Strymon BigSky Multi Reverb Guitar Effects Pedal Review: The Definitive Verdict on Ambient Perfection

For years, I found myself trapped in a cycle of “reverb regret.” I would purchase a standard stompbox, enjoy its basic plate or spring settings for a week, and then realize I was missing that elusive, three-dimensional depth that turns a simple guitar melody into an immersive cinematic experience. If you have ever felt that your tone is “flat” or that your ambient swells lack the complexity of your favorite records, you aren’t alone. The problem for most of us isn’t our playing; it’s the lack of processing power and algorithmic sophistication in our gear. Finding a solution that offers both studio-grade fidelity and stage-ready durability is the holy grail of pedalboard design. Without it, your sound remains tethered to the ground, never quite reaching those ethereal heights. This is exactly why we decided to put the Strymon BigSky Multi Reverb Guitar Effects Pedal through its paces to see if it truly is the “end-game” reverb solution.

What to Consider Before Buying Electric Guitar Delay & Reverb Effects

An Electric Guitar Delay & Reverb Effects unit is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for sonic architecture. These devices allow musicians to manipulate the perception of physical space, adding everything from a subtle “room” feel to “interstellar” washes of sound. The primary benefit is the ability to create atmosphere and mood without needing a literal cathedral to play in. For the modern guitarist, keyboardist, or producer, these effects are the bridge between a raw signal and a polished, professional production.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing the limitations of basic built-in amplifier reverbs or musicians who specialize in ambient, worship, post-rock, or shoegaze genres where the “space” is as much an instrument as the guitar itself. It is also perfect for studio engineers who want high-end hardware processing without taxing their computer’s CPU. However, it might not be suitable for those who prefer a “plug-and-play” minimalist setup or those who only need a simple “always-on” spring reverb to fatten up their blues licks. For those players, a smaller, single-algorithm pedal might be more efficient.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: High-powered multi-reverbs are often larger than your standard overdrive pedal. You need to ensure your pedalboard has the physical real estate (approximately 10 x 6 inches for this model) and that your power supply can handle the high current draw, typically 300mA or more.
• Capacity/Performance: Look for the “resolution” of the audio. In the professional world, 24-bit/96kHz is the gold standard. You also want to check the number of presets; having the ability to save hundreds of sounds is vital if you are playing a diverse setlist.
• Materials & Durability: Since these units are often the most expensive items on a board, they must be housed in robust, anodized aluminum chassis. The switches should be silent but tactile, capable of withstanding years of heavy stomping in a dark, beer-slicked club.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: While “deep diving” is great for studio work, you need a clear LED display and intuitive knobs for quick on-stage adjustments. Maintenance is usually minimal, but ensuring the firmware can be updated via MIDI or USB is a huge plus for longevity.

Understanding these factors ensures you don’t just buy a pedal, but rather a long-term investment in your creative voice. To truly understand how the Strymon BigSky Multi Reverb Guitar Effects Pedal fits into this landscape, we need to look at the broader market.

While the Strymon BigSky Multi Reverb Guitar Effects Pedal is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

First Impressions: Unboxing the Blue Titan

When we first pulled the Strymon BigSky Multi Reverb Guitar Effects Pedal out of its packaging, the first thing that struck us was the build quality. It feels substantial—not heavy enough to ruin your back, but solid enough to feel like a piece of high-end rack gear. The “Strymon Blue” finish is iconic for a reason; it looks professional and premium under studio lights. Setting it up was a breeze. We plugged it into our stereo test rig, and within seconds, we were scrolling through the 12 unique reverb machines. To see its full feature set and user reviews, you only have to look at the interface to realize how much power is under the hood.

The initial feel of the knobs is smooth yet resistant, allowing for precise tweaks. Unlike some digital pedals that feel “cheap” or “plastic,” this unit screams boutique quality. Compared to previous industry standards, the BigSky feels like a massive leap forward in user interface design, specifically because of that bright LED screen that tells you exactly which preset you are on, even from across a dark stage.

A Deep Dive into the Performance of the Strymon BigSky Multi Reverb Guitar Effects Pedal

The 12 Machines: A Masterclass in Algorithmic Design

The heart and soul of the Strymon BigSky Multi Reverb Guitar Effects Pedal are its 12 reverb machines. We spent dozens of hours exploring each one, and the depth is staggering. Most multi-reverb pedals give you a decent “Hall” and “Room,” but the BigSky treats each of these as a distinct instrument. The “Cloud” machine, for example, uses incredibly complex processing to create a soft, billowing ambient wash that reacts beautifully to your pick attack. It doesn’t just add reverb; it creates a pad-like texture that follows your playing. When we used this with a volume pedal for swells, the results were nothing short of breathtaking.

Then there is the “Magneto” setting, which mimics a vintage multi-head tape echo combined with reverb. It provides a rhythmic, mechanical quality that is perfect for experimental music. We found that the “Chorale” setting actually adds synthesized vocal formants to your signal, making your guitar sound like a choir is singing along with your chords. This level of creativity is what makes people check the latest price and availability of this unit—it isn’t just a utility; it’s an inspiration machine. Every algorithm feels polished, without the “metallic” artifacts often found in cheaper digital processors.

Workflow and Control: Deep Editing Made Simple

One of the biggest fears with high-end digital gear is the dreaded “menu diving.” We were pleased to find that the Strymon BigSky Multi Reverb Guitar Effects Pedal strikes a perfect balance. The most important parameters—Decay, Pre-Delay, Mix, Tone, and Mod—all have dedicated physical knobs on the front panel. You can make 90% of your adjustments without ever touching a menu. However, for those of us who like to get surgical, the “Value” encoder allows you to step into the deeper settings of each machine, such as the “diffusion” of the cloud or the “dwell” of the spring.

The 300 presets are organized into banks of three, easily accessible via the high-quality footswitches. We found the “Infinite” and “Freeze” functions to be particularly useful during live testing. By holding down the active footswitch, you can sustain a reverb tail indefinitely while playing over the top of it. This is a feature that really sets it apart for solo performers who need to fill a lot of sonic space. The Preset Spillover option is another professional touch, ensuring that your reverb tails don’t cut off abruptly when you switch between sounds.

Studio-Grade Fidelity and Connectivity

In a studio environment, the noise floor is everything. Many reverb pedals introduce a subtle hiss or change the character of your guitar’s dry tone (the “tone suck” effect). We ran the Strymon BigSky Multi Reverb Guitar Effects Pedal through a high-end interface and found the signal-to-noise ratio to be exceptional. The 24-bit 96kHz converters ensure that the “shimmer” and “reflections” are crisp and clear, without that grainy digital texture. We also tested the “Kill Dry” mode, which is essential if you are using the pedal in a parallel effects loop or as a dedicated studio send.

The inclusion of full MIDI CC support means you can automate reverb changes within your DAW or sync the pre-delay to the tempo of your track. This makes the BigSky as much a studio processor as it is a guitar pedal. For those who play in stereo, the image width is vast. The “Reflections” machine, in particular, does an incredible job of psychoacoustically placing your sound in a “real” room, giving you a sense of space that mono pedals simply cannot replicate. You can read more about the technical specifications to see just how much engineering went into the analog front end of this device.

Durability and Real-World Reliability

After weeks of “accidental” drops and being tossed into gig bags, the Strymon BigSky Multi Reverb Guitar Effects Pedal showed no signs of wear. The anodized aluminum chassis is incredibly resilient. One detail we appreciated was the spacing of the footswitches; they are far enough apart to prevent accidental double-stomping but close enough to fit on a compact board. The bright LED display is another winner—we tested it in direct sunlight and in a pitch-black room, and it remained perfectly legible in both scenarios.

It’s also worth noting the “Cab Filter” switch on the back. This is a lifesaver for those who want to run their pedalboard directly into a PA system or a recording interface without using an amp. It applies a sophisticated EQ curve that mimics the response of a guitar speaker cabinet. In our testing, this made the “Direct Out” sound surprisingly natural and usable. This level of versatility explains why so many pros consider this the “reverb definitive” choice. When you explore the detailed user feedback, the consensus is clear: this pedal is built to last a lifetime of touring.

What Other Users Are Saying

The general sentiment surrounding the Strymon BigSky Multi Reverb Guitar Effects Pedal is one of high praise, bordering on reverence. Most users agree that while the price is steep, the quality of sound justifies every penny. One user mentioned that it is “hands down an amazing pedal” and a “great way to increase your tone.” Another reviewer highlighted its versatility, noting that it works perfectly for live gigs and studio sessions alike, calling the sound quality “insuperable.”

We did find a few mentions regarding the price, with one Spanish-speaking user noting that “the only drawback is the price, everything else is incredible.” However, the same user admitted that if you want “exquisite reverb” and “infinite sound design,” this is the pedal you need. Some users who primarily use synthesizers also chimed in, stating that the BigSky “makes a big difference in sound projection” for analog synths. The consensus is that this is the “ultimate” reverb pedal, with very few complaints other than the initial financial hurdle. You can see more user opinions here to get a feel for the community’s passion for this gear.

Comparing the Strymon BigSky Multi Reverb Guitar Effects Pedal to Its Top 3 Alternatives

1. TC Electronic Hall of Fame 2 Reverb Pedal

The TC Electronic Hall of Fame 2 is a fantastic alternative for players who need a high-quality reverb on a tighter budget. It features the “MASH” footswitch technology, which acts as an expression pedal, and the “TonePrint” feature that lets you beam new sounds from your phone. While it is significantly smaller and more affordable than the BigSky, it lacks the 300-preset capacity and the deep editing “machines” like Cloud or Magneto. It is best suited for the guitarist who wants a reliable, great-sounding reverb that fits on a crowded board without the complexity of a flagship processor.

2. BOSS DD-8 Digital Delay Guitar Pedal

While primarily a delay pedal, the BOSS DD-8 is often compared to the BigSky in terms of “must-have” board staples. The DD-8 includes a +Reverb mode that combines digital delay with a lush reverb. It is legendary for its bulletproof BOSS construction and simple interface. However, the reverb side of the DD-8 is nowhere near as complex or “ethereal” as the BigSky’s algorithms. Choose the DD-8 if your primary need is versatile delay with a bit of “space” on the side, but if you are an ambient soundscape creator, the BigSky remains the superior tool for reverb-specific design.

3. MOOER A7 Reverb Guitar Pedal Versatile Effects

The MOOER A7 is a micro-pedal that punches far above its weight class. It offers 7 different reverb effects, including some ambient “warp” settings and an “Infinite” trail function. It is a great choice for players who are strictly limited on space or who want a secondary reverb for experimental sounds without breaking the bank. Compared to the Strymon BigSky Multi Reverb Guitar Effects Pedal, the MOOER lacks the stereo width, the MIDI control, and the high-fidelity processing of the Strymon. It is a “fun” pedal that is great for entry-level ambient explorers, whereas the Strymon is a professional-grade workstation.

Final Verdict: Is the Strymon BigSky Still the King?

After extensive testing, it’s clear that the Strymon BigSky Multi Reverb Guitar Effects Pedal remains the gold standard for a reason. Its combination of studio-grade 24-bit/96kHz audio, 12 incredibly diverse reverb machines, and 300 presets makes it an unbeatable tool for any serious musician. Whether you are a worship leader needing subtle halls, a post-rocker looking for infinite clouds, or a synth player wanting to add “voice” to your sequences, the BigSky delivers with unmatched elegance and clarity.

While the price is certainly an investment, the build quality and the sheer inspiration it provides make it worth every cent. It is a “forever” pedal—something you buy once and never need to replace. If you are ready to stop cycling through mediocre reverbs and finally achieve the “space” you’ve been hearing in your head, we can’t recommend this unit enough. Don’t let your tone stay grounded any longer—order the Strymon BigSky today and start building your own sonic universe.