Strymon Big Sky Plugin vs. Pedal: Is It Worth It?
In this blog post I compare the Strymon Big Sky Effect Pedal and the Strymon Big Sky Plugin and whether the plugin is worth it for someone who can't afford the effect pedal.
When it comes to high-quality effects pedals, Strymon is a brand that has made a name for itself in the music industry. The Strymon Big Sky Effect Pedal and the Strymon Big Sky Plugin are two products from the same brand that are worth comparing. While the Big Sky Effect Pedal is a hardware unit that can be plugged into an amplifier or recording interface, the Big Sky Plugin is a software emulation that can be used within a digital audio workstation (DAW). In this blog post, we will explore the similarities and differences between these two products and whether the plugin is worth it for someone who can't afford the effect pedal.
Sound Quality
Both the Strymon Big Sky Effect Pedal and the Strymon Big Sky Plugin are known for their high-quality sound. The Big Sky Effect Pedal uses analog circuitry to produce its sound, while the Big Sky Plugin uses digital signal processing (DSP) algorithms to emulate the sound of the pedal. However, the quality of the sound produced by both products is considered to be exceptional.
One of the advantages of the Strymon Big Sky Plugin is that it allows for greater flexibility in terms of tweaking and adjusting the sound. This is because the plugin offers a wider range of controls and parameters that can be adjusted to fine-tune the sound to your liking. On the other hand, the Big Sky Effect Pedal offers a simpler interface, which some musicians may find more intuitive to use.
Cost
The Strymon Big Sky Effect Pedal is a premium product that comes with a premium price tag. As of 2023, the pedal is priced at around $479. This can be quite expensive for some musicians, particularly those who are just starting out or who are on a tight budget.
The Strymon Big Sky Plugin, on the other hand, is significantly more affordable. The plugin is available for purchase for around $399, making it a more accessible option for musicians who cannot afford the hardware unit.
Portability and Ease of Use
The Strymon Big Sky Effect Pedal is a physical unit that can be taken with you wherever you go. This can be an advantage for musicians who perform live or who like to record on the go. However, the pedal can be quite bulky and heavy, which can make it difficult to transport.
The Strymon Big Sky Plugin, on the other hand, is a software-based product that can be installed on a computer or laptop. This makes it a more portable option, as it can be easily transported on a USB stick or external hard drive. Additionally, the plugin is generally easier to use than the hardware unit, as it requires less setup and configuration.
Conclusion
In summary, the Strymon Big Sky Effect Pedal and the Strymon Big Sky Plugin are both high-quality products that offer exceptional sound quality. The pedal is a premium product that is more expensive, while the plugin is a more affordable option. The pedal is a physical unit that is more difficult to transport, while the plugin is a software-based product that is more portable. Ultimately, whether the plugin is worth it for someone who can't afford the effect pedal depends on their individual needs and preferences. If portability and affordability are a priority, the plugin may be a better option. However, if you prefer the tactile experience of using a hardware unit and require a simpler interface, the pedal may be the better choice.
Strymon Big Sky
Best reverb pedal for electric cello: Eventide Space vs. Strymon Big Sky
A few weeks ago, I met an electric violinist who told me about the Eventide Space reverb pedal she was using for live performances. Immediately I was curious and bought one to try with my NS Design 5-string electric cello. The first impression was pretty good, but after some research online, I discovered that there were more people who were raving on about Strymon Big Sky and other websites doing head to head reviews on these two top-class reverbs. So I bought the Big Sky as well, just to see what the fuss is about and not to miss out on something potentially better!
Here is my (humble) take on both:
Build: Eventide Space is built with rugged edges and knobs, fit for on the go and on the stage. Big Sky doesn't have rubber feet, corners or knobs and feels more like a studio pedal than for the stage. The knobs on the Big Sky are more delicate and unnecessarily raised a few millimetres above the pedal, which adds to it feeling. Space wins.
Look: The display on the Space is big and red, very 80s, while the display on Big Sky is much smaller and has less characters. Space wins.
Ease of use: Navigation on the Space seems easy, using presets from 1-100. Each time you land on a preset, it flashes momentarily the reverb type that it is based on. On the Big Sky, you can see what reverb the preset is based on because of the green light. Each reverb is named on the pedal with a light. Both are equal.
Sound: Now, sound-wise, this is where it becomes most interesting. For experimental and ambient digital reverb sounds, the Space wins, but for the sound of a real-life reverb, Big Sky is clearly the winner. The sound is just so pure. I can imagine that the Space sounds amazing as an effect for synths, and for specific studio recordings, but I think Big Sky is just an amplified musician's dream to play live with.
Conclusion: overall the Eventide Space is more user-friendly, better built and better all-rounder, but purely from a sound perspective, Big Sky is the ultimate top class reverb pedal and cannot be surpassed.
The cello in the photo is the NS Design CR5 5 string electric cello by Ned Steinberger.
Buy Strymon Big Sky: https://redir.love/BDsJbbpI
Buy Eventide Space: https://redir.love/zfMOttsg
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