Should you buy a Strymon Iridium in 2021

For my Presets visit: johnnathancord... Strymon Iridium, still worth trying? I think for certain people, yep. For some, there might be some options that surfaced in 2020 that might also be an option, like the Two Notes Torpedo Captor X or the Vox Valvenergy Mystic Edge? Anyway...Some playing and tones - I reckon it's still a great piece of kit!
/ johnnathancordy - tabs and backing tracks go up here
www.buymeacoff... - if you like what I do and only if you wanted, you could buy me a coffee!

[@TheMadLicksBand]

It is an amazing piece of gear. Changed my life. Literally. Recorded 4 albums during quarantines.. Couldn't have done it without it. Sounds amazing just love it.

[@johnnathancordy]

That's awesome!!

[@chasknight2489]

Really enjoy your reviews, and your playing is an inspiration, wishing you well in 2021

[@johnnathancordy]

Oh thanks Chas!

[@alexmurphy5289]

I’m sorry to hear content has been tough to make..it’s so time consuming but we really appreciate your hard work and honesty!

[@jakollee]

Amazing opening track, the sound quality and playing are superb! That baritone Squire sounds so awesome! Also love the Fenton patch.

[@danielbertola7868]

Yes.

[@deyanangelovangelov7471]

Love the tone bro can we get skype lesson to help me out get closer to your tone? Regards

[@pauljsimpson7458]

Does Strymon have a shelf life or something? Seems to be the only brand that I see videos like this.

[@johnnathancordy]

I think the thing is that they historically haven't updated their firmware in the lifespan of their products - so like the Big Sky is moreorless exactly the same as when it launched, and the same for the Timeline - in the world of modelling I think we are a bit spoiled as other brands like Kemper, Fractal and Line 6 are bringing steady improvements over the years to their algorithms and products?

[@kingofthefountain3091]

What drum samples are these? I love that kick

[@makingmusiconline2309]

So, any thoughts on whether the NU>X MG-30 is any kind of cheaper Iridium replacement? Or is it more of an HX Stomp competitor?

[@montecoucou53]

After more than a year of daily use, I’m still in love with the Iridium. Sounds great to my ears and I dig its simplicity. It brings focus. I tried a Helix along the way, but I got lost in all the options and forgot to play guitar.

[@alexmurphy5289]

I find multi effects units and pedals are phenomenal early on to help find your tone but after that...simplicity is where it’s at. So many distractions already, I can’t stand complicated pedals anymore

[@CerealDust-nStuff]

Me too. If I spent as much time playing the Guitar as I do tweeking sound I’d be really good by now. Lulz 😂

[@rogerm7922]

My helix was on eBay after 3 months of hopelessly turning knobs .. now I just play the guitar … keep it simple , keep it real !

[@rhymeskill]

Hey man, your one of my favorite channels by far. It because if your playing, but because of your honesty and practicality. Most KZbin channels now are just infomercials. I think some music lessons would be huge, I’ve been trying to figure how you play some of your pets in the demos you do.

[@johnnathancordy]

Oh there's a "lessons and licks" playlist - most of that is hopefully useful? kzbin.info/aero/PLYZOek6kyOjocx1pt-TRS-l2r3tWV5GhC

[@dieg000n]

The only problem with the Iridium is not have a fx loop to add pedals after preamp drive and allow them to sound through the headphones... Besides that, its a killer unit

[@Margilio5150]

With those melodic lines, rhythm & phrasing you could do a “Should you buy a Digitech RP50 in 2021?” Video and it should go quite similar :)

[@johnnathancordy]

Checking eBay

[@SesVeriyorum]

I've been watching your iridium videos for about 1 year and finally decided to buy it. Which drive pedals would you recommend as an extra? Guitar: Fender American Standart Pedals: Wampler Ego Comp. / Corono Chorus / Collider Delay&Reverb / ISP Decimator G String

[@texasreddirt1408]

I stopped using my amps and other plugins after I got mine. It's simple, sounds great, doesn't require ear bleed volume, nobody knows the difference, and it doesn't weigh a ton.

[@james.tupper]

Any modern amp / cab sim is going to do a really good job in terms of sound. I've been doing a lot of extensive testing with the Iridium / Simplifier / Two-notes wall of sound lately and while each one has their own nuances in sound (like old tube amps), the one thing that is abundantly clear is that you should make a purchase based on FEATURES, not sound quality. Do not trust KZbin reviews when it comes to sound quality. There are just way too many variables that affect how you or the reviewer perceives the final sound. All of these amp / cab sim options can be tweaked to sound like each other. All of that being said, if you value build quality and simplicity, then feel free to buy an Iridium and don't look back.

[@neilslade]

Get rid of that ugly Fender sticker on the Tele- please :-)

[@andybell8501]

The best feature to me is when switching guitars live... one amp is set for a Strat/Tele and then I hit the favorite button to switch amps for a Gretsch. Totally different settings that work best for what I want in each guitar.

[@johnnathancordy]

Well that's quite a smart way to use that favourite button, sir!

[@calebmartin3294]

I do the same thing with my tele/strat and Gretsch!

[@christophersmith4391]

@johnnathancordy I have actually rebuilt my entire pedal board around the Iridium this year and have used it in dozens of gigs in the past 6 months (very lucky I'm in an area where we can still have live concerts). I have loads of pedals before it and then it runs through a Source Audio Collider, Strymon Flint and then a stereo Ditto looper - all ending with an under-mounted Pinstripe Pedals DISO+ DI that I route XLR to FOH, and sometimes will run a separate summed mix off of the 1/4 out for a stage monitor if I don't use IEMs. All that to say - even in a very complex setup the Iridium is the powerhouse behind my signal and it is absolutely still worth it in 2021.

[@jammer777]

I am still using mine after almost a year. It’s the best rig I’ve used in my many years of playing on worship teams. I go direct into the house. I use my favorite pedals with it and I am extremely satisfied and I’ve tried many setups including some very nice amps in the past!

[@tommckinley75]

Do you know that feeling, when you listen to a track that you never heard before and you find yourself breaking into a smile? That was me listening to your playing here, Jonathan. You have great feel, tone, expression, and phrasing in your playing. Thanks for sharing your skills with us all!

[@johnnathancordy]

Ah thanks chap!

[@perothing]

What a fantastic 'organic' sounding guitar player.

[@bluesyryan]

Sweet mercy that’s some incredible playing. I’m sold. Come back to the channel!!!

[@psneville]

If this year had been what I expected when I bought the Iridium, with gigs and jams and lots of live playing around and about, I imagine I’d still be enjoying it as a simple mobile option; but being only in home studio, I rediscovered my amps and an Ox, and have a hard time imagining when I would ever use the Iridium instead.

[@charlesycoker]

I just got one for direct recording. (primarily) last week and I was instantly able to get tones and FEEL under my fingers than with all the plugins I tried, all the different IRs, etc.. etc.. etc.. plus a year and a half on a HX Stomp. I spent hundreds of hours and the Iridium was better instantly for me. I really like all the amps and have experimented with some York IRs for a stereo spread. Works so good.

[@muse-mech-moda]

Sod the pedals - I come here for the music! I love, love, LOVE your tunes (and the playing :) )!

[@randomvariantguy6552]

I am enjoying my iridium too ~ Only hope strymon would launch a second generation to include more high gain amp heads

[@tricko2286]

Sold my Iridium. Was great but $100 too expensive & my tube amps just sound better to my ear. Revival drives are really expensive too IMO.

[@nlmal4]

Nope, sorry because of the price is to high

[@aleksandergrzybowski8899]

Yeah, just thought the same. I guess if one already has a big collection of favorite pedals and just needs an easy way to play DI, that's maybe an option to consider, but for everyone else, a bit more money gives you HX Stomp with like 1000x more features.

[@nlmal4]

@@aleksandergrzybowski8899 agree 100%

[@intheblink]

@@aleksandergrzybowski8899 I can see this perspective, but for some, I think the simplicity and the “being good at a small set of things” is the appeal of the Iridium. But if you’re starting from 0 and don’t mind a more complicated workflow to save cash, I can see going with the Helix stomp. I had the full Helix and just did not get on with the workflow. The Iridium is simple: a few knobs and switches. Just fits my “keep it simple” working style.

[@aleksandergrzybowski8899]

@@intheblink absolutely, whatever suits you. It's amazing to have so many options :)

[@christophersmith4391]

The Walrus Audio Ages drive sounds amazing through the Iridium, as does the Wampler Tumnus Deluxe. In fact both of those pedals stack extremely well running through the Chime setting.

[@john808welk]

I bought the iridium because of you and now the captor x. Now I can decide what to play since both options sound so good that I think I might switch back to drums to get my anger out.

[@johnnathancordy]

Ah I wish I had a drum kit

[@absolutevalue23]

i got mine a few months ago. i spent years and years trying to make a D.I. setup feel right. it was agonizing. iridium changed my life for real. i am still absolutely thrilled about it.

[@taurushamilton2739]

I love my Iridium! Great for recording as well as live w a DI box to FOH. The 3 way multi switch opens it up even more. I have it set up w a fender clean on the bypass rt switch, dirty Marshall on the left side (fav) and a Vox clean and dirty channel and clean Marshall on the Multi switch. The Vox dirty can be dimed out gain wise to generate some killer lead tones 4 sure! One can’t go wrong w this. It takes drive and Dist pedals well into the clean channel 💯🫡 I usually put my delay/ reverb post Iridium. ( a trick I learned from YOU lol ala emulating through the “effects loop” post Iridium. Great content and playing as usual 🤘🏾

[@saucemiller]

3:10-3:30 from endless triplets to 16ths to tapping was INSANE!! (Here from the UAFX vid you posted today)

[@jimmcdougall9973]

Darn! I would never had known. This guy’s better than John Cordy. Rock on new guy! I believe you’re singing for us tomorrow night 😬. Will the real John Cordy please stand up... Iridium never made it to our shores.

[@vvhh4284]

I got the Hx Stomp and am looking for a better preamp / amp sim to take fuzz and distortion pedals. Strymon was my next buy but the vox valvenergy seems also pretty good. Can you make a comparison between valvenergy and Strymon Iridium into the HX Stomp ? Maybe with a pedal in front of Iridium or Valvenergy. Cheers and as always, great content!

[@johnnathancordy]

I don't have any fuzz at the moment but I can do!

[@lucaszembrzuski]

Mine was starting to break, room knob was waking up the volume knob when i was on fav setting, and volume was jumping to the present setting, and it also just froze a few times, sound was working, but all knobs were not, after power reset it worked fine again, it's on the warranty service now. I have one of the first units sold in Europe so maybe it has some "childhood diseases", i hope they will fix it.. I was looking for something to replace it but i cannot find anything that sounds even close at the same price range, and i mean fender style to use with pedals. I will just probably stick with it and buy another one if it breaks.. it's just too good.. In the comparison with Iridium imho: - HX Stomp seems to sound like a multieffect unit, not so dynamic and feels compressed. Although with John's presets it's really great, but i don't want presets, just amp & pedals. - Walrus seems too bright and fizzy with pedals - Simplifier sounds like typical analog cab simulation, pedals become round sounding due to the typical hi-freq cut the analog cab sims do, which makes them all sound similar, something like phones output on my (btw awesome tubeless pedal platform combo) Boss Nextone - Boss IR-200, i cannot find any video test showing fender presets with pedals, but it seems like Boss just took a few models from their multieffect and made a iridium style unit, and that was not the point of the game, it was suppose to be a really high end amp emulation, that takes pedals well, not a GT-1000 without effects. Only thing that was comparable to me in this price range (not talking about Kempers, Axe's etc.) was using a real amp with Captor 8 and Wall Of Sound stereo ir's (Fender Super Champ X2, Blues Junior 4, Hot Rod Deluxe IV) but tube amps was getting too undependable and i don't know any amp tech in my city.. maybe i should go back to them since my Iridium broke, and i thought that high end electronic devices were more reliable.. Iridium has 3 things for it that make it best for me (apart from simplicity): - class-A JFET preamp circuit on input stage, which makes it react with pedals well and feel more analog than other all-digital units. - really good amp modeling with gain pot working from 0-70% normally and then working like it has a boost pedal in front of the cranked amp. - top notch ir technology 24/96 500ms and very low latency (im a latency snob, i really feel if it's longer than 2ms, no really, i even don't like to stand to far from my amp when i play live because it adds latency). I know that Boss IR-200 has 32 bits in the specs but amps are not so good (still looking for some test of "natural" and "twin" with pedals, maybe it's better that i think, i don't understand why Johnnathan made a whole video about ac30 preset when the clean fender setting with analog drive pedals is what he's after, just like he said in this video). I even used the frfr ir file from Strymon to send one output of my Iridium to Boss Nextone effects return and the other to my stereo effects and my pc, my amp sounded even better like that, btw a great in the room sounding wet/dry/wet setup here. I really hope they will fix it and send me some feedback about the repair, there is some time of the warranty left so i can always sell my unit and but a new one just to have 2 years more of the warranty.. but i hope i don't have to do this.

[@Kwaician]

Bro you are NASTY in the guitar 🎸 ooooooooooowwwwweeeeeeeeee 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@johnnytwo-shoes9798]

Did you outsource to Nicholas Cage? He has your style down pat. Just trying to bring the caged puns intro back ;)

[@Deep_Jimpact]

I have a tested IQ of 148. I’m not bragging or anything, I just want the masses to know and someone said this is where I would find them.

[@spharr]

Can't remember now if I come here for the music or these nuggets...

[@rafaelikenaga]

I wander about the Torpedo CAB M+, the "+" is a firmware update that adds a preamp (so it's a preamp sim i guess), how would that compare to the Iridium?

[@herzogsshoe9392]

I loved my Iridium but I ended up getting a Fender Tone Master Twin for various reasons. Now I use the Iridium in the IR only mode and stick the line out from the tone master into it. It's nice using the favourite switch to switch between different IRs on the fly.

[@WorshipGuitarLab]

Just got mine and was very skeptical at first! After trying it out in our church space, I couldn't be happier. Mine took the Timmy overdrive really well, even stacked with a Tube screamer for the rip mode. Also using the David Hisslop IR files for the Fender vintage 2x10 and Vox Greenback. THey sound soooooo good.

[@rangerdoc1029]

I sure hope it's worth it. I just bought one. Haven't even gotten it yet & I want to build a pair of el84 monoblocks for stereo hifi.

[@johnnathancordy]

I think you'll enjoy!!

[@jonah_hosea]

Sounds like a yes, bring Cordy back

[@stephanematis]

Another question for another video: should you own both a CAB M and Helix HX Stomp ... do they compliment each other enough ? And yes, I've been asking this from many and gotten no real answers.

[@markmoody3832]

Bring Cordy back! Love his vids and playing. The channel has become one of my favorites because of him.

[@MarinerEarendil]

John come back :) I really like the iridium (and especially the headphones output) but the absence of an fx loop kills the deal for me unfortunately. I''m thinking going towards the simplifier

[@wlawnsldj]

Definitely! I stopped bringing amps and I just find it a perfect solution for my rig. I tried doing an A/B comparison of the Iridium direct to a PA vs my Vox AC15 and I got it pretty close. I haven’t even delved into changing or loading IRs. I just used the stock ones.

[@johnnathancordy]

Same I've found that the stock cabs (or the included ones in the impulse manager) can cover a lot of ground, especially if you mix and match - I use the Ownhammer Dverb Warm Dk 112 cab on each of the amps and it sounds decent!

[@chrisfit]

It’s an amazing piece of kit, I just wish it were about $100 cheaper. Got a 2nd hand Pod Go on Monday. It’s perfect to me. I put my looper in the FX loop and it’s done. Nothing else needed.

[@Coastal-Sasquatch]

How does this sound in the headphone department?, I have a milkman the amp 50 it's and analogue amp Sim and it's not the greatest, I'm always traveling for work so would this be a better option

[@ScottJohnson-hi7vv]

John yes come back to the channel! I have learned lots from you and have made great strides in my guitar playing. Your channel has made the COVID isolation much easier and for that I am very grateful. Thanks to your Helix episodes I obtained both the native Helix software on my PC, and a stomp. Plus your tones on these that I got from you saved me hours of time and are excellent. Being an Eric Johnson fan as well, I have appreciated all of your triad teachings and am incorporating them in my playing. My favorite episode is your 2.5 minute playing on "This is definitely my favorite lead tone right now || line 6 helix", it sounds great. Godspeed to you ...

[@davidvillavieja2092]

I've been here at your channel since you released your first iridium video and it made me buy an iridium myself!

[@johnnathancordy]

Still got it? Hope you dig it!

[@davidvillavieja2092]

@@johnnathancordy yeah it's still in my main rig at church or when I practice.

[@shredaintdead9323]

Just got the iridium and absolutely love it. Great tones, so easy to tweak and get good sounds. Combined it with a riverside and it's a killer 4 channel amp set up! Killer tones!!

[@tomasmarques1851]

Come back to the channel John! ;) I discovered your channel through your first Iridium videos, got myself an Iridium, and kept coming back for the great playing and tone, for the lessons and the tabs at Patreon, and for the dogs ;) Not sure what you would real like to have for Christmas (maybe a 3rd K-Line?....) but I hope you get to 20k subscribers before the end of the year!!

[@dustunferren]

John! Please come back to the channel. We miss you!

[@troyhouse4852]

I still have my iridium. Use it at church and in my pedalboard bag as back up on gigs. I really enjoy your channel. Great content, keep up the great work !

[@galoserjemorales4190]

Come back to the channel man! Your videos were crucial in my decision making and now I'm a proud iridium owner :)

[@Jonathandavidk]

I’m still using it and it still sounds great for what I’m doing. At home I use it with a powercab and I’ve gotten sounds that were close enough for me to sell my tube amps. I like being able to change out individual pedals. I also like the idea that if the technology progresses, I only have to replace the iridium and not my entire board.

[@robertoruiz1924]

How do you use it with the power cab? Just plug in?

[@Jonathandavidk]

@@robertoruiz1924 not quite. A little setup is involved. The important thing with the powercab is that it needs to get a pretty hot signal without clipping. You’ll have to adjust your iridium and the input gain on the powercab to get things right. The powercab is expecting line level signal. I also am using the powercab’s built in speaker emulation and so on my iridium I have a “null” cab sim on the “C” setting of each of the three amp models. This lets me quickly shut off the cab sim portion of the iridium and dial in a sound. Lastly, you’ll need to change the low and high cuts. On something like the powercab’s “Jarvis” speaker I have my low cut set to 80 Hz and my high cut to 7KHz and it sounds great to me. I hope this is helpful.

[@Yezu808]

Liking yer content! Although I was wondering, how is the Cetiatone doing? Is it shelved amidst all the cabsims n Profiles or did you part ways with it? I ask because I'm considering getting an OTS50 head.. I personally use ALL signal chains(profiling,Mic-ed,Cab-simmed..), like yourself, but do you feel that profiling n modellers have made single tone amp heads ,like the OTS, a lil obsolete?

[@johnnathancordy]

the OTS has kind of 2 tones I think? The clean is lovely, the drive is a bit tricky to dial in. I moved the Ceriatone on when I got the Mesa Mark 3, as I feel like that can do very similar tones, but is a bit more versatile and was easier for me to get the tones I want, and has working volume knobs (i.e. can be quiet or loud or in between...)

[@Yezu808]

@@johnnathancordy Thanks 4 the reply! I see👍 Ya, I meant the OTS has a single sound unto itself, within the head, despite the 2 channels. Interesting. So is the Mark 3 a newer Mesa amp or a vintage? Simul Class or 100w? I've owned those too lol🤘😅

[@johnnathancordy]

@@Yezu808 mark 3 is from 1986!!! Simulclass yep

[@Yezu808]

@@johnnathancordy Right on! Yea, Simul is sweet n clean is creamy. Keep up the good playin n vids! Thanks for the good chat😉👍 Like the cut of yer jib, mate! Happy Holidays🎄🎉🎄🎉

[@Livelaughlimpbizkit]

I like mine but I just can’t get a good clean base tone out of it. I find the fender tone the only one I like. I think I should get some new IR’s the only one I like is the fender 1x12. I bought a blues deville yesterday as was missing a tube amp

[@intheblink]

Wow, great playing! Really beautiful work, man!

[@12vessels]

Joyo California is the best

[@TheMBunk]

I still love my iridium

[@mmmrbbb]

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE COME BACK JOHN CORDY!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@brucesguitardemos8197]

That was bloody awesome dude

[@almostliterally593]

What about Sansamp GT2

[@kmickp1166]

I’ve had my Iridium for a year now also & love it! I have it set up as you suggest with drive, boost & compression in front & delays, reverb & modulation after, splitting the signal into stereo then direct to the pa. What I have found is that my favourite settings are on the Vox simulation but the great thing for me is that different settings suit different rooms so you can swtch “amps” rather than just trying to use EQ to get the sound you want and it takes seconds to do so. So it’s a big thumbs up from me! 👍👍👍

[@johnnathancordy]

Yeh - I wish I had gig or two to give it more of a test

[@TheSyncopatedGuitar]

Expensive for what it offers. I have both the Iridium and the Hx Stomp and Line 6 offers so much compared to the Iridium. Option paralysis is not an issue for me. The Iridium is fine but overpriced in today's market.

[@johnnathancordy]

The HX Stomp is my go to 100%

[@jimberd]

Hey John, love your channel. Just got into modeling. Have you ever noticed that the iridium can sound a little dark or lifeless when listening with headphones? I’ve been having that issue a lot lately. For reference, I play through audio technica mt40x’s.

[@johnnathancordy]

I think the headphone output actually is kinda different to the main outs - Strymon themselves say something about this in either the manual or the Q&A - I've certainly had questions from folks who couldn't get the different outputs sounding the same, so you're not barking up the wrong tree

[@jimberd]

@@johnnathancordy I don’t know if it’s a powering thing or mine is just broken, but even in my interface with headphones it still just sounds really dull unless I play really hard lol. Seems like high output pickups make it open up or something. I’m still new to this so I’m definitely figuring it out. Thanks for the reply!

[@timothy5974]

Just really enjoy your playing. I have an old Pod 2.0 and I would like to see you review the NUX amp academy. It may be a budget option instead of HX stomp/Iridium?can John come back please? I like his playing better. 🤣

[@wouldoox8024]

If you had a stomp (I know u have it, but the scenario is you don't have iridium, but you do have stomp), would you even consider it?

[@ShreddingFinn]

I just bought one and now the stomp is free for nothing but effects, hx effects are as good as any and this amp modeling is as good as your kempers or axefxs

[@johnnathancordy]

Let me check I'm understanding correctly - I already have a stomp in this scenario, would I get an iridium? If that's the question, only if I felt like I was lacking something with the stomp? Or maybe wanted to off load the amp modelling to the iridium and save the stomp for effects?

[@wouldoox8024]

@@johnnathancordy Yeah, it is my situation, and while it is tempting to have iridium additionaly, to free up stomp, and have simpler "amp like" controls of an amp, I don't know if it is not overkill and GAS rabbit hole :D.

[@johnnathancordy]

@@wouldoox8024 yeh to be honest In this case if you're getting on with the stomp I'd probably use that money elsewhere

[@wouldoox8024]

@@johnnathancordy Yeah, and you know what? I'm getting Boss Rc 300 looper, just for the on the fly song creating. Thanks for your content dude, it is brilliant :). Cheers from Poland :)!

[@jeroenbos1126]

Nice delay!!!!!! Still cool after 25+ years..

[@liontone]

It has 3 fantastic models, and 96khz/500ms IR loading. Pretty future proof….

[@josephnaghwai]

Bring John back! Love the channel!

[@GitarrenimNetz]

come back!!!! - merry christmas

[@brianmankus6133]

You mentioned the vox pedal. I just bought the mystic edge pedal and I was wondering how it stacks up against the chime mode on the strymon

[@clintwhite3021]

Surely the future of these things will have one of those "Nu-Tube" things or a real tube in the preamp. To me the challenge must be to get the tactile feel of a tube amp and it to take pedals like one. Think the VOX mystic edge does?

[@loopie007]

Disappointed... Creating a video without Fenton but including his name. Poor guy. My Iridium is now collecting dust, and I just run the HX Stomp pretty much alone. Although I love the tones you get via the Melody, Dude, Riverside, etc., I find I really need to practice/play more and fiddle with pedals less. Why the super bright light? You need to set up some lightboxes. You can DIY for almost no money. Check YT...

[@sandyturner1911]

Came for the iridium, stayed for the great tune and playing. And, also..Squier has new Tele baritone?!!!!! Cool!! I'm thinking I'm going to finally break down and get the iridium, to help with my recording, but I have my Boss running all of my delays and time based effects, through the effects loop. I guess I would still have to line out from the Boss, into my interface, anyway. Thanks!

[@BobRossa]

I'm still using mine every day. I realize the HX Stomp isn't that much more money and has tons of features but I have a bunch of stomp boxes and I'm not a huge fan of digging around in menus. Other modelers I've had I basically have set up a blackface fender and a marshall and that was all I did with them, eventually. I could see maybe going to a full Helix where the number of blocks wouldn't be as big an issue. When I see what I'm actually doing I am trading out stomp boxes and leaning down to tweak knobs multiple times a day. I'd have to buy into the whole Line 6 ecosystem. I downloaded the manual and watched a ton of videos about the Stomp and I just realized I'm having a great time with the Iridium so why mess with it?

[@johnnathancordy]

Exactly!

[@ssi1121]

With 3.01 version HX Stomp makes way more sense for the money.

[@johnnathancordy]

@@ssi1121 I feel like the Princeton update would turn a few heads?

[@krazyhandskyle]

I definitely don't regret getting the Iridium. I haven't purchased a powered cab yet, but I'm weighing different ideas aside from just an frfr style. I'm curious how it would work with Fender Tone Master Deluxe Reverb amp or maybe the Roland JC-40 plugged into the fx loop?

[@PLGB69]

For me the tubes are essential Long live to the Captor X that make my Dr Z Maz 18 MAke his job whitout pissing the soundman and whitout blowing the stage whit a fat sound ..... Strymon is a portable way to have a compact and easy rig They do awesome stuff

[@jimleininger8963]

I tried my MXR Blue Sugar into Iridium and found it just added fizz, unless I turned everything down like not even on. I just got an Xotic EP Booster and that bad boy works absolutely perfectly! I set the dip switches to "vintage" on the EP to avoid fizz. Besides, my hotrod TV Jones pickups are bright enough. Anyway this combo is dynamite!

[@dontaber6497]

The Iridium was my favorite Christmas 2019 gift. I asked Santa for it after watching your review. I use it on my wet pedals on Vox setting (for Strat & Tele) going into my PA to create a wet/dry/wet rig. It was very cost effective way to go w/d/w with the amp and PA I already owned. It sounds good running Strymon Timeline & Lex rotary pedals in parallel with chorus and reverb. (Hadn’t thought about running them after the Iridium; I’ll have to try that, too.) I use the Marshall setting for my SG. Enjoy your posts and learn a lot from them. Your playing is always spectacular and sounds great! Have a great 2021!

[@lanwan]

I use it with the CABs in bypass mode with an Artisan 15 which gives me a 3-Band EQ, plus Reverb, -20Db attenuation, Gain tones and the Amp modelling all through a Greenback. Doesn't come with the usual Strymon noisegate feature or a USB line-out which would have been awesome. Otherwise it's a great piece of kit!

[@redcomn]

Still using it quite handy for live streaming

[@slickcross]

Yes, it's still worth it. Next question.

[@johnnathancordy]

Will there ever be a human born who can swim faster than a shark?

[@trahnettilhcs]

@@johnnathancordy his name is Daschel Robert Parr and I saw him swim across an ocean while his mom was a boat

[@ryanmaroney4793]

Have been using the Iridium for about a year now, fairly regularly before lock down. Things I liked; small, easy, and time between idea and recording is next to nothing. But, when I compared my real amps with an Ox box the feel and sound just made the Iridium seem small and lacked inspiration. The Iridium only shines as a grab and go or small rig setup when you cannot have an amp. And the problem is you still have to take a pedalboard. For me, it's either an all in one rig/effects system like a Helix or Neural DSP or Kemper (if you're going digital, why not make it as convenient as possible. If I'm not going fully digital, I'm much better off with a combo amp and the Ox for consistency of sound. If I'm recording scratch tracks or guitar ideas I dont want to keep, the Iridium is great. When I want to sound my best, I use the real amps and the Ox. My 2 cents.

[@johnnathancordy]

Yes Ryan - I can't say I disagree - in fact I find with all of this modelling stuff it's great BUT if you play a real amp and then move over to the modelling, it's generally a different experience - and in that sense I get what people mean by "feel" right? I don't sense much difference between the feel of modellers, but the feel of playing an amp vs modeller is quite different

[@ryanmaroney4793]

@@johnnathancordy exactly, and I'm not a middle aged grump that clings to vintage amps with a death grip. Just a working producer that likes to find right gear for the right situation. Here's what it boils down to. I think virtually nobody would use modelers if they were as convenient (or less convenient) than real amps. So, we are sacrificing something at the altar of convenience. For some, that tone and feel sacrifice is worth it, for me it seems I would have to be a very specialized situation where I'm willing to sacrifice that much. Courses for horses.

[@johnnathancordy]

@@ryanmaroney4793 especially on gigs (or at least gigs without in ears) a real amp for me is so much more fun

[@jimleininger8963]

I use mine daily. Never gonna give it up

[@johnnathancordy]

Or turn around and desert you?

[@jimleininger8963]

@@johnnathancordy YES!

[@Dadbruh]

I would say it depends on your budget and your objectives. It does a nice job for its price range and saves you from having to carry an amp. I sold mine after I picked up a Kemper Stage but it sounded pretty good and was and functional when I had it. Used it for recording and also live when it lived on my board for a little while. It’s also super easy to use. Maybe it’s more for the set it and forget it crowd. It is really dependent on the IR’s you load. The ones that come with it are okay. The Kemper was a huge step up in tone and flexibility and that new Neural DSP Quad Cortex looks like it’s going to be killer too but both are much more expensive.

[@vincentpouliotband86]

It would be interesting to route the amp into the captor (not x version) than into iridium. Si you could use 2 IR of the iridium compared to the captorX witch is not fully stereo.

[@Overgaard1974]

I REALLY enjoyed the Ethos through it. Made me consider bying both an Iridium and the Ethos, but that just a silly amount of money. Basically I want something that can sound like my Two Rock SP35 clean, like the Ethos and nothing else!

[@smellytele9629]

Funny you mentioned the Captor X. Ever since I've had one (first from a pal, now one of my own) I haven't even turned the Iridium on. I very much like the Iridium, but I love using my amps more. Not gonna sell it, though. I think I'll still use it here and there.

[@mastermachetier5594]

I have been watching you for a while If I can make one critique I love your videos but the vocal volume is always too low especially compared to your track vol

[@CrazyBiscuit]

I got recently a cabzeus stereo, u think still usable in 2020-21, or i wasted my money?

[@andalusianguitarist]

Are you just using the Marshall in the Iridium without any overdrive or distortion in front of it considering that I only see two pedals?

[@bradruhfel4883]

Why doesn’t Fender/Squier make more baritones?

[@johnnathancordy]

I dunno I guess they're fairly niche guitars?

[@worldwarwe]

I never listen to the songs in gear demo vids but holy moly this intro jam is wild. No skips here

[@terciosouzadejesus8945]

I bought my Iridium last month and I am amazed! Your videos motivated me to make the purchase ahahaha! God Bless!