In this article
Updated September 18, 2026. Written by Chaos Audio, maker of Stratus. Product specifications and comparison sources are linked below.
Stratus is a way to build a personal sound on a pedal: combine NAM captures, add effects you can create in FX Builder 2.0, and save the result for hands-free recall. Beam Solo provides an integrated headphone-practice format. If you already have an amp or interface for monitoring, Stratus can be the same sound-building tool at home and on your board; if you need that monitoring included, the distinction matters.
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 foot-operated mono capture/effect chain with looping and FX Builder 2.0.
- The alternative: Beam Solo integrates its sound library with headphone monitoring, battery operation, and a compact plug-in format.
- Start with the rig: decide which sound, control, or connection you need before comparing catalog totals.
Side by side
| Chaos Audio Stratus | Blackstar Beam Solo | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $299 | $129.99 |
| What it is | Multi-effects + NAM amp-modeling pedal with a generative AI effects builder | Headphone amp that plugs into your guitar jack, with app-based tones |
| NAM support | Native NAM A2-Lite — the pedal's core amp engine Up to 3 simultaneous NAM A2-Lite models in one preset/chain (firmware 1.0.100 + latest app) |
Native NAM A2-Lite via free firmware — first headphone amp to run NAM |
| 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 | 8+ Ampton amps (component-modeled by Blackstar) + CabRig IR speaker sim with 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, adjustable via XpressFX and the app |
| Generative AI | FX Builder 2.0: describe, audition, refine, and install custom effects; 30 free AI builds every month | None |
| Looper | 5 minutes, unlimited overdubs | None |
| Output | Mono 1/4" — into any amp, FRFR, or interface | 3.5mm headphone/headset connection; follow Blackstar’s guidance for external equipment |
| Vocals | No mic input | Headset microphone input with processing |
| Bluetooth | App control (iOS/Android) | Music playback for jamming + Beam app control |
| Recording | Record the analog output through an external audio interface; no USB audio interface | Multi-channel USB-C audio interface |
| Presets | 128 stored; 14 hands-free via footswitch color pairs | Patches saved and shared via app and online community |
| MIDI | Full USB-MIDI map: presets, per-effect bypass, looper, modes | None |
| Power | 9V DC 400 mA+ or USB-C | Rechargeable battery, 5+ hours per charge |
| Size & weight | 5.5" × 3.125" × 2.125", 11.6 oz | Credit-card footprint; folds into a pocket |
| Best for | Personal mono chains, looping, and hands-free pedalboard use | Battery-powered headphone practice and compact recording |
The shared engine
Both access TONE3000 through their respective apps. All 600,000+ amp and pedal NAM captures on TONE3000 have been retrained to A2, which includes both Lite and Full modes; Stratus plays them natively in Lite mode. Complete device presets remain separate from the captures themselves.
What Blackstar brings
Beam Solo combines Blackstar amp models, CabRig, effects, Bluetooth playback, battery operation, and headphone monitoring. Its headset microphone and USB audio functions can be useful for a compact practice or recording setup. Those integrated features are the reasons to consider it.
What Stratus adds
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.
Your Monitoring and Control Setup
Stratus works at home through an existing amp or interface as well as on a board. Its onboard footswitches, saved chains, and looper suit playing where hands-free control matters. Beam Solo provides integrated headphone monitoring and USB audio in a compact plug-in device. For connections to other equipment, follow Blackstar’s guidance for the 3.5mm output and matching signal levels.
Cost of ownership
Stratus needs suitable amplification or monitoring; include that equipment if you do not own it. Beam Solo’s monitoring is integrated into its headphone workflow. Buying both is a separate choice, not the default conclusion of sharing a capture source. 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 when a saved mono chain, foot control, looping, and custom effects are tools you want across your playing setups. Installed sounds run locally without leaving a phone connected.
Choose Beam Solo when the compact headphone format meets the task by itself. Stratus brings those TONE3000 NAM sounds to a pedalboard workflow with hands-free preset recall.
Sources
- Blackstar — Beam Solo product page (price, specs, Ampton, CabRig, TONE3000 partnership, battery, I/O)
- TONE3000 — Beam Solo now supports NAM A2 natively (first-headphone-amp claim, firmware details, feature list)
- 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.
