Stratus modes and Multiknob controls

By Landon McCoy · Updated September 10, 2026

Choose Preset, Stompbox (also called Live), or Looper for playing. Tuner temporarily mutes the output while you tune.

Software preview · September 2026. This guide includes the latest app and firmware workflow. Recent changes are not yet verified as available in every public release. If your controls differ, use the update available to you; do not install development firmware just to match this guide.

Choose a mode

In the latest app, connect the device and open its mode control in Settings. Use Preset for switching complete sounds, Stompbox for individual effects, or Looper for recording a loop. MIDI CC18 can also select the mode.

Choose the job for your controls. Preset: Switch complete saved sounds. Stompbox / Live: Toggle an individual effect. Looper: Record, play, and overdub a phrase. Software preview: choose a playing mode in the app or with MIDI CC18.
Software preview: choose a playing mode in the app or with MIDI CC18. Open image at full size.

Controls at a glance

ModeMultiknobFootswitch
PresetTurn or click to select a preset pair.Switch between the two presets in the pair.
Stompbox / LiveTurn or click to select an effect.Toggle the selected effect.
LooperTurn for volume; click for record/play/overdub; double-click to pause; hold to clear.Toggle the effects chain.
TunerUse the tuner display; exit tuning to return to playing.The both-controls tuner shortcut is separate from ordinary mode switching.

Important change in recent firmware

Preview: Holding only the Multiknob or only the footswitch no longer switches between Preset, Stompbox, and Looper. Choose the mode in the app or by MIDI. Holding both controls for the tuner and holding the Multiknob to clear a loop remain separate functions.

Startup and prerequisites

Stratus restores its saved playing mode when possible. Stompbox needs an effects chain; Preset needs presets stored on the device. A missing preset list can prevent a mode change, so do not diagnose it from the assumed factory default alone.

Detailed guides

More visual references
Top view of Stratus with LED strip above the Multiknob and footswitch below.
Hardware reference: LED strip, Multiknob, and footswitch. Their functions depend on the selected mode. Open image at full size.
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