ZOOM has announced the NEURIG, a new guitar amp and effects processor designed for players who want a wide range of sounds in one device.
It combines amp modelling, effects, cabinet simulations and neural modelling technology. It also includes a rechargeable battery, touchscreens and features for home practice and recording.
The NEURIG is scheduled for release in Japan in early November 2026. Here is what guitarists should know about it.
What Is the ZOOM NEURIG?
The ZOOM NEURIG is a multi-effects processor for electric guitar. You can use it to create different guitar tones without needing a collection of physical pedals and amplifiers.
It includes amp models, drive effects, modulation, delay, reverb and other effects. You can combine these to create sounds for different styles of music.
You can connect it to a guitar amplifier, headphones or a computer. This makes it suitable for home practice, recording and live setups.
What Is the DNA Engine?
One of the main features of the NEURIG is ZOOM's new DNA Engine.
Traditional amp modelling recreates the sound and behaviour of an amplifier using digital processing. Neural modelling can learn the way real equipment responds to different playing conditions.
ZOOM says its DNA Engine models how an amplifier responds when you change controls such as gain and EQ. It is also designed to respond to changes in your picking and playing dynamics.
This means the sound can change as you adjust the controls or play harder and softer.
The NEURIG includes 30 DNA amp and drive models. These cover a range of amplifier and overdrive sounds.
![ZOOM NEURIG [Amp & Effects Neural Modeler for Guitar]｜ミュージックランドKEY](https://musiclandkey.fs-storage.jp/fs2cabinet/zoo/zoom-neurig/zoom-neurig-m-05-dl.jpg)
What Effects Are Included?
The NEURIG comes with 213 effect and modelling types in total.
These include:
- 30 DNA amp and drive models
- 22 multi-layer cabinet impulse responses
- 22 additional amp models
- 139 effects
- A built-in tuner
- A 45-second looper
You can use up to 14 effects at the same time. The signal chain can also be arranged in series, parallel or split configurations.
This gives you plenty of options for creating different guitar tones.
What Is the RIG Feature?
The NEURIG has a feature called RIG, which lets you build virtual pedalboards.
Each RIG can store four different sounds. You can switch between them without having to rebuild your entire effects chain.
The unit can store up to 200 RIGs and includes 300 preset sounds.
This can be useful for live performances. For example, you could set up separate sounds for clean rhythm, overdrive, heavy distortion and lead guitar, then switch between them as needed.
Can You Use the NEURIG for Recording?
Yes. The NEURIG has a USB audio interface that supports 48 kHz and 32-bit float audio.
You can connect it to a compatible computer or smartphone for recording. This makes it useful for home studios and guitarists who want to record without placing a microphone in front of an amplifier.
It also supports impulse responses, or IRs. These are used to recreate the sound of different speaker cabinets.
You can load up to 50 IR files, with a maximum resolution of 2048 samples.
This gives you more options for shaping your recorded guitar sound.
What Are the AI Features?
The NEURIG connects to ZOOM's SessionZ Pedal cloud service through built-in Wi-Fi.
The planned features include AI-assisted tone creation, playing along with YouTube songs and AI stem separation.
AI stem separation can help separate parts of a song, such as vocals, drums and instruments. This can make it easier to practise along with specific parts of a track.
Some features are scheduled to arrive after the initial product launch. Amp and drive capture, along with a store for purchasing DNA models, are planned for December 2026. A sound-sharing feature is planned for spring 2027.
These release dates may change, and the availability of individual features should be checked with ZOOM.
Can You Use It Without a Power Adapter?
Yes. The NEURIG has a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that provides up to approximately 4.5 hours of operation.
You can also power it through USB or use a compatible USB power adapter rated at 10W or more.
This makes it useful for practice away from a power socket, although battery life may vary depending on use.
The unit weighs approximately 850g and has a metal body. Its compact design makes it suitable for carrying in a guitar bag or gig bag.
What Other Connections Does It Have?
The NEURIG includes several connections for building a guitar setup.
These include:
- Guitar input and main outputs
- Send and return connections for external effects
- MIDI input and output through 3.5mm TRS connections
- USB audio connectivity
- Bluetooth audio for playing music from a compatible phone
- Connections for four-cable-method setups
The four-cable method lets you connect the processor to an amplifier's effects loop. This can help you use selected effects before or after the amplifier's preamp.
Check the manual and cable requirements before connecting it to your own equipment.
How Much Does the ZOOM NEURIG Cost?
ZOOM's Japanese store price is ¥47,800. The planned Japanese release is in early November 2026.
An official Malaysian retail price and local availability should be confirmed with the relevant distributor or retailer.
If you are considering buying one, it is worth checking what is included in the initial release and which cloud features will become available later.
Is the ZOOM NEURIG Worth Considering?
The NEURIG may interest guitarists who want amp modelling, effects, recording features and flexible routing in one unit.
It could be useful for home recording, practice, rehearsals and live performances. The rechargeable battery and compact body are additional benefits for players who need a portable setup.
Its DNA Engine and planned AI features are also worth watching. However, sound quality and ease of use are best judged by trying the unit and comparing it with other processors in the same price range.
Final Thoughts
The ZOOM NEURIG brings together amp modelling, effects, IR loading, recording and practice features in one compact processor.
Its DNA Engine is designed to reproduce how amplifiers respond to changes in playing and control settings. The RIG feature makes it possible to organise multiple sounds, while USB recording and Bluetooth audio add useful options for home use.
With several cloud features planned after launch, the NEURIG is a product worth following as more details become available.
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