How much do Neural DSP plugins cost and can I try them for free?
Updated
Neural DSP plugins are priced individually rather than by a single subscription rate, and each one includes a 14-day free trial. Based on the current listings on neuraldsp.com, you can expect to pay roughly €99–€169 per plugin depending on the title. EU and UK customers see VAT included in the listed price; US and international customers have taxes calculated at checkout. The trial is the main way to test a plugin before committing, and purchases go through Add to cart or Buy now, with a dealer finder available as an alternative.
Current plugin prices
These are the prices shown on the site at the time of writing:
| Plugin | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Archetype: John Mayer X | €169.00 | Compatible with Quad Cortex and Quad Cortex mini |
| Archetype: Misha Mansoor X | €125.00 | Compatible with Quad Cortex and Quad Cortex mini |
| Darkglass Ultimate | €99.00 | Desktop only (Windows and Mac) |
A few things worth noting from the listings:
- Tax treatment differs by region. For EU and UK customers, VAT is included in the displayed price. For US and international customers, taxes are calculated at checkout, so the final amount may be higher than the listed figure.
- Compatibility varies. Some plugins, like Archetype: John Mayer X and Archetype: Misha Mansoor X, are marked as compatible with Quad Cortex and Quad Cortex mini — you purchase a license and log in to your Neural DSP account on the device to unlock it. Others, like Darkglass Ultimate, are desktop only and will not be available on Quad Cortex devices.
- Darkglass Ultimate is described as a free update for existing users, which suggests owners of a prior Darkglass product may already have access. If that applies to you, check your account before buying.
Can you try before buying?
Yes. Each plugin listing includes a Free trial, described on the site as a 14-day free trial of any plugin. This is the most direct way to confirm a plugin works with your setup and sounds the way you expect before paying.
A practical approach:
- Pick the plugin you're considering and start the free trial.
- Run it in your actual signal chain — the guitar or bass you use, your interface, your DAW or device.
- Check the specific compatibility line on the product page if you plan to use it on Quad Cortex or Quad Cortex mini, since desktop-only titles won't transfer.
- If it fits, buy through Add to cart or Buy now, or use Find a dealer if you prefer a local retailer.
How to decide
- If you're unsure about a plugin, use the 14-day trial first — it costs nothing and answers the compatibility and tone questions directly.
- If you're outside the EU/UK, budget for tax on top of the listed price, since it's added at checkout.
- If you own a Quad Cortex or Quad Cortex mini, confirm the plugin is marked compatible before purchasing; desktop-only plugins won't run on the hardware.
- If you'd rather buy in person or locally, the site's Find a dealer option points you to retailers.
Prices and compatibility are set by Neural DSP and can change, so verify the current figure and compatibility note on the product page before completing a purchase.