Strymon BigSky unboxing & demo

In this video I run the Strymon BigSky pedal into the following four synths:
1. Moog Memorymoog
2. Yamaha DX7
3. Korg Monologue
4. Casio VL-1
Four keyboards of quite different prices, but the BigSky produces an amazingly beautiful sound with all four :)
0:56 Wthat's in the box
3:01 Moog Memorymoog through BigSky
4:52 Yamaha DX7 through BigSky
6:22 Korg Monologue through BigSky
7:58 Casio VL-1 through BigSky

[@michael_caz_nyc]

Trust Me - Its Incredible. I just got mine about 3 months ago. I am still on Cloud 9. Its a: Total Inspiration Machine. Its more then a Phenomenal Reverb Pedal, its a Synth Pad, Echo Machine - too. It has a Cab Sim on the rear. Infinite Hold & Freeze. It is even better ( hearing it in person ) then I was expecting, and Strymon is So Helpful & Professional . . . with their Tech Support & Customer Service - They have "Earned my Business" - I will be purchasing a Zuma for the Holidays. ( no affiliation - just my honest experience )

[@normapadro9704]

Wow. This was incredible. For some reason the sounds that come from that pedal makes my heart feel very relax. It's incredible.

[@HowlingMoonCinemas]

Man, I love this channel.

[@SynthManiaDotCom]

Way too kind! Thank you

[@albertorizzoschettino4313]

The best video on the Big Sky and synths that I could find. Thanks for the great vibes. I did a live stream on it yesterday and it's - I repeat myself - not going to overlap with the multitude of plug-ins and things we have. The Big Sky is legendary (so is the Timeline, which you have a great video for, too). When you already own one and you watch a video and it makes you wanna go play, you know it's good stuff ;)

[@moogdome2562]

Wow. The difference is amazing, and overwhelming. Thank you for sharing.

[@BrillCreem]

Just sounds so great. The Cloud setting on the Memory Moog elevates it into Boards Of Canada / Ghost Box territory. Wonderful sound.

[@zombieman81]

The "Shimmer" effect on the DX7 - WOW!!!! Makes me want one!

[@skyhigh4000]

my friend you are awesome and dont stop uploading helpful videos - you teach youtubers many things - my friend synthmania ( You left your mark in the rare world of music )

[@ryanpeplinski1884]

Great and practical review!!! Sounds like heaven!

[@MarshalArnold]

Oh boy, that cloud setting sounds really nice! Even makes the Casio sound nice 😁

[@Grow_Everything]

This pedal is glorious! Had it for about a year new. Never lets me down. :)

[@MarshalArnold]

MSM5500 is funny you mention the CZ 101, I'd like to snag one of those!

[@SynthManiaDotCom]

It really does, doesn't it? :^0

[@derekbaker3279]

@@Grow_Everything Especially on Depeche Mode tunes? 😉😁

[@tsitracommunications2884]

@@MarshalArnold you an me both

[@EskildTrulsen]

I must say I really like your videos. So honest and very informative! Thanks! Keep it up

[@SynthManiaDotCom]

Thank you, Eskild!

[@NutritionalZero]

Congrats, you finally brought a best-in-class product.

[@nofretzDW]

Another great demo of something else I want. Paolo delivers again!

[@SynthManiaDotCom]

Thank you!

[@timforan1502]

Beautifully done

[@andypeck1972]

This sounds amazing. Well played sir!

[@daveogarf]

AWESOME DEMO, Paulo! Big Sky is SO CLEAN - wonderful.

[@SynthManiaDotCom]

Thank you!!!

[@wolfganglenden73]

You’re the Jim Jarmusch of the Synths Films. I love the slow movement of your presentation. That’s the most amazingly addicting and awesome machine.

[@SynthManiaDotCom]

Wolfgang, thank you

[@ErikHawk]

Very nice! Thanks for doing this demo.

[@JoriDiculous]

Pad heaven! One sweet little big box.

[@johntammaro]

That's surely the craziest set up Casio to Big Sky. What's even more crazy is ... It works !!

[@SynthManiaDotCom]

Yep :-)

[@richardwalley2862]

This has to be a MUST HAVE for any synth owner and a bonus if you play guitar

[@SuperWave86]

Love that cloud with the VL-1’n awesome demo synthmania!!!!! Love the pedal with the synth!! 😎 👏

[@SynthManiaDotCom]

Thank you!

[@RaymondCastile]

Thanks for another great video! I liked the inclusion of the VL-1.

[@SynthManiaDotCom]

Thank you!

[@hitdrumhard]

that first test melted me. so buttery. melted buttery, specifically.

[@analogmatthew]

Gosh, dang! That shimmer sounds fabulous on the DX7 Mark1. Holy cow. Great demo video! 👍🏼👍🏼

[@SynthManiaDotCom]

Thank you!

[@mano123456]

I love my Strymon pedals so much, they bring tears to my eyes sometimes ;) ... They bring you to the very edge of the universe.

[@nebula4720]

It's time to stop calling these "guitar pedals" and start calling them effects processors, considering rack mount processors are an abandoned technology these days, and pedals are clearly the new format. It's less misleading to other instrumentalists.

[@bastiaanw3519]

I still wish they'd return with rack units. Or, like MOTU does: half rack units that can be linked side by side. My desk is full, rack space is more easily added.

[@xfloodcasual8124]

Using pedals for non-pedal applications is for 2010's hipsters

[@charlyviolinofficial5789]

Amazing videos! I have the big sky and the moog sub37 and sounds very beautiful 🙌🏻

[@MrBoembas]

Nice sound Fantastic Amazing Pedal !!. The Shimmer is beautifull, Thanks for the upload !

[@SynthManiaDotCom]

Daniel, thank you for watching!

[@persuadersonic]

Wow. Shimmer creates a wonderful sound. It resembles a Tomita piece.

[@helisoma]

i didn't expect the Casio VL-1! i have a mint one (da-da-da) and never thought about using it in a synth setup 😄😳😳😳...it sounds so pure...thanks!

[@evanb2679]

Beautiful sounds.

[@steveswan5714]

Thank you Paolo this is perfect for ambient sounds ; )

[@SynthManiaDotCom]

Steve, thank you for watching!

[@whitenoisefromelectronicto1728]

very good demo, thanks

[@SynthManiaDotCom]

Thank you

[@uhuhmazn]

I was just looking at getting one of these, what an imense reverb. Great demo.

[@SynthManiaDotCom]

Thank you!

[@uhuhmazn]

Went ahead and bought one, you should be getting comission! Thanks again for your great videos, one of the best channels out there.

[@AlmaLibreStudios]

Fantastic machine, fantastic demo!

[@SynthManiaDotCom]

Thanks, Alma Libre Studios!

[@Petersonstudios]

What an amazing pedal...

[@mathmanmrt]

i got the arturia microfreak abougt a year ago and i have loved that little synth which is surprisingly deep. i also love the periodic firmware updates that have, so far, given me 5 new synth engines at no cost. my only quibble with it is the lack of any onboard effects. i'd been looking at getting some less expensive effects pedal for it but the more i read and hear about the bigsky the more i think i'm going to get it. i have several patches that could only be enhanced by a touch of bigsky. thanks for a beautiful demonstration of some of the possibilities.

[@ColettaHughes]

Bigsky is the Ambient/New Age pedal. I love all your reviews... I'm a guitarist that's been teaching myself to play keys on a Yamaha DX7 FDII and a Yamaha Stage 70. After watching many of your reviews and lessons on soundscapes I've realized layering synths is what I love. I'm considering buying a Roland JD-XA... I want the weighted keys of the DS88, but can't stand how limited and canned it sounds and i have weighted keys on my stage piano. I've really learned a lot from your videos, thank you so much :)

[@SynthManiaDotCom]

Coletta, thanks so much!

[@SynthgodXXX]

Yea baby! This is just FANTASTIC! A++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

[@SynthManiaDotCom]

Thanks!

[@RosssRoyce]

Your playing/chords are super nice!!

[@benh.635]

Wow...just wow. That sounds amazing.

[@SynthManiaDotCom]

Thanks, Ben!

[@benh.635]

You're welcome! :)

[@synthesizethis9529]

Glad you bought one and thanks for demoing with a few of your synths. I have the BigSky, Timeline combo which is great and you might want to explore for a nice delay. Also have the TC Hall of Fame which is a nice cheap reverb for those budget minded and Eventide Timefactor as a different delay to look into. Thanks for all of your videos and shares ~ Peace

[@SynthManiaDotCom]

Thank you! Yes, I'm looking at the Timeline as well

[@AriKona]

Strymon is really making some serious inroads in the guitar/synth arena. The Looper and Big Sky seem to be the effects boxes of choice these days, especially in the ambient genre. Great sounds. Thanks.

[@SynthManiaDotCom]

Thank you!

[@XPJV]

Big Sky is a must pedal for any project.

[@machiwoomiapoo]

I really like the sound of the strymon pedal. I actually bought a lot of the Eventide pedals. They have one that is called space that reminds me of the strymon Big Sky. Thanks for all the wonderful videos. I look forward to your next one. Take care Sam.

[@SynthManiaDotCom]

Sam, thank you, a lot of people like the Eventide Space too, I do plan to get one at some point and check it out - thanks for watching!

[@italo.heritage]

Amazing. Greetings from Brazil!

[@cymonalex]

Paolo...You keep costing me money with your reviews !! lol... Seriously, I'd been watching a lot of people use this and your demo, just made my mind up... Great work (as always) S.

[@SynthManiaDotCom]

Cymon, sorry! :-D Thank you very much for your kind comment!

[@pjm8779]

Best pedal! Pricey. Worth every penny.

[@asdifasi5379]

Sounds amazing

[@Zeal808]

Yes! Sweet tones!

[@SynthManiaDotCom]

:)

[@jaustin753]

I have 2 of these now. One for my Juno 60 and one for my Moog LP. Beautiful units.

[@KillerStudios]

It's beautiful !

[@denisdalrin6217]

Sounds fantastic 😁

[@SynthManiaDotCom]

:)

[@vinkerdoodles]

I love this thing, thnx 4 the demo

[@SynthManiaDotCom]

Thank you for watching!

[@smitchellsmith]

You have an amazing sound!!

[@SynthManiaDotCom]

Stephen, thanks!

[@pappachook]

You got a mention on Sonicstate's podcast this week. Well deserved 😎

[@SynthManiaDotCom]

Thank you, and thanks for the headsup :) I haven't listened to their latest podcast yet, listening now, I'll go say hi and thanks to them

[@stevesynth]

Thanks bro who else would have given me a keyboard demo of Big Sky 😂👍

[@sonicmistress]

It's been done hundreds of times, nothing new here....

[@Arthur-hg7ny]

This was made for the DX7. What a difference from the preset “dry” sound of DX7.

[@StephanS]

I got the Big Sky when it was relatively new. I used it a dozen times on various projects and albums and put soo many synths trough it: SH1000, DX7, Triton, Trinity, M1, Fantom XR, JV2080, QSR6 and many more... i wish they would build a rack unit of the Big Sky.

[@stocchinet]

I think you could fart in it and it would still produce angelic sounds

[@Heathcliff_hensel]

stocchinet I love that comment, although for $479.00 it should.

[@bitroast]

can someone please test this ?

[@LifeInSpacePodcast]

True, it sounds phenomenal 😎

[@electricharmonyac7354]

I've loved that pedal for years but now the ventris reverb pedal has it beat. Sounds so good you'll fart into it and it's ambience will make you cry

[@starboy80s]

Haha... Good one!

[@olg88]

Casio majestic together 💖

[@GordonBraicks]

Beautiful!

[@SynthManiaDotCom]

Thanks, Gordon!

[@rednax3333]

Nice vid, bud! I plan to pick up a Big Sky at some point myself 👍😁 Also, congrats on getting noticed on SonicState’s weekly show with this vid! Synth peeps rule! 🙌👌

[@SynthManiaDotCom]

Jason, thanks!

[@rednax3333]

SynthMania Also, just FYI but I’m seeing this particular vid is showing up in my “Watch Next” column so here’s hoping you get even more traffic! 🤞👍

[@malikmartin]

Cloud and shimmer really took me back.

[@bis5260]

AWESOME !!!!!!!!!! 😍😍

[@5ch3nk]

I think I need one of these now.

[@mattsynth]

Stryman pedals are for sure one of the best sounding pedals. I use Valhalla Shimmer and Audio Damage Eos to create the same effects in vst format.

[@SynthManiaDotCom]

Very cool - I don't have them, but heard great things about those plugins as well

[@lwpweb]

Valhalla shimmer does not match the big sky. Its light years distance.

[@nate_creates]

Lothar Wieland It doesn’t have to “match” it to be exceptionally good in its own right. It’s also a fraction of the price at $50 compared to $479.

[@LoVeAmBiEnT]

@@nate_creates I have both. Valhalla is insane. I like ubermod way huge reverb settings. Heavenly. Love my big sky tho.

[@richardwalley2862]

I just picked one up so far I like it...have you used the midi features yet?

[@kazuhiromatsuda4935]

Nice play!

[@bis5260]

LOVE IT!!!

[@christopherecatalano]

Thanks you, inspiring use of it. Will try it now on something other than a Fender lol...

[@philhull3446]

Thanks for that. I have also wanted one for some time now. Love that Moog MM. Enjoy your videos. As anticipated it sounds fantastic. Like to hear your thoughts on some of their other products...Mobius ,Timeline and Magneto. Can you get them to send you some of these for demo's?

[@SynthManiaDotCom]

Phil, thank you, yes, I plan to get the other Strymons, I'm looking at the Timeline - I don't know if they send products for demos, but I buy and sell new and used gear all the time, so they'll probably pass through here at some point ;)

[@RED_indiemusic]

Big Sky + (insert your synth here) = Heaven! Guaranteed!

[@davidsimons1377]

I have Mir Pro, a Z DSP eurorack, a TC M3000, an Eventide H3000 DSX & a lot of other rack reverbs, but I would still love to buy this if I could ever afford it. Btw wow you're lucky to have a Memorymoog.

[@tsitracommunications2884]

I plan to get a Big Sky myself, once I get the money together

[@mano123456]

I love my Big Sky and El Capistan... They are amazing. I have DX7 and a SIDstation videos on my channel. These are magical...

[@GennaroGiugliano65]

great big sky, very wonderful effects processor,ciao

[@SynthManiaDotCom]

Thank you and ciao back!

[@EugenioBissacott]

With memory moog sounds great!!!

[@Steadyawake]

Sounds great

[@SynthManiaDotCom]

:^)

[@fortheloveofnoise9298]

That's one hell of a mystery box....you just got the ray gun my man.

[@korolchukpp]

Sweet device!!!

[@SynthManiaDotCom]

Yep :)

[@jeronimosanchez1727]

Nice moog!!

[@chieftp]

OMG synths through a strymon big sky!!! sweeeeeeeet!!! I bet NO one has done that before!!! BTW, I'll take that candy if you don't want it.

[@SynthManiaDotCom]

Lol - well, there are so many people on KZbin now that it's virtually mpossible to be the first at doing something. That said, I think I might be the first to post a video of a Casio VL-Tone through the BigSky ;)

[@MarcoLongoMusic]

I've been wishing for a rack version for years now ... Come on Strymon, if you're reading, NOW'S THE TIME!

[@SynthManiaDotCom]

A multi-effect rack unit that incorporates many of their pedals into one rack mount would be very cool indeed..

[@MarcoLongoMusic]

SynthMania and insanely expensive I bet

[@RaymondCastile]

You get what you pay for! I'd love a Strymon multi-fx rack unit.

[@derekbaker3279]

@@SynthManiaDotCom They're probably stuck at the design stage where they choose its colour. 😉 😁

[@heathwellsNZ]

Gosh, that's nice!

[@SynthManiaDotCom]

:)

[@E4RLIES]

I almost bought one of these yesterday but decided on a Deepmind 12 as it was only £200 more…. Better synth made sense instead of putting a pig in a fancy dress ? I will get one though it’s next on the list! Every demo I hear is incredible❤

[@LifeInSpacePodcast]

Best reverb hands down, your going to enjoy every minute with this reverb pedal. Makes a big difference with synths and creates an awesome atmosphere. Got any good suggestions on delay pedals? Stay cool friend!!!

[@SynthManiaDotCom]

A lot of people seem to pair it with the "TimeLine multidimensional" delay, I haven't got one of those yet, but plan to get it soon

[@LifeInSpacePodcast]

SynthMania I will have to look into it. Thank you stay creative friend.

[@JohnLRice]

Yes, the Strymon BigSky is awesome for synths! :-)

[@SynthManiaDotCom]

John, Thank you! I think I'm going to put a piece of tape on the knob and leave it set to the "Cloud" mode :-D Just kidding, the other algorithms are great too

[@logonazo]

the basic chain for that cloud FX (or shimmer) :Instrument+(tape) delay+ Harmonizer( one octave)+ delay+ reverb..

[@PrinceWesterburg]

Okay, I gave you your 777th thumbs up, its clearly a sign, I must start using me BigSky!!!

[@SynthManiaDotCom]

Thanks, and enjoy the BigSky!

[@IvarFritjofHansen]

awesome

[@SynthManiaDotCom]

Ivar, thank you

[@giannagiavelli5098]

the casio from Trio !!! wooo

[@Ishkur23]

Getting a Vangelis vibe from this device -- specifically his atmospheric soundtrack for Bladerunner.

[@punkgift]

I had a choice between this and the Eventide Space and I plumped for the Space. Some of the patches are mental. Great for disguising samples so that they don't sound cheesy. Turn it to 100% wet so you only get the reverb.

[@SynthManiaDotCom]

Yes, Eventide has been around for a long time and they know a thing or two! I have a few of their units of rack format, but plan to get the Space at some point.

[@sonicneutronic]

I've seen a lot of people talking about Farting into this pedal and just wanted to be sure people set the WET/DRY mix very carefully before doing so.

[@BrianBoniMakes]

I think it sounds great. Makes total sense to use high quality guitar pedals on old synths, especially when most synths were mono and the outputs were basically dry. I see you were using your BigSky as a mono to stereo converter which is one advantage right there. At least with pedal gear you get something you can sit on a table top and does not have a bunch of sharp edges like rack gear. You don't really need gear made with balanced jacks on line level synths either, it's kind of a waste of money so I think you made a wise decision and hope you get many years of service. ciao.

[@SynthManiaDotCom]

Brian, thanks, yes, all these four synths only have mono outs, but going out of the BigSky in stereo really opens them up and makes them shine even more

[@sweeneymini]

Casio VL-1 patch sounded best! Sounded good :)

[@HomeCinemaJunkie]

Jepp, when I saw the casio I knew it was going to be magic.

[@bradleylinemihler]

2 questions: 1. as someone who uses a JV-1080 based synth in multi timbral mode is its possible i could filter out reverb effects on drums and bass as it would get very washy...ie could I bypass the effect for low frequencies just like a high pass filter.? 2. how would you rate it in comparison with your sony effects processor?

[@SynthManiaDotCom]

Yes, you can assign knobs to turn off any of the frequencies on the Strymon - The BigSky sounds a bit different from the older Sony processors, I plan to do a comparison in the near future

[@bradleylinemihler]

Thanks Paulo

[@Dean-ee1il]

What patch is that on the DX7?

[@sheseesfortress1719]

Hi, that’s amazing that it can used for other instruments. I just bought the big sky pedal recently. It’s my first pedal. But I’m still figuring out how to connect it. I have an old amp that is so outdated. Any recommendations for what amp I should consider buying? Also how do I connect this to my digital piano? 😅

[@SynthManiaDotCom]

Hello, Jessica, if you play live, I'd suggest a dedicated 'Keyboard Amplifier' like the Roland KC series, the Behringer Ultratone series, the Peavey KB series etc. - but if you're mostly playing at home, I'd go with a pair of 'Active Studio Monitors' instead - there are many brands to choose from including Yamaha, KRK, ADAM, JBL, Dynaudio, Genelec and many more. The advantage of active monitors is that they are generally better suited for playing and recording in a home studio setting. If your digital piano has a pair of stereo outs (Left & Right), you can simply connect a pair of standard TS (tip/sleeve) 1/4" cables to the stereo inputs of the BigSky, and then go from the BigSky stereo outputs to your amp / speakers. If your digital piano only has one (mono) output, just use one TS cable from your piano to the Left input of the Strymon, and then stereo out to your amp / speakers. Here's more information on how to connect the Strymon pedals: www.strymon.net/faq/mono-and-stereo-connections/

[@RogerioValgode]

This BigSky was made for Keyboards!! Love it since it was out.There's nothing with this sound on the market, in my opinion. One of a Kind.The "closest" thing is ValhallaShimmer VST reverb... at least is cheeper ;)