Start here: get your first sound from Stratus

By Landon McCoy · Updated October 3, 2026

Connect your guitar, power Stratus, and check a basic sound before building your first effects chain.

1. Connect your rig

  1. Turn down your amp or interface. Connect your guitar to Stratus IN, then connect Stratus OUT to your amp or interface input.
  2. Power Stratus with a center-negative 9V DC supply rated for at least 400mA. Use an isolated supply; see power requirements.
  3. Wait for the startup animation to finish. Bring up your listening volume gradually and check that your cables and instrument work.
Your first sound. Guitar: Connect to Stratus IN. Stratus: OUT goes to your amp or interface. Listen: Start low, then raise the volume. Power separately: isolated 9V DC · center-negative · at least 400mA
Power separately: isolated 9V DC · center-negative · at least 400mA Open image at full size.

2. Connect the app

Install the Chaos Audio app, create or sign into your app account, then connect from inside the app. The app controls the pedal over Bluetooth; your guitar audio stays in the wired rig.

Try a factory sound first

The full Stratus tutorial demonstrates a new unit with 14 factory presets and those starting sounds in the registered account’s preset list. Use them to check your rig before changing the chain. Older units, firmware, or an already-edited account may show a different list. Preset mode selects the onboard sounds without leaving your phone connected.

3. Build and save a sound

  1. Open Pedalboard and use Add Effect to choose a sound.
  2. Install any missing effects to the connected device and wait for the transfer to finish.
  3. Adjust the controls, save the preset, and sync the presets you want to use without your phone.

Where to go next

Watch the current tutorials

Quick Start covers the essential setup. The Full Uncut Tutorial adds the detailed modes, editing, NAM, FX Builder, and preset workflows. Both were recorded October 2, 2026. Follow your installed app’s available controls if its interface differs.

Quick Start

Full Uncut Tutorial

Watch this task

From the Full Uncut Stratus Tutorial, recorded October 2, 2026. App screens and available controls can vary by version.

More visual references
Stratus product render showing the Multiknob, footswitch, and LED strip.
Stratus hardware render from the supplied Blender assembly. Open image at full size.
Still need a hand?

Email support@chaosaudio.com. We’re here to help.

Related articles

Stratus hardware and connectionsStratus has mono instrument input and output, a Multiknob, a footswitch, an LED strip, a 9V power input, and USB-C.Power Stratus and prevent power noiseUse a center-negative 9V DC supply rated for at least 400mA. An isolated power output is recommended.Use headphones or record directly with StratusConnect Stratus OUT to an audio interface, mixer, or headphone amplifier. Stratus does not have a dedicated headphone output.Update Stratus firmwareUse the official Stratus Update Tool and a USB data cable. Keep Stratus connected and powered until the tool confirms completion.Stratus modes and Multiknob controlsChoose Preset, Stompbox (also called Live), or Looper for playing. Tuner temporarily mutes the output while you tune.