NightSky support

NightSky provides a way to adjust several settings that do not have a dedicated knob or button. Live Edit Functions are saved per preset.

PRE-DELAY

• Adjusts the time between the dry signal and the onset of the reverb.
  • Press and hold the TEXTURE button and turn the REVERB knob to adjust
  • (counter-clockwise = shorter PRE-DELAY, clockwise = longer PRE-DELAY).

GLIMMER GAIN

• Adjusts the sensitivity of the glimmer effect to the input signal.
  • Press and hold the GLIMMER button and turn the REVERB knob to adjust.

DRIVE GAIN

• Adjusts the sensitivity of the drive effect.
  • Press and hold the DRIVE button and turn the REVERB knob to adjust.

LOW PASS RESONANCE

• Adjusts the filter Q, or sharpness of the resonant frequency. Press and hold the FILTER button and turn the REVERB knob to adjust. Higher values result in a peaking response. Lower values create a gradual roll-off.

SCALE SELECT

• Selects one of eight scales that determine the quantization intervals of the SIZE/PITCH knob when QUANTIZE is set to scale mode.
  • Press and hold the QUANTIZE button and press the PRESET BUTTON that corresponds with the scales noted below. The status will be shown by illuminated PRESET BUTTON.
    • 1 = minor pentatonic
    • 2 = major pentatonic
    • 3 = major
    • 4 = dorian
    • 5 = minor blues
    • 6 = harmonic minor
    • 7 = whole tone
    • 8 = diminished

SEQUENCE GLIDE

• Sequence Glide can be adjusted to add portamento to smooth the changes between the sequence steps.
  • Press and hold the SHAPE button and turn the REVERB knob to adjust the amount of Sequence Glide.

Respond to MIDI CLOCK

• Determines whether NightSky’s sequencer will respond to MIDI Clock.
  • Press and hold PRESET BUTTONS 1 & 4 and turn the SPEED knob.  ON LED color will indicate the status.
    • MIDI Clock Off = RED LED (default)
    • MIDI Clock On = GREEN LED

MIDI EXPRESSION

• Allows you to send MIDI CC# 100 as a MIDI expression pedal.
  • Press and hold PRESET BUTTONS 1 & 4 and turn the LOW CUT knob.  ON LED color will indicate the status.
    • MIDI Expression Off = RED LED (NightSky will not respond to MIDI expression CC# 100)
    • MIDI Expression On = GREEN LED (NightSky will respond to MIDI expression CC# 100)

INFINITE INPUT

• Determines whether new audio received at the inputs will continue to be processed by the reverb while INFINITE is active.
  • Press and hold the TARGET button and turn the REVERB knob. The status will be shown on PRESET BUTTON 1.
    • Infinite Input On = GREEN LED (New audio is processed by the reverb while INFINITE is ON)
    • Infinite Input Off = RED LED (New audio is not processed by the reverb while INFINITE is ON)

The Morph function allows NightSky to sweep between the current sound of the pedal and a set of alternate knob settings and back.

• In reverb mode, press and hold the ON footswitch to sweep the knobs to the morph settings.
• Release the ON footswitch to return back to the current parameter settings of the pedal.

Setting Up Morph Parameters

1. Press and hold PRESET BUTTONS 2 & 7 together to enter Morph setup mode.
2. Adjust the knobs to the desired Morph setting.
3. Press any PRESET BUTTON  to exit Morph setup mode.
4. Morph Speed sets the amount of time it takes to arrive at the Morph setting.  Press and hold the ON footswitch and turn the REVERB knob to adjust the Morph Speed.
5. Adjust the knobs back to the desired sound.
6. Press and hold the ON footswitch to sweep between the current setting and the Morph setting.  Release the ON footswitch to return to the current setting of the pedal.

NOTE: Morph parameter settings are saved independently per preset.

NightSky has a built-in eight step sequencer where each step can have an independent SIZE/PITCH parameter setting for creating rhythmical pitch patterns with the currently loaded reverb settings. The sequence can be stepped through manually with the ON (sequence step) footswitch, or it can run continuously at the tempo set by using the FAVORITE (sequence tap) footswitch. Sequences are saved per preset.

• To enter Sequence mode, press and hold the INFINITE (sequence) footswitch until the ON LED turns RED.

• The PRESET BUTTONS now become sequence steps 1 through 8 with an AMBER button indicating that the step is active.  A dark PRESET BUTTON indicates that the step is not active.

  • NOTE: An unlit PRESET BUTTON will be skipped over and does not indicate a rest.

Programming a Sequence

1. Enter Sequence mode.
2. It is helpful to have audio in the reverb buffer while you program the sequence.  This can be done by playing audio through the pedal or holding the audio using the INFINITE footswitch.
3. Press a PRESET BUTTON to enable (AMBER button LED) or disable (button LED OFF) the sequence step. A maximum of eight steps can be active for the sequence.
4. Press and hold a PRESET BUTTON and turn the SIZE/PITCH knob to set the desired pitch for each sequence step.

• • TIP: Try setting QUANTIZE to half step or scale for more harmonious sequences.

Running the Sequence

• Tap a tempo using the FAVORITE (sequence tap) footswitch to run the sequencer at the rate of the tapped tempo. A PRESET BUTTON LED will illuminate RED to indicate the current step.

• • NOTE: The maximum step length is 2000ms and will automatically run if a second tap is not entered before the maximum step length.
  • NOTE: A single press of the FAVORITE (sequence tap) footswitch resets the sequencer to run from step 1 if the sequencer is already running. If NightSky is receiving MIDI clock, a single press will run the sequence.

Sequence Glide

Sequence Glide can be adjusted to add portamento to smooth the changes between the sequence steps.

• Press and hold the SHAPE button and turn the REVERB knob to adjust the amount of Sequence Glide.
  • NOTE: Sequence Glide applies to all steps.

Manual Step Mode

• Press the ON (sequence step) footswitch to advance the sequence to the next step with each press. A PRESET BUTTON LED will illuminate RED to indicate the current step.

• • NOTE: If the sequencer is running, pressing the ON (sequence step) footswitch once will stop the sequence and return to the first step.

There are 16 on-board presets that are accessible by using the 8 PRESET BUTTONS on NightSky. They are arranged in 2 banks of 8 presets with different PRESET BUTTON colors indicating the selected bank.

• To toggle between the 2 preset banks, press a PRESET BUTTON that is already illuminated.
  • Presets 1-8 will illuminate the PRESET BUTTONS GREEN.
  • Presets 9-16 will illuminate the PRESET BUTTONS AMBER.

The currently selected preset becomes your active Favorite preset.  Your Favorite preset can be instantly recalled by pressing the FAVORITE footswitch while in reverb mode.

• Press FAVORITE to recall the currently selected Favorite setting which consists of all knob and button settings, Live Edit functions, expression control settings, Morph settings, and the current sequence. (GREEN FAVORITE LED On)
  • Press FAVORITE again to return back to the settings of the physical controls on the pedal.

To select a new Favorite preset:

• Press any of the PRESET BUTTONS once to access the presets in the current bank.
• Press any of the PRESET BUTTONS twice to access the presets in the other bank.

To SAVE a new Favorite setting to any of the 16 on-board slots:

• First, dial in the desired setting with all of the knobs and buttons, and secondary functions.
• Press and hold the FAVORITE footswitch for a few seconds until the FAVORITE LED blinks BLUE.
• Then, press any one of the 8 PRESET BUTTONS once to select that preset in the current bank.
  • Press twice to select the preset location in the other bank.
  • If using MIDI to recall presets, you can send a MIDI Program Change message to NightSky while the FAVORITE LED blinks blue to save the preset to the location that corresponds with the MIDI Program Change message that is received.

Recalling Presets via MIDI

If you are controlling NightSky via MIDI, you have access to 300 presets available via MIDI Program Change through either the 5-pin DIN MIDI IN port, the USB-mini port, or through the EXP jack set to PRESET mode.  This power-up mode for the EXP jack will accept MIDI Program Change messages to recall presets on NightSky on the MIDI Channel that the pedal is set to.

How to Set the EXP Jack to Accept 1/4″ MIDI

• Before powering up, press and hold down the FREEZE footswitch.
• While still holding down the FREEZE footswitch, plug in the power.  Continue holding down the FREEZE footswitch until until the 3 footswitch LEDs and PRESET BUTTONS 1-6 all light up.
• Release the footswitch and turn the REVERB knob to select MIDI mode (BLUE  FREEZE LED).
• Press any of the footswitches to store this setting and begin using NightSky.

How to Set the MIDI Channel

• Before powering up, press and hold down the FREEZE footswitch.
• While still holding down the FREEZE footswitch, plug in the power.  Continue holding down the FREEZE footswitch until until the 3 footswitch LEDs and PRESET BUTTONS 1-6 all light up.
• Release the footswitch and turn the SPEED knob to select the desired MIDI Channel:
  • Channel 1 – GREEN ON LED
  • Channel 2 – AMBER ON LED
  • Channel 3 – RED ON LED
  • Channels 4-16 – Blinking BLUE ON LED
    • When setting to Channels 4-16, you must send a MIDI Program Change message on the desired MIDI Channel (4-16) that you would like to control NightSky on while the ON LED is blinking BLUE.  Once the MIDI Program Change message is received, the MIDI Channel will be set and NightSky will boot up for use.

Additional MIDI Control Information

NightSky contains 300 preset locations, numbered sequentially from 0-299. Because MIDI Program Change messages have a maximum number of 128 (0-127) the presets are grouped into three MIDI patch banks.

You can set the EXP jack on NightSky to accept an expression pedal for real-time control over any one or more of the knobs in any direction.

To set the EXP jack to Expression mode:

• Press and hold down the INFINITE footswitch while connecting power to the pedal.
  • Once all three LEDs and PRESET BUTTONS 1-6 light up on the pedal, release the footswitch.
• Turn the REVERB knob counter-clockwise and the ON LED will light up GREEN to indicate Expression mode.
• Press the INFINITE footswitch to exit and store the EXP jack setting.

NOTE: EXP jack assignment persists through power cycles.

To assign knobs to be controlled with the expression pedal:

1. Connect an expression pedal to the EXP jack of NightSky using a TRS cable.
2. Press and hold down PRESET BUTTONS 1 & 8 until all eight PRESET BUTTONS blink GREEN.
3. Rock the expression pedal to the HEEL position and PRESET BUTTONS 1-4 will blink GREEN.
4. Set the knob(s) you would like to control to the desired settings for the HEEL position of the expression pedal.  PRESET BUTTONS 1-4 will blink RED.
5. Rock the expression pedal to the TOE position.  Now, PRESET BUTTONS 5-8 will blink GREEN.
6. Set the knob(s) you would like to control to the desired position you would like for the TOE position of the expression pedal.  PRESET BUTTONS 5-8 will blink RED.
7. When you are done, press any of the PRESET BUTTONS to save this assignment.

Make sure to save your presets after assigning the expression pedal to save the assignment to your presets.  We recommend using an expression pedal with a 25k Ohm minimum potentiometer.

NOTE: Expression pedal assignment is saved independently per Favorite/MIDI preset.

There are several modes to use with MultiSwitch Plus for expanded control over NightSky.  First you must set the EXP jack NightSky for the desired operation.

To configure NightSky for use with MultiSwitch Plus:

1. Press and hold the INFINITE footswitch while connecting power to the pedal. Once the three footswitch LEDs and PRESET BUTTONS 1-6 light up, release the footswitch.
2. Turn the SPEED knob all the way counter-clockwise to set the MIDI channel to Channel 1.  The ON LED should be GREEN.
3. Turn the LENGTH knob all the way counter-clockwise to set the TRS MIDI OUT mode to ON.  The FAVORITE LED should be GREEN.
4. Turn the REVERB knob to select the desired MultiSwitch Plus mode which will be displayed on the INFINITE LED.
   1. MIDI/3 Preset Mode (BLUE LED):  Allows access to three of the on-board presets on NightSky using the three footswitches on MultiSwitch Plus.
      1. The three presets correspond to presets 2, 3, and 4 of the first preset bank.
   2. PRESET SCROLL Mode (RED LED):  Scroll up and down the 16 on-board presets using the outer 2 footswitches on MultiSwitch Plus while the middle footswitch toggles the bypass of NightSky.
   3. MOD/TONE/VOICE Bypass Mode (WHITE LED):  Use MultiSwitch Plus to independently bypass the MOD, TONE, and VOICE sections of NightSky.
5. Press the INFINITE footswitch to store the EXP jack mode and begin using NightSky.

Then, set MultiSwitch Plus for the correct mode of operation:

• MIDI/PRESET Mode:  Press and hold the A footswitch while connecting MultiSwitch Plus to the EXP jack on NightSky.  The A footswitch LED will blink RED a few times while holding the switch down, then, all three footswitch LEDs will blink GREEN when released.
• PRESET Scroll and MOD/TONE/VOICE Bypass Modes:  Press and hold the C footswitch while connecting MultiSwitch Plus to the EXP jack on NightSky.  The C footswitch LED will blink RED a few times while holding the switch down, then, all three footswitch LEDs will blink GREEN when released.

NOTE: If NightSky is in Sequence mode, loading a new preset will stop the sequence and cause the pedal to switch to Reverb mode.

NOTE: In MOD/TONE/VOICE Bypass Mode, the LEDs for each section will turn off when it is bypassed. These bypass settings can be saved to a preset, however, the LEDs for all sections will be lit when you recall the preset regardless of the bypass state.

MIDI Connections to NightSky

To begin using NightSky with an external MIDI device, connect the MIDI OUT from another pedal, controller, or computer interface to the MIDI IN or EXP jack on NightSky set to MIDI mode. The following devices can be used to send MIDI messages to NightSky:

• Strymon MIDI EXP cable (link)
• USB connection from your computer to NightSky
• Standard 5-pin DIN MIDI connection
• Compatible 5-pin MIDI to 1⁄4” MIDI Interface:
  • Empress Effects – MIDIbox2
  • Chase Bliss MIDIbox

Configuring NightSky to Use MIDI via the EXP Jack

Set EXP jack to MIDI Mode

Once you have connected NightSky to a MIDI source, you must set the EXP jack to MIDI mode.

• Press and hold the INFINITE footswitch while connecting the pedal to power.
• When the LEDs light up, release the footswitch and turn the REVERB knob until the INFINITE LED turns BLUE.
• Press the INFINITE footswitch to store the EXP jack assignment.

Set MIDI Channel

Next, you will need to select a MIDI channel to communicate with NightSky.  NightSky is set to MIDI channel 1 by default.

• Press and hold the INFINITE footswitch while connecting the pedal to power.
• When the LEDs light up, release the footswitch and turn the SPEED knob to set the MIDI channel.  The ON LED will change color as the MIDI Channel is changed:
  • GREEN – MIDI Channel 1
  • AMBER – MIDI Channel 2
  • RED – MIDI Channel 3
  • BLUE – MIDI Channels 4-16
    • This setting requires a 1/4″ MIDI connection to set.  Once the LED turns BLUE, it will blink until the pedal receives a MIDI Program Change message.  Once a MIDI PC message is received, the pedal will be set to the MIDI channel that the message was sent through and the LED will stop blinking.
• Press the INFINITE footswitch again to store the MIDI channel assignment and begin using NightSky

Set MIDI Output Mode for the EXP Jack

The MIDI Output mode must be set to determine what kind of MIDI data is sent out by NightSky.  ***NOTE: If you are only sending MIDI data to NightSky or if you are using the Strymon MIDI EXP cable, the MIDI Output mode must be set to OFF.***

• Press and hold the INFINITE footswitch while connecting the pedal to power.
• When the LEDs light up, release the footswitch and turn the DECAY knob to select what kind of MIDI data is sent from NightSky to other MIDI devices.  The FAV LED will show the status:
  • GREEN – ON (default)- Using NightSky knobs and switches generates MIDI messages that are sent out of NightSky.
  • AMBER – THROUGH – Incoming MIDI messages are sent out of NightSky without any additional MIDI messages generated by NightSky.
  • RED – OFF – No MIDI messages are sent out of NightSky.

Saving and Recalling Presets on NightSky with MIDI

Saving Presets via MIDI

When using MIDI, the currently loaded settings on the pedal can be saved to any of NightSky’s 300 preset locations at any time.

• To initiate the SAVE process, press and hold the FAV footswitch.  The FAV LED will start blinking BLUE.
• Send a MIDI Program Change message from your connected MIDI device to NightSky.  The LED will stop flashing and NightSky will save the settings to the preset location that corresponds with the MIDI Program Change message it received.
  • To save a preset to the currently loaded preset location, simply press the FAV footswitch once again while the LED is flashing.

Recalling  Presets

• To recall presets on NightSky, send the pedal a MIDI Program Change message on the same channel the pedal is set to that corresponds to the desired preset you would like to recall.

NightSky contains 300 preset locations, numbered sequentially from 0-299. Because MIDI Program Change messages have a maximum number of 128 (0-127) the presets are grouped into three MIDI patch banks:

• MIDI BANK 0 = PRESETS 0-127
• MIDI BANK 1 = PRESETS 128-255
• MIDI BANK 2 = PRESETS 256-299

NightSky always powers up in MIDI Patch Bank 0, so if you plan to stay within the first 127 presets, simply send a standard MIDI Program Change message to load a preset.

If you will be using MIDI Banks 1 and/or 2, it is advisable to send a standard MIDI Bank Change message (MIDI CC# 0 with a value equal to the MIDI Bank#) before each MIDI Program Change.

Selecting bank 0, patch 127 will put NightSky into Manual mode. In this mode, the pedal will be set to the current knob and switch settings.  No preset data can be stored at this preset location.

On NightSky, you can synchronize the sequencer’s playback tempo to MIDI clock that is received from any of the MIDI inputs:

• 5-PIN DIN MIDI IN port
• 1/4″ TRS MIDI IN at the EXP jack set to MIDI mode
• USB input

To set NightSky to respond to MIDI clock:

• Press and hold down PRESET BUTTONS 1 and 4.
• While holding down the buttons, turn the SPEED knob to adjust whether the NightSky sequencer will respond to MIDI clock; the status is shown on the ON LED:
  • Off (Turn LEFT) = RED LED (default)
  • On (Turn RIGHT) = GREEN LED

If NightSky is in Sequence mode and is responding to MIDI Clock, the sequence will run as soon as you tap the FAVORITE footswitch.

Additional Tips

• NightSky’s response MIDI Clock can be saved independently per preset.  Make sure to set this parameter to ON and save each preset you would like the sequencer to respond to MIDI Clock.
• No other parameters respond to MIDI Clock on NightSky.

Dry Signal:  Analog Dry Path

Input Impedance:  1M Ohm

Output Impedance:  100 Ohm

Input:  1/4″ TS (unbalanced)

Outputs:  1/4″ TS (unbalanced)

A/D & D/A:  24-bit 96kHz

Max Input Level:  +8dBu

Frequency Response:  20Hz to 20kHz

Signal to Noise:  115dB typical

DSP Performance:  1585 MegaFLOPS

Bypass Switching:  True Bypass (electromechanical relay switching); optional Buffered Bypass or when using Stereo output

Dimensions:  4.5” deep x 7” wide x 2.5” tall (11.4 cm deep x 17.8 cm wide x 6.0 cm tall)

Power requirements:   9VDC center negative; 300mA minimum

All Strymon pedals sold within North America (except OB.1) include a 9VDC 660mA power supply. OB.1 includes a 9V battery.

We don’t recommend using daisy chain power supplies. Ground loops are commonly caused when using a daisy chain power cable to power multiple pedals. This creates a ground loop between every pedal in the daisy chain. Ground loops allow stray magnetic fields to introduce hum into your signal path.

If the only type of effect you use is distortion you may not have (or hear) the ill effects. But, if you have modulation and delay pedals the likelihood of ground loops wreaking havoc on your signal is high.

If you don’t plan on using the included power adapter, we recommend an isolated power supply. An isolated supply works by using a transformer (or multiple transformers) to keep every power outlet completely electrically isolated. We offer two fully-isolated, high current DC power supplies, Ojai and Zuma. Click below for more info:

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 NightSky and/or issues we’ve resolved.  Download the Strymon Update software to update the firmware on your NightSky.

Current Release

NightSky Firmware REV v1.06 (Released October 2020)

What’s Fixed?

• Presets will now correctly save to the proper location when using MIDI PC messages to save to MIDI preset locations.
• Under the hood fixes.

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 – 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

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.