Toggle individual effects in Stompbox mode

By Landon McCoy · Updated September 10, 2026

Stompbox mode, called Live mode in older guides, lets Stratus’s footswitch toggle one selected effect in your chain.

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.

Use Stompbox mode

  1. Load a chain with at least one installed effect.
  2. Choose Stompbox in the connected app’s mode settings, or send MIDI CC18 value 1.
  3. Turn or click the Multiknob to choose the effect.
  4. Tap the footswitch to toggle that effect on or off.
One switch, the effect you choose. Load a chain: Install the effects you want to control. Multiknob: Turn or click to choose an effect. Footswitch: Toggle the selected effect on or off. Software preview · Stompbox mode: select in the app, or send CC18 value 1.
Software preview · Stompbox mode: select in the app, or send CC18 value 1. Open image at full size.

If the mode will not activate

Load an effects chain first. In the latest firmware, a long hold of one hardware control does not change playing modes; use the app or MIDI.

Want dedicated switches?

Use a MIDI controller to address individual effects directly without selecting each one with the Multiknob.

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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Start here: get your first sound from StratusConnect your guitar, power Stratus, and check a basic sound before building your first effects chain.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.