Simplifier - is this the Strymon Iridium killer?

For my Presets visit: johnnathancordy.gumroad.com/ So here's my honest take on the DSM & Humboldt Simplifier. My Strymon Iridium bit the dust, so while I await repair/replacement, I'm quietly hoping to find something I prefer for that job anyway. With an FX Loop and Stereo Cabs, as well as XLR outs, the Simplifier seemed like it might be the perfect candidate...
www.buymeacoffee.com/johnnath... - if you like what I do and only if you wanted, you could buy me a coffee!

[@johnnathancordy]

Helpfully, DSM and Humboldt eventually added this to their manual: * PLEASE NOTE THAT WHEN USING FX LOOPS SOME EFFECTS ALLOWS YOU TO CHOOSE BETWEEN LINE/MIC LEVEL. NOT SETTING PROPERLY MAY OCURR ON UNDESIRED CLIPPING RETURNING FROM THE FX LOOP. IF YOUR DEVICE DOESN’T HAVE A SELECTABLE GAIN ADJUSTMENT, PLEASE TAKE CARE ON SETTING UP FIRST YOUR DESIRED AMOUNT OF GAIN IN THE PREAMP SECTION, THEN ADJUST THE VOLUME, THIS WAY YOU CAN HAVE ABSOLUTE CONTROL OVER SOME UNDESIRED CLIPPING. IF YOU NEED MORE VOLUME, YOU’LL BE ABLE TO ADD MORE FROM THE AUDIO DEVICES POST-SIMPLIFIER (PA System, In-ear Monitors, Floor/Side Powered Monitors, Audio Interfaces and even the Headphones volume control) avoiding clipping completely. Now, taken from Mesa Boogie's manual for the Mark 3 amp circa 1985: "EFFECTS SEND & RETURN The Effects Loop circuitry of the Mark III is very sophisticated and works very well with nearly all units. The maximum signal strength obtainable is around 0.6 volts RMS, or about the same as a guitar pickup."

[@robperkins8377]

From someone who lives in an area where there aren't a lot of guitar stores to test out new products, I thoroughly appreciate your honesty.

[@bcjaliu]

I just got a Simplifier and have about 6 hrs playing time on it. I bought it for direct recording. I’m using a Focusrite Clarett4pre Thunderbolt interface. I placed my two H9’s in the FX loop and the set up sounds absolutely brilliant! No issues with clipping or noise of any type. Just gorgeous tone. The H9’s do have input/output controls but I haven’t had to tweak them yet. I’ve run the Simplifier gain above 12 o’clock and I have gotten clipping in the interface which was cured by turning the Simplifier volume down or the interface input gain down. Anyway, a little bit of gain balancing is needed depending on how you run things, especially when hitting it with gain pedals. Very straightforward to do, with no big drama. So far I’m loving the Simplifier. I’m using it to get fantastic cleans to light break up tones, full of punch, sparkle and chime that pops in the mix. I set it up as an amp, for edge of break up, to light break up if I hit it harder, and then use pedals. It takes my pedals really really well too, from drive to fuzz. Playing feel wise, it does have an analog DI feel to it. Very immediate and spanky attack. I personally prefer this to a more mushy feel that makes it feel like I have to work harder. As you play, the notes just pop out effortlessly. Even with tube amps I’ve always preferred solid state rectifiers for faster attack and spank. Dam! I can’t believe I just wrote a novel...so sorry! I guess I’ll shut up now!

[@perothing]

We gear junkies love musical novels

[@johnloydall]

I owned/own both the Iridium and the Simplifier and (for my personal use/requirements... appreciate everyone has different requirements from an amp modeller) the more I play with the Simplifier the more I love it. For me it's not even a close contest - the Iridium never wowed me... it sounded sort of like a recording of a digital amp and it never took pedals well. The Simplifier packs a proper punch. For me it just sounds incredible on all 3 amps (the iridium Vox wasn't usable IMO). Again... all my own opinion and this is what suits me. The clipping issue - I'll be honest, I had my PA (I run direct into my PA.. not even through a mixing desk.. lockdown limitations etc..) set to a volume where I could run the volume on the Iridium at about 75% and the PA was loud enough to just about not annoy the neighbours. I got the simplifier, plugged it into my PA (XLR out on the Simplifier) and found it was quiet compared to what I was getting from the Iridium. So - I whacked up the volume on the Simplifier to match an Iridium at 75% and all of a sudden I got clipping in my HX FX in the effects loop. But then I realised I was expecting the output to be the same as Iridium and they're really not the same things... this is a zero watt amplifier so it does make sense that if you crank it, it's going to cause clipping. The solution was simple - just turn my PA up and give myself more headroom in the Simplifier. This seemed like a compromise at first but then this is balanced output from the simplifier that would be easy to set on my mixing desk when I finally get back with my band. Once I gave myself a bit more room for manoeuvre on the Simplifier the clipping was a non-issue and hasn't bothered me since. I think the issue is - if you expect it to run like an iridium and you have your sound system/mixer/whatever set up for use with the Iridium and then try a Simplifier with it, you will run into these issues.. but if you treat it as an actual amp and think of it that way then it makes a load more sense. The way the Simplifier takes overdrives before the preamp is the game changer for me. It sounds like a proper amp being driven by proper pedals. The iridium never did that - it just turned into digital mush. That's just my take on it anyway. I appreciate everyone has different requirements from these units but I'll be using it mainly for live, direct through PA and for me it's the best "modeller" I've tried by a country mile... Great guitar playing by the way - would love to be able knock out some of those licks you do.

[@Dalvawi92]

The detailed comment is appreciated!

[@archiviloria]

Totally agree. I have both, the Iridium and the Simplifier and the Simplifier is much more a pedal platform than the Iridium. As John comments in the video, it can be a bit flat but, as you say, the more you play with it, the more it sounds like a real amp. To me, it's the perfect device for those who want just one amp sound to color it with your prefered pedals. I use it with a keeley compressor and a soul food in front of the preamp, then a stereo delay and reverb in the loop and it get sounds far better than with the Iridium. But, as I said, almost all the gain and color comes from the pedals (the Iridium is not good at that, IMO)

[@NickfromHighTide]

if you have the ability to, I’d love to hear some videos of you playing it through a PA direct for live use. I haven’t been able to find one video on KZbin of somebody doing that. It’s always through studio monitors. I’d like to hear the “amp in the room sound” when playing live through a PA system.

[@sub-jec-tiv]

Thanks for this. I find that a lot of KZbin people play through a thing for like 10 minutes then shoot the video. Rather than actually doing their job and working to figure out the operating parameters and meet the product on its own terms. Most KZbinrs don’t even bother to read the manual before they unbox and then make a video where they don’t actually know what they’re doing with the pedal… then tell you it’s not good.

[@jackblunier]

Thank you so much for being transparent and thorough in this video man. you mentioned to me on live that it was another analog sim you were gonna check out soon and i nearly bought it instantly after watching other demos, but i’m glad i waited to see this before purchasing it; now definitely leaning towards the iridium or stomp to maintain that tube feel and not have problems integrating it on my board with the fx loop. Thanks for helping me not waste time/money haha!

[@picksalot1]

Giving the company honest feedback with a demo will motivate them to make improvements. And that will ultimately make its way into better products. I think we want pedal makers to produce good items so we can use them to inspire making good music. We both win if that happens. I've been enjoying your videos, attention to guitar tone, and musicality. Thanks

[@davidvillavieja2092]

Hi, I bought an Iridium when you were demoing it at first. You make good reviews and thanks for an honest one for this. Will still keep the simplifier as something to purchase in the future though.

[@VintageRadius]

I appreciate your honest approach Johnathan

[@leejean1985]

Thanks for the thorough and honest review.

[@johnnathancordy]

Hopefully it's fair. Again I don't want to just be negative for the sake of it!

[@Oneandonlyagust]

Bro I came for the rant/comparison and was greeted by that masterpiece. Beautifully executed

[@jmichaelE68]

That opening solo was totally sweet man.

[@elisanchez7965]

Got mine today, havent tried it extensively. Loving it so far. I am running it on 12v. Seems to have lots of headroom playing through my liners

[@michaeltan_]

Yes I just ran it a 12v for the first time since I've owned it, seems way bigger.

[@Rialas]

Glad I saw your review. Thanks.

[@jimmorgan1650]

I just discovered your channel today and watched this. I want to commend you on your honesty. Definitely not enough of that nowadays. I very much prefer to hear your opinion above anyone else so far on KZbin.

[@wkrqjq1896]

Im using it with HX stomp. Stereo amp from HX stomp to return of simplifier to bypass its preamp section .. I think the best part of Simplifier is DI and direct output options, good headphone amp and aux input! Stereo cab sim also sounds good! It can also save some DSP on HX stomp as well. Loving it :)

[@johnnathancordy]

Fair play are you having the same issue with the fx loop or no?

[@wkrqjq1896]

@@johnnathancordy Never had that issue with return. I usually max my hx stomp volume. Maybe check with the Humboldt?

[@jeremyhuffman101]

@@johnnathancordy I think you are clipping the delay pedal, not the FX return. Roseguita is only using the effects return. If you turned off the delay pedal could you still hear clipping?

[@johnnathancordy]

Well yes but what I mean is that it's really quite easy to clip your usual delay/verb pedal (like with the volume past 12 on the unit).

[@jeremyhuffman101]

@@johnnathancordy More volume on tap than you need is not the same as defective. People who run the send straight into a power amp might want the extra volume.

[@petevan]

Thanks for an honest review!

[@james.tupper]

Man, I've got both of the pedals sitting in front of me. I've been A/Bing them all evening and I really have been enjoying the Simplifier more. To my ears, it just has much more clarity than the Iridium and more ways to dial in the tone you want. I've ran into overdriving the effects loop, but it just took a few seconds of fiddling with the gain / volume to fix it. I will admit that I still don't exactly know how the volume knob works so I just tweak it by ear. Iridium still sounds fantastic, but Simplifier with a reverb effect through the loop is just so insanely good. Iridium shines with its ease of use. You plug it in and you get a very usable guitar sound. It has a better design, components, build quality, and headphone amp. Truth is, both sound amazing for what they are. If you are torn between purchasing one of the two, the go with the features over sound quality. Even though I like the sound of the Simplifier better, I'll keep it mainly for all of the routing options it offers.

[@Gigirizzolihhhhyyy]

Does the DSM sound thinner? In all demo to me It is

[@Reyvil777]

@@Gigirizzolihhhhyyy in the demos it does sound thinner compared to the.iridium, live it sounds great

[@nutshell1127]

@@Reyvil777 Key word for me is "live".

[@coupe-lee]

@@Gigirizzolihhhhyyy In the demos I’ve seen, 90% of the time people are clueless how to dial in the actual power amp and cab sim parts of the simplifier, which are extremely crucial. Often times the resonance is se too low and the mic placements will be in the center of the speaker. This reduces the thickness of the sound and keeps all of the fizz that the cab sims generally are supposed to remove. Unfortunately, they worry too much about the preamp section like most “pedals” and don’t think of it holistically.

[@BleepingRelics]

Beautiful Strat

[@Moreyellowoh]

Nice video, thanks for making it. I agree with all of this. My order of preference seems to be simplifier>helix>iridium>kemper>and the Walrus ACS1, which is my favorite. The simplifier just didn’t do it for me at all. It wasn’t simple (though it has great I/O & controls), and it wasn’t inspiring.

[@deantello9179]

Good and useful honest review..thanks

[@radud5176]

Awesome! Have an HX Stomp and looking at an Iridium for a different board. Will stick to that! Also, thanks for an honest review! Your HX patches are the real deal as well. Tired of KZbinrs that say all the gear they get is amazing (like LRGD 😬) You’re a different breed ✌🏻

[@JeffHendricks]

For me, the FX loop clipping isn't a problem, because I would use this the same way I would use the stereo FX loop on my guitar amp. And if this can drive the stereo power section of my amp, so much the better. Having more output volume is only a problem if you can't turn it down. Good review, and for what it's worth, I still like the sounds you're getting out of it. Probably will get one, because it fits my use scenario.

[@AntonovichHicksenbrau]

yup, me too

[@j58688grgrs]

First time seeing your videos. Been searching for someone who demos gear and gives their honest opinion and not just a feature demo with no criticism. Most gear channels should call their videos demos and not reviews. Anyway, really appreciate your perspective AND playing!

[@johnnathancordy]

It's tricky because you get folks who really like the product who think I'm just being a knob (and the manufacturers don't really like it) but if I'm gonna call it a "review" I may as well try to be honest ha

[@Millennial_Mike]

I use my simplifier as my stereo amp/Cab solution live... 5 cable stereo FX loop routing. Superb unit!!

[@zazuzonker]

I like your reviews. Hope you do more!

[@guitardude4700]

I normally can’t tell the difference between those three amps but I can on this video nice clean sounds

[@AlecBourneMidiMadScientist]

Fairly played, I'd wonder if that was something with the one unit perhaps the over driving. Looking forward to further reviews.

[@unhookedunhooked3219]

Great review

[@Bunter1815]

Hi John, thanks for the review I've only just seen it after receiving my Simplifier last week, I wish I'd found it sooner as I thought I was going mad. I was hoping to replace my Iridium with the Simplifier because of the FX loop and aux input features. I immediately encountered clipping with my GFI Specular Tempus placed in the FX loop. I checked other pedals in the loop and found all had the problem at certain levels but the GFI pedal was probably the most susceptible. I checked the pedals in the FX loop of my Boss Katana and they were fine regardless of volume setting and they are also fine used in line ahead of the Simplifier as per a normal non loop signal chain. Guitar is an EBMM JP15 and the problem was most evident using piezo/mag PUP. I've read all the comments and no one has mentioned headphone use and that's where the control of clipping in the loop has killed it for me. If I turn down the volume to a level to completely eliminate it, the headphone volume is very low. That's one of the reasons I wanted it over the Iridium as I can't have my delay after the Iridium and use headphones so the delay has to go before. Mine is going back too, great CS from Andertons throughout. Thanks again, great channel and awesome playing, coffee incoming 👍.

[@johnnathancordy]

I figured it wouldn't be just me - and hopefully this kind of validates my thoughts and why I thought it was right to upload this as a 'review' even though I know it's not glowingly positive....

[@dsmhumboldt]

Sorry to hear about that, probably we manage it by email, I remember a message regarding some clipping problems using piezo. The truth is that is on any technical point of view a “true issue” but we love to see feedback (mostly positive by far, and also is more common read about people exchanging Iridium for Simplifier) and will increase a bit the headphones output volume on further batches. This is the only parameter when “after” control is inside the SIMPLIFIER so if people (in this case, being absolutely honest no more than two/ three people) report some like this (headphones level), we make it valid for an small update.

[@jimmcdougall9973]

Perfect review. For now, I’m sticking with my Kemper. Thanks for the honesty, appreciated.

[@rgarcia4412]

The simplifier is a different solution for people looking for a small device to use on their pedalboard that is not that expensive. The Kemper is still king in the digital realm.

[@johnnathancordy]

I've a few friends who ditched their Kemper for Iridiums.

[@rgarcia4412]

@@johnnathancordy most likely for convenience and price, not quality

[@johnnathancordy]

I have a Kemper btw, the Iridium can keep up (obviously doesn't have all the versatility)

[@jimmcdougall9973]

johnnathancordy ah, a boomerang, always has to be one. However, I think, as a full package, the FM is giving some fair competition, and I see your starting to get used to it. I’ll hold out a bit longer, there’s a waiting list in any case.

[@banoffee6495]

how did you set up for that amazing recorded sound in the beginning of the video?

[@driveinkorea9326]

I've never watched like this almost full time. I guess it would be really helpful for me and beautiful your playing is just that I want to do like you.

[@danmessore4553]

Good on ya for saying your truth on it. This is important for us buyers but also people that make stuff to get better. Ledge as ever mr. 4 frets.

[@zantonz]

This review is already 3 years old, but is still very valid. I’ve got dlx version, and fx loop is easily overdriven with modest pickups (TV Jones classics), volume on 10, gain12-13-ish, red channel, MS Brit amp. My reverb and delay are good enough to change them for something different (Boss dd8, neunaber reverb). No idea if things changed in MK2, but this definitely makes higher gain option of the Simplifier dlx not very useful - at least with wet effects involved.

[@zigwigwig]

Manual says it can take up to 12V. If you have a 12V power supply, maybe try that as it might give more headroom and mitigate clipping? (I don’t have one, so just randomly suggesting)

[@sambroxguitar]

Nice review

[@johnnathancordy]

After some back and forth with DSM and Humboldt it's clear that mine is not a defective unit, as I thought. The practical reality for my set up is that since the "Volume" increases both the output of the unit and the send level of the FX loop, I have to keep the volume on the unit below 12 o clock if I want to avoid overloading the Verb/Delays in the pedal. Whether that will work for you or not, you can decide.

[@DToneQuest]

hey this might be off topic but looking for ideas and i know you like hx type pedals. I run a mostly strymon board (have iridium for church gigs) i bought the hx effects thinking i could incorporate it into my board and take out a couple pedals and use it to midi control the compadre/volante/riverside but can't get over volume and tone changes when trying to incorporate it. Looking for tips or suggestions. I have tried changing pedals to buffered bypass.

[@arbitermatt]

Hi John, a bit of a curveball but any thoughts on trying the Mooer Preamp live? Can emulate all these amps and more for a decent price.

[@johnnathancordy]

Is it just called Mooer Preamp? Will look into it!

[@arbitermatt]

@@johnnathancordy 'Preamp Live' its called, I've never used one, but has a few features including a profiler - could be of interest to you!

[@johnnathancordy]

@@arbitermatt profiler?!

[@DanielShrider]

Very Useful! Thanks!

[@okoman5]

have you tried it with 12 volts instead of 9 volts? I have it set up like that and it does give me a bit more headroom

[@robd754]

thanks for being honest,

[@martinarriaga3763]

thank you, I had Iridium and it was not for me, I wanted to use it live, after that I was interested on Simplifier but not anymore, I'm happy with my AMT R2 on clean (Fender) though doesnt have eq!

[@ccastromusic]

Thanks for the honest review. What's the drive pedal you're using for the leads on this one? Greetings from Portugal 🙏

[@johnnathancordy]

J rockett HRm!

[@MikelBluni]

Nice review! Maybe the company needs some more time to fix smaller glitches, maybe they’ve already done that with the DLX version? I ended up with another unit to work with my RevivalDrive. To me the guitars sound kind of dull with the Simplifier and I miss some transparency and openness in the Plexi settings.

[@gilouch8975]

Hello. I am looking for a piece of gear that would allow me to practice with headphones. I have a tube amp with headphones out (Blackstar HT) not happy with the sound. I am going to return a Yamaha thr (cleans are nice but not really there higher gain sounds). I was thinking to go with the stomp as it could also complement my pedalboard. What do you think, have I forgotten other options, what would you recommend? Kemper stage, fractal fm3? Thank you

[@steverolfeca]

BTW, you do sound pretty fantastic through the Simplifier!

[@steverolfeca]

I'd love to see a followup video, now that you've learned more about the gain staging! Seems to me you could get that "chewiness" easily enough with something like a Diamond compressor on a very light setting...

[@johnnathancordy]

Hmm it's not that I didn't know how things work, it's an implementation of an FX loop that companies like Mesa Boogie fixed 40 years ago ..

[@joshuavega6427]

Wow! Simplifier has an amazing sound! 🙌🏻🙌🏻I will buy a Simplifier 🙌🏻

[@ThatGuy-io6dj]

From a fellow guitarist, great playing! 👍 (Edit: Thank you so much for the like! You inspire me more with every video, and the sounds that you get are great, too! 👍)

[@geomusicmove]

I just got one and I've noticed the same issue with the gain that it breaks too early and the probelm is that on a low gain the volume is not enough so the guitar sounds kind of muffled. I like the idea of the box but for me it's more like prototype that still needs finishing although you're playing full price for it, and it's not cheap. It's definitely not replacing my Torpedo Cab M.

[@percival5207]

I have this unit and find it amazing value for the quality and features it offers over the strymon which also I have used for 6 months or so before putting it up on reverb. Being a pure analog device, this pedal doesn’t have any reverb or room effect like strymon, maybe that is why you find it less chewy. But that’s that, you need to add the reverb effect in daw or in the fx loop. Extremely travel friendly because of it’s form factor and high quality headphone output. Please try the torpedo cab m and share your views. Keep it up, I love your content.

[@johnnathancordy]

Torpedo Cab M you say, or should I try the bigger daddy - the captor X?

[@percival5207]

johnnathancordy 😀 why not both. The captor X doesn’t have preamp and cab m is mono. Each of them suffer from those major handicaps.

[@db_on_drums]

Very helpfull Thinking abot iridium

[@cosmiciron]

I really want to love my Simplifer because it’s analog, looks more vintage (I hate the look of the Iridium), and more compact. But I do find a few issues that are prohibitive, at least for my own use case. The most glaring issue is the headphone amp quality. Consider that I mostly would use it for silent practice when traveling, the sound that comes out of the headphone is simply not acceptable. It sounds dry, thin and has no spatial qualities. Honestly it sounds worse than a $40 amplug 2! Second issue is the lack of gain with all three models. It seems difficult to dial the amps to the edge of breaking up without help of pedals. I must admit though that it works really well with pedals and dynamic responses are excellent. I really love its concept of being all analog - it is so refreshing in today’s lame digital world! But unfortunately due to these issues I have to resort to using the “ugly” and all digital Iridium instead. :( UPDATE: I spent more time experimenting, comparing the Simplifier with Iridium and other headphone solutions primarily involving combinations of amp simulator pedals and ir loaders. The interesting thing is that I’ve eventually run a full circle, and now the Simplifier is my final choice! First off, the headphone output quality. I wasn’t aware of the “spread” switch on the right side of the unit when I made my comment earlier. Since then I’ve discovered it and turning it on make a night and day difference! With it off, the sound is very in your face, without any spatial quality. With it on, it now sounds much more spacious! It’s still not as good as, say, the Boss WAZA Air, but it’s definitely a very pleasant experience now. I think it’s actually comparable to the other IR loaders, Iridium included, if not better. For bedroom practice this is more than acceptable! Secondly, the lack of gain. Well it still does, but it bothers me much less. The reason being that I’m now using this unit outside of the headphone-only case. I’ve hooked it up to a pair of iLoud Micro Monitors, and all amp models sound terrific. The quality is way above what you get from the headphone. I compared the Fender sound with my Tone Master Deluxe, and I seriously think the two are very comparable. With the iLoud speakers though, I can get exactly the same sound quality at any sound level, even when whisper quiet. This makes it the perfect travel companion. I finally managed to build a tiny pedal board consisting of this, a Wampler Ethereal hooked to the effect loop, a Sugar Drive, an Ibanez 850 fuzz and a Big Joe battery. All this fit in a tiny Mono Lite board thanks to the incredibly compact dimension of this product. This coupled with my iLoud monitors give me top of the line tones even when traveling or practicing at night (without using headphones)! It is nothing short of a miracle! The other products, including Iridium, simply weren’t able to accomplish this. So I’m now officially a fan :) I’m leaving my previous message intact so others who view this would see how things have evolved! I’d like to thank the developers for a fantastic product! Oh, I have to mention this again - the utilitarian, analog appearance of this product is so refreshing! I wish more people would do that instead of following the everything digital trend!

[@johnnathancordy]

It's nice to hear from a user who doesn't think I'm simply being a knobhead!!!

[@cosmiciron]

@@johnnathancordy People online can get easily defensive. Don’t let it trouble you. Your video is informative, objective and nicely done!

[@Nickquest001]

thanks great info

[@Brandontsmith85]

I love the honest review, we get so few of those. The FX loop issue is extremely problematic, so much so that I would bet that you have a fault unit. I'd reach out to DSM and see what they say, maybe that's a fluke but if it's like that with all their units then that's a real bummer. By the way, if you want to review something that can beat the Iridium at a hundred dollars less (new), the Atomic Amplifirebox is the way to go. That thing punches so far above its weight, its ridiculous.

[@johnnathancordy]

Trying! Yeh tbh if noone else is having the issue (I think I hear it in the Andertons vid) then maybe it's just this unit. It's going back anyway!

[@nicolasdelcastillo6497]

What's that round tele-like fiesta red guitar in the back? Pleeease

[@qceventsound3050]

Came for the pedal… stayed for the playing

[@sub-jec-tiv]

You could run through a little tube head like a Joyo Tweed, and run its loop or line out into the Simplifier input, so you get that tube chewiness. Seems like you didn’t do much testing on this box. Looks as if you whacked it up, played for a couple of hours while overdriving the effects loop, then judged it. Honestly i can’t say this review was helpful, except for letting me know not to overdrive the effects loop. But i wouldn’t do that anyway, i have proper gain staging in my setup and i know how to set up my gear so it sounds great. Anyhow i thought your tone in the intro sounded great, Though when i hear playing like that i feel a bit like i’m suffocating because i want the guitar to ‘take a breath’. Saxophonists who like to burn are forced to phrase because they literally have to breathe; us guitarists can just go on and on.

[@androwerks6665]

OMFG!!!!! That was gobsmacking awesome!! (your playing)

[@kahfigitar]

John have you tried yamaha thr100 head? Some stores are selling them for 50% off, what's your opinion on yamaha's modeling?

[@robocobrabot]

I’m so frustrated 😂 I’ve had 2 Simplifiers, and both of them sound so dull and lifeless, but in the opposite way to what you describe. I have to turn the bass all the way down and the treble all the way up to get anything resembling a real amp. The mids don’t seem to do much. Maybe there is a lot of variation in the build of these units?

[@francescopuc1985]

Nice demo. Analog amp/speaker emulating exist for many years ago... sansamp classic for instance... Otherwise IR based pedals are current emulation state of art.

[@Vesnic8]

Hey, you said that it can sit at the end of the pedal board. What does it mean? Im noob at this amp sims, so what is the structure?

[@MotownGuitarJoe]

It means that you can have your guitar feed into whatever other effects pedals you have and then that feeds into the Simplifier. After that it would either feed into your mixer via the XLR out(s), or your DAW or headphones.

[@AmbroseLiu]

Have you ever tried the Joyo AC Tone? It would be nice to hear your thoughts on it.

[@johnnathancordy]

I have but it broke after one use unfortunately

[@AmbroseLiu]

@@johnnathancordy That is unfortunate :(

[@Reyvil777]

Idk if it's the unit it self or something else I don't get that overdriven sound, and i use the volume and gain after 2-3 clockwise. I run it at 12v so not sure if that has anything to do with that. Now the simplifier doesn't sound good in a small room when I use it live it sounds great, comparing it to the hx stomp i like the stomp dinámics more but the simplifier it's a great tool

[@justbluesguitar4399]

I have the new simplifier DLX, I love it because playing now feels super connected and its great with pedals. Gain staging and setting correct levels is super important to get a very good sound. I feel there is more interaction between the guitar pedals and the simplifier. A digital modeller (and I proudly own a kemper) is more concerned with replicating a 'produced' version of an amp (which by the way still sounds great). Many people want that which makes sense and I respect that , on the other hand I am looking for something that organically reacts more with my playing and the signal chain without needing a loud amp. For me , simplifier fits that bill perfectly.

[@andsoistopped]

Are you using the fx loop and if o does it clip?

[@raymonderazo8571]

I receive the Simplifier yesterday and I gonna be honest , for me sounds amazing and it takes drive pedals very well. I know that the Iridium is a better pedal but the Simplifier delivers a really good direct sound solution and it do it very well, that my humble opinion. Very nice video as usual.

[@johnnathancordy]

Can you overdrive the fx loop or is this unique to this one unit?

[@raymonderazo8571]

@@johnnathancordy I put all all my drive pedals in the input of the preamp section and reverb and delay in the effect loop of the Simplifier in stereo, that's the way I use it and it sounds killer...

[@snigzilla7155]

I've been waiting for you to review this! Appreciate your honesty. Looks like the Iridium it is for me!

[@earthboy1310]

Hey man! Ive never had problems with the send return clipping, check andertons video out they just demoed the simplifier( Danish pete was using the reverb from tc in the sendreturn throughout the video )

[@johnnathancordy]

Could you try it for me? Stick a reverb or delay in the loop, set the gain and volume around 2 and dig in? Maybe it's a faulty unit?

[@johnnathancordy]

Just checked the Andertons video and the same thing is happening with clipping...odd

[@earthboy1310]

johnnathancordy which part of the anderton was clipping?

[@johnnathancordy]

@@earthboy1310 around 9 minutes and 10 minutes but it's mostly when Pete digs in a bit. Doesn't seem to be doing it quite as badly as mine but I've got the gain up a bit higher

[@earthboy1310]

johnnathancordy when clip is the volume less than gain?

[@1Mong0]

Can you please do a comparison with the Iridium and Simplifier when your Iridium returns. It would be great to have an amp to amp, side by side with settings dialed in to get them as close as possible to each other and a real amp. Maybe take a simple rhythm and melody loop to keep the reference consistent and switch between them. I looked at both of these units and went with the Iridium. Currently there are no good direct comparison videos for folks to review. It would really help. Thx.

[@johnnathancordy]

Hey Donald, I would but the Simplifier is being returned because it's either a) faulty or b) a design that won't work for me if that's how the fx loop actually functions? I think in the worship world there may be some people who have both units though?

[@feden84]

Hi! Is it worth it to plug it into a real amp to get a different tone? Or should you just use it to a PA or so?

[@marcelopm3]

Great review! Would you sell it? I'm in Brazil

[@androwerks6665]

so I bought the simplifier years back and I forgot to do with it; so now I know; selling it. Cheers!

[@gypsycat619]

Time to review the MarkII

[@SuleimanElkhoury97]

I mean nothing really is competing with the Strymon to my ears, and the real problem is that it costs 400$ or even more if you’re in Europe. So you have to buy that much really to get the sound you want

[@mr.rul0005]

That intro was liquid, just so tasty

[@Millennial_Mike]

That overdrive issue in the fx loop is really unusual... I've never experienced it.

[@keotes]

I have the amplifire box (& iridium) and i think it is a good unit - amazing features for the footprint and sounds good to my ear. You should definitely try it and let us know how you like it (or not).

[@johnnathancordy]

I'm thinking the amplifirebox might be a good competitor to the iridium? Trying to see if I can get hold of one

[@johnnathancordy]

No? Ok. I dunno, I may just stop looking ha

[@mariodriessen9740]

I've been saving money to eventually buy the Strymon Iridium or the DSM & Humboldt Simplifier. It's a choice between these two. I have seen many reviews on both pedals and I've been waiting for a comparison video. Still haven't found one. Fortunately, I do have ears and I found out that I'd probably be fine with either one of them. However, I find it interesting that I still haven't heard a sound, coming from the Simplifier, that I didn't like. Or even love. I have found it on the Iridium though. I'm not sure what you mean by 'chewiness', but maybe that's just something you love and I don't. The only thing that holds me back now is the overdriven sound in the fx loop. Having said that, in almost every demo of the Simplifier it shows that it takes pedals really well. Something I doubt with the Strymon. I made my decision yesterday in favour of the Simplifier. You made me doubt that decision, even though the explanation from the designers seems to be logical. I'm still leaning towards the Simplifier, because I love the sound of it, I love all the features that the Iridium doesn't have (that switch on the side for instance, the one you didn't even talk about). The distortion on the fx loop worries me a little. Have you tried using the pedal before the Simplifier instead of the fx loop? Because that's how you'd use pedals in conjunction with the Strymon.

[@Musecrafter]

Mario Driessen The Iridium takes pedals extremely well

[@albertplaysguitar]

I think chewiness means feel. Like it's right under your fingertips. Feels very responsive and in tune with your dynamic.

[@johnnathancordy]

Actually personally with the Iridium I use delays and reverbs after as I don't like amp gain to compressor them.

[@mariodriessen9740]

johnnathancordy ; Fair enough. I have to say, I did like the sound you had in this video. Off course I checked some of the many video's you did on the Iridium and that sounds great as well. That's precisely the reason why I struggle with the choice I need to make. I just seem to like the sound of the Simplifier a little better. Even on your own video's. I guess it's a matter of taste? I like what you're doing. I've seen too many reviews of (sometimes famous) youtubers who seem to be atleast a little dishonest. Some of them keep mentioning that they got the stuff for free, but they're not biased. Sometimes I find that hard to believe. It's hard to stay open minded.

[@johnnathancordy]

For sure Mario, there will be people that are digging the Simplifier tone - for me it doesn't sound as "close" to the Fender or Vox tones that I know, but if you're digging it then you're digging it!

[@p6x2]

I absolutely love your playing and tone, whether Simplified or not... I cam here for the Simplifier and discovered you... I think I will by the unit just for that...

[@mr.d.572]

I've been watching demos on the Simplifier and I am surprised at how bad it sounds. I really thought being analog that it would sound so much better than others like Two Note or Iridium, but no.

[@TheSyncopatedGuitar]

I have heard many units (Strymon Iridium) biting the dust. What's the matter with quality control these days ? Made in USA ?

[@johnnathancordy]

I think there were issues with the first run potentially - but difficult to get a sense for how many as a percentage bit the dust I guess? One of mine certainly did!

[@TheSyncopatedGuitar]

@@johnnathancordy Well, more than I expected I should say and that without any obvious mishandling. How did your unit stop working exactly?

[@davidlee4711]

Very useful! The clipping is a deal-breaker. Shame as the features would imply an edge over the Iridium (I’m in the market for an Iridium or similar). It sounds like the clipping may be manageable from DSM’s comments but does sound like something that could be improved upon and enough to put me off. I’ve an HD Pro X for recording and find the amps completely uninspiring and doesn’t take pedals well on the input, hence ‘in the market’.

[@johnnathancordy]

Well, for me, I have to keep the gain and volume quite low in order to avoid the clipping. Other people may have differing opinions, but for me I'd have expected to be able to get the volume above the 12 o clock mark?

[@dsmhumboldt]

Just to clarify (again) it is not an issue, on any single way. That’s the honest truth about.

[@johnnathancordy]

I think you're misunderstanding the use of the word Issue.

[@mattgilbert7347]

@@dsmhumboldt How would you suggest a way to set up the Simplifier to avoid this clipping problem? I have one, and have encountered it. I love how it sounds and reacts but would like to get the volume up - otherwise it's a bit limited. Sounds great, don't get me wrong.

[@maxwellalmeida7299]

Is the ammoon pockeverb in the intro song?

[@Ferbocarbo]

Where are DSM and Humboldt's comments? Can't find them.

[@johnnathancordy]

They ended up being fairly disrespectful - in short they posited that I didn't know how to use the pedal, and that this was how the FX loop was designed to be used. Nearly 40 years ago Mesa Boogie figured out that sending super hot signal to effects in a loop is not the best way to do things.

[@Ferbocarbo]

@@johnnathancordy I see, too bad. I wanted to read how they thought your problem should be addressed to make it work properly as I'm likely going to get one soon.

[@zachvargas122588]

What about the Cab Zeus ? Ever heard of that one?

[@joshuafernandes4935]

I tried it and did not like it at all....returned it and went for the two note torpedo. Cabzeus just did not sound good to me.

[@linleechiun]

Subscribed !

[@baovox3198]

I noticed an Ammoon Pockverb on your board, how do you like it? Can it hold up to the other delay/reverb pedals or the ones within the HX Stomp? I am very tempted to buy one to free up DSP on my HX Stomp.

[@johnnathancordy]

Well. It's not stereo, but, to be honest I've found it quite handy and it's a delay and verb pedal in one which generally are pretty rare? It hasnt broken yet but I dunno how long it will last!

[@baovox3198]

@@johnnathancordy My friend got one on his board for almost 2 years now and it's still doing well. Most of the gigs I played would not be very stereo friendly so this might be a great choice. Thanks for the input!

[@johnnathancordy]

@@baovox3198 I can do a little demo/review of it if it would help?

[@erickpontes2564]

Hi! I also would love to see a review of the Pockverb (if you have time for that). Thanks!

[@Dalvawi92]

Maybe FX loop is just for timed effects... overdrives should probably go directly into regular signal chain... ?? Just a thought.

[@johnnathancordy]

I didn't put the overdrive in the loop, I put a reverb/trem in there and a delay/reverb!

[@Dalvawi92]

johnnathancordy oh ok... yea I was searching for that too. Volume has to come down on pedal, and output should be adjusted where your audio is coming out from.

[@BoyAditya]

Can simplifier turn off the cabinet and use external IR?

[@johnnathancordy]

I believe so

[@yzimsx]

What is the "chewiness", is there an explanation or example for dummies who've never owned a tube amp? I have no idea what I'm not hearing here. :)

[@johnnathancordy]

Probably something like sag, natural compression or something, the note changing over time?

[@JohanJoosLaur]

"Just dropped everything. Cool"...ahahaha I'm dieing laughing ! Another clip for the intro then...aha ! Very honest review here, thank you ! So weird this overdriven thing going on through the FX loop...sounds terrible...but even though that's just an issue with your unit (and doesn't seem to be the case, read the comments down below), I didn't like the amp tones. Through headphones anyway, sounded very flat indeed. Missing the "orgnanic" feeling. Your pedals and your wonderful playing (mostly) made it better sounding obviously, but you're John Cordy...you make everything sound great anyway aha ! Cheers man !

[@JakeLoosemore]

Gotta day I agree with you completely Johan!!

[@patshep68]

is this recorded direct, or mic'd through the amp

[@johnnathancordy]

Direct

[@patshep68]

also, can you make a video with that semi hollow? that would be so nice

[@michalmikolajmaslowski3994]

I’ve listened to a few demos of the Simplifier and rather carefully, and it does not sound as good as the Iridium, not even close. The issue with the overdriven fx loop is bit of a let-down, for sure. Also, the tone sounds very dry, imho. Thanks, John!

[@neenerheaddj]

This guy’s spent his shampoo money on pedals. I like it. Priorities. 😀👍🏼

[@eventidewinds]

I would be interested why/ how the iridium did bite the dust after only a few months...

[@johnnathancordy]

Will be sure to keep you posted on what happens. ATM it's back with Andertons

[@AntonovichHicksenbrau]

@@johnnathancordy have they had it a long time?,.. Waiting on this update to what happened to make her bite the dust?

[@ArielCoronaVillano]

Let me start by saying I've watched a lot of your videos (cause I like them, obviously), also I have never used a simplifier. That being said, I've been able to "overdrive" reverb and delay pedals (digital ones), with many of my boost pedals, if I raise the level enough. To me, it seems you have certain expectations about the simplifier and they aren't being met. For me this box isn't really a modeler or even trying to faithfully replicate real amp sounds on its own, as opposed to the Iridium. Anyway, if it doesn't work for you, then it doesn't and that's fine.

[@tonystartup3817]

Is that a Fuchs hiding in the background?

[@johnnathancordy]

Don't mention it.(yes)

[@tonystartup3817]

Haha, looking forward to those videos. I have them on my lottery win wish list

[@Docksidestudio1]

So, I can’t understand 2 things. One: why are they using analogue cab sims? They sound awful, really fluffy and fizzy with any amount of gain. And two, (and this goes for the Iridium too) why use 3 very similar sounding lo gain amp sims? Surely a good all round product has a clean, crunch and hi gain type sim choice at the very minimum.

[@johnnathancordy]

It's a fair question? I think with the Iridium, you've got quite a bit more gain than this, which with single coils is pretty much clean all the way

[@jeremyhuffman101]

I was underwhelmed with the analog cab sims in the Tech 21/Joyo pedals. That isn't my experience with this product. I ran a high gain pedal cranked (Friedman Dirty Shirley, boosted a bit with a Tumnus) into the Simplifier, and it sounds great on headphones. No fluff or fizz for sure. Is there an IR you might like better? Sure, but its not totally outclassed by them. With this on my board I wouldn't bother with another IR loader for sure.

[@johnnathancordy]

@Luke are you asking if I've tried the Iridium? I think I've done about 120 videos with one!

[@johnnathancordy]

@Luke Oop sorry? Yes the Iridium the Amps are very distinct (and good!)

[@cfibanez]

I don’t understand your jokes. But I appreciate all the rest. Thanks.

[@john808welk]

I will for sure have to pass on this one. Why have a volume knob that clips pedals in the loop past 12? I liked the tones and design but there is plenty of times playing live when I need to up my output on the fly because the engineer doesn't want to change the preamp and mess everybody's in ear mixes up. I sure this will work for some people, but not for me. Thanks for the honest review that kept me from a frustrating purchase!

[@johnnathancordy]

I'm sure there must be a practical reason for the choice, but it's not ideal for me either!

[@dsmhumboldt]

Hi Johnny, just to clarify (again). Saying that after 12 will clip in all cases is wrong. Just a simple example is when you need and want to use a superb clean sound from the American preamp on the Simplifier which being an actual preamp with passive tone stack, the perception is sounds with less volume than AC and MS Brit modes. In this case, volume will be much higher than 12 and clipping will never gonna happen. Sorry to say that is an entire lack of knowledge. Would be absolutely wrong to setup volumes in the same way for all of three preamps, they’re absolutely different each other and that must keep, even if this forces you to understand it better how to use Gain and volume and how this interacts.

[@johnnathancordy]

I didn't say it would clip in all cases - and it's super cool if that's the way you designed it to work - I'm just letting the people who asked me for my opinion know what my opinion is.

[@1148bucknasty]

@@dsmhumboldt this is a great look for you guys

[@StevenJoseph]

I have the original "Simplifier" - a real amp ;)

[@johnnathancordy]

And it's an AC15

[@StevenJoseph]

@@johnnathancordy it has a friend now...a 2001 Fender Pro Reverb....everybody needs a friend

[@johnnathancordy]

@@StevenJoseph well that's better than a junior ha