Boss IR-200 VS Strymon Iridium: Comparison
Our pick: The Strymon Iridium
There isn't really a "better" option between these two, but rather two very different focuses where the Strymon Iridium is simpler and perhaps sounds a little better, while the Boss IR-200 is more versatile and provides more options with some additional modeling complexity. In that regard, it just depends on what you're in the market for. Both are great amp modelers.
What are the differences between the Strymon Iridium and the Boss IR-200?
Both are amp modeling pedals with cabinet impulse responses. But the Iridium is far simpler with only a few amp and cab models, compared to the IR-200 which has more flexibility, but lacks the high-quality JFET preamp that comes in the Iridium.
So the biggest factor when deciding between the two: Do you want a focus on simplicity and tone quality, or do you want a focus on variety and flexibility?
Deciding between these two pedals should be based almost entirely on that question.
Further, both retail for the exact same $400 price tag.
Boss IR-200 VS Strymon Iridium Simple Comparison
In this section we'll start with a simple comparison that gives you some of the most relevant stats for these two pedals, including price.
Again, we can easily see that the Iridium is a little more specialized in just a few sounds, while the IR-200 spreads itself around to a wider variety of amp and cab tones, offering more flexibility.
Pedal | Title | Rated | Browse |
|---|---|---|---|
| Strymon Iridium Amp and Cab Modeler | n/a | |
 | Boss IR-200 Amp and IR Cabinet Pedal | n/a |
Watch the Comparison
Detailed Comparison Chart
One of the weaknesses of the Iridium is that it only has a single onboard preset, in the form of a "favorite" button. You can setup more presets via MIDI control, but the IR-200 has a ton of presets onboard the pedal, allowing you to cycle up or down via the two switches.
Again, the benefit here is flexibility. If you want something to tinker with that will allow you to setup a bunch of different sounds, the IR-200 is your better option.
On the other hand, if you just want to set up your sound and keep going to it, as more of a static solution, you'd be fine with the Iridium.
You'll notice the IR-200 has more amp models and a lot more built-in IRs.
Header | Iridium | IR-200 |
|---|---|---|
Pedal Type | Digital amp and cab modeler | Digital amp and cab modeler |
Presets | 1 onboard favorite, 300 via MIDI | 154 x Preset IRs, 128 x User IRs |
Number of effects | n/a | n/a |
Amps | 3 amp models - round, chime, and punch | 8 guitar amp sims |
Cabs | 9 speaker cab models | 144 Boss impulse responses, 10 from Celestion, |
Inputs | 1 x 1/4" TRS (mono, stereo via adapter) | 1 x 1/4" (input), 1 x 1/8" (aux in) |
Outputs | 2 x 1/4" (L/mono, R), 1 x 1/8" (headphones) | 2 x 1/4" (A/mono, B) |
MIDI | n/a | 2 x 1/8" TRS type-A (in, out) |
Height | 1,75" | 2.55" |
Width | 4" | 3.97" |
Depth | 4.5" | 5.43" |
Weight | Not listed | 1.45 lbs. |
Comparison of Audio Demos
These two demos give you a pretty good idea of how the two boxes sound in comparison to one another. Both handle clean and high-gain tones fairly well.
Which one is better?
Without a significant price difference, we'd call it a wash between these two pedals, depending exclusively on what you're looking for in an amp modeler. If you want the simplicity and the more focused approach of Strymon, the Iridium will be a better value for you.
On the flip side, Boss does a good job of getting you more tones and more sounds in the IR-200 for the exact same price.
Those who want the extended variety, particularly of the IRs and cab models, will be happier with the IR-200.
If you have questions about either pedal, feel free to drop them in the comments section below and we'll help out as much as possible.
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Written by GC Editorial on Pedal Comparisons
Written by GC Editorial on Pedal Comparisons
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