We just pushed Stratus firmware version 1.0.97, and it includes some quality-of-life improvements that MIDI users and everyday players alike are going to love.
Update your Stratus with the Stratus Update Tool, available for macOS and Windows:
https://chaosaudio.com/pages/stratus-update-tool-app
🔁 Looper Now Works in Preset Mode
This is the big one. Previously, you had to switch Stratus into Looper Mode to use the looper functionality even while using a MIDI controller. Now? The looper works while Stratus is in Preset Mode.
If you have a MIDI controller connected, you can send looper control messages to Stratus while it's still in Preset Mode, and the looper will work fully. No mode switching required.
This makes it way easier to program your MIDI controllers to support looper functions alongside preset switching. Want to tap a button to start recording a loop, then tap another to switch presets? Now you can do exactly that without juggling modes.
Looper Mode is still required for looper functionality for those who do not have a MIDI controller connected.
🎛️ Tuner Control Prep (Coming Soon to the App)
We've added new Bluetooth command support inside Stratus that will allow future versions of the Chaos Audio mobile app to start and stop the tuner remotely. Right now you can activate the tuner by pressing and holding both switches on Stratus. Soon you'll be able to do it from the app too.
This is groundwork for a future app update, so stay tuned.
🚫 Removed Accidental Mode Switching
Here's a change based on real-world feedback: we've removed the ability to switch modes by pressing and holding the silver footswitch or the black Multiknob switch.
Originally, we thought it would be helpful to give users a way to switch modes without needing a MIDI controller or the app. But with only two switches on the unit, some users were accidentally triggering mode switches mid-performance. And worse, they didn't even know Stratus had different modes, so they had no idea how to get back.
Now it's much harder to accidentally switch modes while playing. You can still switch modes anytime using:
- The Chaos Audio mobile app
- MIDI commands from your favorite controller
This keeps things simple and predictable when you're on stage or in the middle of a session.
How to Update
Download the Stratus Update Tool for macOS or Windows (or use the Chaos Audio mobile app if you have a supported iOS device with a USB-C port), connect to your Stratus via USB, and follow the steps to update to 1.0.97. The update takes just a minute or two.
Questions? Hit us up at support@chaosaudio.com or join the Discord.
Play more. Worry less.
