Strymon BigSky User manual

®
USER MANUAL

BigSky - User Manual ®
pg 2
Front Panel Controls
VALUE: Turn for fi ne adjustment of
Decay time when time is displayed.
Scrolls through presets when bank
or name is displayed. Push to access
the PARAMETER menu, hold to
access the GLOBAL menu.
DECAY: Controls the
Decay time of the
reverberated signal.
The range can depend
on the selected
reverb machine.
PRE-DELAY: Adjusts the time
between the dry signal and the
onset of the reverb, from 0 to 1.5
seconds. For the Nonlinear and
Magneto machines, this knob
controls the amount of Feedback.
MIX: Controls the
balance of your
analog dry signal and
your wet signal, from
100% dry at minimum
to 100% wet at
maximum. 50/50 mix
occurs when the Mix
knob is set to 3:00.
TONE: Adjusts the
high end content of
the reverb. Lower
settings create
darker, warmer
reverberation, higher
settings are bright
and crisp. Set at 12:00
for a nicely balanced
top end.
MOD: Adds
modulation to the
reverberated signal.
Lower settings
modulate the delay
lines lightly for a
subtle and natural
movement, higher
settings tastefully
add stronger
modulation.
PARAM 1 & 2:
Assignable to
parameters for
the current reverb
machine. To assign,
choose the desired
parameter, press and
hold value encoder
while turning a
PARAM knob.
TYPE: Turn to select
desired reverb
machine. Push to
toggle the display
to show Decay time
or the current bank.
Hold to save current
preset.
A, B, & C FOOTSWITCHES: Press to engage or bypass preset of the current
bank. Hold for Infi nite Sustain or Freeze (selectable via PARAMETER menu).
Press A & B to select a lower bank. Press B & C to select a higher bank.
A, B, & C LEDS:
Green if active.
Amber if the preset
has been edited. Off if
bypassed.

BigSky - User Manual ®
pg 3
POWER: Never
plug into voltage
higher than 9V DC.
Requires at least
300mA of available
current. 9V DC
center negative
polarity.
MIDI: Full
featured MIDI
input and output
supporting CCs,
Program changes,
etc. See MIDI
Specifi cation
section.
INPUTS: High
impedance inputs.
Use LEFT input for
mono.
OUTPUTS: Use
LEFT output for
mono. CAB FILTER
SWITCH: Set
switch to ON for
a sophisticated
speaker
response curve.
See Cab Filter.
EXP: Connect an
expression pedal. See
EXP Connections
Rear Panel

BigSky - User Manual ®
pg 4
Reverb time ranges and Display
The displayed Decay time is the Tr60 value, which is the time it takes for the reverberated signal to
decay to -60dB (1/1000th) of its initial value.
Hall, Plate, Swell, Bloom, Chorale, Shimmer 500mS — +20.00S
Spring 800mS — 10.00S
Cloud 1.00S — +50.00S
Magneto 200mS — 1.50mS
Nonlinear 50mS — 2.00S
Refl ections 133mS — 400mS
Room 200mS — +20.00S
to toggle the display between
BANK, NAME & TIME
push the
TYPE encoder
In Depth: PARAM 1 & 2 controls
STEP 3: While holding the value encoder. Turn either the
PARAM 1 or PARAM 2 knob to assign a parameter.
OR
STEP 4: Turn the newly assigned PARAM knob to adjust your
reverb machine parameter.
The PARAM 1 & PARAM 2 knobs allow you quick access to any desired menu parameter of the currently active reverb
machine. For example, DIFUSN on the Cloud machine can be assigned to one of the parameter knobs to allow for easier
control over the reverb diffusion.
ASSIGNING A PARAMETER
STEP 1: Navigate to the desired parameter to be assigned.
STEP 2: Press and hold the value encoder.

BigSky - User Manual ®
pg 5
EXP Connections
OR
®
TRS
TAP
Connect an external TAP
switch for remote control
of Pre-Delay (or Decay
time with the Magneto
and Nonlinear machines).
Use a standard TRS cable
to connect the external
switch. Set the EXP MD
global setting to TAP to
use external tap.
Connect a Strymon
MultiSwitch for external
tap, bank, or preset
selection. Set the EXP MD
global setting to either
TAP, BANK, or PRESET.
Please refer to the
MultiSwitch user manual for
detailed setup information:
www.strymon.net/support/
multiswitch
Connect a standard TRS
expression pedal for
continuous control over
any knob. To select the
knob(s) controlled by the
expression pedal, use
the EP SET parameter
in each preset. All
knobs can be controlled
simultaneously. See
Common Parameters for
set up instructions.

BigSky - User Manual ®
pg 6
Banks and Presets
BigSky has 100 banks with A, B, and C presets in each bank. Banks are numbered 00 to 99 on the display.
Note: BigSky ships from the factory with the fi rst 100 presets (00A-33A) duplicated from 33B-66B, and again from 66C-99C.
Saving Presets
Restoring Factory Presets
POWER UP BigSky while holding A & C.
Keep holding for 5 seconds after BigSky has powered up.
REINIT will be displayed
and all factory presets will
automatically be restored
CAUTION: This procedure will erase any custom presets saved in your BigSky and restore them to factory
Save a preset to the current location:
Save a preset to a new location:
To cancel an in-progress save press the VALUE encoder.
hold the
TYPE encoder
hold the
TYPE encoder
push the TYPE encoder
to save your settings
turn the
VALUE encoder
to select the bank to
save to push the TYPE encoder or
the A, B, or C footswitch
to save your settings
or

BigSky - User Manual ®
pg 7
Reverb Machines: Common Parameters
All Reverb Machines share a set of parameters. These parameters are saved with each preset and include:
Boost: +/- 3dB of boost/cut. This can be useful for level matching in your effects chain, or can be
used as an effect such as boosting a solo with reverb.
Persist: Turns on reverb persist “trails” which will spill over when the effect is bypassed. Use this
if it is desired for reverb decay to continue after the effect has been bypassed. Note that if
persist is set to ON, the bypass mode will automatically be set to analog bypass.
Hold: Sets the press-and-hold function for the selected preset switch. Select INFNTE to set as
Infi nite Sustain, allowing your reverbs to continue infi nitely, with each new note you play
adding to the reverb signal. Select FREEZE to set as Reverb Freeze, delivering infi nite
sustain, and allowing for new notes on top of the sustain without adding to the reverb.
Name: Allows editing the 16 character name of the current preset. Use the VALUE encoder to
change the selected character. Use the TYPE encoder to select a character. Exit by pressing
the VALUE encoder, then press and hold the TYPE encoder to SAVE the name permanently.
note: For the preset name to be displayed the NAMES global must be set to ON or SCROLL.
Expression Pedal ON/OFF: Enables or disables the expression pedal input for each preset.
Expression Pedal Set: Enters the expression pedal setup for each preset. All knobs can be confi gured to be
used with the expression pedal. To set up which knobs are controlled by the expression
pedal, push the Value encoder when it displays “EP SET” and it will then display “HEEL”.
Turn the knob(s) to the position desired at heel down on the expression pedal. Then, turn
the Value encoder right to display”TOE” and set the knobs to their desired values at the toe
down position on the expression pedal. An expression pedal can control all of the knobs
simultaneously.
Editing Parameters
While displaying BANK,
NAME or TIME push the
VALUE encoder
to enter PARAMS
menu turn the
VALUE encoder
to select the desired
PARAMETER
push the
VALUE encoder
and turn to edit
the selected
PARAMETER

BigSky - User Manual ®
pg 8
Reverb Machines: Room
A versatile room algorithm that creates environments ranging from well-tuned studio ambience to larger night club
acoustics. The Tone knob, Diffusion and Low End parameters adjust the damping and scattering effects of room materials,
furniture, and people.
PARAMETERS:
STUDIO
Low End: Affects the low frequency content and decay profi le. As you turn it up, more low
frequencies reverberate creating the impression of longer decay times and a
room that is sparsely furnished.
Size: Choose Studio for a well-tuned intimate studio environment, or Club for a larger,
livelier Night Club experience. The early refl ections and reverb decay profi le
change accordingly.
Diffusion: Softens the early refl ections to create a thicker, more diffused reverb at the
attack portion of the reverb. Sometimes this can be more easily ‘felt’ than heard
depending on the input and specifi c settings.
CLUB
TIPS & TRICKS:
For realistic acoustic spaces, Pre-Delay can be kept at minimum, with Decay values in the 500mS to 2
second range. However, the Room algorithm is designed to be just as adept at long decay times. For great
atmospheric reverbs, try Pre-Delay at noon, Decay at 12 seconds or more, and Mod at 1:00. Mix to taste.
The Mod control randomly modulates the reverb’s delay lengths for the fi rst half of the knob travel for subtle
natural movement, and then adds modulation to the input of the reverb tank for the 2nd half of the knob travel
for a more overt yet tasteful modulation experience.
+ | | -
+ | | -

BigSky - User Manual ®
pg 9
Reverb Machines: Hall
Diffused refl ections and slower-building density are the hallmarks of this beautiful and versatile reverb. The Concert size
is well-balanced, spacious and warm, while the Arena size is huge, enveloping and booming. The Mid parameter allows for
precise EQ tailoring of the reverberated sound.
PARAMETERS:
Low End: Affects the low frequency content and decay profi le. As you turn it up, more low
frequencies reverberate creating a deeper reverberation indicative of fewer bass
traps and other low-frequency-absorbing architectural details.
- | +
- | +
CONCERT
ARENA
Mid: Affects the midrange frequency content of the reverb. Turn up to emphasize the
mid frequencies, or back to reduce the mids. Set half-way for a fl at midrange
response.
Size: Choose Concert for a well-balanced and warm Concert Hall auditorium, or Arena
to capture the acoustics of the largest enclosed venues. The early refl ection
buildup and late reverb decay profi le change accordingly.
TIPS & TRICKS:
Adding some Pre-Delay can increase the sense of physical space and further separate the reverb from the dry signal.
For a balanced, versatile hall sound that will be complement just about any input source and style, try Concert with
a decay of about 3.5 seconds, with the Tone at noon and Lo End parameter centered. Setting the Mod knob at 12:00
maximizes the random delay-length modulation, further increasing the warmth.
For realistic mega-structure reverb, choose Arena with a 10 second decay or longer and increase the Lo End parameter.
Keep the Mix control below 12:00.
The Mod control randomly modulates the reverb’s delay lengths for the fi rst half of the knob travel for subtle natural
movement, and then adds modulation to the input of the reverb tank for the 2nd half of the knob travel for a more overt
yet beautifully tasteful modulation experience.

BigSky - User Manual ®
pg 10
Low End: Adjusts the low frequency content of the plate reverberation. Set lower for lighter, airy plate tones that
won’t color the dry signal, or increase for richer plate tones.
Reverb Machines: Plate
- | +
The Plate machine is a rich, fast-building reverb that creates depth without early refl ection cues to a specifi c environment.
The Tone knob and Low End parameter are simple but powerful frequency shaping tools.
PARAMETERS:
SMALL
LARGE
Size: Selects from two plate sizes. The Small plate is representative of a ‘home project’ plate at 1 ½’ x 2 ¼’. The
Large plate is a traditional studio plate with dimensions of 4’ x 6’.
TIPS & TRICKS:
The undamped Decay time of traditional large plate reverbs is about 5 seconds. Large baffl es were positioned
close to the plate to damp the vibrations for shorter reverbs as required. Try short decays around 1.5s with lower
Mix values to add some subtle ambience to dry tracks. Long decay times can go beyond physical limitations to
create clear ambient pads of reverb.
Plate reverbs were routinely run through a post EQ to tailor the low end to sit properly in the mix, and to reduce
less pleasant high frequency ringing. The Low End parameter’s wide range is voiced for maximum fl exibility,
while the Tone knob adjusts the high end from unfi ltered full-bandwidth (max) to warm (noon) to dark and
damped (min).
The Large plate’s traditional size yields lush, smooth and transparent reverb that adds a bit of class to any track
or instrument. The Small plate’s size dictates a splashier, ringy characteristic with less low end effi ciency -
perfect for applications that call for something a bit less sophisticated.
The Mod control modulates the reverb’s delay lengths with a special LFO that allows for lush modulation without
warble.

BigSky - User Manual ®
pg 11
Reverb Machines: Spring
The standalone spring tank became a staple of surf and spaghetti-western music that developed in the ‘60s. The Spring
machine allows for complete customization from warm and mellow to splashy and dripping with its Tone and Mix Controls,
Dwell parameter, and selectable number of springs.
PARAMETERS:
Dwell: Adjusts the amount of drive in the spring tank preamp circuit. Select Clean for
the cleanest spring tones. The Combo setting adds more gain as was typical in
combo amps with onboard spring reverb. The Tube selection increases the gain
further and increases the harmonic components entering the spring tank, like
turning up the Dwell control in an outboard spring reverb unit. The Overdrive
setting maximizes the preamp gain for maximum trashiness.
CLEAN
COMBO
TUBE
OVERDRIVE
# of Springs: Allows selection of one, two, or three springs in the spring tank. Increasing the
number of springs adds complexity due to the interaction of the different delay
times of each individual spring.
- | +
Low End: Adjusts the low frequency content of the spring tank. Higher values allow more low end
reverberation.
1
2
3
TIPS & TRICKS:
For traditional combo amp tones, use the 2-spring option with the Combo Dwell setting and decays of around
4.5 seconds.. Many combo amps have a darker spring tone, so try rolling the Tone knob back to mellow out
the reverb. Try lower settings on the Low End parameter to reduce the low frequency content as well.
For more sophisticated spring reverbs, try the 3-spring reverb with Clean Dwell settings and shorter decay
times, around 3 seconds. Keep the Low End parameter at the half-way point and adjust the Tone knob to
taste.
For maximum splash, crank the Tone knob to maximum and turn the Low End param to minimum. Turn up
the Mix to 3:00 if you’re bold.
Hot input signals will drive the spring harder. Reduce the Dwell setting if you experience too much spring
distortion.
Most spring circuits attenuate the low end pretty heavily to avoid rumble and feedback issues. This represents
the 1st half of the Low End parameter values in BigSky’s spring reverb. Increasing the Low End settings can
add some richness to the spring when using the Clean or Combo Dwell settings and lower Mix levels.

BigSky - User Manual ®
pg 12
Reverb Machines: Swell
The Swell machine brings in the reverb gradually behind the dry signal for subtle evolving textures, like having a volume
pedal on the wet signal. Alternatively, you can choose to have the dry signal swelled into the reverb, for maximum ambience
and atmosphere.
PARAMETERS:
Low End: Adjusts the low frequency content of the reverb. Higher values allow more low
end reverberation.
Rise Time: Adjusts the rise time of the swelled signal. Choose shorter times for single-line
soloing or longer times for ambient chord work.
Mode: Chooses the confi guration of the Swell machine. The Swell Wet option swells
in the wet signal behind your dry signal for a subtle evolving verb. The Swell
Dry mode swells the dry signal in front of the reverb for awesome ambience or
swelled solos.
SWLWET
SWLDRY
TIPS & TRICKS:
For a volume-knob effect for soloing, use the Swell Dry mode with a Rise time of 0.3
seconds or less.
For long ambient chords, try the Swell Dry mode with Rise Time greater than 1
second, decay times longer than 10 seconds, with high modulation settings.
Try using the Swell Wet mode with a short Rise Time, around 0.10 seconds, for a
reverb that sits nicely behind the dry signal.
The Mod knob adds 4-phase modulation of the reverb’s delay lines, lending a sense
of movement and depth to the reverb signal.
0.08
0.10
0.12
0.14
0.17
0.20
0.25
0.30
0.35
0.40
0.50
0.60
0.70
0.80
0.90
1.00
1.20
1.40
1.70
2.00
2.50
3.00
4.00
- | +

BigSky - User Manual ®
pg 13
Reverb Machines: Bloom
In the ‘90s, more diffusion blocks were added to reverbs to smooth out the sound. A side effect of this was the tendency of the
reverbs to have a slowly building envelope that ‘bloomed’, resulting in big ambient reverbs that sit nicely with the dry signal
even at high Mix levels. The Bloom reverb features a bloom generating section that feeds into a traditional reverb tank, and
adds a unique Feedback parameter that expands the possibilities exponentially.
PARAMETERS:
- | +
|||||||||
|||||||||
Low End: Adjusts the low frequency content of the reverb. Higher values allow more low end
reverberation.
Length: Adjusts the length of the ‘bloom’ portion of the reverb. Higher levels will result in
longer bloom times.
Feedback: Adjusts the amount of feedback that is applied around the bloom portion of the reverb.
TIPS & TRICKS:
The Decay knob controls the tank’s decay time, while the Length parameter controls the bloom length.
High settings of the Length parameter and/or higher Feedback settings can result in reverbs that are
much longer than the displayed tank decay time.
Experiment with short Decay times and higher Length values, and then longer Decay times with lower
length values to get a feel for how these two portions of the reverb interact and complement each other.
The Mod knob controls two independent 16-phase oscillators for a total of 32 oscillator signals. The
fi rst 16-phase oscillator modulates the bloom-generating delay lines, while the 2nd 16-phase oscillator
modulates the tank reverb delay lines. The result is sublime, big, and beautiful.
The Tone knob is a unique resonant fi lter that shapes the top end with synth-like voicing. Experiment by
adjusting the Tone knob with long-decay reverbs.
High Feedback settings paired with high Modulation results in a gorgeous spectrum of sweeping
resonant harmonics.

BigSky - User Manual ®
pg 14
Reverb Machines: Cloud
A gorgeously big, ambient reverb that draws from techniques developed in the late ‘70s. Using processing power not dreamed
of in those days, the Cloud reverb machine obscures the distinction between reality and fantasy.
PARAMETERS:
TIPS & TRICKS:
The cascaded input diffusion blocks create an expanded ‘early’ reverb. This results in a longer overall
reverb time than the displayed tank decay time, most noticeable when the Decay knob is set to low
values.
From min to 2:00, the Modulation knob adjusts the amount of modulation (developed by a quadrature
oscillator at a frequency harmonious to the Cloud generator) that is applied to the input diffusor
sections. Past 2:00, the frequency of the quadrature oscillators is increased.
The modulation scheme was developed to allow for high degrees of modulation without muddying up
the sustaining reverberation tail.
The Cloud reverb can take any modest guitar or synth sound and turn it into a gorgeous ensemble.
- | +
- | +
Low End: Adjusts the low frequency content of the Cloud reverb. Higher values allow more low
frequency content.
Diffusion: Adds diffusors in front of and within the reverb generator. At minimum there is no
diffusion effect, and the cloud effect is ‘grainy’, yet mesmerizing, on transient attacks.
As Diffusion is increased, the reverb is smoothed and softened.

BigSky - User Manual ®
pg 15
Reverb Machines: Chorale
A vocal choir accompanies your music. Choose vowel ranges and intensities to customize your choir as it sings in venues that
vary with the Decay knob. As the Modulation is increased, the choir becomes alive with multitude of voices.
PARAMETERS:
Resonance: Adjusts the intensity of the vowel sound by adjusting the vocal fi lter resonance
(Q) values. Select Mild for subtle vocal qualities, or Medium for increased vocal
intensity. The High setting produces the most resonant vowel sounds, and can be
a bit spooky late at night.
AAHHOO
MILD
AAHH
MEDIUM
AAHHOH
HIGH
OH
OOOHOH
OOOO
RANDOM
Vowel: Selects the vowel sound(s) that the choir will use to accompany you. The
selections include traditional singing formants, AH, OH, OO and combinations of
the two. Also included is a Random choice that will allow any formant to be sung.
TIPS & TRICKS:
Adjust the Tone knob to add more ‘breath’ and high end articulation to the vocals.
The Mod knob is a very effective way to add realism to the chorale. As Mod is turned up,
randomization is added to the chorale’s pitch and timbre to create an increasing number of
singers that have distinct voices.
Since many of the vocal formant frequencies are ‘mid-range’ frequencies, a mid-heavy guitar
amp may overly re-enforce some of them at High Reso settings. In those cases, reduce the
Reso setting to Medium or Mild.

BigSky - User Manual ®
pg 16
Reverb Machines: Shimmer
Two tunable voices add pitch-shifted tones to the reverberated signal, for resplendent, unearthly ambience. The voices are
carefully created from the reverberated signal itself to generate maximum radiance and beauty. The Amount and Mode
parameters allow for a range of shimmer effects from laid-back and subtle to full-blown majestic splendor.
PARAMETERS:
Amount: Adjusts the level of the shifted
voices in the reverberated signal
from Off to full.
|||||||||
TIPS & TRICKS:
The Amount parameter works in conjunction with the Mode
parameter to produce the particular intensity of the shimmer
effect. If Amount is set to Off, no shimmer effect is heard.
For deep octave down shifts, increase the Low End parameter
to allow the lower octave frequencies to come through
strongly.
The Modulation knob modulates the shimmer voices as
well as the reverb tank’s delay line lengths with a 4-phase
oscillator. Increasing the modulation widens the shimmer
experience and promotes a general sense of well-being.
Try +1 Oct and Oct.5th with lower amount levels for just a hint
of shimmer.
Try Oct.5th and–P5 with ‘Input’ shimmer Mode for an other-
wordly synth-pad.
Try -10cents and +10cents with ‘Input’ shimmer Mode and
Modulation Off for a beautiful detuned reverb.
-Octave
-Octave
Off
-Major 7th
-Major 7th
-minor 7th
-minor 7th
-Major 6th
-Major 6th
-minor 6th
-minor 6th
-Perfect 5th
-Perfect 5th
-minor 3rd
-minor 3rd
-Major 2nd
-Major 2nd
+Major 2nd
+Major 2nd
+minor 3rd
+minor 3rd
+Major 3rd
+Major 3rd
+Perfect 4th
+Perfect 4th
+Tritone
+Tritone
+minor 7th
+minor 7th
+Major 7th
+Major 7th
+Octave
+Octave
+Octave & 5th
+Octave & 5th
+2 Octaves
+2 Octaves
Shift 1: Selects the 1st voice interval, from an octave down to two octaves up.
Shift 2: Selects the 2nd voice interval, from an octave down to two octaves up. Can be set to Off if no
2nd voice is desired.
-Tritone
-Tritone
-Perfect 4th
-Perfect 4th
-Major 3rd
-Major 3rd
-minor 2nd
-minor 2nd
-10 cents
-10 cents
+10 cents
+10 cents
+minor 2nd
+minor 2nd
+Perfect 5th
+Perfect 5th
+minor 6th
+minor 6th
+Major 6th
+Major 6th
Mode: Selects input Shimmer with no
regeneration, regenerating tank
shimmer, or input shimmer plus
regenerating tank shimmer.
INPUT
REGEN
IN+REG
- | +
Low End: Adjusts the low frequency content of
the Shimmer reverb. Higher values
allow more low frequency content.

BigSky - User Manual ®
pg 17
Reverb Machines: Magneto
A new style of music emerged in the late ‘50s, featuring the guitar as the ‘lead voice’ enhanced by the reverberated wash
of a multi-head echo. The Magneto machine sets up a multi-head echo with all heads on, while the PreDelay knob adds
feedback. The Diffusion parameter adds a new dimension of ambience, smearing the response of the heads and blurring
the line between delay and reverb.
PARAMETERS:
Low End: Adjusts the low frequency response of the Magneto machine. Higher values allow more low
frequency content. Lower values roll off the low end in a manner representative of many
magnetic-media delay machines.
Number of Heads: Selects from three, four or six heads.
Diffusion: Controls the effect of diffusors on the magnetic heads. At minimum there is no diffusion effect. As
the Diffusion parameter is turned up, the heads are increasingly smeared, creating a reverberated
quality to the repeats.
Spacing: Even spacing puts the heads at the same distance from one another for equal delay times. Uneven
spacing scatters the head which creates a more complex, less overtly rhythmic effect.
EVEN
3
UNEVEN
4
6
TIPS & TRICKS:
The last repeat occurs at the displayed decay time, so a 300ms
decay time with 3 evenly spaced heads would have repeats at
100ms, 200ms, and 300ms. Switching to a 4-head machine
results in delays at 75ms, 150ms, 225ms, and 300ms.
The age, condition, and alignment of the record and playback
heads greatly infl uence on the tonality of magnetic media
delays. As a result, they may bright or dark, high-passed or
fuller in the low frequencies. The Tone knob and Low End
parameters are wide-ranging to allow for a full spectrum of
tones. As the Feedback (Pre-Delay knob) is increased, the EQ
response is regenerative, leading to evolving soundscapes and
ambient washes.
The Mod control acts as a Wow and Flutter generator, adding
hypnotic movement and fullness to the sound.
DELAY TIME: Sets the
Delay time of the last
head.
KNOB FUNCTIONS: In Magneto, two of the
knobs assume different controls than the
other reverb machines.
FEEDBACK: Adds
feedback from the last
head back to the input
when Even Spacing is
selected. With Uneven
Spacing, the feedback is
taken from the last two
heads.
- | +
- | +

BigSky - User Manual ®
pg 18
Reverb Machines: Nonlinear
A variety of physics-defying reverb shapes are available for special effects and unique textures. Choose from three
‘backwards’ shapes (Swoosh, Reverse, and Ramp), or a Gate and more. Feedback control, Late Reverb, and Diffusion
parameters allow for a vast array of time-warped possibilities.
PARAMETERS:
Shape: Adjusts the shape of the nonlinear generator. Swoosh, Reverse, and
Ramp all create ‘backwards’ effects with different slope profi les. Gate
generates an even amplitude profi le with an abrupt cut-off. Gauss
creates a ’bell curve’ profi le, and Bounce creates an ‘anti-bell’ shape.
SWOOSH
REVERS
RAMP
GATE
GAUSS
BOUNCE
Diffusion: Controls the effect of diffusors on the nonlinear generator. At
minimum there is no diffusion effect, and the nonlinear effect
is ‘grainy’. As Diffusion is increased, the effect is smeared and
smoothed.
Late Decay: Adjusts the decay time of the late reverb. Higher settings produce
longer decay times.
Late Level: Adjusts the level of the late reverb. Higher settings increase the level
of the late reverb. At minimum, the late reverb is turned off.
Mod Speed: Adjusts the modulation LFO speeds for both the the non-linear delay
tap lengths and the late reverb’s delay lines.
TIPS & TRICKS:
The Nonlinear generator feeds into
the late reverb. The Pre-Delay knob
adds feedback around the nonlinear
generator before it enters the late
reverb portion, producing repeating
nonlinear shapes as you turn the
knob clockwise.
The Diffusion parameter softens the
Nonlinear portion, and is useful with
longer Decay times. High Diffusion
levels with short decay times can
result in a ‘metallic’ sound. Reduce
the Diffusion parameter in these
cases if desired.
Short decay times and no feedback
(Pre-Delay knob minimum) with
the Gate shape gives an interesting
level-independent take on the
traditional ‘gated reverb’.
Try high feedback levels (Pre-Delay
knob) with some added Modulation
to create trippy ambient textures.
Maximum feedback (Pre-Delay knob
maximum) with the Gate shape will
produce a nearly endless wash of
‘multi-tapped’ reverb. Try Decay at
800ms and Modulation at 10:00.
Try the Swoosh or Reverse shapes
at very short decays (<100ms) for a
great slapback effect. Try minimum
Diffusion for best results.
The Mod control varies the
nonlinear generator tap lengths, as
well as the late reverb’s delay lines
for an expanded experience.
TIME: Sets the time of the
nonlinear portion of the reverb.
KNOB FUNCTIONS: In Nonlinear, two of the knobs assume
different controls than the other reverb machines.
FEEDBACK: Adds feedback
from the nonlinear portion of the
reverb back to the input.
Low End: Adjusts the low frequency content of the nonlinear generator. Higher
values allow more low-end frequencies to pass through.
- | +
- | +
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BigSky - User Manual ®
pg 19
Reverb Machines: Refl ections
The Refl ections machine is a psycho-acoustically accurate small-space reverb that allows you to move your amp anywhere in
the room. The Refl ections algorithm precisely calculates 250 refl ections based on the source position within the chosen room
shape. The psycho-acoustic modifi ers adjust for human auditory perception to create unparalleled ambient-space realism to
dry instrument or vocal tracks.
PARAMETERS:
F | | B
+ | | -
L | | R
Location Y: Positions the amplifi er towards the front (F) or back (B) of the room. The refl ections
are re-calculated accordingly with the movement of the amp. When the amp is in the
front of the room (closest to you), the dry signal will dominate over the refl ections,
whereas moving the amp to the back will result in the refl ections arriving at times and
amplitudes similar to the direct sound, thus appearing more reverberant overall.
Low End: Affects the low frequency decay profi le. As you turn it up, more low frequencies
reverberate creating the impression of longer decay times and a room that is sparsely
furnished.
Location X: Positions the amplifi er towards the left (L) or right (R) of the room. The refl ections are
re-calculated accordingly with the movement of the amp, and the dry signal is panned
through the stereo analog buffers to give proper imaging.
Shape: Selects the shape of the room that is producing the refl ections. The Square shape is
(you guessed it) square, while the Rectangle shape is short and wide with Golden Ratio
dimensions (1.618:1), and the Oblong is long and narrow with Golden Ratio dimensions
(1:1.618).
TIPS & TRICKS:
The Decay knob adjusts the size of the room from 100 sq ft (10’x10 square, or 8’x13’ rectangle and oblong)
to 1000 sq ft (31’x31’ square, or 24’x39’ rectangle and oblong). As the room size increases, the decay
increases accordingly.
Set Mix at 12:00 and Pre-Delay to 0 (minimum) for a natural room response.
Darker Tone settings would come about from carpeting, drapes and other absorptive elements on the
refl ecting surfaces. Brighter Tone settings create the sound of stone or tiled walls, with fewer absorbing
materials in the room.
Reduce the Low End to give a more natural room or studio environment with furnishing/couches etc.
Increase Low End for more of an ‘empty space’ reverberation.
The Mod control modulates the Pre-Delay time to create a randomized chorus effect against the dry signal.
SQUARE
RECT
OBLONG

BigSky - User Manual ®
pg 20
Globals Menu
Global parameters affect BigSky regardless of what preset is currently active.
TRUE BYPASS
Bypass Set-Up: Changes the bypass mode between True Bypass and Buffered Bypass. In
True Bypass, electromechanical relays are used to bypass BigSky so that no
components are touching the input signal. In Buffered Bypass the bypassed
signal runs through a high quality analog buffer.
BUFFERED BYPASS
CH 1 - 16
MIDI Channel: Sets the MIDI Channel. Can be set to 1 - 16.
ON
MIDI Continuous Controllers: Turns MIDI CC messaging (continuous controllers) ON or OFF.
OFF
ON
MIDI Patch Change: Turns MIDI patch change messaging ON or OFF.
OFF
ON
MIDI Through: When set to ON, MIDI messages that arrive at the input are sent to the output.
OFF
BNK 1-99
Bank Scroll: Sets the maximum bank number to scroll to.
PEDAL
EXP input mode: Confi gures the EXP input to use an Expression Pedal, an external TAP footswitch, or
a Strymon MultiSwitch.
TAP
BANK
PRESET
- for use with Expression Pedal
- for use with external TAP footswitch, or MultiSwitch for tap and preset select
- for use with MultiSwitch to select preset banks
- for use with MultiSwitch to select presets
Please refer to the MultiSwitch user manual for detailed MultiSwitch setup
information: www.strymon.net/support/multiswitch