In this article
Updated September 18, 2026. Written by Chaos Audio, maker of Stratus. Product specifications and comparison sources are linked below.
Stratus and StompStation PRO both support multiple native NAM models, with different architectures and surrounding tools. Stratus runs up to three A2-Lite blocks in a mono chain and adds FX Builder 2.0 and a five-minute looper. Sonulab supports its documented A1/A2-Full combinations with stereo processing and additional connections. Compare those workflows directly; converter specifications alone do not establish a sound-quality winner.
Three NAM models, one Stratus preset. With the latest Chaos Audio app and Stratus firmware, 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: Up to three A2-Lite blocks, surrounding effects, a five-minute looper, and FX Builder 2.0.
- The alternative: StompStation PRO supports A1 and A2 Full mode, stereo processing, and USB audio. A2 models include both Full and Lite modes.
- Start with the rig: decide which sound, control, or connection you need before comparing catalog totals.
Side by side
| Chaos Audio Stratus | Sonulab StompStation PRO | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | US$299; check local taxes and shipping | Check current EUR offer and stock/preorder terms on Sonulab’s product page |
| What it is | Multi-effects + NAM amp modeler with a generative AI effects builder | Native-NAM stereo capture player with a curated effects section |
| NAM support | Native NAM A2-Lite Up to 3 simultaneous NAM A2-Lite models in one preset/chain (firmware 1.0.100 + latest app) |
Native NAM A1 and A2-Full, no conversion; up to 3 NAMs per preset (firmware 2.0.8 or later); 60 amp slots |
| TONE3000 access | 600,000+ amp and pedal NAM captures on TONE3000, all compatible with Stratus; browse and install through the Chaos Audio app | Sync from the VoidX-Control app straight to the pedal |
| Audio engine | 1 GHz processor on embedded Linux; 16-bit/44.1kHz converters | 32-bit/192 kHz converters, 117 dB dynamic range |
| IRs | Supported mono cabinet IRs, 1024 samples; available storage limits apply | Stereo IR loader, independent left/right |
| Effects | 19 free effects covering all effect categories; custom FX Builder 2.0 effects; the chain shares the CPU budget | Stereo modulation, delay, reverb (plate, spring), compressor, EQ, wah, dual-voice pitch, gate |
| 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 |
| Control | Bluetooth app; 2 footswitches; 14 hands-free presets, 128 stored | Color display; 3 footswitches (banks, tuner, tap); dedicated knobs; wireless + desktop app |
| Preset switching | Smooth preset changes (~20ms crossfade) | Gapless preset changes (firmware 1.5.12) |
| MIDI | Full USB-MIDI map (host adapter required) | TRS Type-A MIDI in and out/thru; full PC/CC |
| Audio I/O | Mono 1/4" in/out | Two 1 MΩ inputs; stereo 1/4" outs; headphones; USB-C audio interface |
| Power | 9V DC 400 mA+ or USB-C | 9V DC 1 A or USB-C 5V 1 A |
| Build & weight | Aircraft-grade aluminum, 11.6 oz | AISI 304 stainless steel, 600 g (1.3 lb) |
| Best for | Combining captures, custom effects, and looping in a mono pedal | Full-model playback, stereo processing, and recording connections |
What Sonulab built
StompStation PRO supports up to three NAM A1/A2-Full models per preset with firmware 2.0.8 or later, including its documented stereo-amp-plus-drive setup. Its stereo effects, independent left/right IR processing, physical controls, and audio interface suit a stereo or recording rig. VoidX-Control handles its supported capture-management workflow. These functions are more informative than treating converter specifications as proof of better sound.
What Stratus built
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.
Stereo Routing, Looping, and Creating Effects
Both pedals have effects chains and multiple-model NAM support. A2 models contain both Full and Lite modes: Stratus uses Lite for its mono chain with looping and custom effect creation, while StompStation PRO uses Full and offers stereo processing. All 600,000+ amp and pedal NAM captures on TONE3000 have been retrained to A2 and work on Stratus. Choose the output paths and controls that fit your rig.
On stage
Sonulab provides three footswitches, a display, knobs, and conventional MIDI connections. Stratus offers 14 presets hands-free and up to 128 via USB-MIDI, with a host required for a conventional controller. Their listed weights differ: Stratus is 11.6 oz (about 329 g), while StompStation PRO is 600 g.
Cost of ownership
The table preserves each manufacturer’s listed currency; US dollars and euros are not directly subtractable. Check local tax, shipping, exchange rates, and current stock or preorder terms for the configuration you want. 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 you want captures and an effect you create and refine in the same compact mono chain. It fits a board where amplification and connections are already handled.
Choose StompStation PRO when its supported Full models, stereo processing, or recording connections are requirements. Both have effects and support multiple NAM models; the complete workflow determines the fit.
Sources
- Sonulab — StompStation PRO product page & firmware notes (price, specs, I/O, TONE3000 sync, firmware history)
- Effects Database — StompStation PRO (converter and format detail)
- 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.
