BluGuitar Amp1 - Iridium vs Mercury Edition

In this video, Paul Drew and James Ivey compare the BluGuitar Apm1 Iridium Edition with The BluGuitar Amp1 Mercury Edition.
The Studio Rats are core band members Paul Drew on guitar/production/mixing, drummer James Ivey and Dan Hawkins on bass. They collaborate with singers and musicians to produce radio-ready songs.

Mercury Edition

The AMP1 Mercury Edition has enjoyed growing popularity since its release, and the global user community around professional guitarists such as Jennifer Batten, Uli Jon Roth, Kat Dyson and Ian Crichton is constantly growing. The revolutionary Nanotube technology, which is up to par with traditional boutique tube amps in terms of authentic sound and real feel, has set a new standard for guitar amps: a guitar amp that meets the demands of a professional guitarist on stage and in the studio, yet is small and light enough to be carried around in the glove compartment or gig bag.

Iridium Edition
This unique high-gain amp in a pedal-format delivers tight, characterful sounds, and it is the perfect combination of real tube tone and 100 watts of power in an unrivaled compact and lightweight format. In cooperation with experienced, international metal guitarists, BluGuitar founder and professional guitarist Thomas Blug has developed this amp from the ground up, and, unlike the acclaimed AMP1 Mercury Edition, he voiced the AMP1 Iridium Edition uncompromisingly towards modern metal.

[MrNachoponcho]

I can’t believe the amp1 isn’t bigger in gigging circles - I’ve used it all year and it’s amazing

[ManuelGonzalez-tvob]

I was hesitating between them until a used Mercury at a very convinient price appeared in front of me. Man, this thing is unbelievable, top notch. Hands down, the best piece of gear I've had. Thomas Blug is a genius.

[blakjack]

In my experience, with regards to practical application, I only use real tube amps on stage and the digital stuff; IR, plug-ins processing software and whatnot only in the studio. I have used digital modeling amps and floor processors live but they always left me wanting. Conversely I've used tube amps in the studio with similarly unsatisfactory results, so I settled on only tube amps for live and digital processing for studio. It's just easier that way.. it's what works for me.

[Mywheel]

I met Thomas a several time! He‘s a real Gentleman and a total sound nerd. Can‘t wait for the ampX. - good comparison, thank you

[prometheusrising]

I have the iridium for 2 months and is easily the best in quality and innovation and best as value for money equipment I ever had as it easily is in the same league sonically with much more expensive amps. I guess is the same for the mercury edition, is just different flavor of the same idea.

[SlickCat]

I have the Mercury. Its amazing, I can go from beautiful cleans to Marshall heaven. I never expected a "pedalboard" amp to sound so good. Its a REAL amp for sure. If I had any criticism it would be that the reverb is weak, and those side knobs are fragile.

[poronkusema]

Your shirts match your Amp1 preferences…

Great comparison, I am happy with the mercury but I like the Iridium very much too

[nedim_guitar]

Oh man, I missed the last two live podcasts, didn't get around to watching them yet. I'm interested in Blug, so I gotta watch that one ASAP! His AmpX will be HUGE!

[meangreenmachine]

Thanks so much for this video guys, great playing that really helped me decide which to get..decided on the Mercury. Sounds sweeter to me somehow, but they're both great.

[josephrusso]

OMG! Amazing!. I just discovered this unit today. I wish I had discovered this unit 4 months ago when I blew 6k on 2 new tube amps! I'm always the late one to the party. Uhhhh!!!

[crissabater]

I totally agree with Paul. I have the Mercury edition and it's the best amp I have ever had. Everything about it just oozes class. Four amps in one is not bad either! Mr. Blug is a genius. Looking forward to his new Amp X edition hopefully next year. I just run the Amp 1 into my Torpedo captor and use good quality Impulse responses and the Amp1 takes pedals very well.:-)

[dracul]

Nice video. Would love a part 2 where you made a track with both so we could hear in a mix.

[EddieB]

Great amps! I own both ME and IE and run them in stereo…. Awesome tones

[jancreighton]

useful comparrison - thanks - on classic drive channel iridium is probably smoother, more even, a littler cooler and a littler more crisp and focussed. Depends on the mix and on the context, what will work better - both sound awesome - I'd be very happy with either

[Roryfan]

Had both, both great. Had to choose one to sell, but it's fine, I think the difference between the two is down to EQ, they sound different, the ME sounds "fatter" and suits Strats (surprise) and the IE sounds "tighter" and works better for humbuckers. IMO.

[VictorEMusique]

I just got a CABZEUS cabinet simulator - try the Amp1 with that - turn it into a stereo unit :)

[steviesedge]

I have the silver edition :) these amps are the dogs danglies!

[jonnirr]

That Iridium is sounding Gnarly 🤘🏻 Looks like I'll have to get my ass to the guitarshop and try on 😅

[tylerboley]

Mercury all the way, the saturation on all settings engulfs the whole sound, the other it’s fizz sitting on top

[edgohery]

Hi guy’s, I’m looking for some advice about which amp1 to get. Mercury vs Iridium. I need a clean, crunch and lead sound. I mostly play anything from AC/DC to Whitesnake. John Sykes, Doug Aldrich type sound. I’m currently using a Marshall JVM 410H and 4x12 cab. Which edition would you recommend would be most suitable for what I’m trying to achieve. I was blown away by the sound of both the ME & IE. Awesome videos guy’s. Very informative and helpful. Looking forward to watching lots more from your channel.