Home Stratus User Manual • Stratus CPU Usage

• Stratus CPU Usage

Last updated on Jul 01, 2026

Stratus has a powerful processor, but effects do have CPU limits. Here's how to monitor and optimize your chains.

Checking CPU Usage

On the Pedalboard page, tap "Stratus CPU Usage" to see what percentage of Stratus's processing power your current chain is using.

Example: A simple delay + reverb might only use 6% CPU, while a complex chain of 5-6 effects could use 80%+.

CPU Usage Per Effect Type

Each effect has different CPU requirements. Here's a general guide:

Lower CPU (~5-20%)

  • Simple delays
  • Basic overdrives/distortions
  • Utility effects (EQ, compressors)
  • Basic modulation (chorus, phaser)

Medium CPU (~20-40%)

  • Complex reverbs (shimmer, modulated)
  • Pitch shifters
  • Some AI-generated effects

Higher CPU

  • Impulse Responses (IRs): ~19.4% CPU
  • NAM Amp Models: ~52.5% CPU
  • Multiple complex effects stacked

NAM Amp Models & Impulse Responses

NEW! NAM (Neural Amp Modeler) and IR support bring studio-quality amp and cabinet simulation to Stratus:

Effect Type CPU Usage
NAM Amp Model ~52.5%
Impulse Response ~19.4%

Planning tip: A single NAM model takes about half your CPU budget. Pair it with an IR (~19.4%) and you'll have ~28% left for additional effects like delay or reverb.

What Happens When CPU is Overloaded

If your chain exceeds Stratus's CPU capacity, you may hear:

  • Bitcrushing/digital artifacts
  • Crackling or popping
  • Dropped audio samples

A CPU limit warning will appear at the top of the Pedalboard page.

How to Fix CPU Overload

  1. Remove an effect — Swipe left on the most CPU-hungry effect to delete it

  2. Replace with a lighter alternative — Swap a complex reverb for a simpler one, or consider whether you need both a NAM model AND an IR

  3. Adjust parameters — Some effects use less CPU with certain settings (shorter reverb tails, lower quality modes if available)

  4. Simplify your chain — Do you really need 6 effects at once? Sometimes less is more!

Example Chains & CPU Budgets

Here are some example chains and their approximate CPU usage:

Clean Ambient (~45% CPU)

  • Compressor (5%) + Delay (10%) + Reverb (15%) + IR (19.4%)

High-Gain Direct (~72% CPU)

  • NAM Amp Model (52.5%) + IR (19.4%)

Full Rig (~85% CPU)

  • Overdrive (10%) + NAM Amp Model (52.5%) + IR (19.4%) + Delay (10%)

Pro Tips

  1. Leave headroom — Aim for under 80% CPU to avoid surprises during performance

  2. NAM + IR combo — A NAM amp model + IR is a complete "amp in a box" solution at ~72% CPU

  3. Test before the gig — Build your preset and verify CPU usage before you hit the stage

  4. Effects vs NAM — If you need lots of effects, consider using a traditional overdrive instead of a NAM model

AI-Generated Effects

AI effects can vary in CPU usage depending on their complexity. If an AI effect is using too much CPU, try regenerating it with a simpler prompt, or use a pre-made effect instead.

Need Help?

If you have any questions, email us at support@chaosaudio.com