brummer10/guitarix

What is Guitarix?

Guitarix is an open‑source, modular virtual guitar amplifier for Linux. It lets you build a custom amp chain by mixing pre‑amp/amp models, effects, speaker cabinet simulations, and impulse‑response files. The software can run as a standalone program, as a VST3 plugin, or as LV2 plugins that you can load into any compatible DAW.

How does it work?

1. Amp & pre‑amp models – Choose from built‑in models or load external model files:
   • .nam files – neural‑network‑based amp models from the Neural Amp Modeler project.
   • .json / .aidax files – models powered by the RTNeural inference library.
2. Effects chain – A large collection of effects (compression, distortion, modulation, reverb, delay, EQ, etc.) is bundled. Some emulate classic hardware (e.g., Ibanez Tube Screamer). You can also add any LADSPA or LV2 plugins you like.
3. Cabinet & IR support – Load your own impulse‑response files to shape the speaker sound.
4. Control – Use a MIDI controller or foot‑board to tweak parameters in real time.
5. Headless mode – Run on a Raspberry Pi or other low‑power device without a GUI, turning it into a dedicated amp modeler.

Why might you care?

• Low‑latency, Linux‑first: Designed for real‑time performance on Linux, making it a good choice for live playing or studio work.
• AI‑enhanced tones: By supporting Neural Amp Modeler and RTNeural models, Guitarix can reproduce the nuance of real hardware amps using machine‑learning‑based emulations.
• Flexibility: Works as a standalone app, a VST3 plugin, or LV2 plugins, so you can integrate it into any workflow.
• Deployable on tiny hardware: With Docker‑based GuitarixContainer, you can build an optimized, low‑latency version for devices like the Raspberry Pi.

How to get started (from the README)

# Clone the repo and fetch submodules
git clone https://github.com/brummer10/guitarix.git
cd guitarix
git submodule update --init --recursive

# Build (inside the 'trunk' directory)
cd trunk
./waf configure --prefix=/usr \
    --includeresampler --includeconvolver --optimization
./waf build
sudo ./waf install

You’ll need a set of development libraries (GTK‑3, JACK, Boost, Eigen, FFTW, etc.) listed under Dependencies.

Where to learn more?

• Documentation – The repo includes markdown overviews for the standalone app and LV2 plugins.
• Container deployment – See the separate GuitarixContainer repository for Docker build instructions and hardware‑specific optimizations.

---

All details above are taken directly from the project's README.