Strymon
Strymon Iridium Amp & IR Cab Pedal
Best amp modeler for guitarists needing professional direct-to-board recording solutions.
Experience the authentic sound and feel of a world-class tube amplifier with the Strymon Iridium Amp & IR Cab Pedal. This compact pedal delivers inspiring tube amp responsiveness and stunningly realistic impulse response speaker cabinet simulation. Featuring three iconic amplifiers, each paired with three complementary IR cabs, the Iridium lets you bypass the hassle of miking amps. Send gorgeous, lush stereo tones directly to your recording interface or PA system, ensuring a great sound whether monitoring through headphones or wedges.
$399.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.8
/ 5
Category Rank
2
/ 204
#2 in Effects Processors
Price vs Category Average
-11%
Below average
Model Number
12
/ ZAIRID
Who it's for
- Recording artists seeking authentic tube amp character in a pedal
- Gigging musicians needing a lightweight, portable direct-to-PA solution
- Modern players requiring flexible routing for practice and professional sessions
Who should skip it
- Budget-conscious guitarists prioritizing value over premium boutique hardware
- Tone chasers wanting a vast library of diverse amplifier models
- Pedalboard enthusiasts requiring complex signal chains with dedicated effects loops
Performance breakdown
Amp Authenticity
Captures the dynamic response and harmonic complexity of real tube circuits.
Cabinet Realism
Impulse responses provide a studio-grade sound without the need for microphones.
Ease of Use
Intuitive knob layout makes dialing in professional tones incredibly straightforward.
Direct Recording Utility
Perfectly bridges the gap between pedalboard and interface for silent recording.
Room Ambience Quality
Natural sounding space simulation adds depth to otherwise dry direct signals.
Connectivity Versatility
Lacks MIDI and advanced switching, limiting integration in complex professional rigs.
Key Specs
Model Number
Z12AIRID
SKU
Z12AIRID
Effect Types
Amp Simulation, IR Cabinet Simulation
Form Factor
Stompbox Pedal
Connectivity
Stereo output for direct connection
Input/Output Interface
1/4 inch Jack
MIDI Compatibility
False
Footswitch Compatibility
False
Features
- Simulates three iconic amplifiers
- Includes nine complementary IR speaker cabinets
- Delivers tube amp responsiveness and realism
- Allows direct stereo connection to interfaces/PA
- Simple controls for effortless tone dialing
- Offers controllable room ambience simulation
- Skip the hassle of mic'ing physical amps
What customers say
The Strymon Iridium is widely regarded as a benchmark for amp and cabinet simulation due to its exceptional sound quality and ease of use. Customers consistently praise the three core amp models for delivering remarkable fidelity and dynamic touch response comparable to tube amplifiers. Its primary appeal lies in providing studio grade tone directly to interfaces or headphones, making it ideal for silent practice and recording. The interface is intuitive, allowing players to dial in fantastic tones quickly without complex editing. While the price is premium, users feel the high quality, reliability, and utility of the resulting tones fully justify the investment. It offers a complete, high end tonal solution for modern playing environments.
Know before you buy
Yes, the Iridium is designed to be a complete direct-to-board solution. You can connect it directly to your audio interface for recording or to a PA system for live performances, effectively replacing the need for a traditional guitar amplifier.
Yes, you can use the Strymon Impulse Manager software to upload your own third-party IR files via USB. This allows you to expand the pedal's library beyond the nine factory-loaded speaker cabinets.
Absolutely. The Iridium features a dedicated headphone output, making it an excellent tool for silent practice sessions where you want the authentic feel of a tube amp without disturbing others.
The Room knob adds a realistic sense of space to your signal, simulating the natural reflections of a studio or room environment. It helps prevent your direct signal from sounding too 'dry' or sterile when playing through headphones or a PA.
No, the Iridium does not support MIDI connectivity. All parameter adjustments and preset selections are handled manually via the physical knobs and switches on the pedal.
Yes, the Iridium is designed to act as the 'amp' in your signal chain. You can place your favorite drive pedals in front of it just as you would with a real tube amplifier to achieve your desired gain staging.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.