The quest for the perfect reverb can lead guitarists down a rabbit hole of sonic exploration. When it comes to high-end digital reverb pedals, Strymon consistently stands at the pinnacle, offering unparalleled sound quality and versatility. Two of their most celebrated creations, the BigSky and the Bluesky, often find themselves at the center of discussion for players seeking to elevate their ambient soundscapes.
While both pedals promise lush, studio-grade reverbs, they cater to slightly different needs and budgets. The BigSky, a true behemoth of ambient possibilities, offers an extensive array of algorithms and deep editing capabilities. The Bluesky, on the other hand, presents a more streamlined, yet equally impressive, take on classic and modern reverb tones.
Choosing between these two exceptional units can be a challenging decision. This comparison aims to cut through the hype and provide a clear understanding of what each pedal brings to the table, helping you make an informed choice for your rig.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | Strymon BigSky | Strymon blueSky |
|---|---|---|
| Reverb Types | 12 | 3 |
| Algorithms | Full | Core |
| Presets | 300 | 24 |
| MIDI In/Out | Yes | Yes |
| Expression Pedal Input | Yes | Yes |
| Stereo Input/Output | Yes | Yes |
| Footswitches | 3 (On/Off, Preset Up/Down) | 2 (On/Off, Preset Up/Down) |
| Display | LED | LED |
| Power Supply | Included 9V DC | Included 9V DC |
| Dimensions (in) | 4.75 x 7.5 | 4.75 x 7.5 |
| Weight (oz) | 1.1 lbs | 1.1 lbs |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Reverb Types
- Strymon Bigsky: Offers 12 distinct reverb types, including innovative algorithms like Cloud, Flint, and Magneto. This vast array provides unparalleled sonic sculpting capabilities, from shimmering ambient textures to classic spring and plate sounds, catering to nearly any musical need. The sheer variety is its greatest strength.
- Bluesky: Features 4 core reverb types: Room, Hall, Plate, and Spring, with additional modulation options for each. While fewer in number, these are meticulously crafted and sound excellent. It’s a more focused and streamlined approach, perfect for players who prefer quality over quantity.
- Winner: BigSky
Parameter Control
- Strymon Bigsky: Boasts extensive control over every aspect of the reverb, with dedicated knobs for Decay, Mix, Mod Speed, Mod Amount, and more. Each algorithm has unique parameters, allowing for deep customization and intricate sound design. This granular control is a dream for tweakers.
- Bluesky: Provides essential controls like Decay, Mix, and Tone, along with a Mode switch for different reverb voicings. While less extensive than the BigSky, the available parameters are intuitive and effective for shaping the core sound quickly. It prioritizes ease of use and immediate sonic impact.
- Winner: BigSky
Modulation Options
- Strymon Bigsky: Features dedicated Mod Speed and Mod Amount knobs, with a variety of modulation types available within each algorithm. This allows for rich, dynamic, and evolving reverb tails, adding movement and character to your sound. The depth of modulation is a significant advantage.
- Bluesky: Offers a dedicated Mod button that cycles through different modulation intensities for each reverb type. While simpler, it effectively adds subtle to pronounced chorusing and vibrato to the reverb, enhancing its texture and depth. It provides a taste of modulation without overwhelming complexity.
- Winner: BigSky
Presets and MIDI
- Strymon Bigsky: Can store and recall an impressive 300 presets, accessible via onboard controls or MIDI. This makes it incredibly versatile for live performance and studio work, allowing for instant recall of specific reverb tones. The extensive preset management is a major workflow enhancer.
- Bluesky: Offers 3 user-selectable presets that can be easily recalled. While not as extensive as the BigSky, this is sufficient for many players who need a few go-to reverb settings. MIDI control is also present for preset switching.
- Winner: BigSky
User Interface and Ergonomics
- Strymon Bigsky: Features a clear display and a logical layout of knobs and switches, making it relatively easy to navigate its vast feature set. However, the sheer number of options can still be intimidating for new users. Once familiar, it’s a powerful and efficient tool.
- Bluesky: Boasts a simpler, more streamlined interface with fewer knobs and a straightforward layout. This makes it incredibly intuitive and easy to dial in great sounds quickly, even for beginners. Its user-friendliness is a key selling point.
- Winner: BlueSky
Size and Footprint
- Strymon Bigsky: Is a larger pedal, taking up a significant amount of pedalboard real estate. Its expansive feature set necessitates this larger form factor. It’s a flagship unit that demands space.
- Bluesky: Is a more compact pedal, fitting easily onto most pedalboards without consuming excessive space. This makes it a more practical option for players with limited board real estate. Its smaller size is a distinct advantage for portability.
- Winner: BlueSky
Price Point
- Strymon Bigsky: Is a premium-priced pedal, reflecting its extensive feature set, advanced algorithms, and build quality. It represents a significant investment for most guitarists. Its cost is commensurate with its capabilities.
- Bluesky: Is significantly more affordable than the BigSky, offering a high-quality reverb experience at a more accessible price point. It provides excellent value for its performance and feature set. It’s a more budget-conscious option without sacrificing quality.
- Winner: BlueSky
Sound Quality and Character
- Strymon Bigsky: Delivers absolutely stunning, studio-grade reverb sounds across its vast range of algorithms. Each algorithm is meticulously engineered to sound authentic and inspiring, from ethereal ambient washes to classic amp-like tones. Its sonic fidelity is exceptional.
- Bluesky: Produces exceptionally beautiful and musical reverb tones that punch well above their weight class. The core reverb algorithms are rich, detailed, and inspiring, offering a distinct character that complements many playing styles. It offers a highly pleasing sonic signature.
- Winner: BigSky
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Reverb Versatility | Strymon BigSky |
| Ease of Use (Core Tones) | Strymon blueSky |
| Preset Management | Strymon BigSky |
| Sonic Depth & Complexity | Strymon BigSky |
| Value for Core Reverbs | Strymon blueSky |
| Advanced Control | Strymon BigSky |
What They Have in Common
- High-Quality Analog Conversion: Both pedals utilize premium analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog converters, ensuring pristine signal integrity and a natural, organic reverb sound. This attention to detail is a hallmark of Strymon’s commitment to sonic excellence.
- Intuitive Controls: While offering deep sonic possibilities, both the BigSky and blueSky are designed with user-friendliness in mind. Their layout of knobs and switches makes it easy to dial in desired reverb tones quickly, even during a live performance.
- Stereo Operation: Both pedals support stereo input and output, allowing for expansive, immersive soundscapes. This is crucial for players who want to create wide, enveloping ambient textures.
- Midi Integration: For advanced users and integration into larger pedalboard setups, both the BigSky and blueSky feature MIDI In and Out ports. This enables external control of presets, parameters, and tap tempo.
- Expression Pedal Compatibility: Players looking for hands-free control over various reverb parameters will appreciate that both pedals accept an expression pedal input. This allows for dynamic manipulation of decay, mix, and other settings in real-time.
- Robust Build Quality: As expected from Strymon, both units are built like tanks with durable metal enclosures, designed to withstand the rigors of constant use on the road.
Strymon Bigsky Vs Bluesky Buying Guide
Budget Considerations
The Strymon Bigsky is a premium reverb pedal, and its price reflects its extensive feature set and high-quality build. If your budget is a primary concern, the Bluesky, while still a quality Strymon product, offers a more accessible entry point into their renowned reverb algorithms. Consider what you’re willing to invest for the ultimate sonic palette versus a more focused, yet still excellent, reverb experience. (See Also: Nest Cam Vs Ring )
Desired Reverb Types and Complexity
The Bigsky boasts a significantly larger array of reverb types, including more experimental and ambient options like Cloud, Shimmer, and Magneto. If you envision yourself crafting vast soundscapes, exploring unique textures, or needing a broad spectrum of sonic possibilities for diverse musical styles, the Bigsky is the clear choice. The Bluesky, on the other hand, excels at delivering classic, studio-quality reverbs like Hall, Plate, and Spring with impressive fidelity, perfect for a more traditional sonic palette.
Performance and Live Use
For gigging musicians who require immediate access to a wide range of distinct reverb sounds without extensive menu diving, the Bigsky’s extensive control surface and dedicated footswitches for each reverb type are invaluable. It allows for quick, on-the-fly adjustments and preset recall. The Bluesky is also a capable live pedal, but managing multiple distinct reverb settings might require more reliance on presets or MIDI control, depending on your workflow.
Sound Design and Creative Exploration
If your primary goal is sonic exploration and pushing the boundaries of reverb, the Bigsky is an unparalleled tool. Its deeper modulation options, more complex algorithm parameters, and sheer variety of sonic flavors encourage creative experimentation. The Bluesky provides exceptional quality for its core reverb types, offering a refined and inspiring sound, but it doesn’t delve into the same level of experimental sonic territory as its larger sibling. (See Also: Lose It Vs Weight Watchers )
Who Should Buy What?
Buy Strymon BigSky If…
- You require the widest possible palette of reverb algorithms and sonic textures.
- You need extensive preset storage for diverse gigging or studio scenarios.
- You value deep programmability and advanced MIDI control for complex setups.
- You are an ambient musician or sound designer seeking ultimate creative freedom.
Buy Strymon blueSky If…
- You primarily need classic, high-quality reverb sounds (Hall, Plate, Spring).
- You prefer a more streamlined and immediate user experience.
- You have a more focused pedalboard and don’t require the vastness of the BigSky.
- You are looking for a top-tier reverb pedal that excels at core reverb tones without overwhelming complexity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between the Bigsky and Bluesky?
The most significant difference lies in the number of reverb algorithms and the depth of control. The Bigsky offers 12 distinct reverb types and extensive parameter tweaking, including deep modulation and sound design capabilities. The Bluesky features 6 core reverb types, providing excellent quality but with a more focused and streamlined approach to sound shaping.
Can I get good ambient reverbs from the Bluesky?
While the Bluesky excels at classic reverbs, its “Cloud” and “Hall” algorithms can certainly produce beautiful, lush, and atmospheric sounds suitable for ambient music. However, the Bigsky offers more dedicated and advanced ambient algorithms like “Shimmer” and “Cloud” with greater depth for truly expansive soundscapes.
Which pedal is better for a beginner?
For a beginner looking to understand core reverb principles and achieve excellent quality without being overwhelmed, the Bluesky is often the better starting point. Its intuitive interface and focused selection of reverbs allow for quicker learning and immediate sonic gratification, whereas the Bigsky’s vastness might be more daunting initially. (See Also: Bose Quiet Comfort Vs Airpods Pro )
Does the Bigsky offer more control over the sound?
Absolutely. The Bigsky provides far more granular control over every aspect of the reverb. This includes deeper modulation options, more parameters for decay, pre-delay, damping, and a wider range of settings for each individual reverb algorithm, allowing for unparalleled sound sculpting.
Are both pedals built to the same quality standards?
Yes, both the Bigsky and Bluesky are built to Strymon’s renowned high-quality standards. They feature robust metal enclosures, premium components, and are designed for reliable performance on the road. The difference is in the features and sonic breadth, not the fundamental build quality.
Final Verdict
The Strymon Bigsky is the undisputed king of reverb pedals, offering an unparalleled sonic palette and deep control for the most demanding guitarists. Its vast array of algorithms, advanced modulation, and intuitive interface make it a powerhouse for sound design and live performance. While the Bluesky is an excellent pedal in its own right, the Bigsky’s sheer versatility and depth of sound shaping capabilities set it leagues apart for those seeking the ultimate reverb experience.
Winner: Strymon Bigsky