Everyone is WRONG about the Strymon Iridium Fender Settings

Since the UA Dream '65 came out everyone has been comparing it to the good ol' ‪@strymon‬ Iridium.
It struck me that it has been over 2 years of this pedal and almost no one knows how to make it sound good. You would think that it is impossible to make the Round (Fender) setting sound halfway decent.
I am here to prove them wrong.
CONTEST - WIN THE DREAM 65
I am giving away the Dream '65 pedal here: • Win my Universal Audio...
My 30+ minute comparison between the #strymon Iridium and the #universalaudio Dream '65 here: • The ULTIMATE Dream '65...
Superdanger Studios is based in Nashville, Tennessee and is a full service creative house for musicians and artists. Our services include songwriting, production, digital strategy, and media production. www.superdangerstudios.com
Follow on IG: / superdanger
Equipment used (Amazon are affiliate links)
---
Strymon IRIDIUM: amzn.to/3yv3rFf
Strymon FLINT: amzn.to/3QjbcGe
Fender Blues Jr: amzn.to/3wZw50A
Lollar Pickups: www.lollarguitars.com/lollar-...
Warmoth Necks: warmoth.com/index.php/guitar-...
Strymon Iridium: amzn.to/3z9dmCk
York Audio IR: www.yorkaudio.co/shop
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
---

[@TheRodge2112]

I got the UA Ruby and returned it for the Iridium. I absolutely love the Iridium. It sounds good with minimal tweaking, and with some York IRs, it sounds fantastic through my budget studio monitors. Bump the mids, reducing the bass, and setting the treble to taste really makes it sound like a real amp. You can also add just the right amount of grit to enhance with drive pedals. Plus, no menus or screens to file through!

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Right on! I love the UA pedals but I always come back to the Iridium for live and tracking. It’s just easier.

[@TheRodge2112]

@@SuperdangerStudios Simplicity. Find one or two good sounds and play instead of tweaking.

[@djb3545]

I never got this pedal to take pedals well.

[@pomegranatesour]

THANK YOU. I’ve been saying this on just about every comparison video I’ve seen so far. So frustrating and I don’t see how anyone in good faith could say they genuinely tried to dial in both pedals when they leave the iridium sounding so bad. UA must be paying these KZbinrs well.

[@SuperdangerStudios]

It boggles the mind! The iridium is a great pedal and it takes effort to make it sound bad haha! Cheers!

[@treabailey]

Right on-- I'm looking at switching to one or the UAD pedals, but I just about posted a little rant on one of the videos because they had no clue what they were doing with the Iridium...

[@pauljrogersmusic]

Thanks so much for this video. I've watched a bunch of comparison videos and also felt the comparisons weren't fair. You've explained it well.

[@Kendalladkins]

@@SuperdangerStudios They also shouldn't really be compared apples to apples. The Iridium is a budget pedal compared to the UA. Same price for 3 amps on the Iridium instead of the UA's 1.

[@curtisejohnson7864]

Yes thank you Suerdanger, for making this. I don't think these other folk are paid, I think that for some its the enthusiasm and the lack of understanding of the reality of being a one person production team, so details get glossed over, or become such a tech wormborehole, of monotone info, whilst others are just lazy, some are so busy trying to look like TV talking heads that it's really more about them and the product is just a vehicle. but on the whole Im glad that they do it, because it gives us the chance to see and hear new equipment, or as in this case get the most of what has already been invented.

[@themorinsteph]

Nice video man, I think you’re absolutely right! I was using the Iridium at the end of my pedalboard with York Audio IRs like you do and I really loved the result. I bought a Helix a few months ago ‘cause I wanted more options, but the thing I liked a lot about the Iridium is how simple it is to get a good tone out of it in just a minute, even with the stock IRs. It sounds great and the knobs are super intuitive.

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Awesome little pedal even after zero firmware updates for 2 years! Just got to spend time with it.

[@kylekoliha1695]

I just came across this channel. It's the first time in a while where I watched a gear demo, felt informed, but also didn't feel as though someone was trying to sell me something. Good job.

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Right on. Happy you enjoyed the video! More to come. Cheers!

[@ENOB19]

Man, you’re awesome! I love this video and the previous one where you talked about everyone forgetting about the iridium. As you said, it’s the commitment

[@SuperdangerStudios]

haha thanks man! I love new gear but it can cloud judgement very easily. Hope you're having a great week.

[@umbertopadovan6563]

The best review of the iridium i ever see, and is only about the round channel. Great

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Wow thanks Umberto! Cheers!

[@slideguitarist]

Alex thanks very much for putting together these videos, and for sharing your experience and ideas. It’s hard work, and the results are terrific. I have personally benefitted from your advice and insights. I recently-finally-got an Iridium. I have been a diehard tube amp player for decades. But I love the portability and fast setup of this pedal. The direct tone of Iridium is 85% as satisfying as cranking my custom plexi JMP bass style head through cabinets mic’ed with classic mics (the Beyerdynamic M201TG is a personal favorite). I often need to record silently, and the Iridium sounds about 95% as good as my tube amps DI using a reactive load with IRs. That’s saying a lot! Your advice in this video and the other recent one on Iridium really helped me get the most out of the pedal right out of the box. I wasted no time before swapping my own IRs for those stock ones I didn’t love. Also inspired by your advice, I use a boost even for cleans, into the Round and Chime models. On the real amps, that’s not necessary, but on the Iridium Round model particularly, it is a huge improvement. I find that the Iridium tone knob settings for those two models are very different from how I’d set a real AC-30 or Deluxe Reverb. However, the Punch model tone settings respond very much the same as my 4-hole plexi when it’s cranked, and I am plugged into both top jacks with a Y-cable-bass set low, mids set most/all the way up, treble backed off from all the way up. Tube plexis start to respond very differently once they’re jumpered or Y-cabled and the volumes knobs are turned up. Iridium Punch with Drive set to 3:00 nailed that! I have a few questions about the details of your setup. Thanks in advance for anything you wish to share. When you use the Revival Drive into Iridium (with amp sims and cab IRs active), how do you set the Re-amp EQ switch on the RD-EQ1, EQ2 or PwrAmp? I noticed you often use the studio-grade Flint after the Iridium for reverb. It sounds fantastic! I prefer reverb after amp or Iridium, especially for plate, room or hall reverbs. Rarely, I place my reverb before Iridium or amp and “print” it on the track, when I want a retro combo amp reverb effect, like spring or some plate sounds. Most often, when tracking, I use outboard or CPU-friendly reverb plugins for monitoring only. That lets me later change the reverb type and settings like predelay and wet/dry mix during the mixing stage. Do you usually print the Flint reverb on your recorded Iridium tracks? If so, do you prefer it to using reverb plugins in your DAW or DSP in your hardware interface? Do you go into the Flint from the Iridium in stereo? Have you ever used the Flint as an outboard send effect while mixing?

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Hi Slide! Thanks for stopping by and appreciate your kind words regarding my videos! I have been trying to put out videos that are helpful and am glad to hear you have found some use out of my rambling! haha. I totally agree with your comments in re: to the Iridium. Is it perfect? No. But does it pass the test most of the time? Absolutely. And even beyond that, you can learn to like it for what it is and what it provides. It solves a ton of logistical problems and is fun to use. Anything that checks those boxes is a winner for me. The boost into the clean channel is really a game changer. The mock preamp on the round setting just responds perfectly to it and adds the low mids that you would normally hear in a blackface amp. It is hard to get that top end sparkle but that is normally lost in a mixdown anyways haha. And your punch settings are absolutely correct. Punch at 3 is so good and allows for a lot of fun riffing. One day I hope to have a real plexi like you! As for your questions: 1. For my Revival Drive and my RevivalTREM I use the EQ1 setting for both when going into the Iridium. I have tried using the EQ2 when on the punch setting but it never sits right. I feel like I get a closer tone when on EQ1 and adjust the mids on the Iridium to taste, and then going back and adjusting the hicut/shelf on the Origin Effects pedals. I only use the poweramp setting when going straight into an IR bc of how much top end it has. Hope this answers that. The Revival Drive is consistently my favorite pedal. Another completely misunderstood pedal in the KZbin guitar world. Maybe that is next in the works. 2. Love the Flint and almost always have it after the Iridium unless I have something really tonally specific I am shooting for. As for printing it depends on the situation. I really love the Hall reverb on the Flint and have not been able to reproduce it in Valhalla or even Soundtoys. There is something fun that happens there and if I want that tone I just print it and hope it is easy to mix later haha. With the spring and plate I can usually recreate those in the DAW someway so I usually do the same as you, just run some CPU friendly verb for some feel and adjust later. However, If i feel that I am on a creative high point, I will just print it bc sometimes getting the take is worth the rigidity. Commiting to a sound is something I have been trying to work on lately. I have not used it in stereo yet and I really should try it. And I have not used it as an outboard send yet. I have been using a apogee duet 2 from like 10 years ago and am going to upgrade to the audient44 this year. Once I have some spare outputs I would love to try doing that. I actually saw some crazy video where a dude used his Strymon Deco in his recording chain. Sometimes he'd use it on the way in, other times as a send. It sounded amazing and he used it on every track. Vocals, drums, guitar, bass, keys. So cool. I'll see if I can find it. Long answers just like my videos haha. Hope this helps and looking forward to more convos. Cheers!

[@slideguitarist]

@@SuperdangerStudios Hey Alex. Thanks so much for your helpful responses to my overlong string of questions! I have been on the fence about the RevivalDrive, and plan pick up a Compact model. You are one of the few KZbinrs who does the RevivalDrive justice. I look forward to your in depth video on that great pedal. You will most likely love having a real NMV 4-hole plexi amp, judging from your playing style and approach to tone. I discovered that even 50 watters are too heavy and too loud for me . Classic plexis are low gain, and really need to be turned up to get their characteristic tone and feel. Master volumes do not do the trick. When I got my plexi, Marshall had not yet released the SV20, so I had a head made, based on a 1968 Marshall bass amp front end, but with a 19 watt power section with 6V6 tubes and oversize transformers. Even with lower wattage, when it's cranked, I still need to use an Air Brake attenuator to tame the SPL. It's my holy grail amp. I keep the amp cranked, and control the overdrive (aka power section saturation and compression) with guitar volume knobs, a volume pedal and a Mad Professor UNDERdrive pedal that with one stomp, makes it sound like an off-clean blackface. I rarely use an overdrive pedal with it. One of the things I like most about the Iridium, is the stereo IR function. I'll bet it would sound great in stereo through the Flint. With tube amps, I usually mix speakers, cabs and mics. The stereo IRs give similar flexibility with the Iridium. If you haven't tried it, I recommend checking out Redwirez MixIR3 IR loader. It lets you create custom mixes of multiple IRs and export them in stereo format that load perfectly into the Iridium. For example, you can mix an open back 212--a G12H55 and G12M, each separately mic'ed slightly to each side of the center,--and also have a Fane 412 panned slightly more to one side, and a Vox Blue panned more to the other side. Or you could hard pan an open back 210 to one side, and a 115 cab to the other side. Inside the DAW (or PA mixer) you can then tweak the stereo spread, and placement in the stereo field to suit the mix. It is a subtle effect, but it really adds depth to tracks and gives many tone options while mixing. The stereo IRs also work perfectly in mono applications.

[@SuperdangerStudios]

I have been looking at the SV20! Ever since Guitarist magazine did a video on it I have had it on my list. Can't justify it yet but maybe if this channel takes off I can do it as a write off haha.

[@isaacjohnson.]

You are 100% right. Some of the videos I've seen lately seem to have shorted the sounds of the Iridium. It is a great sounding pedal, and not always dialed in right. You have several videos with your Iridium, and it sounds great! Love your videos!

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Thanks, Isaac! It really is weird how they are complacent about getting terrible tones out of a good pedal. Cheers friend!

[@pomegranatesour]

@@SuperdangerStudios I think the York audio IRs are game changing and most of the videos I’ve seen comparing the UA stuff and Iridium have stock IRs.

[@noheva]

Thank you for the best Strymon Iridium videos!

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Glad you like them! Many more to come!

[@zer0dave]

Amazing video, great playing, liked and subscribed…and you’re so right about what I’ve seen on other videos…i have no idea how they are getting such dull recorded tones with theirs. I work with a mixing engineer for some of my originals and he said “whatever you’re doing for the guitar tones, keep doing it!” All I did was take time to carefully dial in my tones and levels on the Iridium with some choice pedals in front and I get fantastic results. I’ve stopped using amp sim plugins because of it. Keep the great content flowing 😎.

[@SuperdangerStudios]

My guy! Thank you for the kind words! It’s really a great pedal and it’s a little disappointing to see so many people using it incorrectly. Glad to hear it’s working out great for you. I hope Strymon has an update soon for the pedal it’s about due!

[@michealrodriguez157]

Great video. I have had my Iridium for a couple of years now and have thought about "upgrading", but I didn't like the feel I got from a couple of other modelers. I did change out all my IRs and that gave me my desired tone from all 3 models. I have a simple pedalboard, and the Iridium keeps me from spending thousands on amps. PS... I have been around a lot of amps in my life, and I have never seen one with all the knobs set to noon. I'm sure the amps would sound a bit flat too

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Actually just picked up the Dream 65 so we'll see what the fuss is all about!

[@eanroad]

Wow, after these years I finally found a vid where the Iridium and Revival Drive are used together! I did the same thing for both my boards. It's the only way to get it to sound like a real amp. Unfortunately, the Dream 65 and Woodrow 55 kicked the Iridium off the small board but it's still "surviving" on the large board...Great vid, cheers!

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Right? It’s such an obvious combination I’m surprised so few have used it. So the UA pedals are that much better in your opinion? I guess I’ll have to try them out. I really wanna check the Woodrow

[@eanroad]

@@SuperdangerStudios In my opinion, the best amp setting on the Iridium is the Chime. However, I found the Revival Drives to work better with the Round setting. Problem is that I use my guitar volume knob to go from dirt to clean. There is something in the Iridium that makes that a challenge (at least to my liking). I'll write more in a bit

[@eanroad]

@@SuperdangerStudios I pretty much had the same settings on the Iridium as you described in the video and also used the York Audio IRs. However, the sound always seemed "distant," never present and forward. I tried to solve that by moving the mid knob beyond 3pm'ish would make the sound mushy because the best way to use the Revival Drives (I have both the standard custom and hot rod custom) is cranked. Well, I ended up buying a Kingsley Page TS and it helped a lot, especially with the clean up and eq. Then I bought a Cali 76 Stacked Ed and that help alot with the feel. Both Infront of the Iridium. Sounded great but something always still bothered me about it. Then I got both the Dream 65 and Woodrow 55 (even though they are not perfect) a lot of the problems solved and I find myself playing more rather than tweaking, which is a great thing!..I'm still keeping one of my Iridiums for my other board but will try making it work on the Chime setting with my other set of Revival Drives (which are the core to my setups/tone) and will have to use EQ with the custom panel (which will be a big pain in the rear but oh well, worth a try)...Let me know if you have any other questions. I've been fighting with the Iridium for a while now! Lol!

[@carlhardwickofficial]

Just like the Kemper, there are those who will take time to make gear sound its best. Others are more plug 'n play and instantly write off anything that doesn't give instant gratification. In your comparison video I preferred the Iridium. The Dream pedal colored every dirt pedal that sat on top of it. Thanks for a great channel. Great playing, reviewing, and no obnoxious commenting style like other channels. Just subscribed.

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Thank you for watching! Very kind words. Much appreciated. I think people can get spoiled on gear now a days. In that so many amps are great out of the box but it’s not always that way. And yes I felt the same way re: the dream. It left its fingerprint on every tone. And if that’s what you want, then great. But not for everyone. Cheers!

[@CoffeeConversationMusicGear]

Great video that’s honest & straight forward imho. You said it best that no KZbinr can know what you want or what’s right for you as consumers or musicians; only you do by trying stuff and experimenting and experiencing life and just enjoying the journey of music, playing, networking, and being open to learn and make mistakes. Bravo 👏🏾 great video & Iridium breakdown!!! Oh! I’m a Strymon Iridium owner & have been since 2019. It’s taken time to find what works for me and my rig using it. But still a staple in my guitar rig.

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Thanks so much for the kind words! And yes, I can only show people how I would use it! Gotta step in the ring to win the prize haha. Cheers Man!

[@Jonathandavidk]

I had the iridium already but wanted to try the dream and ruby. Got them both. Kept them for two weeks but ended up going back to the iridium. It just worked better for me. Both the ruby and dream had an odd, to me, eq. The iridium is a great platform. The midi implementation is perfect and it takes pedals really well (I think it takes pedals better than the dream and ruby did).

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Wow that is interesting to hear. I kinda want to see what theyre like. TBH I want to try the woodrow bc its the least positively reviewed pedal which makes me want to try it even more haha.

[@Stboser]

@@SuperdangerStudios I grabbed all three when they first came out, the dream went back because I got 95% there with my hx stomp and I just sold the Ruby because I wasn’t using it. Ruby sounded great but can’t justify a pedal that sits unused. The woodrow is so versatile especially with the additional 4x12 and 4x10 cabs… and you don’t need to worry about secondary functions which is nice.

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Dang I really want to try the woodrow next!

[@gwislomezable]

@@SuperdangerStudios I own the three of them. Believe me, the Woodrow is the winner by miles. The Dream is too gainy for what is meant to be a Deluxe Reverb. It's frustratingly scooped. Plug a Strat in and you can rest assured you'll be a ghost in any mix. The ruby has some good sounds, but like 60% of its tones are way too bright and harsh. The Woodrow has some harsh, bright tones. But oh, my, once you dial in a good fuzzy tone it's heaven, and the cleans kick the Dream out of the competition. All in all, the Iridium is the best, but if you add the Woodrow be sure you won't regret it.

[@SuperdangerStudios]

@@gwislomezable now i have to try it!

[@craigwolf4908]

hi, great vid! now i’m a fan of the site! i’m so digging into you’re stuff. I’ve had issues with my iridium but u pairing it with a boutique pedal was the road i’m following, ty craig

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Hi Craig! Thanks for watching and for the kind words. The Iridium is a fantastic pedal, but in my experience, it needs to be used in a specific way. Cheers!

[@barthur08]

Your vids on the Iridium are the best

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Thank you!

[@peponline88]

great video! great tones!!! looks like some review guys don't know how to dial the pedal, or how the eq knobs interact each others... you make it great!

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Haha it’s true! Some people don’t take time to understand their gear and people are really missing out! Thanks for the kind words. Cheers!

[@TheRedSpecialPlayer]

The man gets to the heart of the matter! I was wondering about negative comments about the Iridium as well, because it is a great modeler that sticks to the basics. Moreover, the UA Dream '65 has no headphone jack, no possibility to charge external IRS, no midi availability, no possibility to connect expressions pedals. Greetings from Germany Mic

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Thanks MC! I agree, it’s like collective amnesia about the Iridium. It’s a fantastic pedal that solves a lot of problems quickly without apps or any weird tech barriers and the inclusion of MIDI makes it perfect for the road. I love the Dream as well and I compared the two on another video. It’s the best emulation of a Deluxe I have ever heard but the few limitations just made it not necessary for what I have to do musically in the studio or on the road. Cheers!

[@TheRedSpecialPlayer]

I use the Iridium to save my old amps and my back. It's easy to use, no hassle and sounds really good. "Less is more" as they say in Germany. I really like the Dream too and I saw your new video. Great! We in Germany are a bit more reserved with superlatives like "best amp" or "the best sound ever" than in the United States. But I absolutely agree with you: it's a great simulation of the Fender Deluxe Reverb. Too bad it doesn't have a send and return. A warm greeting to America, the land of my dreams. Mic :-)

[@thiagocesaro]

Just got my Iridium. So far, it's good. Next step is to get some IR's to test. I also own a real DRRI. But I just never play in the Normal channel, so I am used to that Vibrato channel sound. Hoped Strymon released a firmware with the Vibrato channel, so I really could compare with that sound. Subscribed to wait for the Dream 65 comparison! Good job!

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Thank you thiagocesaro! I am ordering the dream65 soon and am gonna compare. The Flint has a great vibrato actually if you are missing it! I did a video on it here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gIrUq3ieo8pooqM

[@darrenofdrivers]

Your videos have persuaded me to buy an Iridium. You like your drive tones darker than I do but I can hear that the Iridium is going to take the pedals in a way that I can make it sound the way I want it. Thanks!

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Glad you like the videos, Darren. The iridium is a great solution for many guitarists. It takes every pedal I have thrown at it and has so many fun tones to use. Cheers!

[@monster3msquad178]

I'm digging the shave Danger looking great!

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Thank you bro! Trying to look young lol. Great to hear from you and hope you have been well my friend.

[@monster3msquad178]

@@SuperdangerStudios been great thanks 👍

[@alainkempa2139]

Just got a one (second hand). I agree it sounds quite good, I use it with a clean boost xotic super drive and keeley compressor all plugged into a frfr headrush(maybe no ideal frfr but this what I could score). Your remark is true the middle knob acts almost as a secondary drive : pushed up it goes in tweed territory,more rock.The only critisism I would do: I find the level knob not loud enough...But ok...for me it is the ideal pedal for playing home.

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Thanks for sharing Alain! It is a great little pedal and I bet it sounds great w your pedals going in. I want to try that keely compressor. And I agree, it does not drive much volume for live playing but it is def enough for recording direct. Cheers!

[@AdventuresinBackpacking]

I love this channel. I love the content. No exaggeration. Great work with these vids, the longer ones and the shorts, Alex. I have one question though: who is this KZbinr you are referencing?

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Thanks so much for the kind words. Been trying to make useful and entertaining videos about guitar and music so I’m thrilled to hear that anyone digs it. I probably should have kept my mouth shut about the other channel but some of the accounts being mentioned are friends of mine and it was a low class video calling people out like that. If you search “Sweetwater using KZbinrs” you’ll find it. Cheers!

[@AC-rj1cq]

Thanks for making this video. I don’t know if it’s gross negligence or (more likely) the hype of new pedals, but people have been treating the iridium so poorly in their review videos. Seems like people really love to hate on strymon, but that’s just my take.

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Agreed! I am assuming that none of them have ever played it beyond the first week it was released. Strymon makes incredible products and I think people are trying to compare apples to oranges with the Dream vs Irdiium.

[@dimensionstomorrow]

I have the Dream 65 and the Iridium and like both. I definitely agree about the mid knob, and also use it with the Flint. Deco drive sounds really great with it as well.

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Am def gonna get the Deco. Have had my eyes on it for years. Cheers!

[@grantandrews4826]

Superb video. Subbed. Keep your the honest content, there isn't enough of that in this space.

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Thanks so much, dude! I will always keep it real. Way more fun that way haha.

[@Santaheckler]

Excellent perspective, subscribed.

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Cheers!

[@HerroYuy246]

You got a new subscriber. Great video man!

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Thanks, Shane! Do you have an Iridium?

[@chriskellervxstudios]

I liked my Iridium so much I sold my Kemper. It’s simplicity to get it to sound good is what I loved about it. I haven’t even been aware of the competition because I’ve been so satisfied with the Iridium. And I’m rarely satisfied haha. I’m also not sure how these videos make it sound bad. I saw one the other day and was confused

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Right? It’s very surprising bc it’s hard for me to make it sound bad. Looks like it’s up to us to teach em! Haha. Cheers

[@chriskellervxstudios]

@@SuperdangerStudios i will say the Iridium is a bit "bland" in tone compared to the Kemper and probably the Dream 65, but it takes boosts and pedals so well, which like you said, Strymon was planning on. The Kemper was very finicky when using overdrives and boosts. The Iridium craves them

[@timjoseph887]

What

[@angelodepascua3945]

Hi! Great review! Thanks! Are we hearing the direct sound from the iridium? Or are you recording through the blues junior? Thanks!

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Direct!

[@jackbyrd4921]

Sir you really helped me out on that 1 I live in apartment setting and most people that live here are fairly old and i can't use even the smallest of amps anymore. I was wondering what way to go something that was a direct style . I've seen these other demos on the iridium and I've felt the same way you really enlighten me on it. I'm thinking about getting one myself what the heck.

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Yeah man! It’s a great pedal that doesn’t inundate you with too many options! Stoked to have helped you. Let me know how it goes!

[@paulheartsongs]

Absolutely!

[@michaelfloyd4917]

A bit late to the party here, but I'm loving your videos all the same. I came across you through having the Iridium and the Flint, you've shown me the way to some sounds that are a bit more refined (and exciting!) than what I was managing previously. I would love to see your take on the Strymon Riverside in front of the Iridium, this is what I am running and have so far managed to very closely match the sounds you're producing with the Revival drive and the EP booster. Cheers and thanks. p.s. where can I 'buy you a coffee' (ie: make a small donation)?

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Hi Michael! Thanks so much for the kind words. I want to try the riverside or the sunset. Both of those sound right up my alley. I'll look into getting my hands on those. Also I will set up some sort of tip jar as well in the comments. Really appreciate it!

[@user-je3wh4sy9t]

Thank you for the great video! I have a question - do you add York IRs to result signal or do you upload York IRs in the iridium?

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Both! i have them in the iridium when I do live stuff or am in someone elses studio, but at home i load the ir in my DAW.

[@thebasinmusic8259]

When you were running the York Audio with the Iridium, was it loaded into the pedal? Or were you just running the Iridium (including cab sim) into the York IR?

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Yes in this video I loaded them into the Iridium. In other videos I am disabling the IRs on the Iridium and loading them on my DAW using Bias FX 2.

[@darwinwhitten8542]

I new to amp pedals. Can you hooked these to studio monitors or a solid state amp? Any recommendations on how to run?

[@AndrewMooreLearningLicks]

Great video and great tips 👍🏼

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Glad it was helpful, Andrew! Thanks for watching!

[@mirkocesare4142]

Thanks man....really useful....great work and new subscriber here....ciao from Italy

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Welcome aboard, Mirko! Cheers!

[@MusicFed]

That telecaster looks and sound so nice. trying to find the exact neck you got there but can't (flame maple? roasted maple?) - I guess they are all unique in the wood figuring

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Hey Music Fed! Yeah it’s just the roasted flamed maple neck from warmoth. The carves are pretty dynamic as it depends on the wood coming in which kind of makes it a fun surprise!

[@paulallyngoff7472]

I’ve been thinking about using one of these alongside my helix stomp.

[@SuperdangerStudios]

They’re a fantastic little pedal! Try it out I guarantee you’ll find some great tones.

[@sunburstshredder]

Dude, if I only heard the audio from this, I honestly would've believed it if you said it was from a tube amp. Nice job!

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Right on! It really is a great pedal that can sound amazing with the right tweaks. Cheers!

[@matheuscamposband]

Man !! Thanks for that !!

[@SuperdangerStudios]

For sure my dude! Cheers!

[@jamesdacus7367]

I've had this EXACT thought. great vid, easily earned a sub for having the balls to make a video like this.

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Thanks for the sub! Someone had to say it! Haha

[@burakkarabudakofficial]

great explaination buddy, i decide to buy tomorrow but i want to research video for the one last time than i saw your video. Great video and tips too :)

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Cheers, Burak! Happy to help. Did you end up buying an Iridium?

[@burakkarabudakofficial]

@@SuperdangerStudios exactly : )) first trying is good but i will re-check your videos again :D

[@jasonmaltz7040]

I recently purchased a wampler Paisley Deluxe Drive and it sounds terrible with the Iridium Chime setting which is odd because Brad Paisley plays Vox AC30 style amps. After finding your video I paired it with the Round model and used your settings as my guide and it made a huge difference. The Chime setting sounded muffled like a blanket was thrown over it. Thanks for the video, super helpful!

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Hi Jason, That is bizarre that the deluxe drive didn't sound good! Must have been frustrating. How high was your mid knob? Also, the Chime channel is really sensitive to input level from other pedals so I have drive usually near 9 o clock when I have overdrives are engaged. I am happy though you were able to get the sound you were looking for. Thanks for watching! -Alex

[@jasonmaltz7040]

@@SuperdangerStudios I had actually pulled the mid knob down to about 10:00 on the Iridium. I do need to spend more time with it though. I’d really like to use the chime setting as my main amp.

[@williamphillips24]

I think it's a great sounding pedal, but it lacks a few features that would make it a killer must have for me, like an effects loop and balanced XLR out. A preset app would help too.

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Agreed on those points for sure. Perhaps they will make an update on it in the future. The Two Notes Revolt has those built in and I am itching to check it out.

[@williamphillips24]

@@SuperdangerStudios That's on my list and I'm planning on trying it out when it finally makes it into the shops. In the meantime I've got a Neunaber Neuron that I chose over the Nux Amp Academy. I had a Mooer Preamp Live which was a great unit with all the features - but it died (no output) after 2 years and I'm a bit loath to invest in another cheaper brand TBH (not that the MPL was that cheap) that tends to lack full documentation and support.

[@justinsculthorpe9993]

With the revival drive, do you prefer to bypass the iridium preamp (and use the revival as a preamp) or do you like to treat it like a regular ole drive?

[@SuperdangerStudios]

It depends on what I am going for. The revival drive is great at gain but not great for cleanish tones so if I use it as preamp it is when I want a lot of amp character. When I want more of a mellow tone I put it in front of the iridium round channel and have the blend around noon and it adds a light amount of grittiness.

[@mbtrav0]

Great video! What are your thoughts on the new Boss IR-2 in comparison to the Iridium?

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Thank you for watching! Haven’t tried it yet but it sounds a lot like the katana amps which are great sounds. The cabs sound really good too.

[@SuperdangerStudios]

I’d still prefer the iridium bc of the flexibility and since I know the sounds so well.

[@michaelfranks2508]

Thanks that is a good video. I decided to keep the Strymon but have also bought the Woodrow as I love tweed amps and own an old deluxe. I am happy with both setups and they are so superior to what was available in the past.

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Thanks, Michael! I actually have been wanting to check out the Woodrow as well. How does it sound? It seems like all the reviewers skip over that one and no one really wants to play it. I love tweeds as well. And yeah man the Iridium still has tons of value and I think continues to be one of the best buys right now.

[@michaelfranks2508]

@@SuperdangerStudios I’m really pleased with the Woodrow which obviously gives more variety to a tweed type sound than the Idrium with the kids boosted. It is slightly different to an old 50’s deluxe as the mic and instrument inputs are bridged so you cannot do the setting with the mic or instrument channel wide open with nothing plugged into the input giving large clean headroom to the opposite channel. However you can get a great clean sound by playing around as the breakup point is later than on the real thing. It has some good speaker iRs and preamp boosters. I’m using it alongside the idrium into a powercab for live work and it works well with pedals. It is certainly worth trying out for an alternative sound to the blackface, vox or Marshall. It is a great pedal for recording where the quality really shows through and is certainly a quick portable, high quality alternative to a valve amp .

[@lightningstrikes7314]

Brilliant Alex, just got an Iridium to run direct live in parallel with a marshall plexi style amp. Your videos convinced me it has the most 'amp like' response of all modellers. This is such a great 'grown up' guitar channel, love your presenting style and musicality. You should have 10x the subscribers.

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Great to hear! Thanks so much for the kind words! I know the subs will come in time. Just gotta keep at it! Your setup sounds like it really shreds man. How do you like it so far?

[@lightningstrikes7314]

@@SuperdangerStudios Yes it sounds massive as I have my Marshall head and Celestion V30 1×12 behind me onstage, the monitor giving me the direct signal from the iridium and then the direct/Iridium sound going out front through the PA so you get this kind of dual mono but multi-directional thing going on. The audience also gets some 'spillage' from the Marshall onstage. By putting a stereo delay at the end of my board of Gain/Boost pedals then splitting to the Marshall and the Iridium the set up is kind of a dual mono thing but when the delay pedal is engaged it becomes stereo. I haven't tried putting a reverb pedal after the Iridium yet as I get the sound guy to put reverb on my direct signal. If I put a reverb pedal after the Iridium would the reverb be affected by my overdrive pedals being in front of the Iridium or does the Iridium act like an amp with a reverb pedal in the fx loop when you but reverb after it? I noticed you put a Flint after the Iridium. I always found dirt pedals into reverb pedals problematic but presumably with the Iridium between the gain pedals and the flint you don't get that weird washy 'boosted reverb' effect. Sorry for the convoluted ramble-hope it makes sense!

[@paulrhodesquinn]

Great video!

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Thank dude!

[@richmossmusic]

The beauty of the Iridium is that it’s so versatile. It’s the best thing I’ve found for being able to track guitar parts with 0 latency in a DAW. And I can get great sounds with the York IR’s. I can get Paramore rhythm sounds or Fender overdrive sounds . And pedals really make it shine. When you have the 0 latency, some touch sensitivity and tonal flexibility it’s the closest (and thereby the most enjoyable) thing to play and record with. Once you have it dialed in the tech actually gets out of the way and you can just play music. That’s the point

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Absolutely! It’s a great pedal and solves so many problems so you can just focus on the performance. It’s like everyone forgot how amazing it was when it came out and how it is still a powerful tool today.

[@flagace4889]

Hi, the 71 Twin Reverb Yorkville IR has a huge library. Which ones do you prefer and recommend?

[@SuperdangerStudios]

@@flagace4889 I only use the premixed ones bc there are so many single mic captures. I like mix 1, 3, 4, 10, and 11!

[@flagace4889]

@@SuperdangerStudios Thank you!

[@robertodotes8109]

Good video. It would be great if you get yourself the UA Dream 65 and do a comparison with your Iridium setups, which includes the York Audio IR which is the great upgrade of the pedal. All internet comments that UA Dream 65 is superior to Iridium but no one comments if it is superior to Iridium + York Audio!

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Will do!

[@jiatao7687]

@@SuperdangerStudios Waiting!!!!!

[@jazzbuckeye]

What would you say are the settings that would make it most faithful to a Fender Deluxe sound?

[@SuperdangerStudios]

I think the most important is the right IR. Obviously I love the York Audio Deluxe IR. But for a deluxe clean sound I have low about 1 o clock, mids usually around 9o clock, and highs at 2-3 o clock. Drive around 1 o clock. Volume on guitar rolled back to 8. That usually gets me close. What really helps is having a clean boost in front. I did a video on tone settings here that might help: kzbin.info/www/bejne/l4jLZqJ8i5mNZrs

[@cfibanez]

Nice, thank you.

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Thanks for watching!

[@danabnormal5892]

I have the iridium in the loop of my hx effects and into the return of my hot rod deluxe. Great little rig

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Nice! Easy way to have a 4 channel amp!

[@aaronashear3002]

Excellent video. I'm still on the fence with keeping the dream. I will say in one box, having amp, reverb, trem, and IR's (and more) is pretty great.

[@SuperdangerStudios]

I am getting it tomorrow and I'll see what it's all about. It really does sound like a great pedal. Just not sure if I already have the Iridium I would need it. Cheers!

[@salsabilahmedshrestho960]

I bought my iridium on a whim just when it came out. Best 400$ I ever spent after the el capistan. Very versatile. I don't even use my amp anymore. I can play whenever I want, no more quarreling with the family.

[@SuperdangerStudios]

It saved my tone, and my family! Haha awesome to hear. Cheers!

[@jmartinianovlogging1482]

Thank You master Guitarist

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Haha. Finally some recognition!

[@DavidCaris]

I have owned an Iridium for a year and a half and I like it for recording, but it is not intuitive as it first appears. I have achieved instantly usable tones for my Quilter Superblocks (UK and US). My drive pedals sound better through my Quilters and my collection of vintage amps. When inspiration hits I like instant great tone. I think this is a great video but it illustrates that the Iridium is not the plug and play product a lot of guitarists were expecting when they purchased it. I liked the tone you got with the OCD and Revival Drive. My experience is that it sounds different "printed" in a project than through my Genelec monitors. That surprised me, because other amps and modelers have not.

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Thanks, David you are absolutely right. It has a learning curve which other manufacturers have seemed to figure out since then. Between the UAFX pedals Walrus and the new TwoNotes revolt there are so many options now for guitarists. Would be interested to see if iridium ever gets a firmware update. You’re right as well on striking when the irons hot and any gear that gets in the way usually gets tossed. The Iridium clicked w me as soon as I got it but I totally see how some people are not satisfied w the tones/sounds. Thanks for sharing your insight and hope to see you around! Cheers, Alex

[@germantanofabre5709]

Having ep booster, OCD and some kind of a Flint clone also in My board, yes, I couldnt agree more with you 😅

[@SuperdangerStudios]

hahaha! Great minds think alike!

[@seanzinger]

The revival drive sounds freaking killer! Wow

[@SuperdangerStudios]

It’s an insane pedal! I did a whole video on it here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rp2uZYujgsqdi6csi=kJYZKy222dlbEHyf

[@chitaristu88]

Would you put a reverb pedal/delay pedal (any) before or after the Iridium?

[@SuperdangerStudios]

I have done both and it has a slight effect on the reverb signal. I use it pre iridium if it is a clean sound on the iridium but post if I am using any dirt on the iridium. I always remind myself that Eddie Van Halen put all fx in front of his cranked amps on their first couple of albums!

[@fabpaes]

Which particular IR (Mic) from the YORK Deluxe Verb do you use? Also do you do any IR EQing in the IR loader?

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Hi Fabricio, I use the mix 1 mic Royer121 and Sm57! Did not use any EQ in the loader but use the EQ on the Strymon Low 3 o clock / Middle 11 o clock / High 4 o clock.

[@fabpaes]

@@SuperdangerStudios thanks for the quick response! I really enjoy your channel and playing. The tone you have going on is really great. I tend to boost the Master volume in the IR loader to create more headroom in a way. Yet when I listed to folks who recorded and shared on here I find the clean tone to still be full unlike what I get at home sometimes. I think I will leave the EQ flat in the loader and trust the tone coming through.

[@unodeldim3610]

Anyone has any comments on the Flamma pedal Pre-Amp and CAB sim vs. Iridium?

[@herroglop7411]

Is this a good competitor for a bedroom amp ( katana, yamaha thr....) using it with a studio monitor such as a rockit or yamaha? I don`t find videos about this, it seems people use it live with PA or at home with a DAW and/or headphones.

[@SuperdangerStudios]

It can! As long as you have monitors that you enjoy. I have used both the KRKs and HS7s and they both sound great.

[@97guitarzan]

Good video. I saw your comparison to the Dream 65....good stuff! I have not managed to pull the trigger on any hardware modeler yet. I either use a reall tube amp with a reactive load box into DAW with IR or just use S Gear. I have a pc with a Presonus Quantum 2626 Thunderbolt 3 that has almost zero latency which also has less than some hardware modelers. I'm not sure what I even need one for. Usually when I play out I use a smallish tube amp and my pedalboard. After seeing this video and your comparison one I think if I were to get anything it would be the Iridium. Thanks for your great insight.

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Thanks, Kim! It sounds like you got a great setup going already. Only situation that might make sense is if you are traveling to studios often and they dont have a good mic/amp room, or maybe as a backup for your amp on the road. But really it looks like you have everything covered. Thanks for watching!

[@97guitarzan]

@@SuperdangerStudios Ya...the other studios is one thing for sure (I have to figure something out for something upcoming) and more and more there is a need for quieter or silent stages. One of the clubs I played at before COVID was like never happy...I went in there with 3 different amps on 3 different ocasions...40 watt, 18 watt and 15 watt. I wasn't allowed to set any of my amps at a satisfying level. These were blues gigs and getting amp cooking a bit is necessary for any kind of tone. One of my buddies that played there went in with a modeler and used one of the stage montors to hear himself and of course the soundman was happy.

[@indisguiseFUCK]

People are easily deceived by more gain, more highs, more saturation. Maybe that’s why UA sometimes doesn’t even gain match the on/off comparisons for plugins in their clips on IG… The Iridium is great, I love mine. It’s just a different product. The Dream also sounds amazing, but I just feel it’s a bit too expensive for what it is.

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Yeah that is so weird they don't gain match. Of all the companies to do that. The Iridium is great! But it does its own thing really well. The Dream seems like a great pedal but it is no Iridium. Cheers!

[@indisguiseFUCK]

@@SuperdangerStudios Also, why UA didn’t add a headphone out is totally beyond me.

[@MusicFed]

6:50 killer tone! but.... Revival Drive is like bringing the Nuke option to a street fight... I mean it's up there with the best overdrives EVER - did you get the custom version with the extra EQ?

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Lol it really is unfair! But hey, if I already own it I gotta use it haha. I wish I got the custom version but was looking to buy a used one and this is the only one that came up for months! Kicking myself as I should have waited to get the right one. Would have been worth it .

[@danielludmerer4936]

Excellent explanations .....and playing :0) What I like is hes not using a Uber Nacho tele to get great tones. Very cool parts guitars rule!!

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Thanks, Daniel! Really appreciate it. Love this tele. One of my favorites.

[@poesybeat]

Biggest thing about Strymon - you have to learn how each pedal works by (gasp) maybe reading the couple-page manual. Great video!

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Hahaha don't make me read!

[@mikenovello3888]

Wow, the neck on that partscaster is something else man. What were you saying? lol

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Ha ha you’re right Mike the royal tea is an amazing pick up I use it all the time on recordings and it sits great in the mix live. Thanks for watching

[@DanielBrophyMusic]

Is that an Xotic Tele? Sounds amazing!

[@SuperdangerStudios]

I wish! It's actually an old Fender 52RI that I had to change the neck on bc the truss rod was inoperable. Added some lollars, new gotoh bridge, and 4 way switch and got it to this version. An expensive fix which is standard for us guitarists haha. I did a video on it here if you want to check it out. kzbin.info/www/bejne/fHvFf3mVnb6lsM0

[@DanielBrophyMusic]

@@SuperdangerStudios That's awesome man, what a great build. I need one of those necks now haha :D

[@matttheknife3652]

Sounds Great! What are you playing through to hear yourself? Iridium - Audio Interface - DAW - Studio Monitors?

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Thanks, Matt! Yes you guessed correctly. I am monitoring through my apogee duet > Logic > monitors. Cheers!

[@MQHS]

Great video. Also, underrated blues faces. 👍

[@SuperdangerStudios]

My face, is my case!

[@shankrl1]

Subbed!! Completely agree

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Everyone is wrong except us! haha

[@liontone]

I just fully loaded my Iridium with various packs. (Round - Vibro/Bassman/Twin), (Chime - 112 Blue, 212 Blue, and Matchless), and (Punch - York 212, KW 412, and Friedman 412) And I bought a Dream….for my board - I needed the reverb… They both are great. The Iridium is the one to have if you can only have one - but I’ll take both:)

[@SuperdangerStudios]

What a lineup of IRs! That matchless IR sounds so good to me. Haven’t tried the Friedman or kw one yet but I will.

[@liontone]

@@SuperdangerStudios They really do serve as a mid-life upgrade to it. Wonderful additions….

[@silentprotocol7876]

you r so true , im a club guitarist at my town, i playing live band almost everyday a week ini diffrent place/stage,and all that stage have a commont that they dont have amp anymore, so i must have a gret amp/cab sim to make great sound, i have tried many amp/cab sim (ADA gcs, Two notes cab m , palmer pd 09 , radial JDX direct drive, Suhr A.CE) but just feel something missing on that pedal sound,until my last Cabsim off,dont know why , then i tried to using Iridium, from the begining im just quiet doubt and no to happy when i want to grab iridium,because it dont have xlr output and i must using eksternal D.I box , but.. ,now im ge it.., for that cost, iridium just fokus the component inside for produce the great amp/cab sim, if you want great d.i box, just buy d.i box that fokus on d.i box , than i grab Radial J48, yes it quiet expsve, but the sound are really great, tone and etc, compare the pedal before.., so yeah..Iridium is still being my secret weapon on live stage until now..."sorry if my english not so good" im from Indonesia btw ..

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Awesome to hear the Iridium is working out for you! So many choices out there right now. The D.I. is a definite to bring to line level and really helpful when the house sound doesn’t carry one. The radial is the way to go for sure. Cheers!

[@Whizzinby777]

Just waiting for Strymon to add a few high gain channels to the platform. Auto buy if they add the lead channels of the 5150/SLO/800 to the Iridium platform.

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Ah man wouldn’t that be great? They haven’t released a firmware or any PR on the Iridium in a long time. I hope they come around to updating it now that they got past their v2.0 of their recent batch of pedals. If not, I am going to check out the bluguitar amp1 mercury edition. In the comparisons he did it sounded exactly like the amps when they a/b.

[@sub-jec-tiv]

I think their assumption is you’ll do that kind of distortion and tone shaping in pedals before you hit the Iridium.

[@1111undici1111]

I have the UA pedals and Iridium beats the crap out of them! Strymon quality is just top notch, I love the plexi on Iridium! I'm in love with Iridium!

[@SuperdangerStudios]

It’s so good! The uafx pedals are incredibly real but I always come back to the iridium. It just works for me.

[@SanjoyDasGuitar]

Why iridium is mono input pedal ? If I will use stereo DLY before iridium , how I will get that stereo fx from iridium’ ?

[@SuperdangerStudios]

The iridium does do Stereo input! There is a switch on the back that handles input. It also has stereo output for post amp stereo fx as well.

[@SanjoyDasGuitar]

I have bought Iridium

[@SuperdangerStudios]

@@SanjoyDasGuitar Amazing. Enjoy, my man!

[@798beer]

so where do you set your iridium in your pedal effect chain? before reberb pedal?

[@SuperdangerStudios]

In this video I have it before the reverb after the drives and modulation

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Here is a video where I use 3rd party IRs in my DAW. kzbin.info/www/bejne/rp2uZYujgsqdi6csi=9GX8qUaiZ-aRnnEu

[@798beer]

thanks, I also do the same with you, but sometime I want to use headphone so the delay or reverb won't work

[@mrbuttons1243]

They Irridium is also based off the Deluxe's normal channel and the UA is the bright channel. Most people clip the bright cap anyways. With the Irridium and UA side by side the UA will sound brighter of course.

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Oh right! That does make a huge difference.

[@jazzbuckeye]

I'm really new to tube amps and modelers. Can you get the same sound as the bright channel with the normal channel if you adjust the EQ knobs?

[@mrbuttons1243]

@@jazzbuckeye Hard to say. By just cranking the treble knob on the Irridium it could be about the same as the bright channel. Or maybe an eq pedal might be something to try. Then it would be a footswitchable "bright channel". That might be cool. Either could get you in the ballpark I'd guess.

[@matteojones]

well done

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Thank you Matteo!

[@cj.sabella]

Solid. 💪🏻

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Thank you my man! Have a great week!

[@rmccaw7]

I would absolutely buy a Tweed fender amp for the drive

[@SuperdangerStudios]

For sure. I was referring to someone wanting a fender bf purely for the drive.

[@abnerabrego2477]

Puedes hacer este tipo de review con el walrus pls??!!! Can u do this kind of review with the walrus pls?

[@SuperdangerStudios]

¡Hola Abner! I will review the Walrus later this month. Am going to compare the Dream 65 from uaudio first!

[@abnerabrego2477]

@@SuperdangerStudios plss!! I want to hear ur tones from walrus! Pls bro, gracias

[@MBergyman]

Do you add your wet effects after the Iridium, or some other arrangement?

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Yes adding both reverb and tremolo from the Flint pedal after the Iridium. Cheers!

[@MBergyman]

​@@SuperdangerStudios Thanks. In your mind, is it much of a different sound than something that has a dedicated effects loop? I know that my reverb and delay pedals both have blend knobs, but the fact the wet effects are not being fed through the cab IR and the "power" section of the Iridium, you'd think would make some sort of difference. Most folks I watch complain about the Iridium not "feeling" like an amp. They all say it sounds awesome, just doesn't feel quite real.

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Hi, Michael. Great question. One of the ways to solve that is to have a separate IR loader either in a pedal for live situations (like a cab M+) or an IR loader as a plugin when in the studio. It doesn't technically go in before the 'power tube' section but there is no power tube section in a modeler anyways haha. I do that when recording and it makes a big difference because the IR is now filtering your dry and wet tones at the same time, resulting in a much more tight and coherent sound wave. Then you can add some room reverb when in the studio to simulate some bounce and it really sounds great. As for 'feel' much of that is due to power transformer sag, and speaker reactions to dynamics. The sag can be replicated in any number of real preamp pedals whether they are FET based or have an actual tube like a 12ax7. But the speaker dynamic is almost impossible to replicate. The Dream 65 gets closer than anything I have heard to getting the speaker to sound right because they aren't IRs they are speaker algorithms which react to the dynamics of signal input. I use the origin effect drive pedals in front and those do a great job of simulating the sag. They are on the pricier side but they do for a reason IMO. Hope this helps.

[@MBergyman]

@@SuperdangerStudios Thanks for the helpful response, much appreciated.

[@edisoncoelho9041]

Do you think the iridium takes better the RD than the Dream 65? I can’t put my RD to work in power amp mode with IRs only… I feel something is lacking. Maybe it works better in front an amp sim

[@SuperdangerStudios]

I do think the Iridium takes the RD better. I did a video on it actually and one on using the RD as a preamp. What is the main problem you’re hearing when using it in power amp mode?

[@SuperdangerStudios]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/i2jcfWx6etSigcUsi=U2y6zzgAm1nO1dlX this is the RD as Preamp

[@SuperdangerStudios]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/fZCco2uYmpuDbKcsi=2LW31vuA3g5C88RG this is the RD w Iridium

[@edisoncoelho9041]

@@SuperdangerStudios I watched both videos :). I have the compact version, im loading two Bassman York audio IR’s mixes, panned hard left, hard right. It’s sounds thin, but that’s not the main problem - I don’t get the same texturing and transients I see in all your videos and other people. I play a Strat, neck pickup mostly… The RD is set to plexi, power amp mode, gain on half. Is there any secret on Post? Any magic I could load on my daw or something? When I switch to eq 1 and load a clean amp on my HX stomp, sounds magical… But I would like to have the thing untouched by amp sims. Thanks man!

[@summercameron3505]

This! Here's my analogy: Iridium - for people that have a hacker/engineer mindset tending to craft their own unique sounds. UA Dream - for people who like fresh and shiny, and sounds great right out of the factory box. Both pedals are amazing IMHO, but the Iridium is the Way. [Subscribed]

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Great analogy! I agree. Thanks for the sub! More to come.

[@hymnsake]

Agreed. I have the Helix and the Amplifire and still use the Iridium 90% of the time. The True Spring from Source Audio and the Iridium are like “pees and carrots!”

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Yeah dude! Love the True Spring pedal. If i didnt have my Flint, Id get that one. Cheers!

[@brianwood7237]

I really never wanted to buy a deluxe reverb so I never did...flat tone no mid control...but add the right Celestion and put a good boost/OD in front and then maybe it works ok...put in 6L6s and maybe it'll sound really good...the Vox and Marshall amp Sims on the Iridium are my faves...I only use the Round setting when I want to hear a guitar with a very clean 'flat' tone

[@SuperdangerStudios]

I love the Punch channel on the Iridium. So versatile! I also have never owned a DR. Never really appealed to either. Would much rather have a tweed or brownface deluxe.

[@brianwood7237]

YES TWEED is the thing for me...just got a Lil dawg 5F2A tweed princeton clone head...hand-wired, 6L6/GZ34 powered (I don't like 6V6s) 15 watts of TWEED tone... I actually have not yet bought the Iridium tried it out at my local store but I have to say if I do get one it's because of your videos thanks so much for your time and energy really like your Channel 🤟

[@ButternoteBackingTracks]

The Iridium is a great pedal, but expensive! I actually use the cheap and cheerful Joyo American for all my DI into a daw guitar. Don't let the low price put you off, it has some great usable tones! In fact, I use it for all my own backing tracks! 😊

[@SuperdangerStudios]

I’ve heard the American and it sounds great!

[@ButternoteBackingTracks]

@@SuperdangerStudiosit really does, certainly for the price! It doesn't come close feature-wise compared to the Strymon, but for quick, easy-to-dial tones, it's great.

[@TimKaseyMythHealer]

Had the Iridium for about two weeks, played around with it. Hooked up my Rolland GP-8 to it today, not looking back. Its fine. If you really need to spend 2k on pedals, and your rig, you suck at turning knobs to get a tone, lol.

[@SuperdangerStudios]

HAHA agreed! If you can't get the Iridium to sound good I don't know what to tell you! Cheers, Alex

[@Glicksman1]

I have no doubt that the Iridium is an excellent pedal and sounds great when properly set. I would gladly have one. However, what I got was a Ruby because it gets that elusive, chiming AC-30 tone so authentically. When fiddled with just a little, it sounds a lot like a Deluxe Reverb as well. The trick? High settings on both treble and bass in the Top Boost mode. This scoops a lot of midrange and, voila - a Deluxe Reverb appears.

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Love the Ruby! I am reviewing it / demoing it right now. Nails the AC30 sound. The Iridium comes close but as with the Dream, UA nailed the tone perfectly.

[@Glicksman1]

@@SuperdangerStudios Yes, it's that extra bit of magic that the UA/FX pedals do that made my decision for me. Sorry, Iridium, close but no cigar. Strymon makes excellent things but tries too hard to include too much. KISS, we're bloody guitarists, not synth keyboard players. Your reviews are some of the best on YT. I look forward to them. Happy holidays.

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Thanks so much man. Very nice compliment! And I hear ya on the keeping it simple. Wrapping the Ruby song now and I still cant believe I tracked a pedal!

[@davidlawson5937]

I love my Iridium and agree it needs some help with pedals to get the most out of it. But don't most tube amps...just sayin. Now I'm considering using other IR's after watching this. Will the stock IRs get overwritten? Can they be restored if I wanted to ever use them again? Thanks for doing these Iridium vids. I thought I was the only person who likes it. I would also use it live. I have no doubt it would sound excellent live. No different than an amp in an iso booth off stage. Ive gotten amazing sounds that way using an aviom and in ears. Iridium would just make it easier and more versatile. 🍻

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Hey David! Yes the stock IRs can always come back if you restore to factory settings. The Iridium is still a great purchase these days and it does feel like people forgot about it. I was even thinking about getting a fryette ps-2a and using it as a poweramp for the iridium live! Just need to find a nice frfr cab. Cheers!

[@acasadiluca]

Be kind with your Iridium and he'll be kind with you. I also noticed the different behavior with pedals. With "different behavior" I mean that my odr-1 sounds good with marshall sim and not with fender (at my ears)... So... I totally agree with you and obviously I have to buy a revival drive... 😂 😂 😂 Thanks for your video that leads me to York's irs.

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Haha all roads lead to the revival drive! Cheers!

[@xmun2450]

I think the thing is you needed 3 pedals to make a sound the UAFX pedals can do in one , I know iridium can do more but If you wanna take one pedal then your gonna go for the UAFX, to me the UAFX sounds more like an amp than the iridium but I think they're also made to be different things

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Yeah people really love the UAFX pedals but the versatility of the Iridium works for me: also a lot easier for me to mix and eq the iridium compared to the UAFX pedals.

[@ryuyamakawa4431]

What IR are you using?

[@SuperdangerStudios]

I used the York Audio IRs in this one. The Deluxe Reverb IR and the Bassman IR. I use the premixed versions of them. www.yorkaudio.co/