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Strymon: digital reverb, delay and modulation pedals

Strymon designs high-resolution digital pedals built around SHARC processors in Westlake Village, California. Reverbs, delays, modulations and amp simulators with presets, MIDI control and an expression pedal input.

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What sets a Strymon pedal apart

Strymon builds on SHARC DSP processors and high-resolution converters, but the real difference from an analogue pedal is that every unit is programmable. Recallable presets, MIDI control and an expression pedal input run across most of the range, and they are often the actual reason players pick the brand for live or studio work.

The catalogue spans several families: reverbs such as BigSky, blueSky, NightSky and Cloudburst; delays such as TimeLine, El Capistan, Volante and Brigadier; modulation such as Mobius, Zelzah, Lex and UltraViolet. Iridium instead covers amp emulation with loadable impulse responses.

Large format versus compact

BigSky, TimeLine and Mobius belong to the large-format series, aimed at players who want many algorithms in one enclosure and drive the board over MIDI. The compact models — El Capistan, Flint, Deco, Sunset, Riverside, Compadre — take less space and offer a more direct interface, but usually give up the deeper preset banks.

Mind the generations: several models received a later version with more memory, revised algorithms and sometimes a different connector. BigSky MX is not a simple revision of BigSky, and El Capistan v2 differs from the first series. Always confirm which version you are buying, because used prices move considerably between them.

Power supply: the most common mistake

Nearly every Strymon pedal runs at 9V DC with a centre-negative barrel, but current draw is high: large-format models reach 300 mA and beyond. A generic adapter is not enough, and a shared daisy chain causes noise or a pedal that will not boot. If you buy a Strymon pedal, budget for a power supply with isolated outputs and adequate current.

What to check when buying used

Run through every preset and save an edit, to confirm the memory still writes. Test the footswitches with repeated presses, the input and output jacks, the expression jack and the MIDI port where fitted. Ask which firmware version is installed and check the unit still updates. Cosmetic wear on painted metal enclosures affects value very little; memory, encoders and switches matter far more. To widen your search, start from the pedals category.

FAQ

You need a 9V DC centre-negative supply with enough current: large-format models such as BigSky and TimeLine draw 300 mA or more. A shared daisy chain is often not enough and causes noise or a pedal that will not boot. A dedicated isolated output is the safer choice.
It is not a simple revision: BigSky MX uses a more powerful processing platform, updated stereo inputs and outputs, and can run several reverbs at once. The two sit in clearly different used price brackets, so confirm which version is on offer.
Yes, most of the range accepts program change messages to recall presets and control change for parameters. Large-format models have dedicated MIDI jacks, while some compact pedals use a TRS jack with an adapter. Always check the specific model.
Recall every preset and save an edit to confirm the memory still writes. Test the footswitches, input and output jacks, expression jack and MIDI port. Ask which firmware version is installed and make sure the unit still updates.

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