What is Proteus?
Proteus is a guitar amp and pedal plugin from the GuitarML project. Instead of modelling circuits with traditional code, it uses neural network models trained on recordings of real gear. You load a model, feed it a guitar signal, and the plugin reproduces the tonal character of the captured amp or pedal.
GuitarML is an open-source-minded project, so tools like this have been a popular way for home guitarists to get useful tone without paying for a large amp-sim suite. Confirm current versions, formats and licence terms on the official GuitarML page before you install.
Get it from the right place
Download Proteus only from the developer's official project page or repository. Unofficial mirrors can bundle unwanted software, and models shared on random sites may not be licensed for redistribution.
Before you plug in
Neural amp plugins need a clean, unprocessed guitar signal. That means an audio interface with an instrument input, or a direct box. Plugging a guitar straight into a laptop microphone jack will not work well.
- Use a Hi-Z instrument input on your interface.
- Set gain so the signal peaks around minus 12 dBFS on the input meter.
- Turn off any input monitoring effects that double the sound.
- Use a buffer size low enough to avoid noticeable delay, then raise it when mixing.
If levels are unfamiliar, our gain staging guide explains how to set input and output levels cleanly.
Loading models
- Insert Proteus on a guitar track in your DAW.
- Open the plugin and use the model selector to choose a tone model.
- Adjust the input gain until the amp reacts naturally to your playing.
- Set the tone controls, if present, after you have found a suitable gain level.
- Save the preset in your DAW so you can recall it.
Check the licence of any additional model you download; some are shared for personal use only.
Tone starting points
| Style | Model type | Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Clean or chime | Clean amp capture | Low input gain, gentle treble, light compression |
| Crunch rhythm | Overdriven amp | Medium gain, high-pass the DI at about 80 Hz |
| High gain | Distorted amp capture | Add a tight low cut, and use a noise gate |
| Solo | Pedal-style drive | Boost mids, add delay and reverb on sends |
Finishing the sound
A great amp model still needs a cabinet. Follow it with a cabinet or impulse response loader if the plugin does not include one. Pair the guitar with a bass that leaves space below 100 Hz, and use EQ to remove harshness around 3 to 5 kHz. Double-tracking rhythm guitars, panned left and right, creates the classic wide sound. For a free EQ or dynamics tool, see the 500 free VST plugins collection.
Performance tips
- Use a low buffer for tracking and raise it for mixing.
- Print a dry DI track so you can re-amp later.
- Use a noise gate before the amp for high-gain tones.
- Check CPU usage; neural models can be heavier than simple sims.
- Compare with a reference recording of your genre.
Common problems
If the tone sounds harsh, lower the input gain, check that the cabinet stage is present and reduce treble. If you hear noise, add a gate or use a shorter cable. If latency bothers you, check your interface's ASIO or Core Audio settings and reduce the buffer.
Key takeaways
- Proteus uses neural models to capture amps and pedals.
- Download only from official GuitarML sources.
- Set clean input levels and add a cab or IR.
- Check the licence of any extra models.
FAQ
Is Proteus free?
It has been offered free by its developer, but check the official page for the current licence and price.
Do I need an audio interface?
Yes, an interface with an instrument input gives the best results.
Can I use it in my DAW?
That depends on the plugin formats provided. Check the official download page.
Does it include a cabinet?
Check the official documentation. If not, add a cabinet or impulse response plugin after it.
Get Proteus from GuitarML
