Strymon BigSky MX vs BigSky: Which Reverb Is Better?
Choosing between the Strymon BigSky MX and the BigSky can feel overwhelming, especially when both pedals come from one of the most respected names in modern ambient and studio-grade effects.
The original BigSky has been a staple on pedalboards since 2014, shaping the sound of post-rock, worship, film scoring, and anything that relies on lush, spacious reverbs. After a decade of dominance, Strymon released the BigSky MX, a more powerful and modernized version that promises higher fidelity, dual reverb engines, IR support, and a revamped interface.
But with both pedals now on the market, the real question is simple: which one is right for you?. In this in-depth guide, we break down the sound, features, workflow, and practical differences between the BigSky and BigSky MX. Let's get started!
Make sure to watch our video comparing the Strymon BigSky and the BigSkyMX to hear the differences for yourself.
Strymon BigSky MX vs BigSky Quick Summary
The BigSky MX takes that foundation of the original and pushes it forward with more processing power, higher-resolution reverbs, dual reverb engines, impulse response support, and a much more intuitive interface. It sounds clearer and more hi-fi, but comes with fewer presets and partial Nixie support.
If you want the classic Strymon reverb experience with tons of presets and proven reliability, the original BigSky is still a fantastic choice. It offers 12 beloved algorithms, deep parameter control, MIDI, stereo routing, and the iconic Cloud, Bloom, and Shimmer sounds that helped define modern ambient guitar.
In short:
- BigSky MX = modern UI, dual reverbs, IR support, improved sound quality.
- BigSky (OG) = classic sounds, bigger preset capacity, lower price.
Both are excellent, but the right choice depends on whether you prioritize classic workflow and presets or cutting-edge power and clarity.
Strymon BigSky MX vs BigSky Features Overview
Strymon BigSky MX
The BigSky MX builds on the original with a far more modern and powerful architecture. It maintains 12 reverb types, though some have been reworked, and introduces the standout ability to load impulse responses into select engines. Its biggest upgrade is the inclusion of dual reverb processors, allowing players to run two reverbs simultaneously in series or parallel.
The user experience is improved with a larger OLED display, more intuitive controls, and smoother menu navigation, though Nixie integration is still limited. The MX trades some preset storage for its new layout, offering A/B preset slots and using the third footswitch for a dedicated infinite/latch function, perfect for pads and ambient drones.
Strymon BigSky (Original)
The original BigSky has been a flagship reverb pedal since 2014, offering a deep feature set that made it a staple for ambient players, worship musicians, and studio creators. It includes 12 reverb algorithms, from classics like Hall, Plate, and Room to Strymon originals such as Cloud, Bloom, and Shimmer.
The pedal provides extensive menu diving, full MIDI control, stereo I/O, and even a cab filter that can function as a simple amp-sim solution in a pinch. With its three footswitches and multiple banks, the BigSky also delivers a large preset capacity, making it ideal for players who rely heavily on saved sounds.
Strymon BigSky MX vs BigSky Feature Comparison
Reverb Algorithms
- BigSky MX: Also offers 12 algorithms, but several are reworked for higher clarity. Adds IR support, allowing more realistic and customizable spaces.
- BigSky (OG): 12 classic Strymon algorithms, including Cloud, Bloom, Hall, Plate, Room, and Shimmer. These are the sounds that cemented BigSky's reputation.
Verdict
MX wins for improved fidelity and IR capability, though the OG still holds its iconic charm.
Sound Quality & Processing Power
- BigSky MX: Noticeably more hi-fi with increased processing power. Reverbs are clearer, more spacious, and more detailed.
- BigSky (OG): Lush, warm, and atmospheric, still excellent even after a decade.
Verdict
MX wins for modern processing and higher-resolution sound.
Routing & Reverb Engines
- BigSky MX: Dual engines allow series, parallel, or single-engine setups. Creates massive ambient textures and modern routing options.
- BigSky (OG): Single reverb engine per preset, simple and effective.
Verdict
MX wins by a wide margin thanks to dual-engine flexibility.
Preset Capacity
- BigSky MX: Limited to A/B presets, with the third switch dedicated to Infinite.
- BigSky (OG): Larger preset storage due to its A/B/C footswitch layout. Great for live players with complex setlists.
Verdict
OG BigSky wins with more presets and is better for preset-heavy players.
Footswitch Functions
- BigSky MX: Two preset switches + one Infinite switch for latching pads.
- BigSky (OG): Three switches for banks/presets, with flexible control.
Verdict
Tie, depending on needs: OG is better for preset access; MX is better for ambient players who use Infinite.
User Interface & Navigation
- BigSky MX: Bigger OLED display, faster navigation, cleaner menus, and an overall modernized UI.
- BigSky (OG): Classic menu diving and a basic screen. Functional but dated.
Verdict
MX wins, as it's easier to navigate and much more intuitive.
Nixie Software Support
- BigSky MX: Still lacks full Nixie support, which may be a dealbreaker for some.
- BigSky (OG): Fully compatible with Strymon Nixie for managing presets on a computer.
Verdict
OG BigSky wins for full editor support.
Extra Features
- BigSky MX: Trades the cab sim for dual engines, IR support, better UI, and improved fidelity.
- BigSky (OG): Includes a cab filter, useful for quick amp-less setups.
Verdict
MX wins overall, as the modern features outweigh the loss of the cab filter unless you specifically need it.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choosing between the Strymon BigSky MX and BigSky comes down to how you play, how many presets you need, and whether you want the newest technology or the classic workflow.
Choose the BigSky MX If…
- You want the most powerful and modern Strymon reverb ever made
- You value sound quality above everything, with noticeable clarity improvements
- You want dual reverb engines for creating huge ambient stacks
- You prefer a bigger, cleaner UI that's easier to navigate
- You want access to IR-based reverbs and higher-fidelity algorithms
- You don't mind having fewer preset slots
The BigSky MX is for players who want cutting-edge processing, more flexibility, and the highest-resolution reverbs Strymon has ever produced. Ambient players, studio creators, and anyone seeking the most advanced features will absolutely appreciate what the MX brings to the table.
Choose the OG BigSky If…
- You want the cheapest way to get the classic BigSky sound
- You rely heavily on preset banks and need more than A/B slots
- You prefer a stable, proven platform with full Nixie editor support
- You like the original Strymon algorithms exactly as they are
- You don't need dual-engine routing or IR-based reverbs
The OG BigSky remains a world-class reverb even a decade later. For many players, especially those in worship bands, gigging guitarists with structured setlists, and anyone who wants the iconic Strymon sound without complications, it's still the best choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the BigSky MX Sound Better Than the Original BigSky?
Yes. The BigSky MX offers higher-resolution processing, improved clarity, and more detailed reverb textures. The OG BigSky still sounds fantastic, but the MX provides a noticeable bump in fidelity, especially in ambient and hi-fi settings.
Can the Bigsky MX Load Impulse Responses (IRS)?
Yes. The MX adds IR support, letting you load custom impulse responses to shape the space of your reverb. This is one of its biggest upgrades over the OG BigSky.
Which One Has More Presets: The BigSky or the BigSky MX?
The OG BigSky. It offers three footswitch banks (A/B/C), giving you many more preset slots. The MX only has A/B, because the third switch is dedicated to the Infinite function.
Conclusion
Both the Strymon BigSky MX and the BigSky are world-class reverbs, but they shine in different ways. The OG BigSky remains a legendary unit for a reason: it's reliable, musical, full of classic algorithms, and offers more preset flexibility than the newer MX. If you want the proven standard that has shaped modern ambient, worship, and post-rock guitar tones for over a decade, the original still delivers everything you need.
At the end of the day, you can't go wrong. The right pedal is simply the one that matches your workflow:
- BigSky MX if you want cutting-edge sound quality and modern features.
- BigSky if you want classic tone, maximum presets, and great value.
Whichever you choose, you're getting one of the best reverb pedals on the planet.
The Strymon BigSky MX and the Strymon BigSky are now available on DeathCloud.
More Interesting Reads:
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Best Strymon Pedals | The Ultimate Strymon Buying Guide
Ultimate Guide to Reverb Pedals | Best Reverb Pedals in 2026
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