Accessing the Global Settings ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ 48 The Global Settings Options ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 49 Reset all Global Settings �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 54 Setting Up an Expression Pedal or Strymon MultiSwitch Plus ��������������������� 55 Configuring the EXP Jack ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 55 Expression Pedal Setup ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 57 Configuring BigSky MX for MultiSwitch or MultiSwitch Plus �����������������������������������...
• Full-featured MIDI capability (Continuous Controller for parameter values, Program Change for bank/preset changes) • USB-C jack for performing firmware updates, MIDI I/O, and connection to the Strymon Nixie 2 editor software • High performance 800MHz tri-core ARM processor • 32-bit floating point processing •...
Front Panel Controls REVERB TYPE Turn the TYPE encoder to select the desired reverb type, as indicated by the brightly lit green LED� Push TYPE to configure the use of single or dual reverbs, dual reverb routing, and to select between Reverb 1 or Reverb 2 for editing�...
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Front Panel Controls DECAY IMPULSE CLOUD Controls the Decay Time SPRING SHIMMER of the reverberated signal� BIGGER BL 101A DUAL IMPUL TYPE PLATE BLOOM push (dual 1 2) The range varies depending hold (save) CHAMBER CHORALE IMPULSE on the selected reverb type� HALL MAGNETO For the NONLINEAR and...
Footswitches FOOTSWITCHES A & B Press switch A or B to engage or bypass the current bank's preset� IMPULSE CLOUD SPRING SHIMMER The switch’s LED is lit bright green when its preset is engaged� BIGGER BLUE 101A DUAL IMPULSE VALUE TYPE PLATE BLOOM...
Connect to a controller or other communication jack for external MIDI gear for MIDI input and control� Can be configured for use output of CCs, Program Changes, with an Expression Pedal, Strymon and more� See "Using MIDI" on Multiswitch, Multiswitch Plus, or page 62�...
Utilizing Single or Dual Reverbs BigSky MX is able to utilize two reverb types simultaneously within any preset� The Dual Mode settings for the current preset are always shown at the bottom left of the Home screen, and easily accessed via the TYPE encoder�...
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Parallel - Enables two reverbs and routes your input signal separately into each, so that neither reverb affects the other� Note that, when using stereo output, the output of each reverb can be panned left or right independently using the Pan parameter�...
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Split L | R - Enables two reverbs and routes the input signal separately into each� The Reverb 1 mono output is routed to the LEFT OUT only, and the Reverb 2 mono output is routed to the RIGHT OUT only� LEFT IN LEFT OUT Reverb 1...
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Using Dual Reverbs in your Presets... All individual Reverb Parameters are available and independently editable for each reverb� Try setting Pan, Voice, Feedback, or other parameters differently for each reverb for even larger soundscapes—see "Editing Parameters" on page 17� When any mode other than RV2 OFF is selected, both reverbs are “enabled�”...
Configuring Param 1 and Param 2 Assignments Configure the PARAM 1 & PARAM 2 knobs to each provide quick access to the desired PARAM menu parameter of the currently active reverb type�* By default, each reverb already includes assignments for both the PARAM 1 &...
Working with Presets BigSky MX includes 150 banks with A and B preset locations within each bank� Banks are numbered 0 to 149 on the display� As shown on page 6, banks and presets can be selected using footswitches A and B or, when viewing the Home Screen, by simply turning the VALUE encoder to access and load presets�...
A or B from this screen will then load the respective preset� Selected bank/footswitch Selected bank BANK 7 Preset A Preset B EMPTY ROOM INFINITUM The selected bank screen TIP! Optionally, utilize a Strymon MultiSwitch Plus or MIDI for bank and preset selection—see page 59� pg 14...
Saving Presets Once you've dialed in all the knobs and parameters for the current preset, be sure to Save and optionally rename the preset to retain all settings� You can save to the current preset location or to any of the 300 preset locations within the BigSky MX memory�...
CAUTION! This procedure will erase custom presets saved in BigSky MX� Before proceeding with the following steps, it is recommended that you first use the free Strymon Nixie 2 application to backup all your BigSky MX presets and settings� DECAY...
Editing Parameters Enter the Parameter (PARAM) menu to access and edit all Reverb Parameters and dual 1+2 Parameters for the current preset using the following steps: If the current preset includes dual reverbs, start by selecting Reverb 1 or Reverb 2 for which you want to edit—Push the TYPE encoder to select Reverb “1”...
Turn VALUE to adjust the parameter’s slider or, if presented with a menu list of options, turn VALUE to select the desired option and push VALUE to access the parameter options� ENSEMBLE VALUE push (param) hold (back) hold 3s (global) Adjusting a parameter (Ensemble slider) Once edits are complete, push and release VALUE to exit the parameter settings and step back to the PARAM menu screen, then push and...
Reverb Parameters Within the Parameter (PARAM) menu are numerous settings for shaping and sculpting each reverb� There are three types of parameters within the menu: • Common - There are four parameters that appear within the menu regardless which reverb type is currently selected: Low End, Output Level, Pan, and Inf Mode�...
Common Reverb Parameters The following parameters are available within the PARAM menu for all reverb types� Settings made for these parameters are editable individually per reverb type� PARAM OUTPUT LEVEL INF MODE IN LATCH The Parameters menu - the common reverb parameters NOTE: If the current preset includes dual reverbs, push the TYPE encoder to select Reverb 1 or 2 to display and edit its Common and Reverb-Specific parameters�...
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Common Reverb Values Description Parameter Infinite Mode Freeze Sets the mode for the INFINITE footswitch: Infinite • Freeze - Play a note or chord, then press INF MODE and hold the footswitch to capture and sustain the reverb applied to your signal indefinitely while the footswitch is held�* As you play new notes/chords while still holding the footswitch, you’ll hear them on...
Reverb-Specific Parameters Each reverb type includes its own set of unique parameters that are displayed and applied only to the individual reverb type that is currently selected� The following are descriptions for all Reverb-Specific parameters, listed per reverb type� NOTE: If the current preset includes dual reverbs, push the TYPE encoder to select Reverb 1 or 2 to display and edit its parameters�...
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ROOM Values Description Parameter Voice Offers a choice between two Room voicings, which specifically affect the currently-selected Classic VOICE Studio or Club - Size parameter as described below (also, see the preceding Size description): • MX • Studio – A rich, dense room with a smooth response and a quickly damped top end for ultimate realism�...
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Hall Reverb Diffused reflections and slower-building density are the hallmarks of this beautiful and versatile reverb� The Concert size is well-balanced, spacious, and warm, while the Arena size is huge, enveloping, and booming� The Mid parameter allows for precise EQ tailoring of the reverberated sound�...
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HALL Values Description Parameter Voice Offers a choice between two different Hall voicings, which specifically affect the currently- Classic VOICE selected Concert or Arena - Size parameter: • MX • Concert – A naturally rich and smooth buildup of early reflections, and a decay with minimal structural resonance for the ultimate in realism�...
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Chamber Reverb A generous and dense medium room-sized reverberation with excellent focus and clarity� The selectable Color options capture the effect of speakers and mics used in the chamber recording process� IMPULSE CLOUD SPRING SHIMMER PARAM COLOR VALUE TYPE PLATE BLOOM OUTPUT LEVEL push (param)
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Plate Reverb The Plate is a rich, fast-building reverb that creates depth without early reflection cues to a specific environment� The Tone knob and Low End parameter are simple but powerful frequency-shaping tools IMPULSE CLOUD SPRING SHIMMER PARAM SIZE VALUE TYPE PLATE BLOOM...
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Using the Plate Reverb... The undamped Decay time of traditional large plate reverbs is about 5 seconds� Large baffles were positioned close to the plate to damp the vibrations for shorter reverbs as required� Try short decays around 1�5 seconds with lower Mix values to add some subtle ambience to dry tracks� Long decay times can go beyond physical limitations to create clear ambient pads of reverb�...
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Spring Reverb The standalone spring tank became a staple of surf and spaghetti- western music that developed in the ‘60s� The Spring reverb allows for complete customization from warm and mellow to splashy and dripping with its Tone and Mix Controls, Dwell parameter, and selectable number of springs�...
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Using the Spring Reverb... For traditional combo amp tones, use the 2 Spring - Number parameter option with the Combo - Dwell setting and a Decay value of around 4�5 seconds� Many combo amps have a darker spring tone, so try rolling the Tone knob back to mellow out the reverb�...
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A variety of IRs is included, selectable from the Impulse menu� The Impulse reverb can be shaped and customized even further using the provided parameters� Optionally, load your own reverb IRs using the free Strymon Nixie 2 app� IMPULSE CLOUD...
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IMPULSE Values Description Parameter Tail Envelope Offers a choice of two different types of shaping for the decay tail of the reverb: By default, Gate TAIL Impulses are loaded at full DECAY (100 %), which effectively does not apply a Tail shape� With DECAY values less than 100%, the Tail function is applied to the Impulse Response�...
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Importing and Managing IRs with Nixie 2... Download the free Strymon Nixie 2 application for macOS or Windows ® computers to allow you to import 3rd-party reverb IR files, expand, and manage BigSky MX’s onboard Impulse library� To use Nixie 2: •...
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Cloud Reverb A gorgeously big, ambient reverb that draws from techniques developed in the late ‘70s� Using processing power not dreamed of in those days, the Cloud reverb obscures the distinction between reality and fantasy� IMPULSE CLOUD SPRING SHIMMER PARAM ENSEMBLE VALUE TYPE...
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Shimmer Reverb Two tunable voices add pitch-shifted tones to the reverberated signal, for resplendent, unearthly ambience� The Amount and Feedback parameters allow for a range of shimmer effects from laid-back and subtle to full-blown majestic splendor� IMPULSE CLOUD SPRING SHIMMER Shift 1 PARAM VALUE...
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SHIMMER Values Description Parameter Feedback Input Allows selection for regeneration of the tank Shimmer effect: Regen FEEDBACK • Input - Shimmer effect is applied to the Input+Regen input of the reverb core and does not regenerate� • Regen - Shimmer effect is applied within the reverb core and the effect is regenerative, resulting in continuously ascending or descending pitches as the...
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Bloom Reverb In the ‘90s, more diffusion blocks were added to reverbs to smooth out the sound� A side effect of this was the tendency of the reverbs to have a slowly building envelope that “bloomed,” resulting in big ambient reverbs that sit nicely with the dry signal even at high Mix levels�...
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Using the Bloom Reverb... The Decay knob controls the tank’s decay time, while the Length parameter controls the bloom duration� High settings of the Length parameter and/or higher Feedback settings can result in reverbs that are much longer than the displayed tank decay time�...
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Chorale Reverb A vocal choir accompanies your music� Choose vowel ranges and intensities to customize the choir as it sings in venues that vary with the Decay knob� As the Modulation is increased, the choir becomes alive with a multitude of voices� IMPULSE CLOUD SPRING...
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Using the Chorale Reverb... Increase the Choir parameter level for more pronounced vocal padding, and use the Choir Voice parameter to choose a lower (Baritone) or higher (Tenor) pitch� Adjust the Tone knob to add more “breath” and high-end articulation to the vocals�...
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Magneto Reverb More than just a reverb, Magneto is also capable of some old-school tape delay, slapback, and patterned repeats� The Magneto reverb sets up a multi-head echo with all heads on, while the Pre-Delay knob adds feedback� The Diffusion parameter adds a new dimension of ambience, smearing the response of the heads and blurring the line between delay and reverb�...
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MAGNETO Values Description Parameter Ping Pong Changes the repeats to alternating between the Left and Right outs for a wide stereo effect�* PING PONG • Off - Disables the Ping Pong effect� • On - Enables the Ping Pong effect� An alternating LEFT - RIGHT - LEFT echo output occurs with Heads set to 1 or 2� ...
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Nonlinear Reverb A variety of physics-defying reverb shapes are available for special effects and unique textures� Choose from three “backward” shapes (Swoosh, Reverse, and Ramp), employ a Gate, add tremolo (via the Chop parameter) and more� Feedback control (Pre-Delay knob), Decay, and Diffusion parameters allow for a vast array of time-warped possibilities�...
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NONLINEAR Values Description Parameter Mod Speed Adjusts the modulation LFO speeds for both the non-linear delay tap lengths and the late MOD SPEED reverb’s delay lines� Knob Functions For Nonlinear, the Decay and Pre-Delay knobs assume different controls than for other reverb types: TIME: Sets the time of the nonlinear portion of the reverb�...
1+2 Parameters Within the Parameter (PARAM) menu are several 1+2 Parameters, which appear in the PARAM menu regardless of which reverb type is in use� The 1+2 parameters are “shared” types and applied simultaneously to both Reverb 1 and Reverb 2 for the current preset� When Reverb 2 is Off, the 1+2 parameters are applied to Reverb 1�...
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1+2 Parameter Values Description Persist Allows reverb decay “trails” to continue to be heard when the effect is bypassed: PERSIST • On - Allows reverb “trails” to persist�* • Off - Disables the function so that any audible reverb decay is immediately silenced when the effect is bypassed�...
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1+2 Parameter Values Description Dual Reverb Configures the preset to utilize one reverb (Off), Enable or any two reverbs with the choice of routing� Parallel • Off - Disables Reverb 2, so that the preset Series 1 2 DUAL utilizes only one reverb� Series 1 2 •...
Global Settings Global Settings affect BigSky MX regardless of what preset is currently active, allowing the pedal to be customized for your desired setup and workflow� See the following pages for descriptions for all Global Settings� Accessing the Global Settings Push and hold the VALUE encoder for 3 seconds to display the GLOBAL screen�...
The Global Settings Options The following is a list of all Global Settings, including their options and descriptions� Note that factory default settings are indicated within the descriptions� GLOBAL BYPASS CAB FILTER INPUT LEVEL MIDI CHANNEL The Global Settings menu Global Setting Values Description Bypass...
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Global Setting Values Description Cab Filter Sets the Cab Filter Off or allows you to select between several different Speaker Cab Bright CAB FILTER emulations: Dark • Off (default) - Disables the Cab Filter� Classic • Bright - An IR-based Cab filter designed to be used with a dark sounding guitar or preamp feeding into BigSky MX�...
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Global Setting Values Description MIDI Program Don’t Send Disables or enables the transmission of MIDI Change PC (Program Change) messages generated by Send the BigSky MX controls: MIDI PC • Don’t Send (default) - Disables MIDI PC transmission� • Send - Enables MIDI PC transmission� MIDI THRU THRU Sets the MIDI THRU behavior:...
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Global Setting Values Description Active Banks Allows BigSky MX to display and scroll through all 150 preset banks (default), or limits the range 0-149 ACTIVE BANKS of banks that can be selected� Useful if you prefer only to access banks that you might want to use for a particular gig or set�...
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• Pedal (default) - For the use of an MIDI Expression Pedal (25K Ohm potentiometer minimum) to control BigSky MX’s knobs� • Bank - For the use of a Strymon MultiSwitch or MultiSwitch Plus to access Bank Down, Preset A/B Toggle, and Bank Up�...
Global Setting Values Description Spillover Allows the wet decay signal of the currently selected preset to “spill” into the next selected SPILLOVER preset� • On - Enables Spillover� • Off (default) - Disables Spillover� IMPORTANT! Due to the architecture of the reverb buffer, the current preset must be active for at least 5 seconds before Spillover will be operational�...
• Pedal - For use with an external expression pedal (TRS, 25k Ohm potentiometer minimum) for control of BigSky MX's knobs� • Bank - For use with an original Strymon MultiSwitch or a MultiSwitch Plus set to "TimeLine, BigSky, and Mobius mode"...
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• Footswitch B (middle footswitch) - Toggles between the A and B presets of the current bank • Footswitch C (right footswitch) - Bank up • Preset - For use with an original Strymon MultiSwitch or a MultiSwitch Plus set to "TimeLine, BigSky, and Mobius mode" (as covered on page 60)�...
Expression Pedal Setup Use a TRS expression pedal for continuous control of any desired BigSky MX knob(s)� These control settings can be created and stored individually for each preset� Configure the Global Settings - EXP MODE jack setting for Pedal mode (the factory default setting)�...
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While the EXP Setup screen is displayed, rock the connected expression pedal fully to its minimum “heel” position� Double-arrows appear to the right of the HEEL parameter, indicating it is ready to learn the knob and value to be assigned� Turn the knob you wish to control, such as DECAY in our example, and set the knob value you wish to be used as the pedal’s HEEL (minimum) value�...
Configuring BigSky MX for MultiSwitch or MultiSwitch Plus Configure BigSky MX to be used with a Strymon MultiSwitch or MultiSwitch Plus device (sold separately) for external control� Configuration differs slightly for a MultiSwitch versus a MultiSwitch Plus—please refer to the section below for your device�...
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Configuring BigSky MX for a MultiSwitch Plus Device Press and hold the VALUE encoder for 3 seconds to enter the Global Settings (GLOBAL) menu, then turn VALUE to select and configure the following individual settings (also, see page 48)� Global Settings menu list GLOBAL MIDI CHANNEL VALUE...
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To connect MultiSwitch Plus for the Bank or Preset EXP MODE Press and hold the MultiSwitch Plus device's B and C footswitches simultaneously while connecting the TRS cable to any of the three MultiSwitch Plus inputs—hold the footswitches until you see the MultiSwitch Plus B and C LEDs flash RED�...
TIP! Please also check the Strymon Support FAQs, Blog, and Tech Corner articles for more about MIDI configurations for all Strymon pedals� Connecting an External MIDI Controller The following steps describe connecting and configuring BigSky MX with a MIDI controller� It is recommended to check the manufacturer’s website to make sure your MIDI controller device is current with any available updates�...
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• Set MIDI CHANNEL to Channel 1 (or any channel can be used, as long as this channel is matched on your controller device)� Configure your hardware controller to transmit the desired MIDI PC and/or MIDI CC commands to control the desired BigSky MX Bank/ Preset and parameter changes�...
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MIDI commands to be transmitted on each pedal’s respective MIDI Channel� When connecting a Strymon pedal, such TimeLine or Mobius, as an additional MIDI pedal in the chain, configure its Global Settings as desired (please see the respective Strymon pedal’s...
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Utilizing BigSky MX as a 5-pin MIDI Controller to Sync Presets of Other Pedals It is also possible to use BigSky MX as a controller device, to Send MIDI PC messages to your other pedals, such as Strymon TimeLine and Mobius pedals, to synchronously change their presets� MIDI IN...
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The BigSky MX EXP jack can be configured for 1/4-inch TRS MIDI communication� Some MIDI controller devices and interfaces, such as Strymon Conduit, offer 1/4-inch TRS type MIDI connections� Strymon also offers 5-pin to TRS MIDI cables that work with some MIDI interfaces to connect to the BigSky EXP jack�...
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• Set EXP MODE to MIDI� NOTE: For Strymon pedals’ TRS MIDI connection, the MIDI data is received from the TIP conductor of the TRS jack� If MIDI CC or PC Send or MIDI THRU is enabled on these pedals, MIDI data is sent out of the pedal from the RING conductor of the jack�...
MIDI Program Changes Reference BigSky MX contains 150 banks with A and B preset locations within in each bank, for a total of 300 preset locations� Banks are numbered 00 to 149 on the display� Because MIDI Program Change (MIDI PC) messages have a maximum number of 128 (0-127), the presets are grouped into three MIDI Patch Banks�...
Saving Presets via MIDI Once you have a MIDI Controller configured for communicating with BigSky MX (see "Connecting an External MIDI Controller" on page 62), the currently-loaded settings can be saved to any BigSky MX preset locations via MIDI� This requires sending PC messages from your controller to BigSky MX while it is displaying the Preset Save screen, as follows: Dial in the sound you would like to save as your preset on BigSky MX�...
MIDI CC Reference The following are the lists of pre-configured MIDI Continuous Controllers (MIDI CCs) for BigSky MX parameters� Knobs and Common Parameters - All Reverb Types Parameter Reverb 1 Reverb 2 Values Reverb Type 0-11 Encoder Decay Knob 3 0-127 Pre-Delay Knob 5 0-127...
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Hardware Control and Other Parameter CC Values Notes A Footswitch 80 0 = Press 127 = Release B Footswitch 81 0 = Press Send CC using a momentary type switch controller� 127 = Release Infinite 0 = Press Footswitch 127 = Release Value Encoder 83 0 = Scroll counter-clockwise...
Factory Default Global Settings The following are the Global Settings factory default values for your reference� Global Setting Factory Default Value Bypass Mode: True Bypass Input Level: Instrument MIDI Channel: 1 MIDI CC: Don’t Send MIDI PC: Don’t Send MIDI THRU: Off Footswitch Mode: Preset Active Banks: All Home Screen: Default screen...
Power Source Requirements Use a power source with the following rating: 9VDC, center negative, 500mA minimum (sold separately)� TIP! We recommend the Strymon Zuma and Ojai advanced power supply units for BigSky MX, as well as for all Strymon pedals� pg 78...
Safety and Compliance Information This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules� These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation�...
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Creative Commons Licenced Impulse Response Audio Recordings The following Impulse Response audio recordings (IRs) are licensed under Creative Commons attributions, as listed� Original IR Source URL CC License Author(s) BigSky MX IR Name Name Type & URL WAREHOUSE Terry's Factory https://www�openair�hosted�york�...
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