Inside the Best Strymon Pedals
Strymon continues to dominate the world of high-end effects, offering some of the most powerful and musical pedals available. Whether you're chasing lush ambient reverbs, pristine delays, or warm analog-style modulation, the brand's lineup remains a top choice for guitarists who want studio-grade sound on their pedalboards.
In this guide, we break down the best Strymon pedals, highlighting their key features, real-world performance, and who they're best suited for. Let's get started!
Best Strymon Pedals
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Pedal |
Price |
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$679 |
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$449 |
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$429 |
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$399 |
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$349 |
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$349 |
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$349 |
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$299 |
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$299 |
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$279 |
Best Strymon Pedals - In-Depth Review
Strymon BigSky MX
Main Features
- 12 reverb machines, including 7 brand-new algorithms and enhanced classics
- Dual reverb engines with Series, Parallel, or Split routing and independent panning
- Advanced stereo IR capabilities with up to 10 seconds of impulse response time
- Tri-core 800 MHz ARM processor delivering 32-bit floating-point processing
- Dedicated Infinite/Freeze footswitch for pads, drones, and evolving atmospheres
- Full MIDI control via USB-C, TRS, or DIN, plus expression pedal support
The Strymon BigSky MX represents a new generation of reverb technology, more powerful, more expressive, and more flexible than any Strymon reverb before it. With a redesigned architecture built around a blazing tri-core processor, the MX delivers incredibly detailed spaces, deeply immersive textures, and newly refined classics like Spring, Plate, and Hall. It's a huge leap forward in clarity, realism, and creative depth.
What really sets the BigSky MX apart is the dual-engine design. You can stack two reverbs, run them in parallel, or split them left/right for massive stereo fields. Combine that with advanced IR control, a dedicated Infinite footswitch, and full MIDI functionality, and you get a reverb workstation built for modern creators.
Strymon Mobius Multi Modulation Pedal
Main Features
- Twelve world-class modulation engines: chorus, phaser, rotary, tremolo, filter, formant, destroyer, and more
- Premium SHARC DSP for pristine sound quality and deep parameter control
- 200 onboard presets, full MIDI implementation, and expression pedal support
- Pre/Post routing mode for placing Mobius in two different spots in your signal chain
- Stereo I/O with flexible configuration
- Highly tweakable yet intuitive interface with assignable parameters
The Strymon Mobius is a modulation powerhouse that captures 50 years of iconic effects while expanding them into entirely new creative territory. Inside are twelve modulation machines, each meticulously modeled, enhanced, and fully customizable. Whether you want lush '80s chorus, syrupy rotary textures, rhythmic trem patterns, or other effects, Mobius handles it all with studio-grade clarity.
Mobius is also built for complete integration into modern pedalboard rigs. With 200 presets, flexible stereo operation, and powerful MIDI control, it adapts to everything from simple stompbox setups to full digital switching systems. Its Pre/Post mode is a standout feature, letting you route Mobius to two different positions within your chain, perfect for players who want chorus before drive and rotary after, for example.
Strymon Volante Magnetic Tape Delay
Main Features
- Three magnetic echo types: drum, tape, and studio reel-to-reel
- Four playback heads with independent level, feedback, and panning controls
- Integrated vintage-style spring reverb and Sound on Sound looping mode
- Analog dry path with ultra–low-noise Class A JFET stereo preamps
- SHARC-powered DSP delivering stunningly detailed magnetic echo behavior\
- Hands-on control over mechanics, wear, spacing, and media imperfections
The Strymon Volante is a magnetic echo powerhouse built for players who crave warmth, movement, and expressive vintage character. With detailed modeling of three legendary echo systems, the Volante brings the nuance of classic hardware into a modern, flexible pedalboard format. The onboard spring reverb, mechanical modulation parameters, and multitrack-style Sound on Sound looping make it a deeply creative tool for any artist.
Its four-head design lets you shape rhythmic patterns, atmospheric sound beds, and evolving echo textures with total precision. Add in its powerful SHARC DSP, true stereo architecture, and pristine analog dry path, and Volante becomes far more than a delay pedal: it's a complete magnetic echo workstation.
Strymon Iridium Amp Modeler
Main Features
- Three meticulously modeled tube amps using Strymon's Matrix Modeling™ technology
- Nine stereo 24-bit/96 kHz impulse-response speaker cabinets
- Adjustable room ambience with hybrid IR + algorithmic reverb
- Perfect for going direct to PA, interface, or headphones
- Inspiring amp feel and touch sensitivity in a compact pedalboard format
- Stereo I/O for wide, immersive amp and cab tones
The Strymon Iridium is designed for guitarists who want authentic amp tone without hauling a physical amplifier. Its three iconic amp models, Round, Chime, and Punch, capture the dynamics, breakup, and nuance of real tube circuits, while the onboard stereo IR loader delivers crystal-clear cabinet realism.
Beyond amps and cabs, Iridium includes a flexible room ambience engine that places your tone inside small, medium, or large spaces for added depth and realism. With its simple layout, studio-grade fidelity, and zero-compromise amp feel, Iridium is one of the most practical and professional-sounding solutions for players who want incredible direct tones anywhere.
Strymon Flint V2 Tremolo & Reverb
Main Features
- Three vintage tremolo types: ’61 Harmonic, ’63 Power Tube, ’65 Photocell
- Three iconic reverb types: ’60s Spring Tank, ’70s Plate, ’80s Hall
- Premium JFET input, improved ARM DSP, and expanded control ranges
- Full MIDI implementation with 300 preset locations
- Stereo/mono switchable, adjustable pre-delay, and ultra-slow trem speeds
The Strymon Flint V2 is the definitive modern recreation of the classic tremolo-and-reverb pairing found in 1960s amplifiers, and still one of the most musical effect combinations ever made. Offering two fully independent pedals in one enclosure, Flint V2 meticulously captures the warmth, movement, and character of the original circuits.
On the tremolo side, you get three beloved circuits ranging from early '60s amps to tube tremolo and the percussive chop of photocell designs. On the reverb side, Flint recreates everything from drippy surf springs to lush plates and atmospheric '80s halls. The V2 update adds powerful new features, including full MIDI control, 300 presets, stereo input selection, expanded tremolo speed, and adjustable pre-delay, making Flint more versatile than ever while retaining its vintage soul.
Strymon Lex V2 Rotary Modulation
Main Features
- Complete rotary speaker system emulation (horn, rotor, tube amp & mic positioning)
- Rich, organic modulation with highly realistic acceleration and ramp behavior
- Full MIDI implementation with 300 preset locations and MIDI Clock Sync
- Premium JFET input and selectable mono/stereo operation
- ARM DSP for improved processing power and lower energy consumption
- Expanded control over mic distance, dry level, boost/cut, and rotor speed
The Strymon Lex V2 brings the iconic Leslie rotary sound to your pedalboard with remarkable depth and realism. Instead of offering a simple modulation effect, it recreates every component of a true rotary speaker, from the spinning horn and bass rotor to the harmonics generated by a tube-driven amp. The result is a lush, three-dimensional swirl that instantly adds movement and vintage charm to any tone.
With its hardware updates, MIDI capabilities, and improved interface, the Lex V2 is more flexible and modern than ever. Whether you're sculpting soulful organ-style textures or adding psychedelic motion to guitars and synths, this pedal offers a complete rotary experience with fast workflow and studio-grade sound.
Strymon Zelzah Phaser
Main Features
- Dual phaser engines: independent 4-stage and 6-stage sections
- Vintage phasing, flanging, vibrato, chorus, and hybrid modulation tones
- Three sweep modes on the 4-stage side: Classic, Barber, and Envelope
- Groundbreaking 6-stage Voice control morphs between phaser, flanger & chorus
- Run both sides independently or together for limitless combinations
- Always musical, beautifully voiced algorithms with a wide sweet spot
The Strymon Zelzah is a time machine for modulation lovers. Its 4-stage side covers everything from classic phasing to lush vibrato and dynamic envelope-controlled sweeps. Switch to Barber mode for endlessly rising or falling motion, or stick to the timeless vintage sweep for those warm, silky textures we all know.
On the 6-stage side, Zelzah introduces a completely new phaser engine that morphs effortlessly between thick phasing, airy spatial textures, immersive flanging, and lush chorus tones. Use both sides together for expansive stereo movement or stack contrasting modulations for never-before-heard sounds.
Strymon Compadre Compressor & Boost
Main Features
- Two analog compression modes: Studio (transparent) and Squeeze (vintage)
- Clean and dirty boost circuits with selectable treble, mid, or flat EQ
- Class A JFET input for maximum touch sensitivity and clarity
- Dry blend control for parallel compression and natural attack
- Auto makeup gain + auto threshold for effortless dialing
- Expression, MiniSwitch/MultiSwitch, and MIDI support with up to 300 presets
The Strymon Compadre is designed to elevate the very beginning of your signal chain, giving your tone a studio-grade foundation before it even reaches your amp or pedals. With two meticulously voiced analog compression circuits, Compadre can act as a subtle tone smoother, a high-sustain classic squeezer, or anything in between.
Where Compadre becomes truly powerful is in its boost section. Choose between a pristine clean boost or a soft-clipped dirty push, and tailor the feel with treble, mid, or flat EQ shaping. Whether you want to add sparkle, fatten your mids, or push your amp into its sweet spot, Compadre delivers.
Strymon EC-1 Single Head dTape Echo
Main Features
- Authentic '60s-style tape echo with tube preamp modeling
- Organic modulation from lifelike mechanical tape imperfections
- Selectable preamp voices inspired by iconic Echoplex units
- Discrete stereo operation with pristine Class A JFET inputs
- Full MIDI control, tap tempo, expression support, and USB connectivity
- Compact design with premium components and ultra-low-noise performance
The Strymon EC-1 brings the soul of classic tape echo into a modern, compact format. Built on the foundation of the acclaimed El Capistan algorithm, the EC-1 delivers rich saturation, lush echo decay, and the authentic wobble of aging tape. Its stereo image is impressively wide, giving everything from subtle slapbacks to ambient soundscapes an immersive analog feel. The tube-modeled preamp adds warmth, depth, and musical harmonic content that makes every note feel alive.
Inspired by a rare, modded Echoplex EP-2 refurbished by Cesar Diaz, the EC-1 blends the best traits of multiple historic units into one cohesive design. The result is a tape echo that feels vintage yet refined, nostalgic yet controlled. With MIDI, tap tempo, expression support, and studio-grade I/O, the EC-1 is capable enough for modern rigs while delivering the unmistakable character of a classic tape machine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Strymon Pedal Is Best for Beginners?
It depends on your needs, but pedals like the Strymon Bluesky, Deco, or El Capistan are great options thanks to their intuitive interfaces and instantly usable tones.
Are Strymon Pedals Digital or Analog?
They are primarily digital for the effect processing, but nearly all models use high-quality analog stages (like JFET preamps and analog dry paths) for warmth, responsiveness, and low noise.
Can I Use Strymon Pedals With MIDI?
Yes. Many Strymon pedals (especially V2 models and larger format units like Volante and BigSky) include full MIDI implementation. Depending on the pedal, you can access MIDI via TRS, USB-C, or a dedicated MIDI port. This allows you to change presets, automate parameters, sync tempo, and integrate the pedal seamlessly into modern rigs or DAWs.
Conclusion
Strymon pedals continue to define the cutting edge of modern guitar effects, offering studio-grade sound quality, deep creative control, and performance-ready reliability. Whether you're chasing immersive ambient spaces, authentic vintage delays, powerful amp modeling, or inspiring modulation textures, Strymon’s lineup has something that can transform your entire rig.
More Interesting Reads:
How to Use MIDI with Your Pedalboard: The Complete Guide
Amplitube Pedals Buying Guide for 2026
The 10 Best Ambient Guitar Pedals of 2026
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