Walrus Audio’s Mako Series ACS1 arrived on the scene in January 2021, seeking to knock Strymon’s Iridium off its perch and become the go-to amplifier and cabinet simulator for pedalboards.
The boutique units certainly have plenty in common and are excellent problem-solvers during an era in which direct guitar tones have become paramount, so we decided to put them to the test in a head-to-head shootout.
In this video, Guitar.com chief editor Chris Vinnicombe presents an overview comparison of both pedals, then you’ll hear how they perform in a full band arrangement.
In addition to their onboard Fender, Marshall and Vox amp and cabinet simulations, you’ll hear how the ACS1 and Iridium respond to a Klon and Tube Screamer, along with digital spring reverb and tremolo effects courtesy of a Milkman F-Stop. The guitar used throughout is a 1969 Gibson ES-330.
Check out the video here:
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