UAFX Ruby '63 vs Strymon Iridium: Who is the King of Chime?

In this video, we're finally taking a look at the Ruby '63 pedal from ‪@UniversalAudio‬ , which is said to be the new king of chime and perfectly replicates an authentic vintage Vox AC30. We'll compare it to the trusty ‪@strymon‬ Iridium, and see who comes out on top.
If you're looking for the best possible Vox tones, then you need to check out this video. We'll compare the Strymon Iridium pedal to the popular Ruby 63 pedal, and see how they fare, from clean tones, to mean tones, pedal platforms and everything in between. This comparison will help you make the perfect purchase decision for your Chime needs.
Gear Used in the Video (affiliate links)
UA 63' Ruby: sweetwater.sjv...
Strymon Iridium: sweetwater.sjv...
Strymon Flint: sweetwater.sjv...
MXR Dyna-Comp: sweetwater.sjv...
Fender Telecaster: sweetwater.sjv...
Audio Interface - Audient id44 mk2: sweetwater.sjv...
TIMESTAMPS:
00:13 - What are we doing here?
00:44 - What is the Vox sound?
01:49 - Amp head selection
03:00 - Cut knob on Brilliant Channel
03:54 - Sparkle Clean Sounds on Brilliant Channel
04:30 - Lowest Gain Setting
05:42 - More Cleans on Brilliant Channel
06:23 - Using Normal Channel for Cleans
07:50 - Room Knob is AWESOME
10:20 - Vibrato Channel is so Good
12:18 - Comparing Classic Sounds Ruby vs Iridium
13:11 - Getting them to sound really similar
14:06 - Initial thoughts on their differences
15:33 - Testing the boosts
18:10 - Comparing Max Gain Ruby vs Iridium
19:15 - Testing the Speaker Simluations
23:27 - Using the Ruby as a Pedal Platform
30:22 - Using the Iridium Chime Channel as a Pedal Platform
32:55 - Differences in platforms
33:52 - The Presets and why it makes me MAD
34:23 - Testing some presets in the app
38:41 - Final Verdict between the pedals
39:15 - Can you hear the difference in a mix
40:38 - Final Final Really Final Verdict
Dream 65 vs Strymon Iridium Comparison VIDEO: • The ULTIMATE Dream '65...
Everyone is WRONG about the Strymon Iridium: • Everyone is WRONG abou...
What Telecaster to BUY in 2022: • What Telecaster Would ...
Equipment (Amazon are affiliate links)
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Seymour Duncan Hot Rails: amzn.to/3TJF6nv
Universal Audio Dream '65: amzn.to/3bU8bwO
Strymon IRIDIUM: amzn.to/3yv3rFf
Strymon FLINT: amzn.to/3QjbcGe
EP Booster: amzn.to/3w6Zm9U
BOSS SD-1 Super Overdrive: amzn.to/3T35udc
Voodoo Labs Sparkle Drive MOD: amzn.to/3A0eEy9
Fender Blues Jr: amzn.to/3wZw50A
Lollar Pickups: www.lollarguit...
Warmoth Necks: warmoth.com/in...
Strymon Iridium: amzn.to/3z9dmCk
York Audio IR: www.yorkaudio....
SSL UC1: amzn.to/3vVWISQ
iMac 2017 5k: amzn.to/2XVdqCi
Sony A6400 camera: amzn.to/3aksgY8
Sigma 16mm f1.4 lens: amzn.to/3fS4Fz5
Apogee Duet 3 Audio Interface: amzn.to/3M9AH9Q
I use the Apogee Duet but it is out of stock at over 10 years old, this is the newer one that will work just as well
Sony MDR-7506: amzn.to/33RiL1h

[@kingpossie]

Love your take on these pedals - I have played both and I’ve found the Iridium indeed more direct and perhaps too generic sounding on its own. I now understand it more serves as a platform that requires me to throw my own stuff at it. UAD pedals are more of a complete package. Both are superb pieces of engineering. Thanks a lot !❤

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Absolutely! Both are great tools but really need to be used very differently. Iridium is more of an homage sound while the UAFX are nearly identical digital counterparts. Cheers!

[@marshalmayer4588]

I just stumbled on to your page. These are the best, most complete demos / comparisons I've seen. Super helpful, Thank You !!!!!

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching!

[@DMKahn]

Just watched all 3 of your videos on the ua amp pedals. Just wanted to say I appreciate the pro level do your videos. Audio and video is top notch. Cheers man

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Dude thank you for watching! I saw the comments coming in yesterday. The UAFX pedals are so insanely good at sounding like the real thing. I appreciate your kind words as well. Reviewing these pedals has actually taught me a lot about modeling, playing, and recording. Thanks again for stopping by. Cheers!

[@AndyLXT]

Loving your quick track! The melody and chord progression sounds amazing… a nostalgic feeling. Would love to hear more!

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Thanks so much! That is the whole song. I’ll definitely put out a longer version some day though!

[@deplinenoise]

Love your presentation style. Grounded and super useful for the more experienced viewer. Thank you!

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Thanks so much for the kind words. Very happy it was useful and more to come!

[@modernchair7692]

Seconded. Comprehensive and no ego. Happy new year. ✌🏿

[@vladimirpavlovic9488]

Both good. UA Ruby is much more realistic sounding. It is THE sound. I would not be able to tell the difference between it and the AC30 through the monitors or on a gig. No way. Iridium is indeed in that style, but its not even close to me, in terms of how realistically it reproduces the sound. Its like 70% there, while Ruby is at 100% for me as a listener. In the end, saying all that, is it weird that I actually preferred the Iridium in the mix? Kind of ironic! Great video!

[@SuperdangerStudios]

haha it is ironic! One of the biggest tricks when mixing is not to solo tracks too often bc the sound you hear alone is not the sound you hear in the mix. The Iridium sits nicely in the sides and still has that vox 'energy', albeit not as authentic as the Ruby. Thanks for watching!

[@buckchevy4343]

I say this sincerely, you have great hair! I want it more than your pedals. Then in descending order your tele, your chops, then Ruby. Great presentation thank you.

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Hahaha this is one of the best comments/compliments I have ever received. Thank you my friend. Have a great weekend!

[@steadfastanddomino]

An excellent breakdown of this pedal! And as it turns out, U2's Edge uses UAFX pedals for live gigs where it doesn't make sense to haul around dozens of high-end tube amps. I'm quite certain he is not the only one. Tube amps, while beautiful, are increasingly less relevant in pro settings.

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Lots of pros are digital only now. For big arenas there is no way to tell the difference for the player and the audience. Although if I had the money and the audience I’d like to get a wall of amps if only for the look! haha

[@michaelmestres9661]

Thanks for the demo - I appreciate your playing - less noodling more intentional playing

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Thank you for watching! It's way more interesting for me and the viewers if I play with some intention!

[@leftyshep]

Still gonna lean towards the Iridium. Especially with those York’s loaded. Just golden for my ears.

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Agreed! I still lean towards the Iridium as well and I think the York Audio is doing a lot of the lifting for my ears. That being said, the Ruby has got something special too. I can see why some prefer it as well. Cheers!

[@duncancartledge1667]

As usual,a very informative comparison. I have both pedals and for me the Ruby wins out over the Iridium for sound and feel and I feel it’s more versatile in the range of sounds available with the different models and boosts onboard and the presets available via the app ( There’s a great Marshall one in there plus extra cab options. Ruby also wins out in usability, everything available without unplugging the pedal , holding this down, twisting that etc. Where the Iridium wins out is Midi if that’s your thing. I treat the Ruby as a 2 channel amp and use pedals. I think you hit the nail on the head early on when you said lots of people love a Vox sound but don’t have one. I have quite a few amps that cover Marshall and Orange but don’t have room ( or willing to,spend ) for the Vox amp that I wouldn’t use as much . The Ruby is ideal for me in this case.

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Thanks for watching, Duncan. I am gonna try that Marshall preset. One of these days ill meet someone w a Vox AC30! Haha

[@gilguajardo7808]

Just went through all the Ruby presets. I didn’t see a reference to a Marshall. What is the preset called?

[@1loveMusic2003]

The room kicks butt you're 100% right!

[@1loveMusic2003]

just got the ruby for xmas and it feels like a real valve amp. Love the vibrato too.

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Right on man! It's a killer pedal. Enjoy!

[@darrelladams4886]

Been really thinking about the iridium and the UA pedals lately. I can’t help but feel like strymon would have a followup for the iridium in the works by this point. Even if it’s just a V2. I also feel like both company’s will be adding a more high gain sound or model soon. Not modern high gain but probably something more classic

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Right? Even A firmware update or something would be appreciated

[@darrelladams4886]

@@SuperdangerStudios the idea of running a riverside into the iridium with a good delay or reverb pedal just sounds so appealing right now. Of course now I just need a riverside and iridium lol

[@MitchellSpille]

The iridium sounds like it has more bottom end and a looot more mids than the ruby. I've had both, and the ruby definitely gets closer to the handwired ac30 I have. doesn't mean the iridum is bad! I'd almost just think of it as its own thing, not trying to model classic amps. It definitely has its time and place where it fits best, just like any other amp.

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Absolutely! I think of the Iridium as an homage sound whereas the UAFX pedals are faithful recreations. And agreed that every tool has its space. Just depends on the job!

[@garyfox8]

So just listening to the testing out sounds section (first 10 minutes or so), it's pretty magical sounding. The vibrato/trem parts are from another lifetime. I agree with you.

[@SuperdangerStudios]

It is an amazing replication of a Top Boost. Wouldn’t be able to tell the difference from the real thing. Cheers!

[@garyfox8]

@Superdanger Studios I got the Iridium for it's flexibility of tones in a live setting. I still may 'need' to get this pedal for its accuracy of sound. Love the channel, hope you get a thousand-fold multiple of subscribers. Cheers!

[@LukeMaynard]

What a joy this was to listen to. Not just as an A/B comparison, as a pleasurable sampler of rhythm gutar riffs, which are the essence of hard rock. I think way too much, as I think guitarists do, about virtuoso playing, which almost everyone things of as virtuoso lead playing, screaming solo lines, very fast runs, arpeggios, acrobatic tapping party tricks. As I get older, I'm maybe losing some of the speed, and hopefully maturing into the kind of playing that a deeper listener does. The kind of playing I'm doing may be less of a cool novelty for my fellow guitarists who hop around the Internet collecting cool licks, but richer and more *right* to most listeners. What makes Bruce Springsteen a great guitar player? It's certainly not his Yngwie Malmsteen impression. It's the fact that he has a sound, and it's a good sound that serves the music he wants to make, and when you hear it you never experience anything but joy. You get it in some of Hendrix's rhythm guitar parts too (not that he's overrated as a lead player, but he's frequently underrated as a rhythm guitarist). I can hear a lot of Hendrix in your playing here--not in the soaring obvious way that some might, but in terms of your attention to tone and control of it. This is an amp pedal that seems to respond pretty intuitively to what and how you play. I promise I won't report you to the Fender Police for getting Hendrix tones out of a Telecaster.

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Thank you for such a thoughtful comment! In the end, we are all rhythm guitarists 99% of the time. So it’s the best skill to improve by far.

[@felipegomabrockmann2740]

Excellent quality of content here. Thank you so much!!!

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@kopisallmedia7543]

I had an AC30 handwired head: glorious. My Vox-y tube amp today is a Dr Z Stang Ray. My JTM Vox-y tube amp in a Top hat Club Royale. I do have other Vox amps, including a pair of MV50 iterations. But I dig the Ruby... listening as I consider a dream '65. (great videos BTW)

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Ac30 HW is on my bucket list of amps to own for sure. You have quite the collection though as it stands. A DR z and a Top Hat ain't nothing to sneeze at! Haha. Thanks for watching!

[@thiagocesaro]

Very nice comparison! Thanks for that! It amazes me how you can gracefully noodle during 40 minutes while testing pedals! And the song at the end is just perfect for confirming your opinion! Keep the good work!

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Thanks so much! I am always stressing to make sure i dont play the same licks over and over bc that’s where my brain wants to go haha. Cheers!

[@mapleneck]

You always get great sounds! I had the Dream and Ruby for a month to compare against the Iridium and ended up selling them. I like the headroom of the Iridium with OD/boost pedals compared to the UA pedals. If you're only going to play clean, the Ruby was a few % better but it can't do what the Chime can do with more gain and IR changes. I tried the Ruby with the GNR IR (cab/room of the Iridium) and it still sounds like a Vox while the Iridium starts to sound like a Vox combined with a Marshall. I was expecting a lot from the Ruby room sound because I had considered getting an OX before buying the Iridium. I was surprised that I prefer the large room sound on the Iridium to the room sound on the Ruby. I agree that it's annoying that they have parameters in the app that you can't access on the pedal. The Tim Pierce preset is super stereo sounding and it's not possible to do that with just the knobs on the pedal. I bought a few York Audio packs because of your videos and hope to find some time in the next couple weeks to swap out the IRs on my Iridium.

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Thanks so much for watching. The UAFX pedals are so interesting to me because I know they sound amazing and the feel is there but i always come back to the Iridium for some reason. Not that its better, but it suits what I am looking for. Cheers!

[@mtguitar5150]

Now if UA made a Iridium style pedal with all the models in there, including a perfect Marshall, now we are talking

[@SuperdangerStudios]

I bet people would pay $1k for that. I might even pay for that if they included some of the options only available in presets i.e. stereo cabs, custom eq curves, reverbs etc.

[@MatthewSpringer]

That's an HX Stomp. I have the Ruby and the Dream and I can get the HX Stomp pretty damn close especially with the YA IRs. You can make any of these pedals sound fantastic. What the Dream and the Ruby get you is the simplicity of "it all sounds good" right away with minimal tweaking instantly and you get that last 5%. What you're missing is midi and the form factor is big. But yeah, I'd buy a "Super UA pedal" especially with an effects loop, midi and a headphone amp. I've gigged the Dream twice on a minimalist pedalboard with just a Protein -> Dream -> Starlight -> Golden and it's a fantastic sound. But I also have an HX pedalboard that'll do so much more.

[@masterofreality230]

@@MatthewSpringer Yea, I am getting an HX Stomp, it just does so much, I am going to keep my fancy reverbs and delays in case I need the extra processing power.

[@mohamedmaghraby6261]

Moneyyyyy 😂😂

[@whowho8470]

If you use the Strymon Multiswitch Plus you can make three additional Favorites.

[@seanwholey6190]

Great comparison. I don’t have either of these but I did just recently purchase a RevivalTrem after watching your channel. I’m looking forward to you comparing the revival drive. Thanks!

[@SuperdangerStudios]

About to record it right now. Hope you are enjoying the revival trem. One of the most underrated pedals IMO.

[@DMKahn]

It’s really too bad the treble and bass doesn’t work on the pedal position . That’s a huge miss. It takes the pedal super well but you’d need a eq pedal after the ruby to add in that 4-6k and even 10k back

[@liontone]

I love the UA pedals, but it gives us some prospective on how good the Iridium (+ York IRs) really is.

[@SuperdangerStudios]

It still has the power! Haha

[@claytoncampbell7541]

This was great - thank you for doing it. 🍻

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Thanks for watching dude!

[@groundleaf865]

Okay if you want a versatile pedal that emulates 3 iconic amps, go with strymon iridium, but if you want an authentic vox 30 sound you can’t go wrong with the UA Ruby. Plain and simple.

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Agreed! But some need to hear it to believe it.

[@fantomas9240]

Thank you very much for all the videos about Iridium vs UAFX (Dream and Rubby). You helped me on my journey on those gears. I bought a second-hand Iridium but I wanted to check it up by myself so I bought brand news an UAFX Dream 65 and a Ruby to compare with the Iridium. 1/ I'm totally agree with you about a lot of things, the room knob. It's a great idea, better on the Iridium, the useless way to compare gears with everything at noon. Your clever point on the Dream 65 : vibrato channel vs normal channel (more flat) on the Iridium 2/ The Dream is great, huge basses in the right way but don't get the distortion pedal very well (OD or EP booster no problem) but maybe is it how it works with a real Deluxe Reverb. The spring reverb is ok but only with clean sound. The vibrato, ok it's fun but just fo 5 minutes maximum J 3/ The Ruby is the most impressive for me. A very very good pedal with no problem with heavy distortion pedal. Does it shug with a distortion pedal on front ? yes ! It's a nice surprise for me because I always thought the AC30 was a pain for the ears with sharp trebles 4/ Great point on "everybody loves the sound of an AC 30 but who own one ?". Maybe because it's very heavy, a little fragile and have to be pushed loud to sound great. And for what I know, an AC30 is very very very loud ! 5/ So at the day, the Dreams will be shipped back. The Ruby ? I have to do more test. But I keep the Iridium because it's great and the external IR's loading is a plus for me. Sometimes a can plug the line out of my Amp (ENGL Rockmaster, with built in reactive load) to the Iridium with only IR engaged and it's very great as well 5/ Now I have to test some York Audio IR's.... endless sound journey :D Keep going on your great content ! Cheers from France

[@SuperdangerStudios]

So great to hear your tone journey! Sounds like you have really put the gear through its paces. The Ruby is a special pedal and has some amazing tones inside. But as you said, the Iridium still holds its own and has many other benefits. Thanks for watching and let me know what you end up with!

[@fantomas9240]

@@SuperdangerStudios I've downloaded a bunch of IRs from YA... Tons of combinaison ! :D A 4x10 Bassman sound great whit the Iridium on the Chime channel.

[@fantomas9240]

​@@SuperdangerStudios Well, tests are over. I've sent back the Dreams 65 and the Ruby. But concerning the Ruby this is because I've found one used at half the price. At 200 euros it worth it. :). With the Iridium, you can reach the tones of the Ruby at (as you said) almost 95 % but the last 5 % are so nice to ear. So now Ruby and Iridium are sticked on my board.

[@seanandben]

The Ruby has a fractional amount of latency more than the Iridium - not just in my opinion, but in a controlled electronic test - but it’s not something anyone could really hear. Very cool comparison - well done to you.

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Thanks for watching, guys. Appreciate the kind words. The Ruby is a fantastic pedal but the Iridium still holds its own if you put it in the right arena. I saw that latency video as well. Very interesting, but as you said, negligible in the grand scheme. Cheers!

[@Glicksman1]

My philosophy on these things - What you can't hear doesn't matter.

[@kennyholliday7492]

Excellent review - getting UA

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Right on! Enjoy!

[@Glicksman1]

Not to brag, but I have had a pretty beat up, all original '64 AC-30 for many years. I've recorded with it, but it was always too loud to gig with or play at home if anyone else was in the house (or even next door). In addition to its gargantuan sound, it weighs a ton and a half (seemingly), that's why there are three handles on it. Despite its fabled sound, it's not a practical amp to own and vintage ones with original parts are both hard to find and quite expensive which may account for so few musicians having one. I got mine before the price got too high but have used it far less frequently than most of my other more manageable amps. I have a Ruby and it's a remarkable and authentic sounding replacement for the real thing. Also, it weighs only 1.24 lbs. (0.567 kg) and can be played at its sweet spot at any volume. We guitarists have needed this for... well, since the advent of blues and rock electric guitar.

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Wow! Amazing. In a similar vein I had an old 64 bassman w piggy back cab that was massive and only really sounded great at 7 or up. Could rarely open up on stage and only recorded it once so I know the feeling. Congrats on having that amp though. A piece of history for sure. Cheers!

[@Glicksman1]

@@SuperdangerStudios Yeah. It's history alright, and it makes a great shelf base.

[@SuperdangerStudios]

@@Glicksman1 lol. at least its being used for something haha

[@Glicksman1]

@@SuperdangerStudios That's what my wife says.

[@gilguajardo7808]

@Glicksman1 Gotta ask, since you have a ‘64… are the Bass and Treble cut controls, i.e., do they cut bass and treble as you turn them CW? The first time I’ve ever heard of such a thing is on the Ruby. I used to own a ‘64 RI AC30 TBX (wish I still had it 😢). The Bass and Treble were not wired as cut controls, i.e., they boosted bass and treble as you turned them CW. The Ruby is apparently a ‘63 circuit (based on the name), so maybe the Bass and Treble were cut controls in ‘63 and not in ‘64? Idk. It bugged me at first, but I’m used to it now on the Ruby.

[@BadMofoMusicCritic]

My ear agrees with your conclusion. Slight edge to Ruby, but not worth it for me, at least not right now. Great to know those UA pedals are lurking though.

[@SuperdangerStudios]

I think if they ever are used they would be a great purchase! Or if a certain job calls for it specifically. I wonder what they will release next?

[@AlexGroen]

00:14 When I was younger... Bro, that was 4 months ago😂 Loved the video and again I'm happy to still own and use the Iridium. The Vox amp sounds great with the YA Matchless IRs. And always great you use the Tele. It's the sound I hear in my head and I can't wait for my Smitty Tele to be finished!

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Haha technically I was younger lol. Thanks again for watching, dude. Smitty Tele? Right on!

[@AlexGroen]

@@SuperdangerStudios Yeah, it's gonna be a great upgrade of my Baja tele.

[@Roddo731]

Thank you for agreeing with everybody on the Internet… I think people sling opinions like they have pockets full of candy…

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Hey Rod, not sure if this is a compliment or a complaint. Either way, thanks for watching. I really do like the Ruby and the Iridium. They are both great substitutes when you don't want to lug an actual AC30 around. Is there something you would have preferred I went over instead? Thanks again!

[@gilguajardo7808]

@@SuperdangerStudiosPerhaps he meant for NOT agreeing with everyone on the internet? I didn’t know people complain about the vibrato, i.e., tremolo. What aspect of it, I wonder. 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@WinstonGuitar]

did a better job of selling the Ruby than any other video I've seen.

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Right on thank you!

[@smurvesmurve9082]

Hi! First Thanks for the awesome video!! I have a quastion to the owners of a Ruby: does anyone know whether they changed the app, so now presets are adjustable? on their page it reads a bit like you were able to dial in the mic and room parameters?

[@gilguajardo7808]

Great video! Hey, you know the Chime’s Drive control starts to incorporate a treble booster effect above 2:00, right? I think you had it at 3:00 when you first started comparing the Iridium to the Ruby. Not the fairest way to compare their AC30 sounds, right? Just started watching your humbucker Ruby/Iridium video, and you have the Chime’s Drive knob dimed, i.e., max treble booster style boost engaged. 😳

[@gilguajardo7808]

Welp… I just looked at the Iridium literature again. It says the boost is engaged when Drive is above 3:00, not 2:00. My bad. Still worth noting on the humbucker video, though, yeah?

[@gilguajardo7808]

Ok, now I know where I got 2:00 from. Pete Celi, in his Iridium overview video, says “somewhere around 2:00” is where you’d get the traditional max drive on an AC30. That video is also where he references a treble booster effect when discussing the Chime’s boost. I didn’t see treble booster mentioned in the literature, so started wondering where I got that from!

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Ah Yeah I probably should have had those knobs set the way you described. My bad. Next time! Thanks for watching.

[@gilguajardo7808]

@@SuperdangerStudios Sure thing! I enjoy your demos!

[@dendriloquist]

more sizzle in the ruby. I don't have them amps. is that sizze (glingedy splizzel) natural or is it me? I don't know. both so well done.

[@christofdonat2702]

Sure there are people, who own Voxes. I got two AC30ies, one of them would count as vintage now: Korg/Marshall-aera. I guess, you'll find more Voxes in Europe, than in America. The issue with all of these pedals, I've seen yet is, that with a real vintage AC30, you usually bridge the channels and mix them with the channel volumes. That's not possible with the Ruby, or the Iridium. Therefore it's impossible to get quite some of the iconic AC30 sounds. The Ruby really replicates the sound of the single channels pretty well, but that's only part of the job.

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Well that is awesome that you have 2. Just no one I know out here owns one but I know we all love them haha. And you’re lucky w the Korg one! Assuming that one will never leave your side. And you’re right. The pedals can get close but nothing replaces the real thing. That being said, carrying a 2x12 to load in is not as easy as a pedalboard haha so there are some trade offs!

[@christofdonat2702]

@@SuperdangerStudios Well, I know only a few people, who own Fender amps, but a lot of Vox owners. As I wrote, it's probably some America vs. Europe thing. Actually I think, the UA Ruby is really very close to the three single channels of a vintage AC30. Much closer, than anyone would ever notice in a mix, let alone live. I considered buying one for the gigging rig. Just the mixing of the channels, as you would do with a real AC30, or also with a Marshall Plexi, or a Bluesbreaker, is missing. That'd make it the perfect product for me, and I wouldn't have to carry 2x12 alnico speakers, and a heavy transformer any more.

[@FenderLewis]

Very inspiring guitar player!

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Wow, thanks!

[@TomCourtneyMusic]

Thanks for the great demos. One thing I'm curious about with using any of these pedals is this, your kinda at the mercy of the PA your playing through or am I missing something? If your using one of these as your actual amp then I persume your playing through whatever house PA there is or your own which may not be the best senario. Is that right or are people using these as effects pedals through a reg clean amp>

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Thanks for watching, Tom. I have seen guys use it direct to FOH for them to mix, in front of their amp or fx loop into their amp, and into a FRFR cab. All of these situations sounds really good. As with any gear, you are always at the mercy of your sound guy, but this takes away bad mics/stage sound bleed and gives them a great sound to work with/mix. The Edge recently ditched his amps for the Ruby. Pretty crazy.

[@TomCourtneyMusic]

Hi thank you, yes I saw the interview with Edge. Amazing he's dumping the tube amps at this stage but I get it, the flexibility is worth it. What I'm wondering is for a small 5 piece band playing in pubs through a small Mackie PA or similiar I'd be going through the board direct and using the PA as a the amp. Where would you suggest to add this on your pedal board. As it is, I just go striaght to MXR Red Comp into Tube Screamer and then to my delays. So would it be best to place this after all that and all the drives and delays last stop before the PA. Just wondering! @@SuperdangerStudios

[@evenstephen2000]

If it’s good enough for The Edge…

[@JohnFraserFindlay]

I have a Bogner Metrpolis which 'might' be modelled somewhat after an AC...but Ive used them in studios and eevn a club had one for backline..i loved them..but I never thought of getting one! ????!!! So true.

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Haha right? I love an AC30 but for some reason it’s low on the list of amps I would buy haha.

[@dendriloquist]

your videos are so informitive. will you do the uafx lion?

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Thank you! I will try to get my hands on one!

[@luizdemarco99]

With the launch of the OX Stomp, now we know why we can't change the parameters like you were saying at the end of the video...

[@SuperdangerStudios]

You’re absolutely right. I am probably gonna keep the dream and sell the Woodrow and Ruby to get the Ox Stomp. Its exactly what I’ve been looking for.

[@Emma-en5nb]

I have an AC15C2 that I've played for years at this point and for accuracy, it's not close. The UA nails it. The Iridium sounds like a Helix or VST or something trying to get there but sounding generically like a bunch of amps, rather than exactly like one. (Not a diss to the Helix - I have one and really like it)

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Agreed. The Iridium is more of an homage sound, while the UA sounds like the real deal. Cheers!

[@klvs2ply]

Great video. Would you use either in a live situation instead of an amp?

[@SuperdangerStudios]

My preference is an amp live but I always bring my Iridium as a backup. I have used my Iridium live before and it was great. Haven’t used the Ruby live but I know a lot of guys that do. Thanks for watching!

[@aeroprof]

Wonderful video! Please share your signal paths - was a DI used?

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Just straight into my interface. When I am using the IR I am adding it in Logic using Bias FX2. That’s it!

[@aeroprof]

Thank you! Do you run a stereo out from the Iridium or just a single (L= mono) cable? Thanks again, I have enjoyed your Strymon/UAFX videos and appreciate the time you put into making them! @@SuperdangerStudios

[@sam-browne]

I own a vintage AC30 (1961). It sounds stellar. It's also a bitch to move, and it's loud as hell. I haven't gigged it ever. I gig...my Deluxe Reverb (68 custom reissue). I did gig a handwired AC15 for a while, and that was really cool, but the DR as a pedal platform is just IT for me.

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Haha the paradox of the ac30 is a dangerous proposition. Amazing tone, but nowhere to play it! I feel ya on the DR too. Just a perfect pedal amp.

[@jorgiewtf]

I’m guilty of being one of those guys who loves the Vox sound. Primarily because of the Beatles and Queen. I even worked at Guitar Center for 2 years and out of all the amps I bought with my employee discount, the AC30 wasn’t one of them. I finally decided to get a Ruby to at least pretend I have one. I know this is an older video for you bro but it’s a good one. Keep at it and I know your channel will suddenly take off. Your quality is too high not to!

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Thanks so much for the kind words. I really love the vox sound and my new dream amp is a Matchless C30. The Ruby will have to do for me as well for now haha. Cheers!

[@Jord1791]

I really think the acs1 is a good compromise of both iridium and dream/ruby.

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Still haven’t tried it yet but it sounds great in demos! One day I’ll check it out.

[@pjevans854]

What is your signal chain to make this video? What do you run these pedals into in order to get their true amp sim tones?

[@SuperdangerStudios]

I'm just going straight into my DAW!

[@Jakob94]

Hey! just noticed that i am using the same Pickups in my telecaster :) Could you tell me you preferred pu-hight of both of them? would be killer! thanks dude!! Greetings from Germany ☺️✌🏻

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Ah great! They are so good. I have 3.5mm for both of them! Cheers!

[@willgo7898]

We're expecting an Iridium + Ox Box pedal demo/review ... soon.

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Hahahah gotta sell some things to get one! But it's coming for sure.

[@the5chord]

I have 2 Vox AC15 Handwired amps! I play them in stereo. But we don’t know each other so I guess your claim still stands.

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Oh man I would love to have a handwired ac15 one day. What a great setup!

[@TheStringDojo]

I discovered your channel last week, have been watching these UA amp sim pedals to buy one, I want to ask you if any of these can get in front heavy distortion, like to play Megadeth, Pantera, high gain, chunky distortion for real metal? ACS1 or Iridium are more expensive and older, could they are better for it?

[@SuperdangerStudios]

I would say none of the UA pedals do metal well. The closest is the Ruby but even then it will not chug..m The iridium gets close with its punch channel but I would say the new TC electronic Soldano amp sim is the way to go for you. They also have a jcm800 one as well. Both sound really good and have great response. Hope this helps!

[@TheStringDojo]

@@SuperdangerStudios yes thank you, have you got your expert hands on the DSM & Humboldt Simplifier MKII? They look great for the same purpose

[@shadrackperez7325]

Super nice video thx

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Thanks for watching!

[@Johnnybananass-_]

having played and toured with a bunch of old early 60s ac30s for myself I know the older voxs do sound different than the new voxs

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Oh man I wish I could have played a vintage ac30. My buddy has a Korg owned one I want to try though. Heard those are pretty great.

[@Johnnybananass-_]

@@SuperdangerStudios yeah the new ones still sound very "Vox, " just the older ones sound more fuller when dimed have a richer dynamic saturated tone, than the newer ones . to my ear, I had one of Neil Finns ones for a show and that when dimed sounded full like that old plexiglass Marshall tone, plus the older well broken in silverback alnico's just rang, there was no brittleness like imagine a modern Vox but dipped in butter hahaha the older ones tended to break up earlier as well. which I think would have to do with less efficient speakers back then and going into breakup earlier . Plus all the insiders were almost 60 years old so no doubt all those little things added up. It takes a while to my ear tom properly break in new alnicos and ceramic speakers, I mean you cant put 60 years playing into a speaker and its cone overnight.

[@1loveMusic2003]

isn't the tele the best thing to ever happen? Sounds great! I got me Lollars too love em.

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Love the lollars in this tele! Which ones do you have?

[@1loveMusic2003]

Specials! Love them and for high output they still sound dynamic but I don't know how they do it. @@SuperdangerStudios

[@Sagerydian]

I like the ruby, but in the UAD pedals there is this strange sound going on, some kind of crackling, like when you overdrive/overload a digital gainstage - it sounds very unpleasant and I haven't heard this sound ever in a real amp. It sounds like a car fender scratching the ground - I don't know how to describe it. Like a ski on ice. It is extremely annoying. The Dream has the same problem.

[@SuperdangerStudios]

I know exactly what you’re describing. There is that weird scratch that sometimes you can hear when recording amps but it can be distracting for sure. Probably didn’t need to be included haha

[@gabrielaples6942]

the brilliant channel is not a ideal pedalplatform ? I didn't even tried the normal channel: thanks

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Both can work great just depends on what you’re going for! Brilliant has more gain on tap but also has more clarity

[@mtguitar5150]

I have a couple york packs currently using a Worship tutorial ir, only one I found to give me that creamy mid punch.

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Interesting. I haven’t tried their IRs yet. Ill check it out.

[@AndyNyle]

I also bought UA and noticed that it distorts too easily. I have a hard time getting a powerful clean sound

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Right? It sounds great as a Vox but doesn't really excel at the pedal platform sound.

[@AndyNyle]

@@SuperdangerStudios actually thinking of returning it and getting Tonex instead.

[@thomaslthomas1506]

I own a Vox not vintage though. I actually prefer the pathfinder 15r to the ac's they are their own thing though.

[@SuperdangerStudios]

One day would love to own an AC30 but I would almost never be able to crank it up. Even on stage that would be too loud haha!

[@thomaslthomas1506]

@@SuperdangerStudios I do mostly studio stuff . To big. That my stuff stays on 8+ hours a day 4+ days a week. Them tubes is expensive. I’ve got a MSB that someone put into a pine combo box. It is sweet if used correctly. Actually the little pathfinder’s new and old are good also but they are their own thing. The 15r is getting kinda rare and expensive. An AC30 really to loud on stage. Kinda like showing up to a country gig in spandex with a plexi and a 4/12. Fired before end of first set.😇

[@musicandthewalk]

Can you bypass the preamp and use the cab sims independently?

[@SuperdangerStudios]

For the Iridium yes, but for the Ruby no. There is a new pedal called the Ox Stomp from UAFX that has all the speaker emulations as a standalone pedal.

[@musicandthewalk]

@@SuperdangerStudios Thanks for the info!

[@henriksoerensen6666]

Hi great vid thanks 😊 as this is a digital copy of an ac30 and is marketed in this way should vox receive royalties?

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Haha! That would be hilarious. But trademark and copyright law does not cover a tone. Which is great bc then voxs would be $5k a piece haha

[@michellelaverickmusic]

I’ve got a ac-15. Not vintage but my arms aren’t strong anymore…

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Jealous! I’d love one.

[@michellelaverickmusic]

@@SuperdangerStudios it’s great. But what brought me here is my producer who recommended the pedal. I’m used to the spring reverb in ac15 so surprised to see it missing. Who knew the ac30 didn’t have one? So the purist are happy I guess but if I was UA I’d would have modelled that. IMHO. Keep up the vids they are useful 🙏♥️🙏

[@philipchadwick1627]

Barkey, not like a tree, like a dog. 😂. Your reviews of anything Iridium related really are first class, as is your playing.

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Haha thanks dude! Appreciate it. Literally used the Iridium in a studio session last night and it sounded great. Still kicking after all these years. Cheers!

[@wolfsoto]

If you already have pedal that respond like amps as far as dynamics, sag and break up like the Benson preamp, J.Rockett Archer and Protein Overdrive. Wouldn't that solve the Strymon Iridium's issue of not responding like an amp, being that the pedals will cover that?

[@SuperdangerStudios]

I should have been more specific. When I said “respond” i meant more along the lines of speaker breakup, rectifier sag, weird harmonics, all the things that happen in great old tube amps. The pedals you mentioned are fantastic but they are more single stage drive pedals. I use my origin effects revival drive in front of my iridium sometimes and that is even built up to be an amp sim and all analog. But it does not really cover all the little complexities of a real tube amp. That being said. I should test out your theory and put some of my drive pedals in front of an IR and see how much of an amp they can sound like! Thanks for the comment! Cheers 🥂

[@wolfsoto]

@@SuperdangerStudios thank you.

[@mohamedmaghraby6261]

Ua ruby is very realistic sound , iridium feel like emulation

[@SuperdangerStudios]

The UAFX pedals really nail it!

[@figure5-114]

UAFX ruby is better in my opinion

[@SuperdangerStudios]

It really sounds great

[@Kwaician]

"When I was younger" 😂

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Haha it’s true!

[@Jonathandavidk]

For some reason the eq on the ruby didn’t work in the room I play in (church) while the eq on the iridium was easy to dial in. Even in my studio space, the ruby’s bass sounded bad at any point above 3 o clock.

[@SuperdangerStudios]

I totally hear ya. When I was mixing the song it was much harder to dial in the Ruby sounds. Next time Try the Ruby with an IR. I just recorded a video doing that and it is much more focused sound. Cheers!

[@ctrabuccom]

ruby 100% more natural ! better than mi Vox ac30C2x

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Ruby is a beast! And a little bit easier to carry than a real ac30 haha

[@masterofreality230]

The Beatles played a Vox....until they got a Marshall lol I bet a comp would be good to tame the spiky highs in a Vox AC 30.

[@SuperdangerStudios]

That’s right! They endorsed Vox until their Rubber Soul album I believe. As for comp, you’re also correct. In the mix I did at the end of the video it worked perfectly.

[@masterofreality230]

@@SuperdangerStudios I dont even own a comp 🤣 never have, I use a Mesa Mark V 25, I dont think it needs one, but I might get one to take my clean reverb and delay sound further. I was just laughing though, I dont know a single person with a Vox amp.

[@gilguajardo7808]

What Marshall amp did the Beatles use? Never seen that.

[@brockdinbarr]

Sorry, I don't believe The Beatles ever played Marshalls.

[@jonathonrich8061]

I feel like I should want one of these, but I totally don't.

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Some gear speaks to you. Some doesn't! What rig are you using right now?

[@jonathonrich8061]

@@SuperdangerStudios Morgan amp, Suhr Classic T, and pedal board. I would like to have some sort of amp Sim, but don't need it right now. If one comes out that makes my socks jingle I'll go for it. Personally, if I were designing an amp Sim I would make it more versatile. I mean who cares if you model a 63 Vox perfectly. Honestly a lot of the sounds from the UA pedals are not useful to me. I don't care if it sounds exactly like a Vox. I just want every single setting on my amp simulator pedal To be useful and to Rock. Give me something with an effects loop, direct XLR out in stereo 2 different amps if wanted like the Helix,. Headphone out for practice, ability to load IRs, ability to have a few presets, and download presets other's have created. If I need a clean pedal platform or a Bogner Ecstasy I can do so with the press of a button and it has to sound phenomenal. Why would you need a Deluxe reverb amp Sim to break up at 9 o'clock on the gain dial? I don't. I want that sucker to stay clean mostly I don't care what the real amp does. All I'm saying is give us a better tool. A more useful one. The technology is available, we just need a real guitar player to help design it.

[@thedirtyknobs]

U have a access to room and other setting ..

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Hi Dirty Knobs! What do you mean? Room knob? On the Iridium or Ruby?

[@thedirtyknobs]

@@SuperdangerStudios ruby ..on the middle switch .. If it's up then you have the room knob I was thinking you missed it but maybe not

[@officialWWM]

I have an AC30 🫡🤔

[@SuperdangerStudios]

The few, the proud.

[@officialWWM]

@@SuperdangerStudios The strong! It's very heavy 🤣

[@clayteasouth]

Strymon sounds better in the mix.

[@SuperdangerStudios]

I thought so too!

[@henrykc3]

So harsh in the ear-piercing highs... mine is for sale

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Sorry to hear it didn’t work out. I agree the highs can be a bit unwieldy at times. The cab selection is really important in these pedals. Cheers! Hope you get a good price for it!

[@drewdemaio4162]

Are you selling the Ruby or the Iridium? I feel like the Ruby sounds more realistic but it only does Vox, where as Iridium does 3 amps. So torn!

[@luisutil9070]

Lol... this guy lives his iridium... no way the iridium sounds better than the ruby... no way...

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Haha I do love my iridium. My point is that if you own it you probably don’t need a ruby. The ruby is a perfect recreation of the AC30 but you can get 90% of the way there w an iridium. If you think differently that’s cool too. Just diff opinions.

[@user-zv7lm8uk7h]

Ruby sounds like a RING MODULATOR is on it. Not good.

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Really? I think I know what you mean. The speaker sims on the Ruby put it in a certain frequency and it is very subjective if you like it or not. Do you have an Iridium?

[@user-zv7lm8uk7h]

@@SuperdangerStudios I have Fender tube amps, I had a Fractal FM3, and an HX Stomp. I have the UA Golden. The ruby pedal sounds "good" but also just sounds like a high frequency ring modulator. I feel like its kind of ridiculous. Oblviously, like any good guitarist, I love the sound of Vox, ... but dowt own one. Oh I also had a DLX Simplifier which was incredible, as was the FM3. I think UA couldve put all three amps in one pedal but $$$$$$$$$$$$$$

[@profd65]

Vs. the Iridium? That's clickbate, buddy. There's virtually no Iridium in this video. We get it: you like the Ruby better. But don't pitch this as a comparison or shootout video when it's 95% Ruby.

[@SuperdangerStudios]

I like them both. No need to be upset my friend. There is a big comparison between them at 12 minutes onward. Are you asking me to make another comparison? Is there something else you'd like me to cover? I can see this is important to you.

[@chidorirasenganz]

The only thing I wished they had was a 4x12 g12m marshall cab sim or even just a 2x12 vox cab with g12m 🥲

[@SuperdangerStudios]

You can always use a third party IR!