Walrus ACS-1 Initial Impressions. How does it stack up to the Iridium and the HX Stomp?

[@JCookston1304]

I have an ACS1, Iridium and Hx Stomp. To me the ACS1 feels like a real amp. The iridium sounds like a perfect recording of an amp. The HX Stomp just had the audio updated on 3.10 update. The ACS1 is on my board the iridium is in the drawer for now. I constantly test them against each other wanting the iridium to win but the ACS1 always wins to me. I use the HX Stomp for effects.

[@johnnywhyayou]

I also brought the ACS 1 after listening to a lot of demos. ACS 1 sounds like a real amp with me in the room. may I ask how you run your HX stomp with your ACS 1? in the loop? I am thinking about getting the stomp XL for effects and run it stereo into the ACS1 at the end.

[@wouterdevroe721]

How do you compare the HX stomp to the ACS1 concerning sound quality of the amp models? I have heard great things on how the ACS1 (and Iridium) takes effects pedals, specially fuzz pedals. Don’t hear a lot of testimonials on how good the HX Stomp takes fuzzes.

[@jimsalman7257]

I bought your IR pack for Iridium several weeks ago. Huge improvement over the Factory IRS it came with. Thank you!

[@rickstarnes4994]

Great review! Your lighting is really good. Well placed lighting is the key to good video production.

[@MichaelWWestbrook]

Thanks!

[@themorinsteph]

Great review. As you said, I think there is no wrong answer. I bought a Strymon Iridium for tone (I think it sounded a bit 'bigger' than the Walrus) and versatility, without having to spend hours/days on a Helix to get to the tones I like (Helix offers many more options, but you have to spend a lot more time on it). There are so many great options for everyone these days.

[@mickymalibu]

The fact you can blend 2 different amps gets the win for the Walrus for me over the Iridium especially if you are looking to use it as a pedal platform. Where it’s not important to have more gain built in.

[@ZachariahConnor]

I would love to see updated thoughts on the ACS-1! Great video

[@theaaronimal]

Great honest review! I’ve owned both Iridium and the ACS1. I like the Iridium better for the reasons you laid out 🙌🏼

[@KunchangLeeMusic]

Love the honest reviews

[@MichaelWWestbrook]

Thanks!

[@noxtuboid1840]

"Feels and sounds like a real amp" - That above all is exactly what sold me on the ACS1. That and the two amp capabilities. Nothing against the Strymon.

[@MichaelWWestbrook]

Yeah I get that for sure. It does feel more natural for sure!

[@jesperchristensen1346]

Interesting perspectives on the differences between the three primary choices for amp-in-box-pedals. I’ve personally settled on a setup with the Iridium (as well as a Flint and a Deco) in the FX loop of my HX Stomp. That way I can use the Iridium as either an amp or for IR’s only with the HX Stomp providing the amp - freeing up some DSP on the HX Stomp.

[@MichaelWWestbrook]

Thanks! Yeah, I think that’s a great way to set up the HX/Iridium for some cool options.

[@CraigRMerriman]

Thanks Michael! That does have a nice sound. I'm off in another direction (for now 🙂).

[@AndrewWisler]

Interesting comments that this pedal is more raw than the Iridium - from recordings, I had the opposite impression, that the ACS1 sounds more processed / eq’d / mastered, and the Iridium sounds more like a mic’d amp signal before all of that was done to it. I use the Iridium, haven’t played this one in person, but I’m happy with the Strymon.

[@taurushamilton2739]

I agree with you! I haven’t used it live yet as an amp replacement FOH, but in the studio, the Iridium is the💣!🤘🏾 I did a session w another guitar player using a small Fender tube amp… the engineer could not tell the difference, and the Iridium signal was less noisy than his amp. Go figure 🤣🤣 Strymon 4 the win. To each his own, rock on gents🤘🏾

[@Glicksman1]

I'm currently considering purchasing an Iridium, a Walrus ACS-1, or one of the new UA-FX pedals. I don't play out anymore (it was always a mater of getting paid to pack up my stuff, lug it to the gig, unpack it, set it up and then the reverse afterwards. I played the music for free), but I do play online with a few guys on JamKazam, avoiding all that hard labour. My board has sufficient things on it to make my guitar reasonably convincingly sound like its coming from an amp (EQ, compression, etc.), but a really good amp simulator in addition would be cool, I think. What I don't want and have always hated is too many damn' knobs and switches on my gear. I'm not a keyboard player, after all. "Keep it simple, stupid" is for me. The Iridium has a lot of options and stuff and it's program requires much study and mental application. Not for me. I don't need 300 amps, etc. That's just built -in option paralysis. The Walrus seems simpler with three amps, etc., and has a headphone output jack. Now we're talking. The UAs have only one amp each, but three varieties of that amp. That's just as good, but no headphone jack. I don't need a lot of gain in the pedal, I have lots of OD pedals. I want the most authentic sounding and feeling amp simulation possible with as little hassle as possible. Too much to ask for? Maybe, but it's my precious 400 bucks! What do you think would be best?

[@picksalot1]

It does have a very pretty sound.

[@harleyosterlund5796]

I had giant hopes for the acs1. For starters this is a CLEAN guys amp for sure. It’s EXTREMELY spongy. It does FEEL excellent. I prefer a bit stiffer. The Amp Academy had the opposite problem I could not get that clean enough. The iridium should be here next week. I expect it’s going to sound just like a recording of a great amp and it’s going to feel stiffer And on the waiting list for the two notes ricochet that’s the one I think is the answer

[@Erickchicas]

so who is the winner?

[@harleyosterlund5796]

@@Erickchicas I finally got done fucking around and just bought a quad cortex and was done with it.

[@shawnmcgowanmusic]

Would love to hear how that Rhodes sounds with the ACS1 or Iridium. Have you tried this or any thoughts?

[@MichaelWWestbrook]

I haven't but I'm sure it would sound great esp. because it has a lot of head room but can get a little grit. That's typically the range I run my Rhodes so seems like a good fit.

[@CatharticGuitar]

Now it’s 2024, and the ACS1 V2 fixed the not-enough-gain issue. I think you can connect an older ACS1 to a computer and update it to a V2. I want one.

[@Upside_Down_Guitar_Guy]

I just came from Rabea's video, this thing is pretty darn impressive. Since I like to get all my gain from pedals, the high headroom (I'm a fender guy) wouldn't really bother me, but I know a lot of people go for Voxs/Vox models for their natural break up. It's a much cheaper alternative to the HX Stomp (which I have and love) if you just need amp and cab sims. The dedicated boost button is really cool, too. Since I've got the HX Stomp as the heart of my rig, I'm much happier with all the routing/FX Loop/Vocal PRocessing/Multi FX options it gives me. Keep it up, man. You sold me on the Lightspeed Organic Overdrive and have got me interested in Matchless amps.

[@MichaelWWestbrook]

Awesome! Thanks for watching!

[@danyil_reshetnikov]

Hi! What can you say about amps+cabs in HX Stomp compared to ACS1/Iridium/real amps?

[@michael_caz_nyc]

I want to go-direct-to P.A. and get a 65 Blackface Fender Princeton Reverb "Clean Sound" - (tired of lugging my amp) - looking at Walrus ACS1, Strymon Iridium, Two Notes, Quilter, DSM Humboldt Electronics Simplifier ??? - any input is greatly appreciated.

[@62strat27]

Hx stomp

[@MRxr400]

i use my amps overdrive alot, two channels. one pushed to the edge of break up, the other crunchy gain. i'd have to run an od pedal to use this live for similar purpose. that's not really a deal breaker. the pushed pedal on it's own is still a fair amount of drive. nice sounding, compact pedal. i like it

[@skaboosh]

Wouldn't the boost be useful for solos?

[@sboistan]

Have you tried the new firmware for the ACS? I've heard it improves it greatly (especially how it takes pedals).

[@MichaelWWestbrook]

I haven’t. I was borrowing the ACS-1 for this video but actually just happen to have another one currently. I’m going to check it out and try to do another video on it. I’m excited about it from what I’ve read. Looks like some great improvements!

[@dennisdavidson2468]

Your comment about the bypass switch brings up a good point about both the Iridium and the ACS1. I'm an Iridium user, btw. Do either of these pedals really need a bypass switch on the floor? Seems like the two available switches could be used for something else, while a bypass could be on a switch anywhere else on the pedal. Thoughts?

[@MichaelWWestbrook]

Yeah! Great point! I would rather see it as a switch rather than a foot switch. Then you can’t accidentally turn it off and you get another option. Gain boost or maybe an a/b of your preset? Maybe a preset button that cycles through 4 presets and each have an A/B option. Lots of better ways you could use 2 foot switches!

[@dennisdavidson2468]

@@MichaelWWestbrook Yes, the cycle through presets button! That would be super useful. I really need to try your IRs, btw. Dig your sound.

[@CBGypsy03]

I use the new simplifier Deluxe. They all sound damn good.

[@MichaelWWestbrook]

Haven’t had a chance to check that one out yet

[@mickkraviz]

Really interesting topic, I waited for this one! :D Hx Stomp all the way for me, but the Walrus looks awesome.

[@alexmasters23]

The Fullerton at 3 o'clock was surprisingly low gain. I think I get more gain out of my DRRi with volume at 3 using a P-90...

[@MichaelWWestbrook]

Totally! All of them are pretty low gain. That's my only real beef with it.

[@JustinZak7]

Love your content Michael! What is the guitar at 1:16?

[@MichaelWWestbrook]

It’s from Sugar Guitars. I’m actually doing a video on it very soon!

[@joshuabenton3785]

Really appreciated this review! Question: what pickups are in that black Tele??

[@MichaelWWestbrook]

Fralin %5 overwound - I think they call them Blues Specials

[@joshuabenton3785]

@@MichaelWWestbrook with uncovered neck? that is the one that caught my eye. very cool!

[@MichaelWWestbrook]

Yeah! Think they come that way stock

[@thekramer1097]

Hi, I want to get the ACS1 but I've read that it doesn't take high gain drive pedals well and given the cleanish nature of the pedal that would be a real shame. Is it true?

[@MichaelWWestbrook]

Not really sure, my time was limited and I don’t use a ton of gain typically.

[@christophersmith4391]

It absolutely does take high gain pedals well. You just have to dial in your EQ and it'll scream. I've used one weekly for live gigs since January and have been extremely pleased with how well it takes any pedal I throw at it.

[@mlapshin]

From what I hear on youtube reviews fender style amp clean sound is much better on a walrus. It also seems to handle pedals well. What else do you need? About to pull the trigger on a walrus product. Love strymon though.

[@defrigge]

How does the ACS1 Fender emulation (clean up to slight overdrive) sound with a Rhodes?

[@HanjoSynth]

Hi Michael! I stumbled upon your channel, great reviews and awesome tone! I was wondering did you ever explore AMT amp emulations? I discovered recently I find them a good cheap solution for going direct. Legend amp series 2 sound kind of awesome to me!

[@galihgori]

I dont care what the amp what the box what the pedal. You playing guitar really good bro.

[@An2oine]

I like the Iridium because it is more hot rodded.

[@MichaelWWestbrook]

Totally! Lots more gain on tap for sure!

[@VintageRadius]

Great video. Do you think the Stomp sounds as good when clean or semi-clean as the other two pedals? My gut tells me that you think not but with tweaking you can get close?

[@nicoscn1]

I've been testing this at my local store, I'm concern about the latency, very tiny, but enough to distract me, any ideas?

[@joshbabbitt9243]

Great sounds here, but I beg to say it's always gonna sound great coming from you. Gotta ask, what tele is the black tele, if I may?

[@MichaelWWestbrook]

Thanks! The Tele is a American Vintage Reissue. It’s got Fralin 5% overwound pickups in it. A touch hotter and darker than a stock Tele pickup that helps it match with other guitars a little better.

[@ryanwhite5482]

Does it do IR's only like the Iridium?

[@MichaelWWestbrook]

I don’t think so but I’m not totally sure to be honest.

[@ryanwhite5482]

@@MichaelWWestbrook I think this convinced me to get an Iridium. Or a second HX Stomp if I can make room

[@armandoribeiro918]

Y read a lot of reviews saiyng the two pedals doesnt take well high Gain pedals.. Is It true??? My interest in use them like plataform pedals.... Your feelings please! Thanks for the vídeo, And sorry: my english is a joke....

[@argensegweb2262]

I don' t know why no one is considering the neunaber neuron.... Do you know it??

[@MichaelWWestbrook]

I haven’t checked that out yet!

[@argensegweb2262]

@@MichaelWWestbrook same concept as walrus but: Only One extremely tweakable preamp. 6 or more presets. Built in one knob compressor and gate. Fixed Iconoclast speaker sim....worth a look...

[@KodyXXVll]

it’s not even stereo, much less able to send two completely separate amp and cab combinations out of either channel simultaneously. the iridium can’t even do that, that’s what pretty much sold me on the acs1.

[@ShreddingFinn]

MIDI was poorly implemented into the iridium, they should have some sort of software that lets you program patches and set them to specific PCs, I wonder if this is better

[@TheRedTele]

There's an iOS App which does a good job of patch management. Search for Iridium Controller on app store.

[@thebeggarsguild]

I've got that T-shirt! 🤘#Lucinda

[@NablusRain]

Most Comments are not in favor of the verdict

[@redcomn]

Then we have geneva v2 ac30

[@MichaelWWestbrook]

Yeah, haven't checked that one out.

[@TheJudy79]

Stomp all the way

[@LewWelchThePoet]

🤘👍🏿

[@WolfGuitarsandGear]

You said the iridium is deeper than the Iridium? Lol. No not a chance. You can argue you like the sounds of the Iridium better but that pedal does far less.

[@MichaelWWestbrook]

Not sure I said it was deeper exactly but it is more versatile. More gain on tap on all models and the ability to be used as just a cab/IR loader by turning the amp modeling off in my mind make the Iridium much more versatile. The boost and the 2 amp thing just don’t out way those 2 things for me (for reasons I stated in the video).

[@loopie007]

Michael, this is the first video you've done that I've been disappointed in. Is this a sponsored video or did you pay for everything yourself? Before telling us what you like and don't like, can we get a quick review of what the pedal does? Features, etc. Also, is a "cover band" a "fake band"? Were you playing "fake guitars"?

[@MichaelWWestbrook]

I get that, sorry you were disappointed and I do appreciate the feedback. I mention in the video I borrowed the pedal from a friend for only a very short time so not sponsored in any way. I will always mention and always tag a video as sponsored if so. I’ve only done a few sponsored videos and I generally talk about the specific circumstances around how they came to be (the end of the Celestion IR video is a good example of this).

[@loopie007]

@@MichaelWWestbrook Thanks for the reply, and I hope my criticism was positive. Love your stuff.