In this article
Updated September 18, 2026. Written by Chaos Audio, maker of Stratus. Product specifications and comparison sources are linked below.
Beam Mini includes a speaker and battery; Stratus is a sound-building pedal for an amp or monitoring setup you already have. With Stratus you can combine NAM captures, save a chain with a custom FX Builder 2.0 effect, and use the same pedal at home and rehearsal. Beam Mini is the more relevant comparison when the thing you need is a self-contained practice speaker.
Three NAM models, one Stratus preset. With the latest Chaos Audio app and Stratus firmware 1.0.100, Stratus runs up to three NAM A2-Lite models simultaneously in a single preset/chain, using your own uploads or TONE3000 captures. Each NAM block now uses roughly half the CPU it used before this update; other effects still share the pedal’s processing budget.
As of September 17, 2026, Stratus is the only factory-built compact pedal under US$300 we’re aware of that natively runs three NAM A2-Lite models simultaneously in one preset/chain. Its price is $299. See the latest Stratus and FX Builder 2.0 update.
The short version
- Stratus: A saved mono capture/effect chain with hands-free control, looping, and FX Builder 2.0.
- The alternative: Beam Mini includes speakers, a battery, and its practice workflow. Check supported models and app features for your device.
- Start with the rig: decide which sound, control, or connection you need before comparing catalog totals.
Side by side
| Chaos Audio Stratus | Blackstar Beam Mini | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $299 | $229.99 |
| What it is | Multi-effects + NAM amp-modeling pedal with a generative AI effects builder | 24W stereo desktop amp + Bluetooth speaker with NAM support |
| Makes sound on its own? | No — runs into an amp, FRFR, or interface | Yes — 2 full-range drivers + 2 passive bass radiators, Super Wide Stereo |
| NAM support | Native NAM A2-Lite — the core amp engine Up to 3 simultaneous NAM A2-Lite models in one preset/chain (firmware 1.0.100 + latest app) |
Native — first guitar amp to load NAM captures (per Blackstar) |
| Tone library | 600,000+ amp and pedal NAM captures on TONE3000, all compatible with Stratus; browse and install through the Chaos Audio app | TONE3000 via the Beam app |
| Onboard amp models | NAM captures are the amps | 11 electric amps (Blackstar + Ampton component models) + 4 bass/acoustic voices, CabRig + In The Room |
| Effects | 19 free effects covering all effect categories; custom FX Builder 2.0 effects; the chain shares the CPU budget | 35+ effects via XpressFX and the Beam app |
| AI | FX Builder 2.0; custom effect creation with 30 free AI builds every month | Moises Live stem-separation support confirmed in iOS app release notes, August 28, 2026; check other-platform availability |
| Looper | 5 minutes, unlimited overdubs | None |
| Output to a rig | Mono 1/4" — amp, FRFR, or interface | 3.5mm headphone/line output, plus built-in speakers |
| Vocals | No mic input | TRRS headset-mic input |
| Recording | Record the analog output through an external audio interface; no USB audio interface | USB-C audio interface; Ableton Live Lite included |
| Bluetooth | App control (iOS/Android) | Hi-fi music playback + Beam app control |
| MIDI / presets | Full USB-MIDI map; 128 presets, 14 hands-free | No MIDI; patches via SpeedDial and app, shareable with the community |
| Power | 9V DC 400 mA+ or USB-C | Rechargeable battery, 18+ hours |
| Durability & size | Aircraft-grade aluminum, 11.6 oz | Manufacturer lists IP66; follow its use limitations. 1.65 lb; 6 × 3.5 × 3.1 inches |
| Best for | Personal capture/effect sounds for an existing amp or monitoring setup | A portable practice setup with speakers and battery |
A Shared Capture Source, Different Setups
Beam Mini combines its modeled sounds and compatible NAM playback with stereo speakers, Bluetooth playback, and a rechargeable battery. Blackstar lists an IP66 rating, subject to its stated use limitations. Stratus plays through the amp or monitoring setup you provide, which can be useful when you already like that equipment.
Two AIs, two philosophies
Beam Mini’s Moises integration concerns stem separation for practice. Blackstar’s iOS app release notes dated August 28, 2026 confirm Moises Live support, so the older “coming in August” wording is stale. Availability and setup can differ by platform; check the current app instructions. FX Builder 2.0 serves a different purpose: For a particular sound, describe an effect in FX Builder 2.0—for example, a delay with darker repeats and gentle movement. Audition the result, ask for a change, then install it in your Stratus chain. Pedal captures can feed an amp capture, with other effects sharing the available processing power. Once installed, your sounds run locally and can be recalled without a phone or internet connection. Hear FX Builder 2.0 examples and explore the workflow. The examples on that page are software-rendered demonstrations.
FX Builder 2.0 is now on mobile. Build effects directly in the Chaos Audio app for iOS and Android, then use them in your Stratus chain alongside NAM captures. These current app screenshots show the builder and a finished effect.
Home Playing and Pedalboard Control
Stratus can serve home practice or rehearsal with the same installed chain, a five-minute looper, and 14 presets reachable from its footswitches. USB-MIDI extends control with a suitable host. Beam Mini provides its own speaker and headphone/line output. Every TONE3000 NAM capture works on Stratus; complete app presets and device-specific settings are separate from the captures.
Cost of ownership
Compare the equipment you still need. Beam Mini includes a speaker; Stratus needs external amplification or monitoring. Buying both is optional, and their shared capture source is not a reason by itself to purchase two devices. Stratus is US$299 with 19 free effects covering all effect categories, 30 free AI builds every month in FX Builder 2.0, and access to all 600,000+ amp and pedal NAM captures on TONE3000. See the product page for configuration, regional pricing, and shipping estimates.
Which should you buy?
Choose Stratus if you want to develop and carry your own mono capture/effect chain, with hands-free presets and looping, using your existing amplification.
Choose Beam Mini if you need the speaker and portable practice package. Verify the current app feature availability for your phone and the supported capture types.
Sources
- Blackstar — Beam Mini product page (price, full spec table, NAM/TONE3000, Moises AI, battery, IP66, dimensions)
- Guitar World — Beam Mini review (driver detail, weight, verdict)
- Premier Guitar — Beam Mini launch (street price, Moises integration)
- TONE3000 — NAM Architecture 2 (A2) (test methodology and results; code and data are open source)
- Chaos Audio — Stratus product page (Stratus specs and pricing)
- Chaos Audio — three NAM blocks, firmware 1.0.100, and FX Builder 2.0 on mobile
Explore Stratus, its included effects, and current availability.
Related reading: Stratus vs Beam Solo
