The Transpose effect can be used for virtual drop tunings or capo-style pitch changes, while the polyphonic Octaver can generate additional octave layers.
After the amp section, VoLum provides:
- Digital, analog and reverse delays
- Optical, bias and harmonic tremolo
- Hall and plate reverbs
- Shimmer and octave reverbs
Dual Amp Mode
Dual Amp mode allows two amplifiers to run simultaneously.
Each amp can be panned independently, making it possible to create wide rhythm guitar tones from a single recorded DI track. Polarity controls are also provided to help manage phase relationships between both amp paths.
This feature is useful for rock and metal guitar layering, but it can also combine a clean amp with a distorted model for more detailed tones.
Import Your Own NAM Models and IRs
VoLum is not limited to its factory collection. Producers can import their own Neural Amp Modeler captures, cabinet impulse responses and compatible pedal captures.
The plugin stores imported files inside a managed library, helping sessions remain organised even when the original source files are moved.
Useful Studio Tools
VoLum also includes a silent tuner and a metronome for practice and recording sessions.
Individual amp presets remember the complete signal chain, including amp settings, cabinet choice, pedals and post effects.
Compatibility
- Price: Free and open source
- Plugin format: VST3
- Standalone application: Included
- Operating systems: Windows and macOS
- Included amps: 15
- Custom NAM models: Supported
- Custom cabinet IRs: Supported
Logic Pro users should note that VoLum is currently supplied as VST3 rather than Audio Unit, so it will not appear directly inside Logic.
Installation Warning
The current builds may not yet be digitally signed. Windows SmartScreen or macOS Gatekeeper may therefore display a security warning during installation.
Download the plugin only from the official developer repository and use the stable release packages rather than experimental preview builds.
Final Verdict
VoLum is one of the most complete free guitar VST options available in 2026.
Its collection of neural amp models, built-in cabinets, pedals, pitch tools and post effects makes it suitable for clean guitars, classic rock, ambient textures and modern high-gain production.
The Dual Amp system and support for custom NAM captures also give experienced guitarists room to build more personal rigs.
It may not have the polished installer of a large commercial suite yet, but once loaded, it provides enough virtual equipment to make a physical pedalboard feel slightly nervous.
Download VoLum from the official developer repository:
https://github.com/guitarlum/VoLum/releases
