Strymon BigSky VS Eventide Space (Comparison)
Our pick: Strymon BigSky
We're going with brand loyalty on this one and sticking with the Strymon BigSky, which also happens to be a bit cheaper than the Eventide Space (20 bucks is 20 bucks). In a world with little distinction and an extremely similar specs sheet, Strymon wins out as one of the "safest brand bets" you can make.
On this page we're comparing two high-dollar reverb pedals: The Strymon BigSky and the Eventide Space reverb. Both pedals house 12 reverb algorithms, and even have a similar front control panel and i/o profile. But we'll do our best to highlight the minor differences between the two and help you figure out which one is right or better for your particular situation.
Both retail around $500, with the Strymon coming in slightly cheaper. And that's a lot of money to spend if you aren't absolutely sure which one you want to go with.
The Strymon Fan Club
Up front, we're huge fans of Strymon pedals, and the BigSky in particular.
That means we go into a comparison like this, looking to see if there's anything that Eventide can do to "unseat" our recommendation.
Strymon is tough to beat. Sorry Eventide.
For us, Strymon is the reigning champion while the Eventide Space has the harder task of swaying our loyalties.
If you don't want to take our word for it, read on into the paragraphs below.
Otherwise, use the simple comparison tool and specs table to see both reverb pedals side-by-side.
Strymon BigSky VS Eventide Space Comparison Tool
This comparison tool allows you to look at basic features for the Strymon BigSky and Eventide Space side-by-side. We'll get into more details about each pedal in the sections below. Consider shopping for gear through our Sweetwater buttons, which help keep Guitar Chalk going at no extra cost to you.
(this section helps us out, but no pressure)
Reverb Pedal | Title | Rated | Browse |
|---|---|---|---|
| Strymon BigSky | n/a | |
 | Eventide Space | n/a |
Specs Sheet (side-by-side)
You can see from this sheet that there aren't a ton of differences between the Space and BigSky. Both have 12 algorithms and both actually have a very similar control scheme.
Header | BigSky | Space |
|---|---|---|
Effect Type | Reverb | Reverb |
Analog/Digital | Digital | Digital |
Algorithms | 12 total | 12 total |
Knobs | Type, Value, Decay, Pre-Delay, Mix, Tone, Param1, Param2, Mod | Mix, Decay, Size, Delay, Low, High, Preset, Xknob, Yknob, FXMix, Contour |
Switches | n/a | n/a |
Inputs | 2 x 1/4" stereo, Expression pedal | 2 x 1/4" |
Outputs | 2 x 1/4" | 2 x 1/4" |
MIDI | In/Out | In/Out/Thru |
Height | 5.1" | 4.8" |
Width | 6.75" | 7.5" |
Depth | Not listed | 2.12" |
Weight | Not listed | 2.15 lbs. |
I mean, they're different colors.
Strymon BigSky Details
The BigSky by Strymon is one of the best digital reverb pedals on the market.
When we tested the Strymon, its algorithms all sound really crisp and detailed. The control is also easy and intuitive, with variation in the Param1 and Param2 knobs depending on which algorithm you've selected.
But in terms of how it actually compares to the Eventide, one of the simplest areas of difference is that it's slightly cheaper, knocking $20 off the final retail cost.
Different Number of Presets
We also noted that the Strymon has 300 factory presets while the Eventide only has 100.
"Only."
If you think you would use more than 100 presets, that could be a potential deal-breaker. Otherwise, both give you a lot of flexibility with a similar up/down banking system.
Eventide Space Reverb Details
The Eventide Space is an awesome pedal, but it doesn't really sell us on abandoning our love for the Strymon BigSky.
We like that the LCD panel is bigger on the Space reverb. It also adds a tap tempo option, which is absent from the BigSky (though tap tempo is less important in reverb pedals).
But it essentially mirrors the rest of what you get in the BigSky.
All of the following are the same:
- 12 reverb algorithms
- Control scheme
- i/o setup
It's as though the two pedals were developed in response to one another, to intentionally compete.
But the areas where the Eventide wins out over the Strymon - LCD screen size and tap tempo - just aren't that significant.
Summary of Comparison
If you're stuck between the two of these pedals, we'd easily recommend the Strymon BigSky.
For us, it's a known commodity that we trust, while Eventide is simply the less proven brand of the two. That's not to say that the Space is a bad pedal. It's just not doing enough - or knocking enough cost off - to justify moving it in front of a pedal we know and trust.
Admittedly, brand-loyalty is playing a part in this for us.
Whenever you have a chance to get a Strymon pedal, you won't find us discouraging you from that path.
Strymon BigSky, all day every day.
Your Questions
Do you have questions about the Strymon BigSky or the Eventide Space reverb pedals? If so, hit up the comments section below and let us know about it.
We also love hearing from folks who have owned one (or perhaps both) of these pedals and have a story to share.
We'll talk then.
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Written by Bobby on Pedals and Reviews
Written by Bobby on Pedals and Comparisons
“For us, it’s a known commodity that we trust, while Eventide is simply the less proven brand of the two.”
Eventide the less proven brand? Eventide has been around for over 50 years! Eventide Space was released in 2011, Strymon BigSky came out in 2013, so if anything Strymon copied Eventide’s design.
That’s a fair point, but I think when it comes to reverb pedals we’d still recommend going with Strymon. Eventide is more spread out in terms of what they specialize in (plugins, rack processors, etc.).