THE SHOOTOUT: Strymon IRIDIUM, Walrus ACS1, UA Ruby 63, NUX Amp Academy - StrumentiMusicali.net

[@TheGuitalian]

What’s your favorite one? Cheers!

[@bobibobik5903]

NUW but it's sad that you didn't show what that pedal can do. Don't get me wrong but you looked almost like some snob with ''it ain't in the same ball park''.

[@g-man7687]

If you get noise on the Nux amp academy. There is a ground lift switch on the back of the pedal.

[@mikestroud9969]

Strymon Iridium. I have a Nux Mg30. It is nice too. Never have enough devices 😂😂👍👋🎸🎸

[@walkingTANK]

The fact that the NU>X is 1/2 the price while still quite usable and versatile enough to keep up with the others is very respectable. If I was in the market for a pedal sized amp-sim, that alone would make me want the Amp Academy.

[@bobibobik5903]

IMHO it is the best of them all, he didn't use software etc nor He shown that that pedal can do. it beats Iridium to dust and as you mention it cost far less then all others.

[@joelortiz2281]

And you don’t need a direct box for the NUX. I can’t believe the expensive ones don’t have XLR outs.

[@thomaslthomas1506]

I have 2 mg-30’s which are the full modeler version of it. They sound great. My only caveat is both the amp academy & the mg-30 compressor models are sorely lacking.

[@DaveMarket]

Thanks for the Shootout. I have The Nux Amp Academy, Iridium, and the Ruby. I like the Ruby best, the Iridium and Nux are slightly different but usable. I actually prefer the Nux to the Iridium.

[@michaelleonard2215]

I sold the iridium for the acs1. The amps (especially the fender) have a more accurate eq. It’s stereo and does a great job of mixing amps and cabs in stereo. I haven’t tried the UAD stuff but it sounds awesome too, but it’s a lot a dough for one model!

[@Glicksman1]

Yes, but that one model is amazing!

[@g-man7687]

The ruby is my favorite of this bunch. I love these smaller modeler pedals The workflow is so much simpler and less complicated much easier to land on great sounds right away I have the amp academy a pod go and know about the bigger modelers and they are good but create paralysis, which keeps you from playing there are way too many flavors and you’ll only use a small percentage of those flavors in the end. I recently acquired a 65 dream and a Woodrow and tried the ruby they are so organic, sounding and feeling very inspiring to play It just puts a smile on my face I have tube amps, so I have a good reference point it’s amazing how far and fast the digital audio scene is moving and what is just around the corner ???

[@christianboddum8783]

Waiting for an AC-30 in the amp academy, but the Super reverb and Brit blues (with my own IR) does really nice for now, reverb not fantastic but that can change ;-) Price performance is spot on. Using the Eq. after the IR makes A LOT of difference, I take down 1,2 k. 6db. I push 6,2 up 4.5 to 6 db. Take down 220 1,5db. Hpf. 105hz, treble cut around 11khz. ;-) I dial down the DI. out minus 6 to 9db. it is very hot on the Di. out (XLR).

[@ribletfpv619]

Dr Z is based on a Vox.. It's in there!!

[@tonepoet]

The AA is updating with new amp sounds, one of them being an AC-30. Another is a Mesa Boogie Lonestar (and one other that I can't remember). They also fixed the XLR output with latest update.

[@worldgonewrong2049]

Fun segment! I have both the Iridium and the Ruby. I changed all the IR's in the Iridium to various York Audio choices and it is a very usable pedal now. I still like the Ruby, right out of the box, much more though. It's very responsive and fun to use. Same with the UA Dream, which I also use. YMMV!

[@vitojuniors]

in your experience is the dream far superior than iridium with york audio's ir? I also hv Iridium with york audio ir and wondering if I should sell one to purchase the dream 65

[@worldgonewrong2049]

Hey Vito, the Dream is far superior if we're comparing two pedals that emulate a Fender Deluxe Reverb. The Dream is designed to do just that. It's control parameters help bring it to that level, along with it's fabulous internals from UA. The Iridium has been fun to use for years, but I liked the 'fender' sound the least of all. The 'vox' sound was sort of 'ok' but not really all that great as far as a direct comparison to what it was suppose to be emulating, but nonetheless fun to use. My favorite is the 'marshall' sounds it delivers. I changed to York and the fender sounds and vox are quite good, a lot better than what was in there for sure. But in direct comparison to a Ruby or Dream, still not as rich sounding and still not there with the control parameters. That's my two cents anyway. Enjoy! @@vitojuniors

[@ColonelPaynus]

You’ve got the EQ backwards on the Ruby. You were trying to turn it down but you were turning it up. Everything is reversed on the Ruby (I have one). Turning left boosts the bass, turning right cuts the bass. Same with treble.

[@TheGuitalian]

Oh i see, I thought it was just the tone cut that worked that way. Anyway, it sounds absolutely great even with my mistakes 😂

[@stescot1969]

The NUX has a ground lift switch on the rear to stop any buzz in the studio.

[@TheGuitalian]

That didn’t solve the problem, unfortunately

[@VelhosNovos]

Nux + Soul Food = Amazing!

[@jacekklimkiewicz4898]

Thanks for sharing your experience with these pedal amps. Sorry, but it looks like you didn't read NUX AmpAcademy manual... My one is silent even without very effective, built-in noise gate. As a bonus you get 6-point EQ and a couple of crunch and OD effects (including TubeScreamer, for example), so the range of sounds yuo can obtain from this device is really very wide. In addition - really great audio interface allowing separate signal level control for USB output.

[@croggers1]

NUX 🤘🏽

[@ultravirez]

Some people get the high gain noise without NR and some dont with the AA.

[@brandonlesko3126]

I'd take the Ruby every time. It has more of everything I want. The others are good as well and can create some usable tones. For my money though it's the Ruby.

[@rogerYT69]

have the ruby first and now also the dream ...awesome pedals very tube like compared to my helix ...the dream works so good with pedals! ruby also ...cool comparison by the way 😉

[@tendingtropic7778]

@@rogerYT69 I currently have an iridium, did you own that one too at a point? I use a lot of fx pedals (make ambient/textural music). will the UAD dream make a difference (over the iridium)?

[@rogerYT69]

@@tendingtropic7778 i have a helix and a boss ir-200 and i like both (no iridium sorry). but the ruby and the dream 65 are very special to me. only one amp but very real sounding and tube like feel. you get the "real thing" with all the pros and cons of the old ac30 and the deluxe reverb ...and you get good results very fast and without twidling 100 knobs 😉

[@blazeofglory1982]

I use a UAFX ‘65 Dream and it’s incredible. Great feel.

[@benligil]

I have Nux Amp Academy and for the half price (I got mine for second hand for 150 €) it's a no brainer. I use live in gigs and I set 4 sounds sufficient from Le Freak to Separate Ways. I am planning to use it's IR abilities with my old gadgets like POD 1.0 and DS-1 I modded myself.

[@PrachurjyaDutta]

@benligil can you turn off the Amp Sim in this pedal?

[@dariohenriquez7773]

how do you change sounds, do you reach the pedal or use other device?

[@benligil]

@@PrachurjyaDutta no its not possible amp and IR is always on. butntheres a trick you can place send return block before IR and connect via return jack.

[@benligil]

@@dariohenriquez7773 I use it live on its two switches but I plan to buy a hotone ampero Midi switch for expanding.

[@benligil]

With the lates update you have 18 amp sims including VOX AC30 and Dr.Z and a lot of others, but the available free IR slots reduced from 18 to 10. These both amp sims I mentioned with a good 3rd party IR create wonderful semi clean and cruncy sounds. gain between 20-40

[@leitaodesign]

Best shootout and direct to the point. I would love to see HX Stomp in this equation...

[@TheGuitalian]

Thanks Carlos

[@淡定的陈律]

感觉nsg6是他们家最值得买的块了，半个综合但是白盒是他们家最强技术了。

[@christophertaylor1671]

Very objective and detailed review! Thank you for taking the time to go through the same paces that I would in my search. Can you add the Simplifier DLX to the lineup? I would like to hear that pedal compared to the Universal Audio Ruby and Dream.

[@taewankim6283]

Where is the time stamp?

[@stef3831]

how good are they for live gigs going directly to the mixer? or do I need something more? I want to use it with my analog pedalboard

[@robertclinger7351]

Nice video. I'm disappointed the only sound you could get out of the NU-X was a bright, Vox type sound.

[@DavidVOLTA]

Ruby all the way. I have ACS1 - independent stereo outs are cool, but overall the pedal feels half baked compared to other Walrus products.

[@diegorampazzo2635]

Great Video! i like RUBY63 2 questions: 1 if i want to listen trought headphones at home? can i connect direct to the pedal output or is necessary a audio device? 2 if i want to put chorus or delay pedal (like boss) AFTER ruby...is possible? Thanks.

[@Subtle-System]

I'm more of a fender dude but I have to admit UA did a better job with the Ruby... a lot more fun to play than the dream... but I have both so I play both... but I like the ruby a little bit better

[@dumalucky]

I would not buy the amp academy, but I dont think it got a fair review here. If you are happy plugging it into a computer for fine edits and setting changes..it may offer far more options and features than the other's and its a lot cheaper.. Nux are usually killer for the price.

[@TheGuitalian]

My point is: I’m not happy to plug it into a computer for fine editing. I’d use a proper modeler for that and not an amp in a box, that I like more to be immediate and direct. Of course this is just my preference and my point of view on this topic. Nux makes great products for the price though

[@dumalucky]

@@TheGuitalian Its still an unfair shootout. You could have plugged into a computer just once and made settings/changes/selections you like then following that you could use it with just the knobs like the others and made a fair comparison. If I were to buy the NUX thats what I would do as I also do not like plugging into a computer. Why not do that and make another shootout after you learn what the NUX can really do.

[@v.rucciinkmusic8978]

If you're not interested in doing a proper review, just don't do it. You are influencing people to make bad decisions based on a very lazy review.

[@ShreddingFinn]

In a live environment, they are all the same except for the price

[@TheGuitalian]

Interesting point

[@cour1988]

Not true. I have the Dream and it's a lot more amp like then my iridium

[@dimsonvenus684]

It may not be the same for alll of them in a live full band, but the difference will be too small/unnoticeable for the audience ..

[@kquat7899]

Exactly. People get too hung up on irrelevant details. They should spend more time learning how to play.

[@tonepoet]

Absolutely true. It's easy to sniff corks and notice super fine details when solo (no band) and no effects. 99% of the audience won't notice if you play live, the 1% (guitar players) will listen with their eyes. I had the Dream '65, got rid of it for the NuX, best decision ever.

[@Glicksman1]

If a hyper-authentic AC-30 clone is the criteria, Ruby kills it. For multi-amps that are close and multi- connectivity features, Iridium and Walrus are fine. Ruby even adds natural compression and bloom like a real valve amp when you turn up the volume. The "Room" control is magic. Wow! BTW, like so may others, you're using Ruby's tone controls erroneously. Counter-clockwise increases and vice versa. The cut knob turned counter-clockwise increases treble, clockwise reduces it. Ruby for me.

[@TheGuitalian]

I think I used it the same way you explained it, maybe I explained myself wrong :)

[@Glicksman1]

@@TheGuitalian Seemed to me that you did not use them correctly, but I'm sure you figured them out. :D

[@SGJAMESLEE]

Before you review Nux amp academy, why you didnt even go to homepage? So dissapointing. You did not do your best, didnt try enough to be a good reviewer. Such a shame.

[@TheGuitalian]

Do you have one?

[@SergeiVlassov]

What would it give?

[@petebrown8145]

The software that comes with the Amp Academy affords it a lot of flexibility.

[@sneiderman]

and the torpedo on your pedalboard is better?

[@TheGuitalian]

I use it just for cabinet emulation, it’s great at that

[@casso4507]

RUBY wins to me. More real. Sounds more security.

[@kylebichler2258]

Iridium is the king

[@fajriarmansya5541]

Bro, I believe you should study the pedal first before demoing it

[@TheGuitalian]

Once again, I wanted to emphasize that the other pedals don't need to even read the manual, they are super intuitive and if you are the kind of guy that does not want to spend time on reading manuals that's a good thing to know. In my opinion the simplicity of use is a MUST on this kind of product, otherwise I'd buy a more complete modeler, and that's what the NUX basically is, so it's a different kind of product. Bad? No, but different

[@jupa6100]

Nice video, Bro. Enjoyed watching it.

[@rayprevailer8454]

Pedal tech is getting crazy good.

[@andylopez9814]

Is there away we can get your settings for the UA ruby ? I really like your tone there and I’m having trouble getting good tones out of my UA Ruby! Thanks 🙏🏼

[@TheGuitalian]

Thanks Andy, unfortunately I had to send it back after the review, anyway you can probably copy some settings from the video. Cheers!

[@camillaquelladegliaggettiv4303]

My favorite is not in this video. The Tech 21 Character Series has no rivals when it comes to amp in a box pedals

[@smooth_jazz_escola]

UA Ruby 63 is the winner.

[@TheGuitalian]

Not bad uh?

[@rickfrost5594]

the nux sounds the best

[@ДмитрийХохлов-с8в]

факт!

[@judahbmusic]

A very lazy and prejudiced review, especially towards the Amp Academy. It is the one pedal that requires dialing in or a basic setup with the editor due to the plethora of options. You did none. The pedal with the most options you treated like a lame mule.

[@TheGuitalian]

That’s because on my perspective you don’t have to use an editor for a product on this type. The review was made this way on purpose, and to me the amp academy is not designed to work in the same fashion of the others. It’s more like a modeler that require the editor to work. So why not buy a modeler instead? The ge200 is pretty much in the same price range and it’s more complete. If I want an amp in a box type of product I want immediately to change any major parameter on the fly, on the pedal.

[@ESP77769]

He's running all these into the Two Notes Torpedo Captor 8, and Two Notes Torpedo CAB M... wth.

[@TheGuitalian]

No Paul, i’m not

[@ESP77769]

@@TheGuitalian, my mistake, sorry. I've heard a few amp-sim shootouts, the NUX is really something for the price!! I wish there were more reviews on the Audient SONO.

[@bammeroo]

Oh dear, you really didn’t spend time learning the NUX - what a shame. However, you obviously loved the UA Ruby and did a fine job of showcasing it. Thank you!

[@smooth_jazz_escola]

You should have been more professional and read the Nux manual to maintain a satisfactory level of equality and fairness. I feel that you did not dedicate your time to researching Nux as you did with other brands with more hype.

[@TheGuitalian]

Do you have a Nux?

[@pedrolucero2049]

More guitar less talk next time

[@Subtle-System]

Seriously,... people that think the iridium takes pedals well either have shit ears or they just don't care how their dirt tone sounds.., And also those that think the iridium actually sounds better than the UA pedals are just delusional ... or again, just shit ears

[@melodica5407]

You're so gifted!! Seriously how are you with your gold ears not having a massive successful worldwide music career?

[@juandoming6688]

@@melodica5407 he's right, Strymon fan boys are a cult.

[@davelouis4004]

The Nux is excellent , half the price of the others and is more flexible , takes pedals well , way more amp emulations , sounds great !, also , there’s a noise gate for a reason ?!