Lum has now released version 1.0 of its guitar amp simulator plugin, which is based on NAM (Neural Amp Modeler). VoLum offers the entire signal chain, including pre-amp pedals and post-amp effects.
A Reddit post dated April 10, 2026, announced the first release of VoLum. In it, Lum—or guitarlum (his Reddit username)—explains that he spent years fine-tuning his amplifier collection and then compiled it into the VoLum plugin as NAM Captures, including his favorite IRs.
Version 1.0 was released as early as May 17, 2026, which is the version we’ll be discussing here.
VoLum is an open-source guitar amp collection and, according to the GitHub page, is intended for use on stage, in the studio, and at the practice desk.
What is VoLum?
VoLum is a complete and self-contained guitar amp sim plugin. This means, on the one hand, that the plugin includes the entire signal chain with pre-amp, amp, cabinet, and post-amp sections. The entire system is based on NAM (Neural Amp Modeler). On the other hand, however, you cannot load your own NAM and IR (Impulse Response) files. The developer, guitarlum (or Lum), has incorporated his own preferred selection of amp heads and cabinets—including effects—into a single plugin.
Pre-Amp Section
The pre-amp section includes a compressor and two NAM pedal slots. For each slot, you can select one of the included NAM-based effects.
These are:
- Klon
- Klon
- PettyJohn Myth
- TS / Boot
- Halcyon TS
- Halcyon TS + Gain
- PettyJon Mash
- Distortion
- Reviral Drive
- Fuzz
- Fatbee
- PrettyJohn Nuke
- JHS Bender
Amp & Cabinet Section
Amps
The Amp Section includes 15 amps, each available in different gain levels. These are:
| Amp | Channels |
|---|---|
| Ampete One | 4 |
| Bad Cat Mini Cat | 3 |
| Brunetti XL 2 | 3 |
| Diezel Herbert Mk1 | 4 |
| Fryette Deliverance 120 | 2 |
| H&K TriAmp Mk2 | 6 |
| Lichtlaerm Prometheus | 3 |
| Marshall 2204 1982 | 6 |
| Marshall JMP 2203 1976 | 6 |
| Marshall JVM 210H OD1 | 6 |
| Orange OD120 1975 | 5 |
| Orange ORS100 1972 | 2 |
| Sebago Texas Flood | 2 |
| Soldano SLO100 | 3 |
| THC Sunset | 5 |
Standard parameters such as bass, mids, input, and output can be adjusted. There is also a noise gate. The individual gain levels of the NAMs are set via the channel selection.
Cabinets
There are three cabinets: G12, G65, and V30.
All amps, at all gain levels, can be freely combined with any of the three cabinets. The cabinet can also be disabled.
Dual Amp
With VoLum, you can also select two amp sets and pan one all the way to the left and the other all the way to the right. This creates a wide stereo sound.
Post-Amp Section
The post-amp section features a delay and a reverb.
Delay
With the delay, you can choose between:
- digital
- analog
- reverse
All standard parameters, such as feedback and mix, are adjustable.
Reverb
Der Reverb Effekt beinhaltet:
- Hall
- Plate
- Oktaverb
All standard parameters, such as mix and tone, are adjustable.
Compatibility and Availability
- Formats: Standalone, VST3
- Window and macOS
More Features
- tuner
- metronome
Conclusion
VoLum makes a very good impression in its first full version and delivers a really rich sound. With this plugin, you basically have everything you need for your guitar sound—and it’s all free in a lightweight package.
There are, however, a few things we’d like to see in future versions.
IR Loader
Since you can disable the cabinet, an IR loader for loading your own IRs would be a great addition.
Presets
Unfortunately, there’s no way to save a specific amp setup as a preset in the standalone mode. That’s definitely missing. Especially since the software is supposed to be designed for the stage, the studio, and the rehearsal room. You want to have your settings ready to go quickly.
MIDI Compatibility
Being able to use MIDI to at least turn one or two effects on or off would certainly be very useful for many users in the standalone mode. Maybe this will come in the future.
Design
The graphical interface looks like it’s from another era. You get the impression that this plugin is ancient. That’s a shame, because it doesn’t do the plugin justice. VoLum more than deserves to have something a bit more modern here.
Of course, all these requested changes could inadvertently bloat this lightweight plugin. That’s the downside, of course.
However, VoLum should definitely get a suitable design.
All in all: A very well-made guitar amp sim plugin based on NAM with excellent sound quality that’s quick and easy to use.
And it’s free.
Links
- Lum by GitHub
- download and release page by GitHub
- User Guide by GitHub
- Lum 1. release post by reddit
- Lum version 1.0. release post by reddit
- YouTube Channel guitarlum
- all News articles form Lum by guitar-sims.com
- all Software form Lum by guitar-sims.com