The Archetype Cory Wong X by Neural DSP plugin is the latest software amp and effect rig emulation to receive the ‘X’ update, adding new features to this already well-specified bundle.
Archetype Cory Wong X by Neural DSP
The Neural DSP Archetype Cory Wong X plugin is already a fan favorite with guitarists, as it contains some stunning clean and pushed clean tones. The plugin includes a host of gear, all designed to help you create some of the best clean and slightly overdriven guitar tones and capture them within your DAW of choice.
Neural DSP was kind enough to send us the newly updated software, which we checked out on our Mac Apple Silicon systems with Logic as our DAW.
Existing owners are eligible for a free upgrade. Neural DSP has added some excellent new features, including the Room Reverb and other helpful tweaks to the already well-specified plugin suite.
If you are a fan of Cory Wong or need a phenomenal clean tone, this is a plugin you’ll want to check out.

Cory’s Effects
A meticulously crafted wah pedal that captures Cory’s signature sound. Map a MIDI expression pedal for precise control over the sweep, or enable auto-wah for non-stop, funky goodness.

Auto Wah
This effect is a lot of fun, and there is also an Auto Wah setting to be used without a MIDI controller. Cory is known for using the wah pedal, and his new signature wah pedal was only recently released.
Pre-Effect Powerhouse
- The Postal Service: A versatile envelope filter that’s easy to dial in.
- The 4th Position Compressor: Add squish and punch like never before.
- The Tuber: A modded classic that breathes life into your tube amp.
- The Big Rig Overdrive: Unleash heavy, saturated tones.

Post Effects
The onboard 9-band graphic equalizer is perfect for tweaking the signal, helping it fit nicely within a song, and tailoring the overall guitar tone.
The post-effects section also features three pedal emulations:
- The 80s: A lush, shimmering vintage chorus that evokes the sound of the 80s.
- Delay-y-y: Inspired by analog circuits, this BBD delay engine delivers warm, beautiful repetitions.
- The Wash: A powerful reverb stompbox with a Shimmer switch for dreamy, immersive soundscapes.

The Amps
Here is a short overview of the amplifiers included in the collection. Each has its voice; once combined with the various cabinets, they can be easily tweaked.
They are neatly laid out; we found them all extremely easy to use. If you aren’t sure where to start, the included presets are an excellent way to get started.

D.I. Funk Console: Your Vintage Tone Toolbox
Recapture the classic “bubble tone” with the D.I. Funk Console. This analog-inspired channel strip offers:
- Tube Saturation: Add warmth and grit to your sound.
- Powerful Compressor: Control dynamics and sustain.
- Flexible EQ: Shape your tone with precision.
- High-Pass and Low-Pass Filters: Fine-tune your frequency response.
No Cabinet Required: Direct your signal for a vintage sound or bypass the console to add color to your DI.

The Clean Machine: Crystal-Clear Clarity
Inspired by the best clean amps, this amp delivers:
- Crisp, Clean Tones: Perfect for pristine soundscapes.
- Warm Top End: Add richness and character to your signal.
- Versatile Controls: Customize your sound to perfection.

The Amp Snob: Rare Tone, Reimagined
Experience the legendary sound of a rare amplifier:
- Crystal-Clear Clean Tones: At lower gain settings.
- Iconic Edge of Breakup: Crank the gain for classic rock tones.
- Tube Power Amp: Smooth out transients and add warmth.
- Dynamic Response: Perfect for expressive playing.
Link/Unlink
This unique control lets you pair each head with its matched cabinet or explore different tonal combinations by interchanging them. Having more control over virtual amp rigs is where this plugin excels, as it allows the user to experiment with the software.
Overall, we like this plugin’s ability to allow us to focus on playing without constantly switching between different plugins within a signal chain.
Cabsims
The Neural DSP engineers have developed a comprehensive and adaptive cabinet simulation module featuring six virtual microphones that can be positioned around the speakers.
The cabsim includes 108 IRs per cab, totaling 324 IRs captured by Adam “Nolly” Getgood. This module also functions as a standard loader for custom impulse response files.
Experimenting with microphone positions yields impressive results. The plugin’s super clean layout makes it easy to navigate, which helps when tweaking the cabinet tones.
These features are compatible with both mono and stereo configurations. Stereo configurations allow for the addition of a second microphone with complete control over panning, level, phase, position, and distance, offering limitless sonic possibilities.
Room Reverb
The new Room Send control in the cabsim module introduces a subtle room reverb effect, adding natural depth to your sound. We found this subtle yet effective when getting our guitar to sit well in the mix, and it certainly makes the software even more usable.

Transpose & Doubler
The new Transpose and Doubler are both easy to use and allow some handy studio tricks to be achieved. They have also added a Tuner and a Metronome to the software, which aligns it with their other X recent updates.
Transpose: You can easily adjust your guitar’s tuning by shifting the pitch up or down by a specific number of semitones (+12 to -12).
Doubler: Create a broader, more immersive sound by projecting your signal into a simulated stereo field, mimicking the effect of double-tracking.
Guitar Bomb Verdict
Neural DSP has updated the Cory Wong plugin and added many tweaks, aligning it with their software guitar rig emulations. Don’t write this off as just a plugin for funk cleans; it can do that pushed edge of breakup tone amazingly well.
It achieves studio-quality results at home, removes much of the complexity of recording, and makes it far more accessible to anyone who wants to record great guitar tones.
The software runs in 64-bit VST2 / VST3 / AU / AAX and Standalone. The plugin is compatible with Windows and Mac, including Native Apple Silicon. To run the package, you will need a free iLok License Manager and iLok account.
The software is a free update for existing owners, and a free trial is available.
MSRP – €139
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