Quality pedal

These devices can never replace tube amps, which doesn't mean you can't get a studio-quality guitar sound. This is a great pedal and I would recommend it for home studios.

Goodbye tube amps!

Strymon IRIDIUM: Goodbye Tube Amps!!!!

I know I'm going to irk some purists with this review. So please be nice. As a person who for the longest time has played through solid state amps exclusively and has never been able to decide, let alone afford a tube amp this is a dream come true. I've always wanted a tube amp, but could never decide which one to invest in. Because at the end of the day they’re an investment. But I also never really committed to buying one for five reasons: 1) Cost: I don't want to spend $300-$1000+ on a amp(s) and then have to drop $100-$200+ on a set of tubes for when they die. 2) Maintenance: I don't want to have to upkeep this or accidentally kill myself via electrocution. 3) Weight: A lot of tube combos and heads are really heavy and that isn't good for my bad back or my toddler who likes to pull things down (you’d be surprised how strong he is). 4) Tone: Every amp has its own unique tone and lends itself to different things and as a musician who plays and incorporates multiple genres into their music, one amp is not enough. 5) Learning curve: I DO NOT want to put what little time I have into the commitment of learning about tube amp maintenance. The amp that I used the most throughout my time playing shows and recording was always a Line 6 Flextone III and that amp had some great cab and amp models inside of it. It was so good that people who owned tube amps thought that I was using an actual tube amp when I would play live. But I sold it, because times are tough and I was in the market looking for a new amp and when Strymon released the Iridium and I heard it for what it was I was blown away. I’ve been playing with this thing since the 26th of December and I am in love with it. I’ve ran a bunch of my pedals through it and it is one of the best things I could vouch for using to warm up your signal and give it some grit. It sounds like a real amp, it feels (sonically) like a real amp and most importantly it is easy to use. There’s no learning curve to it. I got it all right in front of me and now every time I want to jam with waking up my son I just plug in my headphones and go to town. If you’re looking for something light and simple as a substitute to tube amps or other modeling amps I recommend buying one for yourself, because with this thing anything is possible.

One hell of a unit - every guitar player needs this

Like everybody else, I read all the hype and purchased the Iridium on pre order. It was late landing here in the UK owing to enormous demand globally.

For many years in the studio I used Line6 multi FX with amp simulation etc, I had some great results with Line6 stuff, but I had a unit blow up on me and rather than replace I decided to employ my stage board in the studio. Having played through just about every amp modelling from Kemper to Eleven Rig etc etc, I was dubious as to the thrills of the Iridium.

As a blues/classic rock inspired guitar player, the Fender/Vox/Marshall theme really fits my style. Reliable and convincing. The rumours are true, the Iridium does sound like what it is trying to sound like. Right out of the box, I liked the options in terms of dialling in a sound, all three amps have three very usable cab simulations, the room function is really cool. So as a stand alone amp simulator, it's a yes yes yes.

MY next concern was how the Iridium would gel with pedals, it just works, I have my WAH/FUZZ/OD/BOOST in front of the Iridium and my Chorus/Delay/Reverb after it. I love it very much and although I have real amps and mics, it is often the Iridium I turn to for convenience.

My only moan is that as good as it is, it just doesn't feed back when you stand in front of the speaker cab!!!!!

Great unit.Instead of a cheap tube amp, buy this!

I had several digital units until i landed on this one. All lacked what i needed (sounded great, but once they did a bit of all, they don't excel at none) so i needed a dedicated Amp sim unit. This Strymon delivers and does it really nice. It inspires me to take the guitar and play, and that's the coolest feature: is plug and play. No need to wait for tubes to cook or program a sound you like and fool around. Since i'm living in a room and maybe i will trip i had to get rid of amps and voluminous gear and this is just perfect for that. Pack it in your gig bag paired with a good mini overdrive pedal and you can rock everywhere. Just a personal note, i'm not a fan of the factory loaded IR's. Never been much into Ownhammer ones, so i bought some from York Audio and my experience changed tottaly for good. I wanted a small tube head and torpedo cab. Not anymore, i don't have the space nor the budget and with this, i totally see it as nonsense. You can perfectly sound with this little wonder (and given a context, even better ;) )

SUPERB

Hands down to the best invention by Strymon so far. Aa church musician, churches are kissing goodbyes to amps on stage, now everything is line-in. This is a MUST HAVE to all of those who can't afford a real tube amp and need PRACTICALITY. The tone feels so great that sometimes is easy to forget that the sound is coming from your pedalboard. And by the way, it is SO EASY to use it!

From Gear Setup

Great little direct box!

I mainly use the Vox tones but I like the Plexi tones too, the Tweed sounds ok. Love the fact that it has different room sounds for a more alive sound. Good tones, still not the same as plugging into the real thing, but it’s a good simulation. Takes pedals well, a compressor helps with the feel as well.

From Gear Setup

I Like It

What a versatile lump of metal, electrical components and soldering (Americans note it has an "L" in it). Great sound across the 3 amps and ideal for home recording. Well done Captain Strymon and your trusty crew.

Great sounds

So lovely, the tone and the consistency, amp on a board. And stereo too!