In this article
Updated September 18, 2026. Written by Chaos Audio, maker of Stratus. Product specifications and comparison sources are linked below.
The GP-5 is a low-cost route to modeling, headphone practice, and USB recording. Stratus adds a different set of tools at $299: up to three native NAM A2-Lite blocks in one preset, a five-minute looper, hands-free preset recall, and FX Builder 2.0 for creating an effect around an idea. The price difference matters most when you know which of those jobs you want the pedal to do.
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: Native A2-Lite playback with up to three blocks, looping, preset recall, and custom effect creation.
- The alternative: GP-5 packages modeling, converted NAM captures, headphones, and USB recording in a compact device.
- Start with the rig: decide which sound, control, or connection you need before comparing catalog totals.
Side by side
| Chaos Audio Stratus | Valeton GP-5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $299 | $79.99 |
| What it is | Multi-effects + NAM amp modeler with a generative AI effects builder | Ultra-compact multi-effects with HD modeling and SnapTone/IR loading |
| NAM support | Native NAM A2-Lite, played as-is on the pedal Up to 3 simultaneous NAM A2-Lite models in one preset/chain (firmware 1.0.100 + latest app) |
NAM files, including A2, converted to SnapTone; mobile A2 conversion requires Valeton Suite 2.1.0 or later; 50 preloaded, 80 max |
| TONE3000 access | 600,000+ amp and pedal NAM captures on TONE3000, all compatible with Stratus; browse and install through the Chaos Audio app | Download NAM captures and convert/import with Valeton Suite on mobile or computer |
| Effects | 19 free effects covering all effect categories; custom FX Builder 2.0 effects; the chain shares the CPU budget | 100+ HD effects; up to 9 modules at once, some reorderable |
| 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 (100 drum patterns in the app) |
| Presets | 128 stored; 14 hands-free via footswitch color pairs | 100 slots (50 factory) |
| Control | Bluetooth app; 2 footswitches | Color LCD; 1 LED-ring footswitch with 4 modes; 2 knobs; Bluetooth app (iOS/Android) |
| MIDI | Full USB-MIDI map (host adapter required) | None |
| Audio I/O | Mono 1/4-inch audio in/out; USB-C for power, updates, and MIDI | 1/4" in; TRS stereo out (headphone-compatible); 2-in/2-out USB-C interface; Bluetooth audio playback |
| IRs | Supported mono cabinet IRs, 1024 samples; available storage limits apply | 20 third-party IR slots |
| Power | 9V DC 400 mA+ or USB-C | 9V DC or USB 5V |
| Build & weight | Aircraft-grade aluminum, 11.6 oz | Metal casing, 237 g (8.4 oz) |
| Best for | Personal capture/effect chains with looping and hands-free recall | Compact modeling, headphones, and USB recording |
What GP-5 Brings to Practice
GP-5 combines its HD effects, SnapTone captures, a display, mobile editing, and stereo/headphone output with USB audio. The single footswitch has multiple operating modes. Its current mobile software supports A2 conversion through Valeton Suite 2.1.0 or later, so check the matching app and firmware before importing a capture. Those features make it relevant for practice, recording, or a particular role on a board.
Building and Recalling a Stratus Chain
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.
On stage
Stratus’s onboard footswitches recall 14 presets, while USB-MIDI can reach up to 128 and control effect bypass or the looper. A host is required for conventional MIDI controllers. GP-5 uses its single-switch modes and does not offer the same looper or MIDI workflow. Choose based on how you switch sounds during a song.
Cost of ownership
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 to build and recall a personal chain: pedal and amp captures, effects you can reorder, and a custom effect you can audition and refine. The looper and USB-MIDI options extend that setup.
Choose GP-5 when its practice, headphones, recording, and converted-capture workflow cover your needs. Experience level does not determine the right choice; the job in your rig does.
Sources
- Valeton — GP-5 product page (features, SnapTone, weight, I/O)
- Valeton — GP-5 store listing (price, full feature list)
- Guitar World — GP-5 review (verdict, NAM conversion notes)
- Guitar World — GP-5 launch coverage (positioning vs TONEX One)
- TONE3000 — NAM Architecture 2 (A2) (test methodology and results; code and data are open source)
- Chaos Audio — Stratus product page (Stratus specs and pricing)
- Hotone Japan — current Valeton NAM A2 conversion support
- Chaos Audio — three NAM blocks, firmware 1.0.100, and FX Builder 2.0 on mobile
Explore Stratus, its included effects, and current availability.
