Successor to a legend

The BigSky MX builds on the original, arguably the most popular reverb pedal ever made. It's been a few years since release.

Dual reverb engines

You can now run two reverb engines simultaneously in series, parallel, or with each panned separately.

Massive processing upgrade

The MX replaces the 366 MHz SHARC DSP chip with an 800 MHz tri-core ARM processor for significantly more power.

Rebuilt from the ground up

Spring, plate, hall, room, and shimmer engines were completely rewritten. Many other sounds got additional functions and enhancements.

Custom impulse responses

You can load custom impulse responses up to 10 seconds long. It ships with 22 stereo IRs as stock.

Modern connectivity

USB-C replaces the old MIDI-to-USB adapter. It can do MIDI over USB-C, TRS, or traditional 5-pin DIN connection.

Compact and durable

It's only slightly wider than the original and weighs well below a kilo. Takes up the same space as two and a bit Boss stompboxes.

Robust controls

Parameter knobs offer nice, firm travel and feel robustly applied. Footswitches click quietly and feel very durable.

Screen works in any light

The screen works brilliantly in any light thanks to green on black contrast. White text on blue can be hard to read at some angles.

Easy hands-on control

Seven parameter-specific knobs make editing a breeze. An up arrow shows where the knob was originally set.

“I'm easily able to dial in those most important controls”

Deep editing options

Pressing the value encoder opens further settings for low end, size, diffusion, output level, pan, and loads more options.

No app editing yet

The Nixie 2 app still can't edit presets, only load impulse responses and add new presets. Strymon promises this in a future update.

Spring reverb shines

The Drippy Spring preset is delightful, perfect for surf rock noodling and tremolo picking on a Strat-style guitar.

Cloud engine stays clear

The Silverscreen preset manages to be washy and atmospheric without drowning out your core playing or original guitar tone.

Shimmer tracks brilliantly

The shimmer engine tracks complex chords and non-linear harmonies. You can add two different harmonies at once in dual engine mode.

Magneto blurs the line

The magneto engine is tape echo emulation that blurs into reverb at higher diffusion. It really shines paired with another reverb in dual mode.

Presets balance perfectly

The presets are remarkably good at balancing the wash of reverb whilst still keeping the attack when you strike the strings.

“The presets are remarkably good at balancing the wash of reverb whilst still keeping the attack when I strike the strings.”

Studio-quality algorithms

The sound quality is unbelievably good, up there with Line 6, Neural, Eventide, and Boss. It covers all bases from classic room to ambient wash.

Overkill for some

At well north of $600, it's overkill if you just want one or two reverb sounds. Some players could get lost in option paralysis.

Worth the upgrade

It's a worthwhile upgrade for BigSky owners and a huge boon for players who want a wealth of top-quality reverb tones at their fingertips.

“It's incredibly easy to edit and adjust sounds”