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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.

Buy Strymon Big Sky Plugin

Buy Strymon Big Sky 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.

Buy Strymon Big Sky Plugin

Buy Strymon Big Sky Pedal

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Which is better? Universal Audio Galaxy '74 Tape Echo vs. Strymon El Capistan V2

In this blog post I compare the new Universal Audio Galaxy '74 Tape Echo & Reverb Pedal and Strymon El Capistan dTape Echo Pedal V2 for guitarists and other instrumentalists who are looking to create the tape echo effect with a pedal.

Buy Universal Audio Galaxy ‘74 Tape Echo Reverb Pedal here

Buy Strymon El Capistan Tape Echo Pedal V2 here

 

Introduction

Tape echo is a popular effect among guitarists and instrumentalists looking to add a vintage touch to their sound. Two of the most popular tape echo pedals on the market are the Universal Audio Galaxy '74 Tape Echo & Reverb Pedal and the Strymon El Capistan dTape Echo Pedal V2. In this blog post, we'll compare these two pedals and help you decide which one is right for you.

Sound Quality

When it comes to sound quality, both pedals are outstanding. The Universal Audio Galaxy '74 Tape Echo & Reverb Pedal features a warm, analog sound that is incredibly rich and organic. It offers a range of classic tape echo sounds, from subtle repeats to wild, spacey effects.

The Strymon El Capistan dTape Echo Pedal V2, on the other hand, uses digital signal processing to emulate the sound of tape echo. While it may not have the same warmth as the Galaxy '74, it still sounds fantastic and offers a wide range of sonic possibilities.

Winner: It's a tie. Both pedals offer outstanding sound quality.

Ease of Use

Both pedals are relatively easy to use, but the Galaxy '74 may be a bit more intuitive for some players. It has a simple interface with just a few knobs and switches, making it easy to dial in your desired sound. The Strymon El Capistan, on the other hand, has a more complex interface with a variety of knobs and switches that may take some time to master.

Winner: The Universal Audio Galaxy '74 Tape Echo & Reverb Pedal is slightly easier to use.

Features

Both pedals offer a range of features to help you create the perfect tape echo sound. The Galaxy '74 features a reverb option, which is a great addition for players who want to add some extra depth to their sound. It also has a tap tempo function, which makes it easy to sync the delay time with the tempo of your song.

The Strymon El Capistan offers a variety of delay types, including single, dual, and stereo, as well as a looper function. It also features a powerful sound shaping section, allowing you to tailor your sound with a variety of EQ and modulation options.

Winner: The Strymon El Capistan dTape Echo Pedal V2 offers a wider range of features.

Price

Both pedals are relatively expensive, but the Strymon El Capistan dTape Echo Pedal V2 is the more expensive of the two.

Winner: The Universal Audio Galaxy '74 Tape Echo & Reverb Pedal is the more affordable option.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both the Universal Audio Galaxy '74 Tape Echo & Reverb Pedal and the Strymon El Capistan dTape Echo Pedal V2 are excellent options for guitarists and instrumentalists looking to create the tape echo effect. If you're looking for a warm, organic sound with a simple interface, the Galaxy '74 may be the right choice for you. However, if you're looking for a wide range of features and a powerful sound shaping section, the Strymon El Capistan may be the better option. Ultimately, the choice will come down to personal preference and budget.

Buy Universal Audio Galaxy ‘74 Tape Echo Reverb Pedal here

Buy Strymon El Capistan Tape Echo Pedal V2 here

*these are affiliate links; if you buy something (even if it's not the linked item), I'll receive a small commission. Thank you for helping my blog!

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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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