The ULTIMATE Dream '65 vs. Strymon Iridium Comparison

[@gffg387]

Great review. First of all, finally someone that read the Iridium manual. Nobody, I mean nobody, compared this 2 pedals with the middle all the way to the left on Iridium. And that's how it's supposed to be emulating a Black Face Fender. Otherwise it is a blend of a BF and a Tweed. That way they really sound similar. Now, the thing about the Vibrato controls on the Dream I agree completely. It's horrible to change the knobs then change back, and they are at the wrong positions, etc, etc. The only workaround I'm doing is setting the vibrato in a fixed way and using one of the switches to trigger it on or off. Otherwise, I prefer not to use it. One thing I disagree with you is that the differences between Dream and Iridium are because one modeled the Normal Channel and the other the Vibrato Channel. I mean, sure, that's correct, and the Vibrato Channel does have a bit more gain and a bit more treble. But that's very little, at least on my Deluxe Reverb and all the others I have played. Iridium gets "flatter", with more mids, especially with gain added that's not really the way the Normal Channel would react. In the real Deluxe, it would still be scooped and very similar to the Vibrato Channel. Also, I'm pretty sure that Strymon modeled Iridium with the gain of the amp from 1 to 5. Because a real Deluxe have much more gain than the Strymon pedal, more like the Dream in that regard. And that's to me the difference between those 2 units. Dream is more authentic. Everytime you played I could close my eyes and think "that's a Deluxe Reverb". While Iridium can sound like that in some settings, and can sound like another amplifier. Not better nor worse, but something fendery but not a Fender DR.

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Thanks Gus. Appreciate that. Yes you are right, I really should have said they are just completely different animals. One is an actual Deluxe Reverb, and the other is a Blackface homage amp. That probably would make more sense. Thanks for the input! Cheers!

[@neiljohnmiguel3413]

@@SuperdangerStudios Hi, what is the specific york deluxe IR you’ve used on this comparison video. Because I have a york audio DR IR’s too. Hope you share it and looking forward to try it too. Great content, keep it up. Thanks 👍🏻

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Hi Neil, I am using the DXVB which is their deluxe reverb style IR. Thanks for the kind words. Cheers!

[@neiljohnmiguel3413]

@@SuperdangerStudios Hi, do you use the multi-mic mixes? Or just the single mics IR? Cheers!

[@SuperdangerStudios]

I just use the multi mic mixes as I get stuck in the weeds and end up way over my head when combining mics! haha. I think I was using mix 3 on this one.

[@Cokun-s9i]

Finally watched everything. This video is the most helpful one to help people decide which one to choose. I will look forward to watching the next video, seeing whether I can win Dream 65 to try :)

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Thanks, Don! Appreciate the kind words. They are both great pedals but end up going in different directions when it comes to tone. Cheers!

[@jscordoba3]

The Dream sounds much closer to like a real Deluxe to me. The Iridium sounds like a mixed and mastered recording of a Deluxe. You pretty much said that, just saying that was the first thing I noticed

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Agreed! Both can work well just depends on your needs!

[@kirbyjakescarborough4515]

This was honest and well thought mate. Thank you! Just bought Woodrow and its good for me, and what I do. I appreciate the thorough review here. I own a Deluxe Rev but hoped this would save my back on steady small venues and I could have both... LOL I WANT IT ALL, DUDE!! HAHAHA! 😄Cheers Brother!😇

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Thanks so much for watching and the kind words. I just got the Woodrow too! Can't wait to put it through it's paces. I feel like it got totally neglected by everyone during the marketing blitz. And I hear ya on the gear my man. I WANT IT ALL AND WE DESERVE IT ALL

[@philmakesnoise]

Thoughtful content man. Really well put. I started on guitar decades ago but spend most of my time with synths these days, working on indie game soundtracks that sometimes include guitar. Far from a Guitar / "Rock" centric studio. You hit the nail on the head. I don't want versatility as much as I need a strong, single voice/tool I can learn to work with and shape to fit into my music. I want a mostly clean tone with some nice trem/verby vibes. It seems like this hits those all in one go just fine. I have an old Fender Champ I can still slap a mic on. Especially if I want to blow the fucker up with a rambunctious fuzz tone (something I'm not expecting the Dream to hold up through, but we'll see.) But day to day, I just want something easily shapable I can leave on my desktop to ease the recording process. I currently use a Joyo American Sound for this and it's absolutely fantastic for the price, if a bit noisy (even with my noiseless pups.) The touch dynamics are really there with the Joyo. It feels right and it responds to my pickup changes, volume/tone knobs and little things like scraping really close to the bridge with a pic. I just haven't used a software amp sim that's "Felt" right in that way. The Dream is basically software in a box, while the Joyo is essentially a few stacked analog gain stages with some filter caps serving as a speaker sim. I'm really excited to give the Dream a shot with all the great things I've heard.

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Very cool to hear thanks for sharing. I think you'll like the Dream it really covers a ton of ground and is easily shaped in post as well. And it does take a fuzz well! I put my voodoo labs super fuzz in front and it rocks all day.

[@seal-nowweretalking6753]

I’m not necessarily saying one sounds better than the other and I do accept that the Iridium is conceptually different and meant to be ‘manipulated-to-taste’ perhaps more so than the Dream. HOWEVER, I’m a singer, I trust my years and have been schooled by some of the greatest producers of modern times. My ears tell me that no matter what you tweak to match in this demo, the Dream just sounds overall ‘more open’. Again not better or worse, that is of course subjective.

[@ilnichilistablog]

Truly excellent and informative review, thanks a lot

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Very kind! Thank you for watching! More to come.

[@strin6lord]

Can I ask you something not related to the pedals? I've seen many of your videos and you look like someone who understand and really care about tone and sounds. I'm about to buy for the first time studio monitors to play guitar at home. I know it depends on many things. But I'm looking for something that feels 'alive' and not flat, dead and boring. Do you have any recommendation? Sorry to bother. Keep up the cool stuff man!

[@SuperdangerStudios]

So sorry for delay here. Yes I use my Yamaha HS7 as monitors but I used my old KRK rokit5s for years and loved them. I think the biggest thing is adding a room reverb after everything. Just a small room sound and it feels really good. Are you going to be using a DAW?

[@strin6lord]

@@SuperdangerStudios Thank you so much for taking the time to answer me. Yes, I'm gonna be using Logic. I've been reading reviews of many monitors including the Yamaha HS7, but just from random people and you never know if they have actually a good taste and critique ear. But I can tell you have that. So appreciate your reply a lot!

[@ergonomiesolcomp5501]

Well I was sure to buy from UA but ultimately I will go to Strymon and add the multiswitch plus. Two very good brands but I don't want to be parasitized by one more artifact (smartphone and Bluetooth) and prefer to stay direct. And more 3 amps in the iridium... Thank you for this superb demonstration of the possibilities.

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Thank you for watching! Let me know how you enjoy it!

[@robbyclark6915]

I gotta say that while my deluxe reverb is a reissue, the stock gain/ breakup does not sound like the Dream unit there. The overdrive/ gain sound of my actual amp, sounds much smoother and far more usable. I wish Fender would make a recreation with a master volume so I could overdrive it without going to gig worthy volumes. On the fence about these modelers? I need something that I can run straight into the PA, though, and still sound like im playing through an amp.

[@SuperdangerStudios]

You might want to check out quilter superblocks, they are actual solid state amps but you can run them as a preamp as well. The US version sounds really good. I have a video on them coming this summer.

[@ryanhalliwell6671]

Thank you! I am really torn on wich one to get… I also just got a flint v2..it’s so hard with all the options these days also I am defiantly subscribing!

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Thanks, Ryan! Good thing is whatever you choose will be a good decision. The Iridium is a bit more hands on, while the Dream is more of a plug and play. I have lots of other videos on Dream and Iridium comparisons if it helps. Cheers!

[@ryanhalliwell6671]

@@SuperdangerStudios thanks man! I really appreciate the insight, I will check the other videos out. That’s great to hear because I love all my strymon pedals and I’m also a dedicated UAD spark and volt2 user

[@mkrj2576]

Really dig your stuff. Content is useful and your production is great. Your are just fun to watch. So, since I have to bring a full PA to our gigs I'm working on loosing the my guitar amp/combo and replacing it with something like the Iridium. While I've not tried it live I've been able to get a really great guitar sound through my PA using an MXR ten band eq and, believe it or not. a Joyo American Sound. Never thought the Joyo was good enough to gig with but run through an eq I'm getting the sounds I want. I'm quite suprised. That got me thinking, could the Iridium be that much better sounding? What do you think? Would you gig with the Iridium? No high gain stuff, and I'd be using my other pedals through it. Likely only using it for the Round sound. Yeah, I'm also very aware the crowd could really care what I"m playing through. In reality I'm not much of a musician, more of an entertainer. So having that perfect "tube tone" isn't that important too me - so long as we are getting that positive flow of energy with the audience. Thanks again.

[@SuperdangerStudios]

I have played the American sound and it does really well! Unless you feel like you’re missing something specific on stage or functionality (midi, IRs) then you should keep what you got!

[@abrahamlokoski4475]

I would think the fender vib channel was capped to make up the “loss” . . .so, if so, not really a fair assessment/claim, “ it’s” brighter “

[@Marcus_C51]

Alex-my first video on your channel knocked me out! Well done, polished review sir! Such a superb, comprehensive comparison with all of the details one has to consider. Much appreciated. I came in with really liking the Dream 65 sort of due to frustration with modeling in general for the past year. I noticed how lush the reverb was in another comparison vid and it had sustain! My modeler which will go nameless sucks, especially the iffy sustain which is a deal breaker. Completely uninspiring and why even plug in? Moving along, I did get a laugh when you used the Flint for reverb with the Iridium-ah ha, looks like cheating..I'm kidding. As you mentioned, yeah the "room" on the Iridium isn't great, I was underwhelmed with that too. Thanks for mentioning the difference of the Deluxe channels used by each unit, makes a difference for sure. For someone who is tired of constantly tweaking presets, the Dream 65 seemed like gold but hmmm, the process of the getting into the vibrato is kind of a drag. But it sounds good! I really did like how the Dream 65 cleaned up with the volume down on your G&L. Neither pedal really was great with their boosts as you mentioned. I did hear that the Iridium seemed to be slightly better at serving as a pedal platform.The Boss SD-1 sounded great through it. Something to consider obviously. I hear you-I don't need a smart anything-phone, house etc. either! (Alexa could you, for the love of God, get me a decent Marshall Plexi crunch tone?--Riiight) Man, that phone app and the resulting madness that could occur made me cringe. Who in the hell needs that aggravation? Thanks for the pro review Alex!

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Thank you for such a generous comment, Marcus. Very much appreciated. It is unfortunate that there isnt a spring verb built in bc that is a big investment to buy the Flint, but the additional features on the Flint make up for it. I actually have been using the flint for a while on my main rig bc i dont like the spring verb on it so it was already in the collection haha. The Dream is an amazing pedal though. They nailed the modeling of the deluxe reverb and all the intricacies that come along with it, however the internet of things is just more tech disasters waiting to unfold in your day to day life haha. Cheers!

[@Marcus_C51]

@@SuperdangerStudios Not a problem sir! Yeah, the Dream 65 may the one I buy but I was actually considering a Kemper a couple of weeks ago before I even knew it existed. But the Kemper obviously is alot of coin to part with-ouch! Going to really think that whole thing through and take my time on it. Modeling tones have come a long way but I want to streamline things and not be "scrolling around to make noise" as you said. Trying to avoid impulsive purchases though. I really did like the various speakers available on the Dream too. Not that I have completely written off the Iridium, will have to check out the other amps on it. And it IS a good platform pedal. Cheers back at ya! PS-how do you enter the Dream giveaway contest?

[@SuperdangerStudios]

After playing with the Dream more it really is an amazing pedal, even with the frustrating app/preset side. I love my Iridium but I can see alot of use cases for the Dream. As for the contest here is the video on it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oaOpl4yPmrKXaZY Good luck!

[@harriheinsoo]

I think you've converted me... was really rooting for the Dream '65, but you make fair points. Thanks for the video, love your channel! (Y)

[@SuperdangerStudios]

The Dream 65 is amazing. Easily the best Deluxe Reverb emulator I have ever played. But I am still an Iridium guy at heart.

[@DenhefDigital]

I got a question! Can you tell me how you recorded this? Guitar -> Dream '65 -> Audio Interface (line in) -> DAW ?

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Yes. Guitar > Dream > Apogee Duet > Logic Pro. When I was using York Audio IRs I loaded them in Bias Fx 2 in Logic.

[@timball8429]

@32minutes you dialled up the perfect mid-period Steely Dan tone. Yummy!!! Caveat: I’m listening on an iphone.

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Wow what a compliment. Both pedals get great tones. Cheers!

[@davidwendland5696]

Wow thanks I almost bought this but to be honest as a amp twiker the double use knobs would be a no go as I can’t stand that. Why would they not just use the right amount of knobs?

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Yes I thought the same thing. I would have even been fine with small pots like the ones on the origin effects pedals. Ah well.

[@Cadet44642]

I understand your perspective on the 2 pedals. I have to disagree. I have never really liked the sound of the Iridium verse other things on the market. If we were to put the ACS1 and Iridium I would have to vote ACS1. I am looking for the best sonically recreated amp/pedal on the market. I have a full pedalboard. Sonically I don’t think the Iridium is close to the Dream. For me that is the most important thing when purchasing these items.

[@SuperdangerStudios]

I hear ya Jeffrey! The Dream is the best Deluxe Reverb emulation I have ever heard while the Iridium is more of a generic Fender homage tone. If you want that sound, the Dream is the way to go. Cheers!

[@Skoora]

Does the Dream rock hard with humbuckers if you kill the bass, turn up the treble and max the gain like on the real amp?

[@SuperdangerStudios]

It sure does. I actually did 2 videos on it here, kzbin.info/www/bejne/n2LJaopnnJyqsLs, and here, kzbin.info/www/bejne/gqCplH19fqlsl6c.

[@absolutevalue23]

this was so, SO helpful. really well done. new fan acquired. however i STILL can't decide where to go with this. I know all these pedals now inside and out. tried the Boss GT-1000 Core for a month or so but im returning it. i just want a damn good amp and i want it to be this or the Ruby... until i watched this video and have come to appreciate the Iridium more. I love UA and i am so so drawn to these amp pedals but the cheerleading is a bit much, right?

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Thanks for the kind words and yes I will be comparing the Ruby to the Iridium next month! I love the UAFX pedals but they are not without their shortcomings like any piece of gear. I heard the Ruby is really special though. Well see!

[@DukeSkyfocker]

That hair on the Flint tho

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Lol was it distracting?

[@DukeSkyfocker]

@@SuperdangerStudios Lol. Just being an asshat. But since you asked. Maybe a little. Just made my eye twitch uncontrollably.

[@rustysguitar1]

Dude I usually don’t comment on these videos but this was a great demo comparison for sure! You definitely help me make my decision! Thanks man✌️

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Rusty thanks so much for the kind comment. Big fan of your channel I love your teaching style. I’ve been able to learn a lot from watching some of your Vids. Cheers from a former Chicagoan.

[@rustysguitar1]

@@SuperdangerStudios thanks a lot man✌️

[@theflamerising1767]

@@rustysguitar1 what’s your decision?

[@rustysguitar1]

@@theflamerising1767 Definitely the Dream! I haven’t bought it yet!

[@ChrisJones-ht9zn]

Your channel is the best Rusty.

[@zacate1983]

Difficult to like one or another when you make both sound so great! Enjoyed this review!

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Thanks for watching!

[@theaaronimal]

Yeah, I agree with you. I own both. I love the sound of the Dream, but for some reason, the Iridium somehow fits better in the mix.

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Thanks Aaron! I just recorded another video today and used my blues Jr after I was using the dream and the recordings are so different. So easy to mix the amp tracks compared to the dream.

[@electricj5]

@@SuperdangerStudios and the Blues Jr isn’t a great sounding amp, interesting.

[@isaacjohnson.]

This is such a great review! Really value the work you put into this. Excellent points on both pedals, and appreciated hearing the pro’s and con’s. Well thought out. Love your channel.

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Thanks, Isaac! Both are great pedals just end up going in very different directions.

[@ShredderCheddar]

Never used the Iridium before, but currently am using the ACS1 by Walrus Audio (which I feel is more similar than the Dream '65), but from this review I can see why having the Iridium (or ACS1) is more applicable to me personally, I too like my pedalboard and using the Flint too! Videos like this are great for us KZbin junkies who's eyes are much bigger than our wallet and we get the itch to buy gear without playing it ourselves, thanks for making this video so in-depth!. 👍🏻

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Hey Nick, thanks for the thoughtful comment. I wanted people to realize that their pedalboard as it is today is not holding them back! The modelers from the last 3 years are amazing and the Dream pushes the tech further but does not leave anything in the dust. I gotta try that Walrus soon. Cheers!

[@musicchad]

Such a well done video! Everything I was hoping to hear! Thank you so so much -- absolutely worth the wait!

[@ericp8256]

I have both. The Dream smokes the Iridium. And honestly, I prefer the Walrus Audio ACS1 to the Iridium. But, to each his own.

[@SuperdangerStudios]

I agree Eric. The Dream is an amazing emulation of a Deluxe reverb. I still love the Iridium though which is why I’m giving away the Dream to one of my followers. Cheers!

[@gabrielalvarado8628]

I’m sorry, but this review is extremely bias, it’s kind of funny haha. I would just advice anyone watching to try these pedals for yourself. I was extremely unhappy with the iridium. Even vs the ACS-1.

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Sorry Gabriel. I think the Dream and the Iridium are both great and have used them both in the studio and live and gotten great results. However I agree with you that not all guitarists will like both of them. I am one of the few that do and can see the utility in both of them. I also agree with you that everyone should try before they buy. And that goes for any gear. Cheers!

[@TheDilligan]

I get the impression the Dream is meant to emulate the way the amp really sounds as is, while the Iridium emulates the way the amp sounds after a touch of studio EQ to make it fit in a mix. Which is a plus and minus for both sides. I like that out of the dream because then it's just closer to what you expect from miking your amp. So the transition from using a real amp to a simulation is more seamless. But it does mean you may get an unideal sound in a small venue with limited EQ capability.

[@SuperdangerStudios]

The more i play the Dream the more I see how the boosts and the speaker cabs are part of the eq as well. It definitely helps clean up the mids and low end but not as precisely as an Iridium. Insightful comment! Thanks for watching!

[@GuitarHutGearZoneReviews1181]

Great video, and I more or less agree with you after owning both. I have a bit more fun with the Dream treating it like a real, standalone amp where I can tweak the knobs and pretend I'm chasing classic sounds from my favorite albums. With the Iridium, my preference is to essentially "forget" that it is an amp modeler at all and use it as a neutral clean platform for all of my pedals. Another thing to note is that the Lead mod setting on the Dream "removes" the bright cap, which should make it function more like the Normal channel that the Iridium is modeling. You can do this with boost on the lowest setting so as not to add any gain.

[@SuperdangerStudios]

The Dream is an amazing pedal and it is a ton of fun. They modeled it perfectly. I use the iridium similarly to you. As a 'generic' fender platform sound. I did try that lead setting but I'll check that out again before I give this pedal away in the contest next month. Cheers!

[@eanroad]

I know you love the Iridium/RevivalDrive combo. I think you will be keeping the Iridium. Me on the other hand, it is the combo of Page TS (used mainly for feel and eq depending on the guitar)>Cali 76 Stacked (very minimal compression, mainly for feel)>Revival Drive (either the regular custom OR Hot Rod Custom)>Dream 65 OR Woodrow 55 (each set as a pedal platform setting and only one being on the whole time). This setup allows my volume control on my guitar to determine the gain in my sound/tone... Looking fwd to the vid!

[@MatthewSpringer]

I run the exact same two pedals as my "main clean" sound Page TS into Cali stacked. I run it through a real princeton, but I hadn't thought about running that into the dream (or HX for that matter). Bu tI run my dirt out front of those. For OD/crunch, I run a two channel pedalboard with a Gladio+ millenium OD on one side and an Artisan on the other. As you say, then the volume knob controls dirt more than output.

[@eanroad]

@@MatthewSpringer actually both the Iridium and Dream sounded their best with the Page TS being set on preamp mode and with slight compression from the Cali 76. However it was too much when turning on the Revival Drive (which is a preamp in itself)...Same thing with the HX Stomp XL, the Page TS in preamp mode makes it sound WAY Better! I mean a noticable difference.

[@bmoklsc]

I felt that “I don’t wanna smart anything” rant. I don’t even like saving settings on pedals with that function. Put the knobs in front of me, no hidden secondary function. I don’t want anything stopping me from playing, and if I have to think through secondary functions or scroll through screens or pull out my phone and use Bluetooth (which I hate with a passion) then I’m not playing.

[@SuperdangerStudios]

It really gets in the way when I have a focused mindset. Picking up my phone when playing is a creativity killer!

[@DMKahn]

This pedal smokes the iridium every time. It’s the depth due to the upper harmonics that the UAD has that the iridium lacks. Immediately the iridium sounds flatter every time.

[@tannerbott2168]

This video was so helpful to me as I love my iridium, but came very close to dropping 400 on a dream 65. Already having plenty of different drives and effects, I definitely am happy to have stuck with the Strymon! Thank you

[@SuperdangerStudios]

The Strymon will get you 90% there! And with the right effects no one will tel the difference!

[@mod2tvf]

Both pedals in the mix tracks sound good! Thank you for your videos of the Iridium and Dream, along with the highlight of York IRs. Great insight on "pedal platform" IMO - So, the never ending debate... Blonde or Brunette, both are equally beautiful!!

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Thanks for the kind words! Love both these pedals and use them side by side often! Let the debate rage on haha.

[@NoCoverCharge]

I have the iridium I used it .. but in the end give me my f ing Amp back !

[@xmun2450]

How can you compare the two , you need like 4 times the money for a boost reverb and the iridium to get close to what the dream 65 does , there's no comparison

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Haha no need to be upset. Like i said in the video, most serious guitarists already own those pedals before they decide to get a modeler. And you’re right, if you’re starting from scratch and are a new or beginner guitarist, then the dream is a great option. I think they are both great and serve different purposes quite well. Have taken both to the studio and played live and have enjoyed both.

[@RamirezFlores]

Excellent comparison video. I’ve been looking at both of these recently and you left no stone unturned. Fantastic job

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Thanks, Ramirez! I have 3 more videos on the way re: the Dream and Iridium.

[@moreorlesslikeso]

A very enlightening comparison - at last I seem to get a realistic impression of where the differences between these two pedals are, handlingwise and soundwise. And the playing here is certainly cool and competent as well.

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Thanks so much for watching moreorless. They are both fantastic pedals but just take the tone in different directions. More authentic Deluxe Reverb on the Dream 65 and more versatility on the Iridium. Cheers!

[@jazzbuckeye]

How come you matched the clean tones with the mid knob all the way down on the Iridium? The manual says that 12 o'clock is what was used to model the deluxe reverb.

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Hey, Jazz! Long time no see. The iridium doesn’t really sound like a blackface at 12 o clock. I’ve tried it all over the place and at zero it nail the blackface sound. At least to my ears.

[@jazzbuckeye]

@@SuperdangerStudios Hey! That makes sense, thanks for explaining. I'm going to have to play with my mid settings more. I keep it pinned to noon and I've been eyeing the Dream 65, but maybe I just need to adjust it.

[@brianalanhager433]

What an excellent assessment. I have the Dream 65 and I agree with all your conclusions. I use this pedal as a backup/alternative on a second, smaller pedalboard that has less pedals on it then my main pedalboard. It's convenient for some rehearsal, informal and travel situations. For most live gigs and recording, I use my Fender Amps and a Two Notes Torpedo Captor X.

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Gotta love the TwoNotes captor series. They did a great job. But the dream is a great little pedal to grab and go. Cheers!

[@dimensionstomorrow]

I have both and am keeping both. The Fender sound has always been my sound, and living in a Tokyo condo I can’t do anything louder than my 1970s Vibrochamp at home. I think they both sound great and excel at different things. I find the Dream ‘65 is really nice for when I only want to deal with one pedal and my looper (which has a headphone jack). It really can match loads of sounds on records I’ve had a hard time getting to date with my other gear. I find it doesn’t really gel that great with my humbucker guitar though, so when I want some old school jazz sounds, I go Iridium. The Iridium, Flint, and Deco really is a crazy good setup. I have the Volante as well which I love. In short, the Dream ‘65 really is a luxury item for me and my setup, but I really enjoy playing it, and sometimes you just need a bit of variety to spark the creativity.

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Thanks for sharing Dimensions. And I ageee! The Dream is perfect for a quick single pedal setup. It’s ready to go out of the box and it is insanely accurate at classic tones. Also I need to check out the Deco as it looks like the biggest sleeper hit pedal in the last 2 years. Cheers!

[@bryanchurchill1]

The new Deco is a vast improvement over V1, mostly because of the tone control and cassette settings. It provides an amazing saturation and glue’s things together in ways that are impossible without it placed at the end of the chain. The doubler is super rad as well!

[@sawdustcrypto3987]

What looper do you use?

[@dimensionstomorrow]

@@sawdustcrypto3987 Boss RC600

[@ElectricNimPedalsPhilippines]

There is something about strymon iridium that I really love. I love how the input stage "senses" your guitars impedance when plugged directly to it. Response really well with your guitars volume knob esp single coils. Perhaps that's the FETs doing its glorious job? Well biased transistors are my favorites.

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Love the Iridium. It just feels right.

[@subfifth]

Would be curious to hear you shoot out the Iridium and ACS1 (especially after the 2.0 firmware update). Been enjoying your videos!

[@RustyTonesJr]

Thank you. Finally a review that makes sense. I use a Mooer 5150 mini amp modeler. I'm on the cheap. I plan on upgrading when I think I need something else.

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Thanks JD!

[@m.g.kroger]

If it's a matter of ears and taste... I go for Iridium, it sounds clearer and deeper to me.

[@SuperdangerStudios]

It is definitely a more clear uncolored sound which is what I go for most of the time. Cheers!

[@spindal_1]

UAFX pedals are built as faithful representatives of the original amps. They're not of course the same, but that's the concept. You don't like the limitations of these amps, then go with an irridium, helix, or fractal. The deluxe amps on these pedals sound great. Personally I think there's charm in the kinks and limitations. I've had a helix and now I just want to plug in and play.

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Well said

[@deplinenoise]

Great video. I owned both but let the Iridium go. The dream sounds really excellent to me. Mostly I track temp stuff with amp in a box and then re-record with tube amps and cabs. I like the stereo in/out so I can use fancy stereo pedals into the front of it too.

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Right on! They are both great and can tackle diff jobs for diff players. Happy to hear the Dream worked out for you!

[@aureliusandthespiral]

I use the Dream in the exact same way, great for scratch tracks and still has the valve type feel.

[@markh.6606]

i guess you've got to use your imagination, neither of them that much like a real vintage Deluxe to my ears. They do sound like a little digital box trying to sound like one though, but I'll gladly keep hauling my amp around for the duration....

[@post-man23]

Definitely prefer bass sound on the Iridium. I prefer some of the sounds on the Dream and it’s great but not throw-away-your-exiting-pedal great. If I want to switch to brighter sounds, I would just flip the switch to chime settings on Iridium. Or engage the fav switch. Works everytime for me.

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Agreed. Both are great pedals but really end up making very different tones for different players. Cheers!

[@sordel5866]

I'm so sick of seeing KZbin demonstrations of pedals where they don't read the manual and just set everything at 12 o'clock. This is .by far. the best explanation I've seen of these pedals.

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Thanks so much! It’s important to make pedals sound their best, otherwise why even review them? Cheers!

[@pangloss9]

Why would you use an IR on the Dream? UA doesn’t use traditional IR’s. They have proprietary speaker modeling and all the UAFX pedals use that technology. It’s the same speaker modeling system UA uses in The Ox Box. I’ve heard many folks say they thought the UA cabs models in The Ox are excellent.

[@SuperdangerStudios]

I initially compared it w Iridium using the same IR so that we could eliminate any other variables. I went on to play all the speaker cabs and they sound amazing! You are correct. The ox tech is amazing in fact, it makes me want to buy the ox after owning the Dream.

[@m4ssi86]

i have the iridium, volante and flint v2 in my board. I love those 3 pedals, i didn't tried the dream because i am happy with the iridium, but when i can i use my real princeton 68 :D

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Aw man I’d love the volante on my board! One day perhaps. And yeah if you got a real Princeton no need for the dream! Cheers!

[@alguitarchristie]

The dream 65 is much better, much more touch sensitive! I have them both, but I prefer to use the Dream 65 for concerts! The Strymon is great for the Vox and Marshall!

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Right on! Both great pedals that are good for different jobs! Happy to hear they are both getting good use on your board!

[@officialpoa3171]

*DREAM.........? yeah its a dream that the think I want to buy that UNREMARKABLE SHYT - ((( WITH NO PHUCKING MIDI CC/PC CONTROL )), yet they have presets etc. They could have easily AT LEAST did a firm ware up date and made a cable so we can get MIDI over USB.*

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Exactly. I wonder if they will ever update the software to read midi by USB c. That would be really easy to do! Have no idea why they are resisting

[@rocketshiptoaltair]

Just picked up an Iridium off eBay for £299 (UK). I have a Boss ir-2 for my studio and wanted something for general use. Your video helped me make the move.I already have the Mobius, the Timeline and the Blue Sky so it made sense to stay in the Strymon camp. The other ir's I own are a couple of the TC Electronic ones (Jims 45 and Deluxe 65), which were budget curiosity's. I guess the more gear the better but the Iridium was the one I really wanted all along. Coming home to Daddy :)

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Iridium is still such a great deal even 5 years later.

[@therammusic]

Thanks man, I often use the UA OX live driven by a tube amp (Stapleton signature Princeton) using an OD peddle and the Boss fender '65 reverb peddle. Im a massive fan of what UA is doing. Own a pair of the UA Apollo x8p for my home studio. The Dream is worth looking into for my single coil guitars. A hell of a lot more compact and easy option than beating up my amp and home studio box at outdoor gigs. Appreciate it.

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Oh man I love the Stapleton Princeton. I am town between that and a Suhr Hombre in the future. UA is really the top of the game in so many different departments. I think you will love the Dream and what it offers.

[@therammusic]

@@SuperdangerStudios Been playing with the Dream for the past 2 days. As I ran every single guitar I own through it, I have to say the Gibsons really shine, especially the ES125 from the 50s. The sound's right where it needs to be through the PA compared to my live amp setup. Sounds superb thru a 57 tweed deluxe reissue to give the amp trem and reverb. I'm sold. Love the pedal's versatility and simplicity. So many tones, small package.

[@WTF-Cubing]

6:20 “That’s not really useable…” Dude… that was one of my favourite sounds the whole video. It’s about HOW you use it.

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Good point!

[@j.b.4867]

Hi Alex! Have you tried the Opus yet? IMHO, it might even be better than both the Iridium and the Dream!

[@joshwhite3893]

Thank you so much for this video. This 100% convinced me to keep my Iridium😄

[@SuperdangerStudios]

No need to feel like you're missing out on a lot. The Iridium can do like 85% of it with the right IRs!

[@markanthonyganotice1498]

You deserve more subscribers sir. Your playing and tone is amazing and your videos is well made as well as the video production. Continue making great helpful videos.

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Incredibly kind of you to say. Thank you! More to come.

[@jazzbuckeye]

Finally picked up a Dream 65 to compare with my Iridium, and I have to say that the York Audio Deluxe Reverb IRs (which use an Oxford speaker) sound a lot better to me than the Oxford in the Dream 65. I'm using the Iridium in cab sim mode (bypasses amp sim) after the Dream to compare.

[@SuperdangerStudios]

I agree. The York audio dxvb IR might be the best fender IR out there.

[@dappergents3743]

They don't sound the same just saying besides strumming basic chords waste of time with no solo just saying Sound and tones are two different things .

[@davidjoel111]

What prevented me buying a dream 65 is not being able to upload my own IRs, i love York audio IR’s and I’m so used to them that it will be something to get used to if I can’t use them. A lot of people are saying that this is the next step in amp modeling but we’ve had good amp modelers for years now, I find it difficult to believe UA did something to drastically different.

[@MitchellSpille]

the York IRs are great. I have all of them. BUT, honestly IRs are a bit overrated. They're not going ot make the iridum sound any more like a real amp than the stock IRs do. The iridium preamp, which is what really makes the iridium not at ALL deluxe reverby, is still there no matter what IRs you're using. By contrast, the UAFX amp pedals are using cab sims from the UA OX box, which is a legendary, super popular, beloved cab sim for tube amps. Used in many, many professional studios. Its a huge step above IR technology. That said, if you're using helix or fractal which have better amp modeling than the iridium, the IRs do make a bigger difference.

[@davidjoel111]

@@MitchellSpille It is true, IR's wont make the iridium's deluxe sound like a different amp, but it will affect the most important part of the signal, the cab/mic relationship, I think the trick with IR's is to find what IR creator or studio will mic cabs the way you like them.

[@SuperdangerStudios]

I love the York IRs too as I am sure you are aware haha. I was really impressed with the UA speaker emulations though. The technology from their OxBox has only gotten better. But in the end it wasn't enough to make me keep the pedal. But it is a damn good pedal.

[@smooth_jazz_escola]

I dare you to compare them with the Joyio American J Jf-14 A...lol....

[@andrewclarkeguitar]

This is such a great video. I picked up both the Iridium and Dream and ended up keeping the Dream. The Iridium is excellent though, and I can totally see why someone would choose it over the other options out there!

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Both are such fun pedals and solve many different problems. If I was on the road more I would be tempted to keep the Dream! It does so many great sounds and might be the best modeler sound I’ve ever heard. Cheers!

[@andrewclarkeguitar]

@@SuperdangerStudios It's just cool that there are so many legit ampless solutions. In the past I couldn't find a single one I liked, and now we've got so many to choose from. It's way more fun when there's no clear winner.

[@ayjbray]

@@andrewclarkeguitar what was your reasoning for keeping the dream? Looking at both of these and interested in your process and what brought you to the decision. Thanks in advance!

[@alwayswalter]

The comparison is brilliant. But more brilliant is your style (playing and talinkg), I laughed loudly a couple of times, without loosing the line of the video... thanks for this video! very useful for us on a GAS stage (again)

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Thank you so much! These are great pedals and both have a rightful spot on any guitarists board. Happy to hear it was slightly entertaining too!

[@kostischaveles]

This was a great review - comparison of both pedals wow! i do also write music and i am into the Dream 65, firstly as a backup in case my tube amp fails or maybe use it a lot more in my recordings if it sounds good anyway :). I watched and read in other reviews that the Dream 65 is noisy - humming like the real thing. Did you have any noise problems with this pedal? it is very important for me you know. Clean recordings :) Thank you!

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Thank you Kostis! I have not experienced any humming unless I am using a weird fuzz pedal or high gain pedal in front.

[@elwrongo]

I wonder about taking either of these live. What happens when you play them through an amp? Like, for example, a DRRI? Will you be doubling the DR voicing and therefore getting weird? Does it need to be played through a neutral platform? Like DI-ed?

[@SuperdangerStudios]

I played the Iridium live and it worked great but I played DI into the house sound and used my wedge as a monitor. i know guys that use the dream 65 live too. Both would be ideal to play through a FRFR amp, like a headrush or something similar. If you turn off the speaker emulations on the dream you can plug into the fx loop in with the Dream 65 but you wouldnt want it to go through the coloration of the preamp of a DRRI. I have tried the fx loop trick with the Iridium and it does not work as well though. Hope this helps!

[@logan5437]

I found your channel and have thoroughly enjoyed your videos. I have a few pedals that are a necessity and tried a headrush but didn’t like the latency and the digital learning curve so these amp sim pedals seem ideal. I use a boss katana and keep it on the clean channel with an added booster pedal and reverb. Would the iridium be best for a variety of clean sounds in this scenario?

[@SuperdangerStudios]

The Iridium is a fantastic clean channel/pedal platform. From fuzz to modulation, totally handles all sounds!

[@logan5437]

@@SuperdangerStudios I think I may give Iridium a shot then. Truly appreciate your opinion and all of your videos!

[@crossye3217]

Absolute great video. I had debated with myself on which to get but I ended up the Dream. I don’t have a reverb pedal, I only want a fender sound, and I have some overdrive pedals that I want to turn up to over 12 o’clock in my bedroom, so the Dream wins. The most important thing it responds like a real amp. A lot of modelling or plugin stuff boast how well they react to the volume knob, but to me it’s more about how they react to your fingers and picking. The Dream doesn’t disappoint. Btw, when you using the presets, are you using IR too or is it just the Dream only? Cuz when I choose “single coil neck grit sweet spot” it’s sounds very muffled, not nearly as good as yours😂

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Thanks for watching and yeah man your needs are exactly what the Dream provides! It’s a perfect classic fender sound solution. As for your preset question, I was using the stock speaker in the dream 65. Hmm I wonder why that didn’t sound as clear for you?

[@crossye3217]

@@SuperdangerStudios yeah.. It can’t be my guitars that’s for sure:) could be the cables? Or the audio interface? When I use headphones directly it’s muffled, if I listen through the interface it’s muffled. What kind of cables are you using on the output of the Dream? Are they guitar cables or TRS cables? Do you connect the pedal to the HiZ input or line input of the interface?

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Are you using your Strymon in Mono mode? If so, you have to be using the left output only. I use generic instrument ts cables from sweetwater. When I connect it to the interface its hi z input. Let me know if this helps.

[@crossye3217]

@@SuperdangerStudios Thanks for the info...but guess what, turns out to be my pick🤣 It's interesting people sometimes forget how different picks make a huge difference in tones, especially on clean & overdriven tones. Thin pointy picks have a brighter tone, while round and thick ones have more low end or "meat".

[@jensoettrich762]

Not even a word about latency ? User say there is a mentionable difference …

[@SuperdangerStudios]

I honestly haven’t felt a difference between the two. I know there is more latency in the dream but It hasn’t been noticeable when playing at all.

[@Glicksman1]

Aside from where you are as a musician, the question really is, what do you want? Do you want/need a "pedal platform? Or do you already have that and/or want a pedal that sounds "exactly like a Deluxe Reverb"? BTW, the Dream '65 is a very good pedal platform, too. The Iridium is excellent. It comes very close to the amps it models and has lots of features, bordering or actually at option paralysis. Choice is good, but sometimes (often) too much choice is not so good. Well, close is only good for horseshoes and hand grenades, so they say. Having that totally believable, accurate DR in a pedal is just too delicious to pass up. I understand that Ruby does the same for an AC-30 and Woodrow for tweed amps. As we well-know, DRs, AC-30s and most tweeds are too loud to crank in the house or apartment and are often too much for a gig. This is why Iridium and UA/FX, etc. pedals exist. We can now crank a good facsimile of a well-known amp and set the volume wherever we wish, whether through speakers or headphones. We've been in need of this since we began to play through amps. For me, the choice is Dream '65 over Iridium for that extra bit of realism and feel that it grants. To each his/her own. I have no problem with the DR "Vibrato" channel in the Dream, I just EQ the extra treble out if I find it too much for a particular application. For a very good demonstration of just how good the UA/FX pedals are, check out: Rhett Shull 'The BIGGEST Amp Shootout I've Ever Tried (UA FX Vs. Real Vintage Amps)' Thanks for a very nice vid.

[@SuperdangerStudios]

That shootout they did was crazy. They got amazingly close. Although I’d like to hear more of the Woodrow. And you’re right. Guitarists are now in a great spot. So much great gear that helps you create and none of them break the bank. Cheers!

[@Glicksman1]

@@SuperdangerStudios The new UA stuff is more than amazingly close. For all practical purposes, it's indistinguishable from the real thing as that vid showed, and that was under the "electron microscope" of isolation in a recording studio. Imagine how much more convincing those pedals sound in a live or recorded band mix. That great, speedy player couldn't tell whether he was playing through a pedal or the amp most of the time, and neither could we. For me, that's more than good enough.

[@MrMarcburger]

struggling with my Iridium. I mean.. playing through a poweramp into guitar speakers I turn off IR/ cab sim. so what's the point of them? and then what? build cabs with F12-X200 speakers?

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Sorry to hear that. What is the problem you’re having exactly?

[@sunsetjunior9313]

i had the iridium and then got the dream 65. my opinion in that the dream 65 nails the tone of a deluxe reverb better, however part of that magic is the AMAZING reverb it sports that elevates the tone into the sound we expect from a DR. that said, im NOT parting with my iridium -here's why; for one, it has the two other amps not to mention you can bypass the amp section and use the dream 65 amp to pair with whatever IRs you want to load into the iridium! ive got some classic fender IRs from York and the vary plenty from the 6 on-board cabs from the dream '65. with this setup, i can dial in a lot (15 total?) of cab sounds quickly and without complication.

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Excellent! I own them both as well and there is an endless amount of combinations available there. I agree on the reverb for the dream. It’s perfect. The best modeled spring I have ever heard. But the Iridium still has it where it counts. Versatility, midi, amp models, etc. cheers my man!

[@stuwatts9778]

Love your video's! Was contemplating selling the Iridium for a Dream, as I just get confused by all the functions on the Iridium. Can you share your Iridium settings by any chance?! If I can get it to sound anything like yours, I'll keep it!

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Yeah man! Thanks for watching. I go over a lot of the settings here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fH_Pc6t9mb92bposi=jdUiRgJnVhQQXbEc mostly it’s using a good IR, then adding a simple boost in front and it comes alive!

[@jimleininger8963]

I really really really want an UA Dream. But I also desperately need the Woodrow. Fortunately I already have an EP Boost, an Iridium and a Flint and a Deco. Lucky guy... oh and it works great with my Analogman Sunface

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Ahh dude I want a Deco! It sounds so good every time I hear it. Also the Woodrow gets talked down so often in reviews but it’s the one I am really interested in. Cheers!

[@ivomatic13]

Great, the Iridium is still my go-to :)

[@Chris-is1rd]

Doing a Dream 65' vs Strymon Iridium comparison BUT ADDING THE STRYMON FLINT is not a comparison between the Dream 65' vs Strymon Iridium. Downvote

[@SuperdangerStudios]

All caps? Didn’t mean to upset you.

[@markallen381]

I want my sound to be Fender Black Face and I did grow up with the Beatles and that British Invasion sound. I love the American Blues and the Kinks! So this video has made clear to me that the Strymon Iridium is the ticket!

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Right on! Enjoy! I just used the iridium this morning on another track. Cheers!

[@heymrguitarman7637]

I'm definitely in team UA. The only miss is not adding midi. I get why they didn't but it would've been a very nice addition.

[@SuperdangerStudios]

That would have been helpful for sure. Not sure why they don’t do it. Maybe they can add midi control via BT later on

[@jcradical2520]

This is easily the best and most useful comparison I’ve seen by far. Thank you!

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Thanks, JC! I tried to be as thorough as possible on this video and the other recent ones I have done. Covering the things other videos might have missed or went by too quickly.

[@bleeknoir]

I have questions! I’m an iridium user. I don’t use external IR’s, just what the pedal offers. I notice you are using a third party IR on both. Do the UA amp/direct pedals need third party IR’s?

[@SuperdangerStudios]

I am running third party IRs loaded in the Iridium. The UA does not allow you to load third party IRs in the pedal. But you can run them in a separate pedal or in your DAW. The UA pedals have great speaker simulations though.

[@AndrewMasters]

EP BOOST for the win

[@SuperdangerStudios]

The winningest win

[@bloozedaddy]

So if I wanted to use one of these with a JBL EON FRFR type monitor you'd suggest the Strymon for the warmth???? I may want the extra gain of the Dream ....mostly worried about the brightness of the full response of the JBL .

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Hey Blooze so sorry for the delay. Either would be great for an FRFR but if you want more gain then Iridium Punch channel has tons! (Based on a modded Plexi). That being said, you can dial the highs down on the Dream quite effectively.

[@bloozedaddy]

@@SuperdangerStudios thx for the info. I ended up picking up a Two Note Torpedo MCab+. Will start messing with it this week. 🤘

[@songwriterck]

Holy crap. This was such a comprehensive comparison. GAS eliminated! Thank you!

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Ha ha hey Christian thanks so much for watching. I appreciate the kind words and I’m happy to relieve you of your gas! Happy hunting

[@Phoboss32]

I’d have two requests: 1. Could you compare the RD BF emulation via the MORE/PRES control, the Preamp switch and the bright switch with UA’s Dream ‘65? 2. Could you compare the RevivalTrem with the Dream’ 65?

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Hi Convex! I can do. But I also have some questions. Do you want me to compare the Origin Effects Pedals running as a preamp or in front of the Iridium? Cheers!

[@Phoboss32]

@@SuperdangerStudios I thought to run them as a preamp, link them to a poweramp (simulation) and cabsim or IR.

[@armandosinger]

Another excellent review. Stumbled on one and stayed for more. I’d be interested in a review of of the ToneX pedal!

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Thanks for watching! One day I’ll review the tonex!

[@garyfox8]

This may be the best comparison video I have seen on KZbin. Thank you. Do you have any plans to do the same with the UA Ruby vs. the Iridium?

[@SuperdangerStudios]

So many have asked and I guess that is next on the chopping board!

[@mapleneck]

Another great sounding demo! I picked up a used Ruby and have a used Dream 65 on the way because I wanted to see how it did against the Iridium with my pedals. The Ruby doesn’t blow away the Iridium. Different but not better. It may sound 2% better for the basic raw AC30 sound than Chime Cab A but there are bigger sound differences when using different IRs on the Iridium. I agree with you that the Iridium is a chameleon that can change its sound. Ruby has a lot of settings that sound harsh and bad (you can hear this in some of the pro demos) and didn’t sound great lwith a Klon Centaur in front. I didn’t sense a better feel in the Ruby but there is less headroom than the Iridium. The bluetooth worked great out of the gate but it’s not practical for playing live.

[@SuperdangerStudios]

I wanna check out the Ruby too bc so many people use that as their primary. I should get myself acquainted w the chime channel on my iridium bc i rarely use it. Cheers!

[@NoCoverCharge]

I have both and I’d rather use my 10 watt carr amp micked up all day long ..

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Agreed. If i had a choice, its all amp all day. But sometimes a box is good to have in a pinch. Which carr do you have? I have been looking at the telstar and the super b. Both sound so good in demos.

[@Fouxdufafafafafa]

"The ceiling is higher on the Iridium" ...You saved me a lot of typing with this perfectly in tune assessment. Musically the Iridium will have more range with pedals, for sure. It will have more room for experimenting. I bought the Dream recently and while i thought it sounded stellar for what it was i sent it back and bought an Iridium,Flint,and Keeley compressor for quasi boost.Very happy now. Another thing to keep in mind is that the blue-tooth on the Dream is the latest gen. so that means that it transmits 120 feet and has NO user interface. No security access whatsoever and you can never turn it off. This means that there is no assurance that it wont be transmitting all of your signals to the local "internet of things network". In other words you have no idea if your music is being picked up by ring cameras and sent to a cloud somewhere and there is no possible way to verify anything anybody says to the contrary. When i contacted UA about turning it off they said "it is always transmitting" and said they were genuinely going to bring it up in a management meeting. The chips in the dream are way overpowered as well, they are of the variety that run the latest smart tv's...in other words internet of things chips. Food for thought anyway. I always have believed a person should have total control over what they buy but then again i was alive before the internet. You make very good videos sir, keep up the good work!

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Wow I had no idea about that always on bluetooth. Very interesting. The Dream sounds amazing but same as you, I already have the sounds I need so I am gonna give it away. I agree also about having control over signal transmission on something you bought. It seems like the ethical thing to do right? I am interested to see if the product team addresses the bluetooth thing. Thanks for the kind words. Cheers!

[@deplinenoise]

@@SuperdangerStudios agree they should have added an on off switch for the Bluetooth. It’ll not be a serious live tool without that. For studio it’s acceptable.

[@jmsamborski]

I really don’t want to sit through this whole video but the overwhelming comments that the 65 wins make me think I have to. Watching the initial 3 minutes, I immediately said the Strymon is wayyyyy better, and that was with you trying to match the tone. I’m curious to see how the UAD ends up winning.

[@jmsamborski]

Watched it all, and the entire way through I was saying point to Strymon. Satisfying that you also concluded Strymon. Great video.

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Right on! It’s a long video but wanted to cover all the important points!

[@bryanchurchill1]

Great comparison. After watching your video, I thought I’d try something different that I’m not sure anybody’s talking about. Everyone always bags on the Line 6 Helix cabs. I’ve been watching several videos on how to make those cabs sound much better. They are apparently not IR based, but rather algorithms. Running both the Ruby and the Dream through several of the cabs on my Helix, I got some amazing tones. I’m not a KZbinr, so I’m not intending on putting a video together. But if you have an HX stomp or some other Helix product you might want to try running your Iridium and UAD pedals through the cabs in that box. Just a suggestion… Love your channel!

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Thanks, Bryan! Great insight. I would love to try the Helix series. A lot of pros I know down here in Nashville love the helix stuff. It always sounds great in demos online and live on stage. I’ll try and get my hands on one. And maybe a Ruby too while I’m at it.

[@rowbags3017]

Great comparison! I've got the Dream '65 and am delighted with it (I haven't tried the Iridium). It basically does everything I need in terms of a great reproduction of a classic Fender sound, and it's so convenient to travel light with and run through a clean amp or PA. For recording I use it alongside my Neunaber Neuron which offers masses of flexibility, but isn't trying to reproduce any particular amp sound. Really the only thing that irritates me with the '65 is that UAFX haven't also included presets management etc. in the desktop app - it would be so much handier in a studio set-up than messing about with a mobile phone. I think they missed a trick there, so I hope they'll address that at some point...

[@SuperdangerStudios]

I bet they’ll add MIDI support in a future patch. It would be insane for them not to. Right?

[@rowbags3017]

@@SuperdangerStudios Absolutely. The basic hardware is fantastic - it totally nails what I bought it for (yes, I see the moans in comments about the switch settings for tremolo etc., and I agree - that's tripped me up too, so I need to get used to it), but I think (hope!) UAFX will add a lot in future firm/software patches, because the '65 is such a solid platform to get great sounds from. I just watched your follow-up video using humbuckers into the '65 and Iridium. Really cool! I haven't tried that - my go-to guitar is my ToneFox Elcaster with P90s and the '65 works beautifully with it. But I've just "rediscovered" my old 1978 Gibson The Paul. After watching your video I'll make it a priority to plug it into the '65 and try for some classic vintage gain tone! 😎

[@michaelkupfer3723]

Wait, you are using a third-party cab IR?? Why would you do that in a Tone Comparison??

[@SuperdangerStudios]

I only use it for that one segment to have an apples to apples on IRs. I have many other videos that compare stock cabs for both Iridium and Dream 65. No need to worry!

[@brentpegues8420]

Very good playing and demo of both pedals. My opinion is Iridium might be the better choice as a versatile pedal platform. The dream 65, after you switched to the onboard IRs just had a depth of tone and authenticity that I don't think the iridium can match. Sadly, you make them both sound better than my HX stomp.

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Thanks Brent! The Dream '65 really has that special something in the modeling. Very intricate and inspirational feedback from the unit. Is the HX stomp no good? I want to check it out!

[@AlecBourneMidiMadScientist]

@@SuperdangerStudios all in the tweaking, the stomp can easily match or exceed the iridium. Now it is much more a question of your workflow and dialing in . I run both for years now, for me the iridium frees room for the stomp to do other jobs. My only gripe with UAFX is that lack of midi. I could see it if I locked onto one amp only, but in terms of pedalboard real estate the iridium stays.

[@nicholaspetergagg7769]

personally I found the strymon to harsh and bright and very generic sounding.I also bought the Nux amp academy and found the strymon sounded closer to that than an amp.I think the UA has a warmer fuller sound and a much more natural pick attack, the strymon tended to make the dynamics and compression very hard and unforgiving.I think the strymon would suit a person emulating 1980s pop which had that particular sound in the clean guitars (with a galactic amount of chorus and compression of course).I think a characterful tone is what I prefer.

[@SuperdangerStudios]

For sure. The Dream has character in spades. Did you end up getting one?

[@nicholaspetergagg7769]

I have a dream...........yes I have one and it is great for jazz gigs but when strymon sort out the reverb I think they will improve the iridium . Either way both these units are close to a real amp without the horrid transportation issues.I can rmember sansamp style units from way back (as flat as a pancake sound) and we are now in an age of better sounding stuff.cheers @@SuperdangerStudios