BigSky support

The BigSky reverb pedal has the three reverb types that are available on the blueSky pedal, however, though they both sound great, they have slight sonic differences.  One difference is that you can use the Shimmer effect on each of  the different reverb types available on that pedal (Plate, Room, and Spring).  Also on the blueSky, the Plate reverb with Shimmer has an octave up, and the Spring and Room types have an octave plus a fifth up.  On the BigSky, try setting the MODE parameter in the PARAMS menu to REGEN and using either just +Octave or +Octave & 5th settings.

The era based reverbs on the Flint, however, are unique to that pedal and are not found on the BigSky.  These reverbs can be set to sound darker than those found on the BigSky and blueSky pedal.

Each of our Strymon digital effect pedals (excludes OB.1) have the ability to be used with mono or stereo connections.  Here are 3 different connection setups you can use with these pedals.

Mono Input => Mono Output

For Mono input and Mono output on our small 2 footswitch pedals,  just use a standard mono TS instrument cable into the INPUT and connect a mono TS instrument cable to the LEFT OUTPUT of the pedal.

For blueSky and Ola, connect a mono TS instrument cable into the LEFT INPUT and LEFT OUTPUT for a mono connection.

For the TimeLine, BigSky, and Mobius, connect a mono TS instrument cable into the LEFT INPUT and LEFT OUTPUT for a mono connection.  On the TimeLine and Mobius ONLY, make sure that the switch on the back of the pedal is set to STEREO IN/OUT.

Mono Input => Stereo Output

For Mono input and Stereo output on our small 2 footswitch pedals,  just use a standard mono TS instrument cable into the INPUT and connect a mono TS instrument cable to both the LEFT and RIGHT OUTPUTS of the pedal.

For blueSky and Ola, connect a mono TS instrument cable into the LEFT INPUT and a mono TS instrument cable to both the LEFT and RIGHT OUTPUTS for stereo output.

For the TimeLine, BigSky, and Mobius, connect a mono TS instrument cable into the LEFT INPUT and both LEFT and RIGHT OUTPUTS for stereo output.  On the TimeLine and Mobius ONLY, make sure that the switch on the back of the pedal is set to STEREO IN/OUT.

Stereo Input => Stereo Output

For Stereo input and Stereo output on our small 2 footswitch pedals (except blueSky and Ola), you must first open up the pedal to move the internal jumper over the LEFT 2 pins to set the pedal for TRS Stereo input.  Please see the following FAQ for further information on this setup:

How to Set My 2 Button Strymon Pedal for Stereo Input

Once the pedal is set for TRS Stereo input, make sure to use a TRS Stereo cable into the INPUT and connect a mono TS instrument cable to both the LEFT and RIGHT OUTPUTS of the pedal.

For blueSky and Ola, connect a mono TS instrument cable into the LEFT and RIGHT INPUTS along with both LEFT and RIGHT OUTPUTS for stereo input and output.  The internal jumper on these pedals does not need to be adjusted to work in stereo and should be left in its default position (connecting the left 2 pins when viewed from below).

For the TimeLine, BigSky, and Mobius, connect a mono TS instrument cable into the LEFT and RIGHT INPUTS along with both LEFT and RIGHT OUTPUTS for stereo input and output.  On the TimeLine and Mobius ONLY, make sure that the switch on the back of the pedal is set to STEREO IN/OUT.

***Please note that Stereo Input and Mono Output  is NOT available on our pedals as they will NOT sum to mono when there is a connection to the RIGHT INPUT or RIGHT OUTPUT.

There are two reset procedures available for BigSky, Mobius, and TimeLine.  There is a FACTORY PRESET RESET and a GLOBAL SETTINGS  reset.

FACTORY PRESET RESET

Performing a factory preset reset will erase all custom presets you have saved in your BigSky, TimeLine or Mobius.  We only suggest you do this in the event you’d like to take your entire pedal’s presets back to the factory settings.

1. Power the BigSky, Mobius, or TimeLine on while pressing and holding the A and TAP footswitches (A and C for BigSky) at the same time.
2. The display will show REINIT, then, COMPLT when finished.  It will remain in this state as long as it is powered.
3. Remove power from the pedal, then, re-connect the power to start using it again.

GLOBAL SETTINGS RESET

Performing a Global Settings reset will change all the parameters in the GLOBLS menu back to factory settings.

1. Power the BigSky, Mobius, or TimeLine on while pressing and holding down the TYPE encoder button.
2. The display will show REINIT, then, R CPLT when finished.  It will remain in this state as long as it is powered.
3. Remove power from the pedal, then, re-connect the power to start using it again.

All reverb, delay and modulation machines on BigSky, TimeLine and Mobius share a set of common parameters in addition to some unique ones. Accessing the Parameters menu is easy.

1. Press down on Value.
2. Use the Value encoder to scroll through the different parameter menu options.
3. Press down on Value to access a certain menu option and press down once more to exit out of that menu option after you have made your changes.
4. Press down the Type encoder to exit the Parameters menu.

If you have a Strymon BigSky, Mobius, Riverside, Sunset, or TimeLine pedal, you can use MIDI to control or access various parameters and features of the pedal with an external MIDI controller or another device that can send MIDI messages.  Please keep in mind that although the MIDI protocol is universal, not all MIDI controllers operate in the same manner or have the same features.  Please refer to your MIDI controller’s operation manual for information on how to program the device to only send the MIDI messages you want to your pedals.

For a listing of all the parameters and features you can access via MIDI on our pedals, please refer to the MIDI Specification page at the end of the manual.

BigSky manual – pg. 23

Mobius manual – pg. 24

Riverside manual – pg. 18

TimeLine manual – pg. 25

Sunset manual – pg. 15

Here are several blogs we put together with information on controlling our pedals via MIDI:

Using MIDI to Control Your Strymon Pedals – Part 1

Using MIDI to Control Your Strymon Pedals – Part 2

Syncing Presets with MIDI

Global settings changes affect the entire BigSky, TimeLine, and Mobius regardless of what preset is active.

1. Press and hold Value for about two seconds to access the Global Parameters menu.
2. Turn Value to scroll through the different Global menu options.
3. Press down on Value to access a specific menu option and turn Value to change the setting.
4. Press down on Value to exit the specific setting menu.
5. Press Type to exit out of the Global Parameters menu completely.

Instructions

1. Access the Globals Menu on the BigSky by holding down the Value encoder for about two seconds.
2. Once in the Globals Menu, use the Value encoder to scroll through the menu options and stop when you see “NAMES”
3. Press the Value encoder to set the “NAMES” menu option to ON or SCROLL and then press the Type encoder to exit the Globals Menu.

Naming Presets:

1. Dial in your custom patch the way you want it.
2. Press but DO NOT HOLD the Value encoder to access the Common Parameters Menu.
3. Use theValue encoder to scroll through the Common Parameter Menu options and stop on “NAME”.
4. Press the Value encoder once to rename your patch. Use the Value encoder to scroll through characters and the Type encoder to move to the next character in the name.
5. Once you are finished renaming your patch, press the Value encoder once to exit the “NAME” menu option.

Note: Your custom name will not be saved unless you save your preset after naming.

Saving Presets:

1. Hold the Type encoder down for about two seconds.
2. Use the Value knob to scroll through the bank location where you want to save your preset.
3. Press down either the A or B footswitch to save to the specific channel you want in that bank. The LED screen should momentarily display “SAVING”. Your patch is now saved.

We have tested the Moog EP-2/EP-3, Roland EV-5, Mission Engineering EP-1 and EP-25K, and they will all work with our pedals to varying degrees.  (There may be others but we haven’t tested them yet.)

We recommend using expression pedals that have a minimum 25k ohm or higher potentiometer such as as the Moog EP-3 or Mission Engineering EP-25k.

To assign the parameter knobs, navigate to any common parameter in BigSky or Mobius, press and hold the VALUE encoder and turn the appropriate parameter button you are assigning to.
Once you have your PARAM 1 or PARAM 2 knobs assigned make sure to save your preset or your settings will be lost.
Please read this FAQ for instructions on how to save presets.

A PDF of BigSky factory preset settings can be found here.

Please check out the following blog on troubleshooting system noise with your guitar pedals:

What’s that Sound: Noise and Your Signal Chain

To check the firmware version on your BigSky:

If you are having problems updating your BigSky, these tips should help you get going. The most recent BigSky firmware version can be downloaded here.

If your update is failing check the following:

Ensure your MIDI cables are connected properly

When connecting two devices via MIDI you typically want to connect the MIDI OUT from one device to the MIDI IN on the other. Some MIDI interfaces label their cables in the opposite manner with “TO MIDI IN” and TO MIDI OUT”. So in this case connect the “TO MIDI IN” to the MIDI IN of your BigSky and the “TO MIDI OUT” to the MIDI OUT of your BigSky.

Use a dedicated MIDI interface

Many times firmware updates via MIDI won’t play nice with devices that are not dedicated MIDI devices. We recommend performing your MIDI updates using a dedicated MIDI to USB interface.The Roland UM-ONE, Yamaha UX-16, and iConnectivity Mio devices are just some that work very well. You may run into problems trying to update through your MIDI jacks on something like an audio interface or keyboard. This is one of the most popular causes of a MIDI update failure.

Download the latest drivers from the manufacturer of your MIDI interface

Try not to use class compliant (plug and play) drivers. These types of device drivers are typically not robust enough to handle even a small firmware update via MIDI. Whenever possible, download the latest and greatest device drivers directly from your MIDI interface’s manufacturer website.

Run the latest versions of Sysex Librarian and SendSX

It’s always good to run the latest version of whatever software host you are using for your firmware update. Check the software manufacturer’s websites for new versions frequently to stay up to date.

We always work hard to improve the experience our customers have with our products. The release notes below list the new features we’ve added to BigSky and issues we’ve resolved.

Current Release

BigSky Firmware Rev. 1.49 (Released March 2019):

Download

What’s new?

• Added support for MultiSwitch Plus.

Archived Releases

• Added MultiSwitch EXP controller support with TAP, Bank, and Preset EXP modes.
• Added MIDICL global parameter to allow for turning off response to MIDI clock.

What’s Fixed:

• Resolved display issue with invalid characters and decimal points in a name.

Firmware Rev. 1.19 (Released June 2014):

Yes, it is possible to update BigSky via MIDI sysex.

The current shipping firmware version is 1.44 (released November 2017).  The update file, release notes, and instructions can be downloaded at the following link.  Update instructions are included as a PDF with the download. 🙂

Current Release

Download
Firmware Rev. 1.44 (Released November 2017)

For a list of all firmware revision release notes, please click HERE.

BigSky requires a power supply that provides 9VDC (center negative) at a minimum of 300mA.

For further information, please see our blog post on powering your effect pedals at the following link:

Gear Guide: Using the Right Power Supply for your Strymon Pedal

Strymon Nixie is a preset editor and librarian software for BigSky, Mobius, and TimeLine.  It is designed to make it easy for you to adjust the settings of your presets and organize them on your computer.  It can also be used to update the firmware on these pedals.  See the Strymon Nixie support page for downloads and instructions on using the software.

We also have our legacy preset manager software, Strymon Preset Librarian, available for backing up, organizing, and restoring the presets on these pedals.  However, it does not function as a preset editor like Nixie. It is also helpful for updating pedals with older firmware (BigSky, 1.19, TimeLine 1.43, Mobius 1.08 and older).  See the Strymon Preset Librarian support page for downloads and instructions on using the software.

All of the inputs and outputs on our pedals use MONO TS unbalanced connections.  You can use a TRS cable to plug into the inputs and outputs of the pedals, however, there is no benefit to using TRS balanced cable over a MONO TS instrument cable.

No, we will continue to build both BigSky and blueSky side by side.

Yes, they feature high-impedance inputs and accept up to +8dBu, instrument or line level.

Strymon Non-Transferrable Limited Warranty

Warranty

Strymon warranties its products and their varying components to be free from defects in material and workmanship for the following periods of time from the original date of purchase when purchased from an Authorized Strymon Dealer:

• Effects Pedals
  • 2 Years* – Compadre, Iridium, Riverside, Sunset, Volante,
  • 1 Year* – BigSky, blueSky, Brigadier, Deco, DIG, El Capistan, Flint, Lex, Mobius, OB.1, Ola, Orbit, TimeLine
• Eurorack Modules
  • 2 Years* – AA.1, Magneto
• Power Supplies
  • 5 Years* – Zuma, Zuma R300, Ojai, Ojai R30
  • 1 Year* – Factory power supplies for pedals
• Accessories
  • 1 Year* – MiniSwitch, MultiSwitchPlus, original MultiSwitch, MIDI EXP Cables, DC Power Cables, EIAJ-05 Link Cables, 24V Power Adapter for Ojai/Ojai R30, Polarity Reversal Adapters, Voltage Doubler Adapters, Daisy-Chain Power Cables

*The warranty period applies to products purchased in North America.  For all other regions, please contact your dealer/distributor as different regions may have a different warranty period.

If the product fails within the warranty period, Strymon will repair or, at our discretion, replace the product at no cost to the original purchaser.

Exclusions

This warranty covers defects in manufacturing discovered while using this product as recommended by Strymon. This warranty does not cover loss or theft, nor does the coverage extend to damage caused by misuse, abuse, unauthorized modification, improper storage, lightning, or natural disasters. Damage caused by any of the above circumstances may result in a non-warranty repair fee.

Products that were purchased from an unauthorized dealer are not covered under warranty.  The warranty is non-transferrable and does not cover used or second-hand products.

Limits of Liability

In the case of malfunction, the purchaser’s sole recourse shall be repair or replacement, as described in the preceding paragraphs. Strymon will not be held liable to any party for damages that result from the failure of this product. Damages excluded include, but are not limited to, the following: lost profits, lost savings, damage to other equipment, and incidental or consequential damages arising from the use, or inability to use this product. In no event will Strymon be liable for more than the amount of the purchase price, not to exceed the current retail price of the product. Strymon disclaims any other warranties, express or implied. By using the product, the user accepts all terms herein.

How to Obtain Service Under this Warranty

For North American customers: Contact Strymon through our website at https://www.strymon.net/support for Return Authorization and information. Proof of original ownership may be required in the form of a purchase receipt.

For International Customers: Contact the Strymon dealer from which the product was purchased from in order to arrange warranty repair service.

To locate your nearest authorized Strymon dealer, please use the following link:

Authorized Strymon Dealers

You can also contact Strymon directly at (805) 468-8788 or (800) 980-8160 for help finding your nearest authorized Strymon dealer.

Strymon products purchased from an authorized dealer are covered by a manufacturer’s warranty.  A purchase receipt from an authorized dealer is required with any request for warranty service.

Please note that any Strymon products that have been purchased from an unauthorized dealer are not eligible for coverage under the manufacturer’s warranty. If you are uncertain, please contact Strymon directly at (805) 468-8788 or (800) 980-8160 before your purchase.

***NOTE: Warranties for Strymon products are non-transferrable.  Second-hand items, including sales from websites such as craigslist, Ebay, and Reverb are not covered by a manufacturer’s warranty.  Furthermore, there are no authorized dealers on Amazon, Ebay, or Reverb selling “NEW” Strymon products in the USA.***

Your warranty is valid in the region of purchase. For example, if you buy your product in Japan, any service-related issues will need to be handled in Japan. Products purchased in the United States can only be repaired in the United States.