Tips on Getting Better Tones with the Strymon Iridium (all 3 amp models)

[@dldavidmusic]

I'm surprised I'm the first one to say it, but I'm sure I speak for all of us when I say - awesome intro music! Gutsy overdrive and crystal chime! This is my favorite intro so far!

[@MichaelWWestbrook]

Thanks!!

[@TheSyncopatedGuitar]

You want to avoid the rabbit hole of IRs? Try this pack. I have just received them and they hit the bull's eye. Minimal tweaking, a handpicked selection. Every IR sounds not only meaningfully different but also clear as a bell. Michael really knows his stuff and it is evident in the clarity of the examples presented here.

[@MichaelWWestbrook]

Thanks for the kind words!

[@dividedbytimestudios]

Do you ever go back to the Iridium after all this time?

[@MichaelWWestbrook]

Use it all the time as an IR loader for recording! I have used it for amps. I think it still holds up

[@tendingtropic7778]

Hi there: I was wondering: what do you think of the new UAFX pedals (Dream, Ruby?)

[@MichaelWWestbrook]

I haven’t been able to check them out

[@ivomatic13]

Hi Michael, picked up your IRs last night and I’ve been playing with them all day, they sound amazing! Much better than the stock IRs that come with Iridium. Great job!

[@MichaelWWestbrook]

Awesome, glad you like them!

[@dahliafiend]

My favorite sound right now is the Punch (Marshall) into a Bassman I got through another pack.. Sounds awesome.

[@MichaelWWestbrook]

Yeah, I bet that sounds killer!

[@InfoWithheld]

Finally! Someone who appreciates the webers! I've put webers of the jensen variety in my vintage amps that needed them. If you'd like some webers that are well-broken-in to create some new IR's, let me know! I also have some vintage vibranto/jensen concert vintage speakers. Let me know if I can assist! I'm in Nashville.

[@NoCoverCharge]

i love mine..it is my recording goto buddy

[@MichaelWWestbrook]

It’s so good. I’ve been really impressed with it

[@ricknelsteel]

Great video, Iridium has great clean sounds.

[@ShreddingFinn]

What mic positions do you typically use on IRs? Right on the cone is too harsh but I find there is not enough high end on most other positions.

[@MichaelWWestbrook]

Depends on the mic and speaker but typically just off center is my favorite. You can try backing the mic up an inch or 2. This will get rid of some of the low end and brighten things up. I find most of the time for a mix this helps a lot

[@橋本帆乃香-y6n]

But the deluxe reverb modulation comes without the spring reverb right ?

[@jeffburnham4582]

Really useful information. I like your idea that you need to explore each setting and experiment. I found this to be true as well. Your explanation about EQing the Vox settings was especially helpful. Thanks!

[@MichaelWWestbrook]

Thanks for watching! Glad it was helpful!

[@mikeonb4c]

Great video. Are you using any other pedals to get these sounds. I need something that will allow me to get 1960/70s rock tones when DI'ing into my DAW but without expense of lots of other pedals on top of the Iridium (I won't be using the pedal for live work). I wonder if people will say get the HX Stomp but there Iridium seems to have a good organic / analgoe sound, and will the HX Stomp match that? I currently use an old Line 6 HD500 and want to keep that for my Variax guitar connection but I'm looking for something much more real in sound than that if possible. So far I've managed to get by with the burying the guitar tracks in my mixes so tonal weaknesses don't stick out too much but it would be great to have guitar sounds that could be loud and proud in the mix!

[@MichaelWWestbrook]

It's all Iridium in this video. It does lots of classic sounds for sure. Changing out the IR's helps with that too. I'm using my own IR's on everything in this video.

[@ZAYAZOfficial]

Excellent Vid. Thanks man

[@malsanders609]

Great tips, particularly about swapping in British cabs on the Fender. I'll try that tonight :)

[@MichaelWWestbrook]

Thanks!

[@daveandrew7014]

The Chime EQ works like a Top Hat Club Royale

[@MichaelWWestbrook]

Yeah, I think that’s originally a Vox thing!

[@OpenEyeComa]

I’m a guy whose played a 335 through a deluxe reverb for the last twenty years….WHAT IS AN IR?

[@MichaelWWestbrook]

It’s a wav file that is digital representation of the signal chain of a mic’ed up cab. So preamp>mic>speaker/cab.

[@OpenEyeComa]

@@MichaelWWestbrook humm- Yeahh, I don’t know what a wav file is? I’m 48 and I’ve been playing guitar since 87’…I started looking at some multi effects pedals and saw something called a Kemper, and I didn’t want to hook a computer up to my amplifier, so then I saw Strymon makes something called an Iridium, and I just keep hearing this word IR in the reviews- so….yeahhh, I guess this is outside of what I currently know…thanks

[@BenXJimenez]

Michael, thank you for this video. Unfortunately you just put me in a predicament. I had made up my mind to sell my Iridium and set up my direct rig around a Kingston Squire preamp and a Neunaner Iconoclast but I watched this video and bought your IR bundle. My iridium has a new life! Those IRs of yours sound really good! Now I need to decide what to do. I already ordered the squire. Would a squire with a cheaper IR loader do the trick?

[@MichaelWWestbrook]

I’m not familiar with the Squire so I can’t really say. You can just use the iridium as an iR loader to give the squire a shot. You can bypass the amp modeler part of the iridium. It might be over kill for you but a good way to try it.

[@BenXJimenez]

@@MichaelWWestbrook thanks. That actually brings up a question. I'm checking out other IR loaders, specifically the Shift Line CabZone X but I'm not sure if there will be a noticeable difference in quality (96khz vs 48khz) or if for the most part an IR loader is an IR loader? Having the iridium just as an IR loader does seem overkill for me.

[@volkersohm260]

I recently convinced my family to have an amp in the living room. I use a fender acoustic amp for my Martin and a mic. I need to avoid additional monitors or cabinets and want to plug in my electric guitar. Do you think plugging in the iridium in the AUX of the acoustic amp will result in an fairly good sound? I’m not too picky with the sound as long I need to play in the basement 😅

[@cfibanez]

Thanks for this demo. I understand you only use your own IRs. But you don't tell us why is that, nor what's wrong in your opinion with the stock IRs. It'd be helpful to know. Thanks.

[@MichaelWWestbrook]

The stock IR’s aren’t bad. Everyone’s experience will vary but for me they are on the bright side and don’t feel very natural. I made my own to get a sound that I like better and is a bit more what I’m used to.

[@cfibanez]

@@MichaelWWestbrook I’m trying yours now. Thanks.

[@basterael]

Acabo de comprar su Pack-2021. Alguno de sus IR'S Amps-Cabs en Stereo lleva el Delay-9ms incluido. Podría hacerse desde mesa sonido-PA?? Thanks.

[@tendingtropic7778]

thanks for this! I just want to set up the IRIDIUM IRs just like you have them set on yours :), do you have an overview / screenshot of which IRs you have on the slots :)?

[@redcomn]

I would like to add in term of the amp side past 2 o'clock on gain. The chime model engage rangemaster treble boost like boost Punch turned into jose modded marshall.

[@MichaelWWestbrook]

Yes sir!

[@Tvaroh]

Thanks. Another idea is to use bass cabs for clean tones. They can sound very good and super clean.

[@MichaelWWestbrook]

Good tip!

[@taurushamilton2739]

The 3 button Strymon multi switch really opens up the capabilities of this bad boy!💯🫡

[@joshbarsphotogrpahy5044]

I’ve been curious for a while on something related to this… so basically I’m running a bluesky after my iridium, but I understand that this is also applying the reverb to the IR. Should one,’in order to take full advantage of the reverb AND the IR tone, use a separate IR processor (like the Tc electronic one) after the bluesky amd turn off the ir’s on the iridium? Is that convenient?

[@dr_tomK]

How did I miss this one? Been thinking of picking up an Iridium. Looking for a good deal a used one. Sooner or later it'll happen.

[@mikeroadblock]

True.

[@daniwest1370]

Great Stuff! Can you use this pedal just straight into a cab?

[@MichaelWWestbrook]

Thanks! Not without a power amp! It doesn’t have any power to push the speaker.

[@jackgreenwood1817]

Hi Michael, thanks for a great video. Your new IR pack sounds great, I really like the 'hemp' and the 'green' with the round amp setting. Maybe it's not really your vibe, but do you have any tips for getting a heavier sound out of an Iridium? I've always loved using a RAT into a Twin Reverb, and now during lockdown my only loud practice has been with the Iridium and I'd love to recreate it as best I can. Thanks :)

[@MichaelWWestbrook]

Awesome! Thanks! I would use the RAT with either the Round or the Punch models. The punch model with the gain low could work really well

[@jackgreenwood1817]

@@MichaelWWestbrook Thanks, I'll give it a go today and have a good play with it

[@bdboes]

What delay are you using to get the dotted 8th? Thanks!

[@MichaelWWestbrook]

The delay is from my H9 (dual delay with Triplet and 8th notes delay) and I’m using the Trinity Chorus (I think that’s the name) on the HX Stomp! The Chorus helps it sound really wide and big.

[@bdboes]

@@MichaelWWestbrook thanks!!

[@DToneQuest]

I use a mesa boogie fillmore 50 (as pedal platform) with a pedalboard but use iridium to play at church. Is there a combo (iridium amp/ir) you would suggest to get close to the interaction i have with the amp when switching between the two.

[@MichaelWWestbrook]

I’m not really familiar with that amp but I would guess with the round model or the Marshall model with the gain turned down. What speaker do you have in the amp?

[@DToneQuest]

@@MichaelWWestbrook celestion custom 90

[@MichaelWWestbrook]

I’m not familiar with that speaker but I’ve read good things! A lot of people seem to like them. I’d see if you could find an IR with that speaker, that would be a good start to getting things sounding similar.

[@misteranderson59]

What's the best website to download additional IR's?

[@misteranderson59]

Nvm...I'll check out your links👍

[@AnalogSoundReseach]

Awesome stuff! A video about how you would integrate it with other pedals would be great! Drives, Mod/Delay/Verb either pre or post iridium...

[@MichaelWWestbrook]

Thanks! Let me think that through and see what I can come up with

[@pwarner]

pedals -> Iridium if you want more of a traditional guitar amp sound or Iridium -> pedals recreates more of a studio feel where the engineer is putting on effects after the guitar amp

[@leftovernoise]

I put my delays and Reverb after the iridium and then into my mixer. I feel like it's way easier to dial in a sound that way.

[@SunnyvilleMusic]

Hey! Awesome video :) Gonna check out your IR pack. I'd love to know your signal chain going into your interface. I have a UAD Arrow that I use and I usually have to increase the gain a fair bit because the Iridium does put out a slightly quieter signal than say the HX stomp. This probably ends up affecting the recording...

[@mr.j1400]

If it looks like a fender and it sounds like a fender then it should be a fender

[@dykeneuk]

Just bought your IR package. Looking forward to having a play. I'm taken with your suggestion of a 9ms pre delay on one side. Does any of the IR's have this feature? Great channel. Awesome tones.

[@AndrewMooreLearningLicks]

This is all great information and 100 percent true, I literally did all the things you said, skipping IR without trying to dial it in Guilty. Great 👍🏼

[@aaronsanchez93]

It would be cool to see a stomp vs iridium and your thoughts on it!

[@MichaelWWestbrook]

I definitely am going to do this at some point!

[@ThisMichaelBrown]

Very helpful! Thanks!

[@MichaelWWestbrook]

Glad to hear it!

[@jasonkerr931]

Killer opener with a great U2 feel!

[@MichaelWWestbrook]

Thanks!

[@Cinnemax77]

Ty

[@shawnbayless777]

I have a good friend who is in his late 50’s and another friend who is in his early 60’s and both are having a really hard time figuring out the new technologies such as using interfaces, pedals like the Iridium and others. They do not understand what IR means etc. I think it would be great if one of you gurus would put out a layman’s video on how to utilize these new technologies and the meanings, terms and verbiage of these as well. I think you would pick up many more followers from the older crowd musicians...just a thought

[@MichaelWWestbrook]

I was actually just thinking about this the other day!

[@shawnbayless777]

@@MichaelWWestbrook yeah these guys are really angry with new technology because one asked me “what is an IR? and after I tried to explain it he was like “what the hell?” and the other gentleman asked “why are there four knobs and three switches on a chorus pedal?” and then it was “how do I use this damn interface?” LoL, I was thinking to myself “this tutoring lesson is going to be gauged by how many beers it will take to get these guys caught up”. I then thought some of these gurus on KZbin should put out very basic layman’s videos on how to use an interface, the verbiage and terminology of the different technologies and it would be great to teach these guys and gals how to connect pedals that have dual inputs and outs with single ins and outs because they just get frustrated and stop playing. I believe it would be a way to pull people in if that older age who watch videos now and want to learn...lots of possible followers and fans.

[@plankplayer]

Ignorance troubles all age groups…🕊

[@roblarson9065]

Get the best tones? Get a dumble clone like the Malin D style pre-amp. It’s the real deal, not sounds like the real deal.

[@rhabdo_X]

ACS1: Iridium Killer, hehe, maybe..???

[@MichaelWWestbrook]

Maybe so! I’m interested for sure! Of course they release it weeks after I bought my iridium 🤦🏼‍♂️

[@robertbriquet]

I have no clue if i should buy the acs1 or iridium. I listened to both and i like both of them.

[@mikec6733]

I'm a newbie. For playing directly into and through a speaker cabinet, how much volume does the Iridium provide? Also, is "matching the ohm rating" something that needs to be taken into consideration? Last question, is the Iridium digital?

[@MichaelWWestbrook]

The Iridium won’t push a speaker cab by it self and isn’t made for that. It’s made to use with headphones or into a PA or powered speaker (that has a power amp to drive the speaker).

[@mikec6733]

@@MichaelWWestbrook There's the Orange Pedal Baby 100. I think it's simply a power amp. (and there may be others like it too). Could I run the Iridium (or another preamp module, like the Joyo Preamp House) into the Orange PB 100, thereby creating a complete amp? Also, is the Iridium digital? Also, matching the ohms is only a factor between the power amp and speaker cab, right? Thank you !!! Thank you.

[@Bero70]

I don't want to go to rabbit hole with IR's . If you can suggest to me, best 1 IR for each Amp model (in your opinion )for Single coil Strat ,I would gladly buy .I refuse to try dozens of IR's. My point is, if I want to spend my days playing around digital things instead of playing I would buy me a Kemper or Quad Cortex. I wish Strymon has smaller pedal with only 1..... "pedal platform" Amp Sim(Round) with only 1 IR but great one, for $ 150 . Don't need Vox, don't need Marshall. That would sell, like nothing before.