The Official Sequential/Oberheim Forum

OTHER DISCUSSIONS => General Synthesis => Off Topic => Topic started by: Sacred Synthesis on October 13, 2020, 07:59:29 AM

Title: Strymon or Eventide?
Post by: Sacred Synthesis on October 13, 2020, 07:59:29 AM
At some point I'd like to upgrade the quality of my effects from a Lexicon MX300 to one of the better units commonly used by synthesists.  I realize there are dozens of worthy choices, and I've got my own shortlist.  But the most popular preferences these days for serious synthesists come down to Strymon and Eventide.  Specifically, I'm interested only in separate reverb and delay devices, and each must have stereo inputs and outputs.  That shortens the list to four units: the Strymon BigSky and TimeLine, and the Eventide Space Reverb and TimeFactor.

I'm wondering what you guys have to say about their differences.  Some have said that the Strymons are brighter and the Eventides darker.  That's important, because I do want clarity when using significant amounts of reverb.  But my needs are also basic.  I don't need the harmonic effects of some of the reverbs such as "Shimmer," but only a deep clean sonorous sound; nor do I need infinitely trailing delay tails, but only a limited number of of tidy echoes. 

I'm still considering other less expensive units, such as the Zoom MS-70CDR and the TC Electronics Flashback, but for now I'd like to know your opinions on the Strymon and Eventide, including how one brand compares with the other.
Title: Re: Strymon or Eventide?
Post by: Bryan_D on October 13, 2020, 08:28:34 AM
SS, I've used a Big Sky, MS-70CDR, and H9. I prefer the Eventide reverb algorithms. To me they sound clearer and more three-dimensional. I have often thought that the H9 (Space algorithms) allows me to "see" around a sound rather than limiting me to the horizon, as it were. Whereas the Big Sky seemed flat to me. The Zoom reverbs do not compare IMO, but I really like its delays. They just fit . . . very smooth. But you can dirty them up to taste for a nostalgia effect using some of the other algorithms.

I have the H9 permanently connected to an aux on my mixer. I use it almost exclusively for the pads I create on the DM12. I also like the app, which is now on my phone and iPad. Very easy to edit. But dedicated knobs on the Space would be great, too. I recommend the Space for reverb.

The Timeline is a great delay, no question. But I would recommend you also consider the Strymon DiG and Seymour Duncan Andromeda for their stereo imaging. And the Zoom is surprisingly good as a delay for the money.
Title: Re: Strymon or Eventide?
Post by: Sacred Synthesis on October 13, 2020, 08:45:30 AM
Thanks, Bryan.  I'm trying to reduce the choices to as few as possible.  But you described the Eventide reverb as "clean," and the Strymon as "flat."  Now those are the sorts of opinions I'm looking for.
Title: Re: Strymon or Eventide?
Post by: Bryan_D on October 13, 2020, 09:21:16 AM
And just to be clear, the Big Sky is a great reverb. I have stated elsewhere that it makes everything sound better (overstated, perhaps). But after some time with it and the H9, I kept the H9. Comparatively speaking, I thought the Big Sky was a little more opaque, perhaps warmer, and colored the sound more than the H9. FWIW.
Title: Re: Strymon or Eventide?
Post by: AlanC on October 13, 2020, 12:11:27 PM
While I can't comment on Strymon vs Eventide, I would say that I find the Big Sky's standard algorithms (Room, Hall, Plate, Spring) to be nothing particularly special. Its great strength is with its "reverb as an effect" algorithms, most particularly Cloud which is quite beautiful.

For a standard reverb I much prefer the OTO Machines Bam which does an extremely good job of emulating the sound of the early Lexicon machines from the late 70's / early 80's. It's a type of reverb that works very well with synthesizers for anything from a bit of subtle ambience to massive spaces, and my Bam is always connected to a couple of channels on my audio interface for use while playing or recording.
Title: Re: Strymon or Eventide?
Post by: jg666 on October 14, 2020, 12:05:45 AM
Just registering my interest in this topic as I've been looking at getting one or the other of these :)
Title: Re: Strymon or Eventide?
Post by: Lucius on October 14, 2020, 02:44:55 AM
H9 Max is the best option if you can. I use it live and at home. You can edit algos via bt, smartphone android or iphone.
cheers
Lucius
Title: Re: Strymon or Eventide?
Post by: Sacred Synthesis on October 14, 2020, 06:57:17 AM
As I explained, I need separate reverb and delay units.  And I know that a thousand other suggestions can be made about other effects, but I'm looking for opinions specifically about the Strymon BigSky and TimeLine, and the Eventide Space Reverb and TimeFactor.
Title: Re: Strymon or Eventide?
Post by: LPF83 on October 14, 2020, 07:13:05 AM
As I explained, I need separate reverb and delay units.  And I know that a thousand other suggestions can be made about other effects, but I'm looking for opinions specifically about the Strymon BigSky and TimeLine, and the Eventide Space Reverb and TimeFactor.

The H9 that's being discussed can run both TimeFactor and Space algorithms, so two H9s would give you separate pedals and lot more flexibility over what each pedal does (albeit at a higher cost for that flexibility).
Title: Re: Strymon or Eventide?
Post by: jok3r on October 14, 2020, 07:37:06 AM
The Space and TimeFactor pedals have more physical knobs than the H9, as have the Strymons. I think besides the price, this is an important factor for Sacred Synthesis.

I chose the Strymons for myself, but I think soundwise both manufacturers do a good job. I think the Strymons have more preset storage. If you're a fan of editing with PCs, tablets, smartphones, you better go with Eventide. Their app seems much more up to date than the PC-only application from Strymon. The Eventides have USB connection, the Strymons don't... which is not a problem, but I simply don't like to edit gear on PC over DIN-Midi.

I cannot really tell, what let me choose the Strymons over the Eventides. I think both sound fantastic. Perhaps their have been more Synth-through-Pedal-demos of the Strymons then. There's even a video of someone who plays the same setup as I: Rev2->Mobius->Timeline->BigSky... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M9b5lMUJV5A ... perhaps this is interesting for you, if you're still planning to buy a Rev2, too.



Title: Re: Strymon or Eventide?
Post by: Sacred Synthesis on October 14, 2020, 07:41:10 AM
As I explained, I need separate reverb and delay units.  And I know that a thousand other suggestions can be made about other effects, but I'm looking for opinions specifically about the Strymon BigSky and TimeLine, and the Eventide Space Reverb and TimeFactor.

The H9 that's being discussed can run both TimeFactor and Space algorithms, so two H9s would give you separate pedals and lot more flexibility over what each pedal does (albeit at a higher cost for that flexibility).

Yes, I've looked at the H9.  It does seem like a nice device, but at $700 for a single unit, it's beyond me.   The H9 Harmonizer is a more reasonable $500, but both pedals lack the knobby interface I prefer.   I would like to avoid menus with my devices, just as I do with my synthesizers.  That's what I like about the other pedals. 

This sort of panel looks just perfect to my synthesist's eyes:
Title: Re: Strymon or Eventide?
Post by: Sacred Synthesis on October 14, 2020, 07:58:46 AM
If you're a fan of editing with PCs, tablets, smartphones, you better go with Eventide. Their app seems much more up to date than the PC-only application from Strymon. The Eventides have USB connection, the Strymons don't... which is not a problem, but I simply don't like to edit gear on PC over DIN-Midi.

These pedals will sit next to my Mackie Mixer and will presumably never see a computer.  They'll be tweaked by my hands according to the needs of each piece of music.  I probably won't need even a single preset, since the effects settings I use are few in number.
Title: Re: Strymon or Eventide?
Post by: AlanC on October 14, 2020, 08:30:36 AM
Just registering my interest in this topic as I've been looking at getting one or the other of these :)

While this is going off-topic given Sacred Synthesis' statement that he's looking purely at Strymon and Eventide, I'd strongly suggest also taking a look at the OTO BIM (delay) and BAM (reverb) if you like the vintage sound.

They're a bit different. The input low and high cut filters are analog, as is the diode based input clipping and the emulation of the transient smoothing that occurred in the 70's/80's devices due to the use of audio transformers. The BAM's sound is much "warmer" than the purely digital Big Sky.

They're also extremely popular in the UK / Europe; I'm not sure why they haven't achieved the same status in the US. They used to be hard to get hold of since they were made in comparatively limited quantities and would sell out in a matter of days each time dealers got a new batch; it's not so much of a problem now since production has increased. Price-wise they're about the same as the Big Sky / Space.
Title: Re: Strymon or Eventide?
Post by: Sacred Synthesis on October 14, 2020, 09:15:26 AM
So as to keep this thread on track if possible, see this other thread:

https://forum.sequential.com/index.php/topic,4710.0.html#new



Title: Re: Strymon or Eventide?
Post by: Shaw on October 14, 2020, 10:26:10 AM
So as to keep this thread on track if possible, see this other thread:

https://forum.sequential.com/index.php/topic,4710.0.html#new (https://forum.sequential.com/index.php/topic,4710.0.html#new)


OK so... on the other thread I would say: get the best Eventide box you can afford.

But on this thread, since the preference for more knobs has been expressed, I would advise — Moogerfoogers (they just sound top notch) or, perhaps even better, making a custom Modular effects box — Mutable Instruments Clouds, Make Noise Morphagene / Phonogene, etc.
Title: Re: Strymon or Eventide?
Post by: BobTheDog on October 14, 2020, 02:00:44 PM
So as to keep this thread on track if possible, see this other thread:

https://forum.sequential.com/index.php/topic,4710.0.html#new (https://forum.sequential.com/index.php/topic,4710.0.html#new)


OK so... on the other thread I would say: get the best Eventide box you can afford.

I would agree with this as well.

There is always the eclipse which allows patches with two effect blocks (algorithms), some of these effects blocks are also multi effects. The list is here: https://s3.amazonaws.com/com.eventide.downloads/Product+Manuals/Eclipse_Alogrithm.pdf

It can also run the Timefactor and Modfactor algorithms from the pedals. Only one of these can be ran at a time but really the other algorithms are the Eventide classics.

They are not cheap though!
Title: Re: Strymon or Eventide?
Post by: LoboLives on October 15, 2020, 09:26:21 AM
I would say that Strymon is the new Eventide. The only thing the Strymon lineup is missing is a harmonizer really.
Title: Re: Strymon or Eventide?
Post by: BobTheDog on October 16, 2020, 12:43:14 PM
I think there is a difference, not in quality but in design

One makes individual boxes for a particular function the other makes boxes to do "everything" with "everything" changing over the years and the depth of your pocket.

Eventides foray into individual boxes is not their main thing, I would go for the Strymon route for this.
Title: Re: Strymon or Eventide?
Post by: LoboLives on October 16, 2020, 01:24:57 PM
I think there is a difference, not in quality but in design

One makes individual boxes for a particular function the other makes boxes to do "everything" with "everything" changing over the years and the depth of your pocket.

Eventides foray into individual boxes is not their main thing, I would go for the Strymon route for this.

At one point Eventide did focus on individual effect devices though.
Title: Re: Strymon or Eventide?
Post by: Shaw on October 16, 2020, 03:07:42 PM
I think there is a difference, not in quality but in design

One makes individual boxes for a particular function the other makes boxes to do "everything" with "everything" changing over the years and the depth of your pocket.

Eventides foray into individual boxes is not their main thing, I would go for the Strymon route for this.

At one point Eventide did focus on individual effect devices though.


They still make them — they had that thing called the Rose — but yeah, their main focus is big boxes... and thank God for it.


I would like to see Strymon do an analog effects rack box that essentially combined several of their effects into a 3u or 2u rack effects unit.  There was a box in the 90s that was similar to what I’m thinking, but Strymon could do something way cooler... no menus, just knobs and switches.  I think it would sell a lot.
Title: Re: Strymon or Eventide?
Post by: Sacred Synthesis on October 16, 2020, 03:32:13 PM
I would like to see Strymon do an analog effects rack box that essentially combined several of their effects into a 3u or 2u rack effects unit.  There was a box in the 90s that was similar to what I’m thinking, but Strymon could do something way cooler... no menus, just knobs and switches.  I think it would sell a lot.

That's actually just what I've been looking for - a knobby device in rack form.  I like my Lexicon MX300, but I've been tempted towards the MX200 for the knobbier interface.  It has a nice generic nondescript quality, as opposed to the overly recognizable BigSky, which I would call "that" reverb.  But at the same time, I'm wondering if the quality of my reverb could be cleaned-up a bit.  Hence, the glance towards Strymon and Eventide, which seem to be the tried and true effects preferred by many synthesists. 

I do like the rack mount design, though, because it keeps things within reach, and yet, at the same time, out of the way.  And I dislike the foot pedal guitar effects configuration, so I'm not entirely happy with the Strymon/Eventide designs.  That's why I've long wished that Dave Smith would produce a line of effects - or one multi-effects device - designed specifically for synthesists.  The old Alesis Nanoverb that I once used was a bit cheap and hissy, but its physical design was just perfect for a person seated at a keyboard.  I had it positioned just right so that I could easily adjust it while playing the instruments.

 
Title: Re: Strymon or Eventide?
Post by: LoboLives on October 16, 2020, 04:22:33 PM
I think there is a difference, not in quality but in design

One makes individual boxes for a particular function the other makes boxes to do "everything" with "everything" changing over the years and the depth of your pocket.

Eventides foray into individual boxes is not their main thing, I would go for the Strymon route for this.

At one point Eventide did focus on individual effect devices though.


They still make them — they had that thing called the Rose — but yeah, their main focus is big boxes... and thank God for it.


I would like to see Strymon do an analog effects rack box that essentially combined several of their effects into a 3u or 2u rack effects unit.  There was a box in the 90s that was similar to what I’m thinking, but Strymon could do something way cooler... no menus, just knobs and switches.  I think it would sell a lot.

Actually I’m surprised they don’t have a Multi Effects unit in general...rackmount or otherwise.
Title: Re: Strymon or Eventide?
Post by: Shaw on October 16, 2020, 04:50:58 PM
It’s going to be hard to find a multi effects rack unit that has a bunch of knobs on the front... those devices are generally guitar oriented and guitar players don’t generally turn knobs in the middle of a performance — unless the waitress wanders a little too close to the stage...


I already mentioned Moogerfoogers, but a set of those would be EXPENSIVE!


Another option... find a Kurzweil KSP8 (totally understated effects unit), and pair it with a universal midi controller with a bunch of knobs and faders. 
Title: Re: Strymon or Eventide?
Post by: Soundquest on October 19, 2020, 10:27:16 AM
Sacred Synthesis, 

I have both the MX200 and Big Sky.  I like MX200 because its knobs are immediate. I can dial in what I want quickly.   The only reason I got the Strymon too is for the really big and continuous reverbs, which it is really good at.   I too wish it came as a rack form versus pedal form.    Otherwise when it comes to delays and basic effects the Lexicon is better (more widely)suited.

Going forward I probably won't get another hardware effects unit since I'm already covered for anything that would be done "live" with hardware.   If I want something new effects I would probably use a plug in since I can do that when recording, which is all I really do anyway.

 
Title: Re: Strymon or Eventide?
Post by: Sacred Synthesis on October 19, 2020, 10:43:47 AM
Interesting.  I was about to buy another Lexicon MX300/200, when they were unexpectedly discontinued.  So, I thought I'd consider the "big ones" for a change.  But I'm quite surprised there hasn't been more enthusiasm for Strymon and Eventide here.  I was expecting much more praise for one or the other, but no one seems that interested one way or another. 
Title: Re: Strymon or Eventide?
Post by: Shaw on October 19, 2020, 12:05:10 PM
But I'm quite surprised there hasn't been more enthusiasm for Strymon and Eventide here. .....


 ???


I thought I made my enthusiasm for Eventide clear... "get the best Eventide box you can afford".


 :)
Title: Re: Strymon or Eventide?
Post by: LPF83 on October 19, 2020, 12:40:41 PM
In terms of knobby foot pedals being less than ergonomic for keyboard players, I found a great solution, at least for those with multi-tier A-frame keyboard stands.  I use a Jaspers 4-tier stand, but it will work with any stand where you have unutilized tubing where you can clamp things on.

I get tablet and phone holders (depending on the size of the box... for example a tablet holder for BigSky which is 7" wide) that will clamp onto the side of the stand and let you rotate it to different angles... putting the knobs and display within easy reach.  They aren't designed to firmly grip something as thick or heavy really as a pedal, so I install a wide strip of velcro backing on the inside of the tablet holder and the back of the pedal box to be sure it stays put.  This helps me free up critical desk space.

If anyone knows of a type of holder that would firmly hold music gear like this without the velcro, I'd be interested.  This was somewhat of a "MacGuyver'd" solution that just happened to work for me.
Title: Re: Strymon or Eventide?
Post by: AlanC on October 19, 2020, 01:22:05 PM
But I'm quite surprised there hasn't been more enthusiasm for Strymon and Eventide here.  I was expecting much more praise for one or the other, but no one seems that interested one way or another.

If you're using a DAW and want a realistic reverb then a convolution reverb plug-in will easily outdo the likes of the Big Sky or Space. The main reason I bought the Big Sky was so I could have a decent reverb on synths that have no built-in effects without the need for the ever-present computer. It's also why I mentioned the BAM: it's the one device in the category that offers something distinctly different.
Title: Re: Strymon or Eventide?
Post by: Sacred Synthesis on October 19, 2020, 01:56:13 PM
But I'm quite surprised there hasn't been more enthusiasm for Strymon and Eventide here. .....


 ???


I thought I made my enthusiasm for Eventide clear... "get the best Eventide box you can afford".


 :)

I guess I didn't sense enthusiasm in your short statement.  I've seen you get far more enthusiastic and long-winded about your favorite synthesizers.

I've probably misread synthesists' opinions on the Strymon and Eventide.  I thought these devices were regarded as the best of the best pedal-form effects by nearly everyone.  I'm actually relieved people have repeatedly suggested other devices, even though I had wanted to stay focused on the two.
Title: Re: Strymon or Eventide?
Post by: jok3r on October 19, 2020, 02:19:49 PM
But I'm quite surprised there hasn't been more enthusiasm for Strymon and Eventide here.

Oh well, I have great enthusiasm for my Strymon effects. But since you asked for the differences between the two manufacturers in your first post, I simply can't answer that (besides some pure technical thoughts which I shared). I never owned the Eventide pedals and can't judge if they would suit me better or not.

I simply love the BigSky's reverbs. Especially the "effect" reverbs like Shimmer and Cloud, but also the Chorale. But I also like the whole bunch of standard reverbs like spring, plate... you know the gang ;-)

The Strymons are the first external effects I own. All my other keyboards so far had internal effects that worked (more or less). My Rev2 was the first keyboard/synth that sucked in the effects section (at least for my needs... I'm not doing high quality studio work), but not because of the quality of single effects, but in the weird single-effect-per-layer-architecture. Even if I use Layer B as effects layer only, this is just not the same as having a proper effects chain, like all my other stuff has. But I simply love the Rev2 so much in every other way, that I wanted to beef it up with external effects, rather than selling it. And after watching all videos I could see and testing both Strymon and Eventide pedals at Thomann I decided for the Strymons just because of my personal taste. Perhaps my tweaking on the Eventide pedals was shitty, or something else... but I simple liked the Strymons better. But that was an opinion based on videos and a Test at Thomanns for about an hour with a guitar(!) not a synth ;-) But I'm absolutely happy until today, so what?  ;D

Enough history. I can add one positive argument: The parameters you can tweak for every algorithm of the BigSky are not very much and so the whole pedal is not overly complicated. With only a little knob twisting I get a very nice sounding reverb. Perhaps you could tell the difference to "better" reverbs in a studio environment, but not over a big PA or standard lo-fi consumer audio hardware like cheap headphones and smartphone/tablet/PC/speakers. And so I guess you wouldn't spot the difference between Eventide and Strymon either, if they are both tweaked to their best settings. But as always: this has to be tested in a proper evaluation environment and is just my personal opinion until someone is setting up a test ;-)

Basically the same goes for the Timeline and the Mobius... together they are building my holy Strymon Trinity ;-)

Perhaps not very much people are overly enthusiastic for one side, because they all know you won't make a mistake with either of them?
Title: Re: Strymon or Eventide?
Post by: Shaw on October 19, 2020, 02:26:50 PM
But I'm quite surprised there hasn't been more enthusiasm for Strymon and Eventide here. .....
???
I thought I made my enthusiasm for Eventide clear... "get the best Eventide box you can afford".
 :)

I guess I didn't sense enthusiasm in your short statement.  I've seen you get far more enthusiastic and long-winded about your favorite synthesizers.

I've probably misread synthesists' opinions on the Strymon and Eventide.  I thought these devices were regarded as the best of the best pedal-form effects by nearly everyone.  I'm actually relieved people have repeatedly suggested other devices, even though I had wanted to stay focused on the two.


I didn't want to over-do it... plus I like thinking of outside-the-box ideas, but just so we are clear....


(https://plugindiscounts.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/eventide-audio-logo-2.png)
Title: Re: Strymon or Eventide?
Post by: Sacred Synthesis on October 19, 2020, 03:11:23 PM
But I'm quite surprised there hasn't been more enthusiasm for Strymon and Eventide here. .....
???
I thought I made my enthusiasm for Eventide clear... "get the best Eventide box you can afford".
 :)

I guess I didn't sense enthusiasm in your short statement.  I've seen you get far more enthusiastic and long-winded about your favorite synthesizers.

I've probably misread synthesists' opinions on the Strymon and Eventide.  I thought these devices were regarded as the best of the best pedal-form effects by nearly everyone.  I'm actually relieved people have repeatedly suggested other devices, even though I had wanted to stay focused on the two.


I didn't want to over-do it... plus I like thinking of outside-the-box ideas, but just so we are clear....


(https://plugindiscounts.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/eventide-audio-logo-2.png)

Got it!
Title: Re: Strymon or Eventide?
Post by: LPF83 on November 24, 2020, 05:16:20 PM
I learned something interesting today (amazing what random Youtube suggestions will do, huh?) and thought of this thread.

I have the mobius/timeline/bigsky but can only compare to plug-ins since I have no other pedals (thus no reference point for comparison to Eventide or others).  It seems Strymon pedals have "analog dry thru", meaning the dry signal is split with the processed signal, preserving the purity of the dry signal, whereas Eventide pedals convert the signal to digital immediately.  Apparently guitarists care amount this immensely due to the latency benefits of analog dry through.

Not that it should influence you if one sounds better to you than the other, but thought I would share.
Title: Re: Strymon or Eventide?
Post by: Shaw on November 24, 2020, 06:29:37 PM
I learned something interesting today (amazing what random Youtube suggestions will do, huh?) and thought of this thread.

I have the mobius/timeline/bigsky but can only compare to plug-ins since I have no other pedals (thus no reference point for comparison to Eventide or others).  It seems Strymon pedals have "analog dry thru", meaning the dry signal is split with the processed signal, preserving the purity of the dry signal, whereas Eventide pedals convert the signal to digital immediately.  Apparently guitarists care amount this immensely due to the latency benefits of analog dry through.

Not that it should influence you if one sounds better to you than the other, but thought I would share.


That’s definitely an advantage... though I don’t know too many guitar players who are recording through pedals.  Hell, most players aren’t even recording through real amps.  Kemper and Fractal have taken over.


As for synths... I would assume (though perhaps wrongly) that most people have effects on a bus as opposed to running their gear through effects boxes.   Again, I could be wrong.
Title: Re: Strymon or Eventide?
Post by: LPF83 on November 24, 2020, 07:04:36 PM
I learned something interesting today (amazing what random Youtube suggestions will do, huh?) and thought of this thread.

I have the mobius/timeline/bigsky but can only compare to plug-ins since I have no other pedals (thus no reference point for comparison to Eventide or others).  It seems Strymon pedals have "analog dry thru", meaning the dry signal is split with the processed signal, preserving the purity of the dry signal, whereas Eventide pedals convert the signal to digital immediately.  Apparently guitarists care amount this immensely due to the latency benefits of analog dry through.

Not that it should influence you if one sounds better to you than the other, but thought I would share.

That’s definitely an advantage... though I don’t know too many guitar players who are recording through pedals.  Hell, most players aren’t even recording through real amps.  Kemper and Fractal have taken over.

As for synths... I would assume (though perhaps wrongly) that most people have effects on a bus as opposed to running their gear through effects boxes.   Again, I could be wrong.

I use plug-ins more than I use pedals..  right now I have all three Strymon pedals on the main out of the Rev2, and that's mainly because the Rev2 has only one effect per layer versus the two fx per layer of the P6, and OB-6.  The P12 has four delay lines (and yes thats... kind of... only one effect but its kind of more) but its a relatively new synth to me so I'm still learning how I want to best use it.

I don't gig so to be honest the real benefit of pedals for me is I can just reach over and tweak a knob so that I get a similar immediacy to tweaking knobs on the synth itself (I have them mounted vertically on my synth stand so they are in arms reach)..  For me there is a different workflow to standing at my keyboard stand versus sitting down and using the mouse (and different musical ideas flow through me depending on what mode I'm in).  It's nice to have both available.

Longer term I suspect I will have at least two of the Strymon pedals on the P10 after I get it, and everything else will continue to be done via plug-ins.  I'd hate to have to juggle as many hardware pedals as I do plugins.
Title: Re: Strymon or Eventide?
Post by: Sacred Synthesis on November 25, 2020, 09:22:30 AM
It seems Strymon pedals have "analog dry thru", meaning the dry signal is split with the processed signal, preserving the purity of the dry signal, whereas Eventide pedals convert the signal to digital immediately.

Thanks, LPF83.  That's an interesting bit of information on Strymon.

I do prefer to have an effects device that can easily by changed while playing.  I consider both the device and the mixer to be extensions of the synthesizer, and I treat them as such.
Title: Re: Strymon or Eventide?
Post by: Soundquest on July 19, 2021, 11:35:27 AM
Just picked up a Strymon Night Sky which is good for all kinds of reverb, though the ads tend to focus on bigger dreamy reverbs.   You can modulate it however you want including  remote control from outside midi.  Fully tone adjustable.  With the preset buttons and when in "sequencer mode"  you can progress to the next sound on the fly very easily.    Because of the built HP/LP filter and tempo syncing,  it occurred to me that here's another way to add an LFO to OB6 :)

   I'll probably still hang onto the BigSky too, since that has some delays and fills a separate niche.  Purely from a reverb viewpoint though, this NightSky seems hard to beat as a verb unit.  I was just playing around with syncing it to a Pro2 sequence, adjusting the glide on the verb wet signal, all kinds of fun sounds.  I think the hidden treat for me is the ability to use this as an LFO for filter and even pitch to some degree.
Title: Re: Strymon or Eventide?
Post by: LoboLives on July 19, 2021, 06:32:42 PM
There's also Italy's IK Multimedia (who also make synths as well)

https://www.ikmultimedia.com/products/xgear/
Title: Re: Strymon or Eventide?
Post by: Sacred Synthesis on July 19, 2021, 06:43:28 PM
Just picked up a Strymon Night Sky which is good for all kinds of reverb, though the ads tend to focus on bigger dreamy reverbs.   You can modulate it however you want including  remote control from outside midi.  Fully tone adjustable.  With the preset buttons and when in "sequencer mode"  you can progress to the next sound on the fly very easily.    Because of the built HP/LP filter and tempo syncing,  it occurred to me that here's another way to add an LFO to OB6 :)

   I'll probably still hang onto the BigSky too, since that has some delays and fills a separate niche.  Purely from a reverb viewpoint though, this NightSky seems hard to beat as a verb unit.  I was just playing around with syncing it to a Pro2 sequence, adjusting the glide on the verb wet signal, all kinds of fun sounds.  I think the hidden treat for me is the ability to use this as an LFO for filter and even pitch to some degree.

Oh, I love reverb and delay units with stereo ins and outs.  And a beautiful name, too - Night Sky.  In terms of sound (putting the sequencer aside), how does this compare with the Big Sky, Soundquest?  Any muddiness issues?  Adverse affects on the original tone of the synthesizer?
Title: Re: Strymon or Eventide?
Post by: Soundquest on July 20, 2021, 09:43:02 AM
I'll really need to play with it some more to give it a fair shake (specifically doing my own adjustments).  Some of the presets , like anything out there, would serve no use to me.   But I'll report back in a few weeks. 
Title: Re: Strymon or Eventide? ..or
Post by: LPF83 on August 13, 2021, 05:50:22 AM
To add another option to the list, I recently picked up the OTO Bam, which will be my default reverb unit for the Prophet 10 going forward, because it's the best sounding of the options I have at vintage/transparent reverb that retains the original synth tone.

Pros:
    - Amazing sound
    - Simple control, yet a deceptively massive range for tone shaping
    - Doesn't color the original tone
    - OTO attention to detail impressed me immediately, even the power supply has unique branded printing so I don't have to label it

Cons:
    - Not cheap
    - Not stompable - won't replace floor pedals..
    - Limited display.. it's not a hinderance really, it's just different if you're used to the excellent Strymon display. 
Title: Re: Strymon or Eventide? ..or
Post by: LPF83 on August 15, 2021, 05:55:04 AM
To add another option to the list, I recently picked up the OTO Bam, which will be my default reverb unit for the Prophet 10 going forward, because it's the best sounding of the options I have at vintage/transparent reverb that retains the original synth tone.

Pros:
    - Amazing sound
    - Simple control, yet a deceptively massive range for tone shaping
    - Doesn't color the original tone
    - OTO attention to detail impressed me immediately, even the power supply has unique branded printing so I don't have to label it
    - Latest firmware allows using the internal circutry as a simple delay unit instead of reverb !

Cons:
    - Not cheap
    - Not stompable - won't replace floor pedals..
    - Limited display.. it's not a hinderance really, it's just different if you're used to the excellent Strymon display.
Title: Re: Strymon or Eventide?
Post by: jg666 on July 14, 2022, 02:04:42 AM
Has anyone tried the Strymon NightSky? I still haven't purchased an affects pedal and have seen some good reviews of this one so I'm undecided between this and the Big Sky at the moment.
Title: Re: Strymon or Eventide?
Post by: LPF83 on July 14, 2022, 05:15:14 AM
Has anyone tried the Strymon NightSky? I still haven't purchased an affects pedal and have seen some good reviews of this one so I'm undecided between this and the Big Sky at the moment.

I would consider the NightSky and BigSky very different tools for very different jobs.  The NightSky is more for ambient / pitch shifted / shimmery-type FX... which is great if that's what you're looking for, but if you want transparent reverb I think the BigSky would be the better choice of the large Strymon pedals, and even then I'm not sure transparent reverb is the strong suit of the BigSky.

Another reverb pedal I have that I enjoy is the Empress Reverb...  It has a good range of standard + unusual settings, and also a delay+reverb setting which is great.
Title: Re: Strymon or Eventide?
Post by: jg666 on July 14, 2022, 08:13:38 AM
Has anyone tried the Strymon NightSky? I still haven't purchased an affects pedal and have seen some good reviews of this one so I'm undecided between this and the Big Sky at the moment.

I would consider the NightSky and BigSky very different tools for very different jobs.  The NightSky is more for ambient / pitch shifted / shimmery-type FX... which is great if that's what you're looking for, but if you want transparent reverb I think the BigSky would be the better choice of the large Strymon pedals, and even then I'm not sure transparent reverb is the strong suit of the BigSky.

Another reverb pedal I have that I enjoy is the Empress Reverb...  It has a good range of standard + unusual settings, and also a delay+reverb setting which is great.

Cheers, I'll investigate the Empress Reverb as well.
Title: Re: Strymon or Eventide?
Post by: Soundquest on July 14, 2022, 10:09:55 AM
I have both Night Sky and Big Sky.  Please look at LPF83's response above.  I agree exactly with his description on those two units.  For purest reverbs I still like my Lexicon 200.
Title: Re: Strymon or Eventide?
Post by: jg666 on July 14, 2022, 01:02:01 PM
I have both Night Sky and Big Sky.  Please look at LPF83's response above.  I agree exactly with his description on those two units.  For purest reverbs I still like my Lexicon 200.

Thanks. I will keep investigating and adding candidates to my list :)
Title: Re: Strymon or Eventide?
Post by: Sacred Synthesis on July 15, 2022, 07:14:21 AM
I've been debating the exact same question for a couple months now - BigSky or NightSky?  I came to the conclusion that the BigSky is better for standard high-quality reverb as needed for typical electronic music, whereas the NightSky is more for advanced tuned reverb effects.  It's almost a complimentary synthesizer module.  The former would better serve synthesizer keyboard music, whereas the latter would better allow for esoteric experimentation. 

You might also consider the Source Audio Collider, which struck me as a viable substitute for the BigSky, if you want to save a few bucks.  It's one of the few Source Audio pedals that is presently in supply.  Lastly, the Strymon BlueSky is another high-quality stereo reverb worth considering.
Title: Re: Strymon or Eventide?
Post by: jg666 on July 15, 2022, 11:14:52 AM
I've been debating the exact same question for a couple months now - BigSky or NightSky?  I came to the conclusion that the BigSky is better for standard high-quality reverb as needed for typical electronic music, whereas the NightSky is more for advanced tuned reverb effects.  It's almost a complimentary synthesizer module.  The former would better serve synthesizer keyboard music, whereas the latter would better allow for esoteric experimentation. 

You might also consider the Source Audio Collider, which struck me as a viable substitute for the BigSky, if you want to save a few bucks.  It's one of the few Source Audio pedals that are presently in supply.  Lastly, the Strymon BlueSky is another stereo reverb worth considering.

Thanks for your reply and advice, much appreciated. I have quite a few options now to investigate and think about :) The main use initially for me would be with my Moog Sub 37 and also my minilogue. The Sub37 doesn’t have any effects on board and whilst the minilogue does, it’s not the best so that would benefit from an external effects pedal.
Title: Re: Strymon or Eventide?
Post by: LPF83 on July 15, 2022, 02:19:09 PM
One suggestion I would make to anyone is to research pedals with a specific use case in mind...  meaning, ask yourself, which of your synths do you plan to use it on and what exactly would you like to achieve by running each synth through a particular pedal?  Do you prefer a one size fits all solution, or are needs more specific?

I'll give an example of my current use of reverb pedals (leaving other pedals like EQ, chorus, phaser etc aside)... and this is not necessarily my "forever" config, just where I'm at now in terms of reverb hardware:

I have the Prophet10 going into the OTO Bam because it is the best I have for transparent vintage sounding reverb with an absurd range of tweakability..  the P10 is a premium synth and the Bam is a premium reverb pedal that works well with it.
-Rev2 going into the BigSky, because the BigSky is a good all-rounder but has some special sauce reverbs like cloud algo that I think go really well with the more precise DCO (Juno-esque) sound of the Rev2.  The Rev2 of course has built in FX but only one per layer so I'd free up those for other things and use external reverb.
-Prophet12 going into the Empress reverb because the P12 lacks much in the way of onboard FX..  it does have fantastic delay lines that are amazing when you want to do sound design, but when you're in the music arrangement flow of things and want faster results, it's nice to tap a button with your foot.  The Empress pedal combines delay and reverb in one which is really handy... the number of total possible settings are much greater than it looks on the surface since each algo has multi modes.
Prophet6 going into the TC Hall of Fame2...  this is a spartan and cheap pedal but it sounds great for basic reverbs and punches way above its weight class in bang for buck...  The P6 of course has two onboard FX which really opens up a lot of doors for sound design creativity when you delegate the reverb outside the synth and use them for things like dual chorus or chorus/phaser combos.

So each pedal is paired with a particular synth based on its strengths and how that compliments a particular synth based on how I use that synth... and things will evolve/rotate over time as I get bored with particular combinations and want to try something new.





Title: Re: Strymon or Eventide?
Post by: Sacred Synthesis on July 15, 2022, 02:54:57 PM
The advantage of the Collider is that it offers both reverb and delay, and they can be applied at the same time.
Title: Re: Strymon or Eventide?
Post by: LPF83 on July 15, 2022, 03:16:13 PM
The advantage of the Collider is that it offers both reverb and delay, and they can be applied at the same time.

I've considered getting one of these, both for the reason above and also that they have a desktop editor that appeals to me, paritcularly for preset management.   Similar to the delay+reverb functionality of the empress, it looks potentially like a good choice for a synth with limited built in fx.

Speaking of preset management I really need to get on board with the Strymon preset librarian...  I keep dialing in these amazing settings with the Mobius (one of my favorite pedals), then after all the fine tuning I run out of music making time for the day, then power it all down...  Kind of idiotic I know :)..  But for some reason I feel I learn my gear better by doing it this way, at least for some period of time.  Otherwise I just store settings and end up recalling the same ones and never really explore all the various settings.
Title: Re: Strymon or Eventide?
Post by: jg666 on July 16, 2022, 01:50:15 AM
I don't own any effects pedals at the moment so completely new to this, hence my questions and a little confusion about all the many pedals available !!

I've got a £600 tax rebate heading my way in a couple of days so want to make use of it with a decent pedal :)
Title: Re: Strymon or Eventide?
Post by: Elric on July 16, 2022, 03:33:21 AM
I don't own any effects pedals at the moment so completely new to this, hence my questions and a little confusion about all the many pedals available !!

Maybe buy, or borrow, a super cheap *old* pedal/FXunit just to try one out first.
I have an old MIDIVERB II that I still use!
Title: Re: Strymon or Eventide?
Post by: LPF83 on July 16, 2022, 04:52:49 AM
I don't own any effects pedals at the moment so completely new to this, hence my questions and a little confusion about all the many pedals available !!

I've got a £600 tax rebate heading my way in a couple of days so want to make use of it with a decent pedal :)

One pedal option you might consider, at least at some point, is a good EQ pedal;  this is the piece of gear that seems to get the least amount of attention, yet has the greatest impact on the overall sound.  It allows completely changing the sound / tonal profile of a given synth in ways that regular sound sculpting tools like the filter can't.. Harmonically rich synths like the P10 give lots of raw material for input into the EQ so with all the options I never get tired of the sounds coming out of the signal chain.

Yes there are different ways to EQ, from a mixer to DAW controls to even tone control on some synths but for me at least, there is something different about having a multiband EQ pedal.  Part of the reason is that when using outboard gear, it is nice to have the option of inserting the EQ modification at different stages in the signal path, before or after other FX...  If using only DAW fx of course that's much easier, but with HW pedals its harder to do if the EQ only takes place at the mixer or DAW input.  It's also nice to have very precise EQ band control within easy hand-reach of the synth when tweaking sounds and coming up with musical ideas as opposed to EQing in the mixing stage.

I'm using the Boss EQ 200 for this, great faders and an awesome little display.

I also agree with others that picking up pedals used is a great way of figuring out what works for you.


Title: Re: Strymon or Eventide?
Post by: Sacred Synthesis on July 16, 2022, 04:20:46 PM
I don't own any effects pedals at the moment so completely new to this, hence my questions and a little confusion about all the many pedals available !!

I've got a £600 tax rebate heading my way in a couple of days so want to make use of it with a decent pedal :)

My advice would be that you spring for a no-compromise high-quality effect while you can afford it.  Get something really good, and then end the search.  Otherwise, before you know it, you'll be wasting time researching effects all over again, in an effort to upgrade from the less expensive pedal you bought but then outgrew within a year.  I've made this mistake several times. 

If you want a superb but standard reverb unit, I would recommend the BigSky over the NightSky as the most popular pedal among serious synthesists.
Title: Re: Strymon or Eventide?
Post by: jg666 on July 17, 2022, 01:27:03 AM
I don't own any effects pedals at the moment so completely new to this, hence my questions and a little confusion about all the many pedals available !!

I've got a £600 tax rebate heading my way in a couple of days so want to make use of it with a decent pedal :)

My advice would be that you spring for a no-compromise high-quality effect while you can afford it.  Get something really good, and then end the search.  Otherwise, before you know it, you'll be wasting time researching effects all over again, in an effort to upgrade from the less expensive pedal you bought but then outgrew within a year.  I've made this mistake several times. 

If you want a superb but standard reverb unit, I would recommend the BigSky over the NightSky as the most popular pedal among serious synthesists.

Yes that was the way my thinking was going. I am the sort of personality that wants the best option.... I remember when I bought the Yamhaha MODX6 because it was a fair bit cheaper than the Montage6 - my head wouldn't stop thinking about the Montage6 so I ended up having to buy it in the end. It's why I bought the Rev2 16 voice and didn't start with the 8 voice :)

I watched a lot of reviews now and I'm leaning towards the more "standard" option of the Big Sky. I think that will have enough options to keep me happy for some years to come !!
Title: Re: Strymon or Eventide?
Post by: Sacred Synthesis on July 17, 2022, 07:59:23 AM
I think [the BigSky] will have enough options to keep me happy for some years to come!!

Problem solved!  Using the fewest pieces of the highest quality is the smartest way to do just about everything.
Title: Re: Strymon or Eventide?
Post by: strytten on July 17, 2022, 08:11:46 AM
I've been following and enjoying this thread. I have an Eventide H9 and have no criticism of it, but I also find I tend not to reach for i as often as I could, so I decided to add another reverb. This thread really helped me focus my thinking, and I decided on the OTO Bim and Bam. Thank you all!
Title: Re: Strymon or Eventide?
Post by: LPF83 on July 17, 2022, 10:24:42 AM
I've been following and enjoying this thread. I have an Eventide H9 and have no criticism of it, but I also find I tend not to reach for i as often as I could, so I decided to add another reverb. This thread really helped me focus my thinking, and I decided on the OTO Bim and Bam. Thank you all!

You won't be disappointed in the Bam.  The Bim looks like fun as well.