As musicians and producers, we are all on a perpetual quest. It’s the search for that elusive “something” that elevates a performance, transforms a simple melody into an emotional journey, and turns a dry recording into a living, breathing soundscape. For many of us, that “something” is reverb. It’s the air around the notes, the character of a room, the impossible space of a dream. I’ve spent years on this quest, cycling through countless plugins and pedals, always looking for the one that doesn’t just add an effect, but inspires new ideas. The problem with most reverbs is that they feel like a layer painted on top of the sound. They can sound good, but they often lack the depth, complexity, and responsiveness to feel truly integrated with the source. Not having the right tool can leave your music feeling flat, two-dimensional, and creatively stifled. It’s the difference between a good track and a truly unforgettable one.
- A NEW ERA OF REVERB: The BigSky MX reverb pedal combines raw computational power, innovative design, and sonic craftsmanship to deliver positively sublime reverbs. Experience stunning levels of...
- 12 WORLD-CLASS REVERB MACHINES: BigSky MX offers 12 different world-class reverb machines, covering nearly every type of ambience from tiny spaces and echoes to full dreamscapes and vast textures. Let...
- RUN TWO REVERBS AT ONCE: BigSky MX's tri-core 800MHz ARM processor allows for running any two reverb machines at the same time, with Series, Parallel or Split audio routing functionality and full...
What to Consider Before Buying a Delay & Reverb Workstation
A Delay & Reverb pedal, especially a high-end workstation, is more than just an item on a pedalboard; it’s a key solution for crafting professional-grade sonic environments. It solves the fundamental problem of creating space, depth, and texture for instruments that might otherwise sound sterile or disconnected from the mix. The main benefits are immense: from adding subtle room ambience to make a vocal sit perfectly in a track, to generating vast, evolving soundscapes that can become the foundation of a song. These devices are the secret weapon for ambient guitarists, synth explorers, and studio engineers who need to sculpt the perfect acoustic space on demand, without compromise.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing the limitations of simpler effects. This includes professional touring musicians who need a reliable, versatile, and MIDI-controllable unit for their live rig; studio producers who demand pristine audio quality and deep editing capabilities; and serious hobbyists who are passionate about sound design and want a tool that won’t limit their creativity. On the other hand, it might not be suitable for those who are just starting out, prefer a simple “plug-and-play” experience with minimal knobs, or are working within a tight budget. For those users, a more straightforward, single-function reverb or a budget-friendly multi-effect pedal might be a more practical starting point.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Space: High-end workstations are often larger than standard pedals. You need to consider the real estate on your pedalboard. Measure your available space and ensure the unit’s dimensions (7 x 5 x 1.75 inches for this model) will fit comfortably alongside your existing setup and power supply.
- Capacity/Performance: This is the heart of the matter. Look at the Digital Signal Processing (DSP) power, often indicated by the processor type. The ability to run multiple effects simultaneously, the quality and variety of the algorithms, and the capacity for presets (the BigSky MX holds 300) are key performance indicators that separate professional units from consumer-grade ones.
- Materials & Durability: A pedal destined for stage use must be built like a tank. Look for rugged metal enclosures, high-quality footswitches, and securely mounted jacks. Cheaper pedals often use plastic housings that won’t withstand the rigors of touring or even regular studio use. Anodized aluminum chassis, like Strymon’s, are a hallmark of durability.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: A powerful pedal can be complex. Consider the user interface: is there a clear display? Are the controls intuitive? A pedal with a steep learning curve can hinder creativity. For long-term care, ensure the manufacturer provides firmware updates, which can add features and fix bugs over the product’s lifespan.
Choosing the right reverb workstation is a significant decision that can define your sound for years to come. It’s about finding the perfect balance between power, usability, and inspiration.
While the Strymon BigSky MX Reverb 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:
- Digital Delay/Plate Reverb 2 effects in 1 guitar effects pedal
- 4-Mode Delay and 4-Mode Reverb in One delay reverb Pedal
- [2-in-1 Pedal]: The 2-in-1 Revecho pedal seamlessly integrates meticulously chosen delay and reverb effects, offering musicians a powerful combination of tonal possibilities in a single, compact pedal
First Impressions: Unboxing a New Legend
The original Strymon BigSky set a benchmark that stood for a decade. So, when the Strymon BigSky MX Reverb Pedal arrived at our studio, the sense of anticipation was palpable. Lifting it from the box, the first thing we noticed was its familiar yet refined presence. The chassis is robust, milled from anodized aluminum with a reassuring weight of 1.87 pounds that screams quality. It feels absolutely road-worthy.
The most immediate and welcome upgrade is the crisp, new OLED display. Compared to the previous generation’s segmented LED screen, this is a quantum leap forward. Preset names, algorithm types, and parameter adjustments are now displayed with perfect clarity, making navigation and on-the-fly editing infinitely more intuitive. The knobs have that signature Strymon feel—smooth, responsive, and perfectly dampened. Plugging it in for the first time, we were greeted by the iconic “Cloud” algorithm, but it was immediately apparent that something was different. The sound was richer, the decay smoother, and the overall impression was one of even greater depth and resolution. It felt less like an effect and more like an extension of the instrument itself.
Advantages
- Massive processing power from a tri-core 800MHz ARM processor
- Ability to run two reverb machines simultaneously with flexible routing
- New convolution engine with 10-second stereo IR support
- Crystal-clear OLED display for superior visual feedback
- Dedicated Freeze/Infinite footswitch for performance
- Pristine audio quality with discrete Class A JFET input preamp
Drawbacks
- Premium price point may be prohibitive for some users
- Power supply unit is not included in the box
Performance Deep Dive: Sculpting Sound with Unprecedented Power
After spending weeks with the Strymon BigSky MX Reverb Pedal, running guitars, synthesizers, and even vocals through its algorithms, we can confidently say this is not merely an update; it is a fundamental redesign from the ground up. It redefines what a reverb pedal can be, blending algorithmic perfection with the organic realism of convolution technology. The sheer power under the hood unlocks creative avenues that were simply not possible before in a pedal format.
The Tri-Core ARM Processor: Dual Reverbs and Limitless Creativity
The headline feature of the Strymon BigSky MX Reverb Pedal is its new engine: a tri-core 800MHz ARM processor. In practical terms, this is like having two of the original BigSky pedals in one chassis, but with even more horsepower for each. This architecture allows you to run any two of its world-class reverb machines at once. The implementation is brilliant, offering three distinct routing options: Series, Parallel, and Split. In Series mode, you can run one reverb into another—imagine shaping a tight, realistic Room verb and then feeding it into a vast, shimmering Cloud algorithm for a sound that has both a defined early reflection and an impossibly large tail. In Parallel, the two reverbs run alongside each other, allowing you to pan them for an immense stereo field. Split mode lets you divide your signal by frequency, sending lows to one reverb and highs to another—perfect for keeping your bass frequencies tight and defined while letting your treble soar in a cathedral.
During our testing with a synthesizer, we dialed up a preset called “Wild Hearts,” and the result was staggering. This aligns perfectly with a user’s experience we saw, who described it as a “movie track with 4 layers.” We heard it too: our initial synth pad, a lush and enveloping primary reverb, a subtle but massive string-like harmonic layer, and a faint, ethereal texture in the distance. This isn’t just an effect; it’s a composition tool. The power of the new processor means the reverb tails are incredibly detailed and resolve with a natural smoothness that we’ve rarely heard outside of high-end studio rack units. For any musician who loves to create dense, evolving textures, this dual-processing capability alone is worth the price of admission.
Convolution and Impulse Responses: Capturing the Soul of Real Spaces
Perhaps the most significant leap forward for the Strymon BigSky MX Reverb Pedal is the introduction of a powerful new convolution engine. For the uninitiated, convolution reverb uses Impulse Responses (IRs)—digital snapshots of real-world spaces or vintage hardware—to recreate their acoustic characteristics with stunning accuracy. Strymon has included 22 meticulously captured stereo IRs from their personal collection of classic studio gear, from iconic plates and springs to legendary digital rack units of the 80s and 90s. The ability to load a 10-second stereo IR is a professional-grade feature that opens up a world of possibilities.
We spent hours exploring these built-in IRs. Running a clean electric guitar through a vintage plate IR gave us an instant, authentic studio sound that was warm, dense, and sat perfectly in a mix. The ability to edit these IRs—adjusting length, adding pre-delay, and even EQing them—provides a level of control that is simply unheard of in most pedals. Furthermore, the USB-C port allows you to import your own IRs. Want your guitar to sound like it’s in your favorite concert hall, a specific stairwell, or run through a rare piece of outboard gear? If you have the IR, the BigSky MX can do it. This feature bridges the gap between algorithmic generation and physical reality, giving you the best of both worlds. It transforms the pedal from a collection of fantastic reverb effects into a comprehensive spatial design workstation.
Sonic Fidelity and The Evolution of Classic Algorithms
Strymon didn’t just add new features; they revisited and enhanced their legendary algorithms. Thanks to the massive boost in processing power, classics like Cloud, Shimmer, and Bloom sound better than ever. We A/B tested the new MX against our original BigSky, and the difference, while subtle on some settings, was profound on others. As one user noted, the reverb tails are “richer, longer, and more focused/hi-res.” We completely agree. The new high-definition feedback algorithms allow for decays that are exceptionally smooth and free of the digital artifacts that can plague lesser reverbs at long decay times. The tails don’t just fade away; they resolve into a deep, silent space with breathtaking realism.
The new Shimmer algorithm is a perfect example. It now includes two distinct voices, allowing you to create complex, polyphonic pitch-shifted textures that can be either angelic and beautiful or haunting and dissonant. The new Ensemble algorithm is another standout, emulating a vintage multi-voice chorus to add gorgeous movement and dimension to the reverb. Whether you’re a guitarist creating ambient washes, a keyboardist adding space to an electric piano, or a producer treating vocals, the pristine audio quality is undeniable. The discrete Class A JFET input preamps ensure your original tone remains intact, with no loss of clarity or dynamics. The sonic purity is a feature that really sets it apart and makes it a truly professional tool for both studio and stage.
What Other Users Are Saying
The consensus among early adopters is overwhelmingly positive, with many hailing the Strymon BigSky MX Reverb Pedal as a new industry standard. One user, a synth player, shared an incredibly detailed experience, calling the pedal “SICK!” and describing a single preset that created a four-layered soundscape complete with a “massive yet subtle organic string section” and “faint angelic/siren sounds.” This feedback perfectly mirrors our own findings regarding the compositional power of the dual-reverb engine and the sheer depth of the new algorithms. It confirms that this pedal is not just an effect, but an instrument of inspiration.
However, the feedback isn’t without its practical critiques. Another user, while calling it a “great processor for amateur and professional guitar players,” pointed out a significant omission: the lack of an included power supply. He gifted the pedal to his brother, a professional musician, who couldn’t use it on the day he received it. This is a crucial point to consider; for a premium-priced unit, having to purchase a specific, compatible power supply separately can be an unexpected inconvenience and added expense.
How Does the Strymon BigSky MX Reverb Pedal Compare to the Alternatives?
While the Strymon BigSky MX operates in a class of its own, it’s helpful to understand its place in the market by comparing it to more budget-friendly options. These alternatives serve different needs and are excellent choices for musicians who don’t require the immense power and complexity of a professional workstation.
1. Donner White Tape Stereo Delay Pedal
- 【Legendary Tape Echo Emulation】:The Donner White Tape stereo tape delay pedal masterfully replicates the iconic sound of classic tape echo machines, delivering an authentic experience with every...
- 【Precise Control】: Independent Time, Feedback, Level controls for stereo setup, features a highly responsive and easy to use 3-knob interface with control over delay Level, Time and Feedback for...
- 【Versatile Delay Range】: Offers a broad delay time range from 25ms to 1000ms for each independent channel, perfect for creating everything from quick slaps to lengthy echoes suitable for various...
The Donner White Tape is a dedicated stereo delay pedal that focuses on emulating classic analog tape echo effects. It is not a reverb workstation. For a musician who primarily needs warm, modulated repeats and the character of tape delay, this is an incredibly affordable and effective tool. It offers two independent channels, which is a great feature for its price point. However, it lacks any reverb algorithms, MIDI control, presets, or the deep editing capabilities of the Strymon. This pedal is an excellent choice for a player building a board on a budget who wants a specific, high-quality delay sound, but it exists in a completely different universe of functionality compared to the BigSky MX.
2. SONICAKE Delay Reverb 2 in 1 Guitar Effects Pedal Digital Levitate
- Digital Delay/Plate Reverb 2 effects in 1 guitar effects pedal
- Max. 2000ms Delay Time, Reverb has large schedulable Decay parameter
- Trail and Tap Tempo function helps during the Live Show
The SONICAKE Levitate combines both delay and reverb into a single, compact, and highly affordable unit. It’s designed for simplicity and convenience, making it a fantastic option for beginners or players who want a simple “set it and forget it” ambience for their pedalboard. It provides basic controls for both effects, allowing you to quickly dial in a usable sound. Where it differs from the Strymon is in sheer quality, depth, and versatility. The Levitate has a single digital reverb algorithm, whereas the BigSky MX has twelve advanced machines plus a convolution engine. It’s a great entry-level pedal, but it cannot produce the complex, high-resolution soundscapes the Strymon is built for.
3. Donner Reverb Delay Pedal 2-in-1
- [2-in-1 Pedal]: The 2-in-1 Revecho pedal seamlessly integrates meticulously chosen delay and reverb effects, offering musicians a powerful combination of tonal possibilities in a single, compact pedal
- [Instant Precision Control]: Adjustable effect level, delay time, delay feedback, reverberation time, makes it suitable for every music genre
- [Tap Tempo]: The Tap Tempo function provides instantaneous control over delay time, allowing you to effortlessly sync your effects with the rhythm, making it an ideal choice for live performances and...
Similar to the SONICAKE, this Donner 2-in-1 pedal offers a combination of reverb and delay in one housing. It adds a tap tempo feature for the delay, which is a useful performance tool not always found at this price. This pedal is a solid workhorse for players who need functional, straightforward time-based effects without breaking the bank. The comparison to the Strymon BigSky MX highlights the difference between a functional tool and a creative powerhouse. The Donner provides the basic “what”—reverb and delay—while the Strymon provides the “how” and “why,” with endless possibilities for sculpting unique, professional-grade sonic environments that would be impossible to achieve with this more basic alternative.
Our Final Verdict: Is the Strymon BigSky MX Reverb Pedal Worth It?
After extensive testing, the conclusion is clear: the Strymon BigSky MX Reverb Pedal is an absolute triumph of digital audio engineering. It takes the legendary foundation of its predecessor and elevates it to a new stratosphere. The combination of dual-reverb processing, a true studio-grade convolution engine, and enhanced classic algorithms creates a tool of unparalleled sonic depth and creative potential. The pristine audio quality and intuitive workflow, aided by the new OLED screen, make it a joy to use, despite its immense complexity under the hood.
The only real considerations are its premium price and the puzzling decision to not include a power supply. However, these are minor hurdles for the target audience. We recommend this pedal without hesitation to any serious musician, producer, or sound designer who views reverb not just as an effect, but as an essential part of their creative process. If you are looking to invest in a single device that can handle any and all of your spatial needs with world-class quality for the next decade, this is it. The Strymon BigSky MX isn’t just a pedal; it’s a destination. If you’re ready to transform your sound and unlock new creative possibilities, we strongly encourage you to check the latest price and availability today.
Last update on 2025-11-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API