Strymon Blue Sky
Strymon Blue Sky
Strymon gets a lot of praise for the quality of its pedals and effects. This is a perfect example of why. With a sonic range that is far beyond the norm, a preset option, and a design that simplifies what could easily be an overwhelming set of controls, this pedal shines. If you can find the cash required, there is no reason to leave this pedal at the store.
External Control: None
Cost: $$$
HornFX Review
| Interface | Versatility | Quality of Effect | Live Application | Total Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5/5 | 4/5 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | 16.5/20 |
Complexity: Medium
Interface: 3.5/5
Although you have to do your research to fully understand how to operate this pedal, its interface is actually quite simple, clear, and versatile. The layout of this pedal, like all Strymon pedals is well thought out, and makes a lot of manipulability seems less intimidating.
Versatility: 4/5
With nine different settings and and a stable of manipulation options that is well beyond average, there is quite a formidable amount of sounds this pedal can create. The option of the preset, which is rare for a smaller reverb pedal, is a fantastic feature.
Quality of effect: 4.5/5
One of the clearest and most customizable reverb pedals available. Turn it on and you will sound better.
Live application: 4.5/5
This pedal has so much to offer, all in a user friendly and inviting package. Any player would be proud to have this pedal on their board.
Audio Files
Just a general preset on the JHS Colourbox to get a decent sound before running through the Blue Sky.
We first used the MOD mode with a PLATE reverb to try and create a nice, airy, organic reverb with the dry sound of the trumpet still prominent.
We kept the same settings and switched to a ROOM type to hear the difference. The ROOM is much less airy and sounds more full.
Just for fun, we wanted to take away the prominence of the dry tone with the same mode and type settings above. This was done by boosting the MIX knob. We then reversed the damp knobs, allowing the high frequencies to ring through this time instead of the low.
So you can hear the drastic effect the DAMP knobs can have, we switched the high and low damp knobs the opposite way. Note the drastic change in tone just by touching these two knobs.
Lastly, to show a little bit more variation, we switched to the NORM type and found a nice, subtle reverb that could be kept on at all times if you wanted. We did this by bringing the decay down significantly as well as the mix knob. This basic and subtle reverb is a great sound and can be used all the time if needed.
NOTE: the BlueSky has far more functions than are shown here, but we wanted to highlight some of the great things it can do without giving all the magic away!
Hand crafted, computationally intense Plate, Room and Spring algorithms
Normal, Mod and Shimmer modes per algorithm for extremely versatile reverb options
High Damp and Low Damp controls for über-flexible reverb tone shaping
Mod mode for a beautifully modulated spring, room or plate reverb
Shimmer mode for infinite pitch effects “in the tank”
Dedicated Pre-Delay control to fine tune reflection times
Stereo input and output
Favorite footswitch to save a favorite sound
True Bypass (electromechanical relay switching)
Selectable “trails” mode with high quality Analog Buffered Bypass
Adjustable +/- 3dB boost or cut when the effect is engaged
Powered with a standard 9V center negative DC supply. 250mA minimum
Strong and lightweight sky blue anodized aluminum chassis
Crafted with love in the USA
Ultra low noise, high performance 24-bit 96kHz A/D and D/A converters
115dB typical signal to noise
Analog dry path for a zero latency dry signal that is never converted to digital
20Hz to 20kHz frequency response
+8dBu maximum input level easily handles instrument and line signals
Premium analog front end and output section
Super high performance DSP in a compact form factor
Product info from the Strymon website