Strymon blueSky V.1 Reverb Pedal Instruction Manual

Introduction

The Strymon blueSky V.1 Reverb Pedal is a high-quality digital reverb unit designed for guitarists and other musicians seeking versatile and studio-grade reverb effects. It offers a range of reverb types and adjustable parameters to shape your sound, from subtle ambience to expansive soundscapes.

Key Features

• Three primary reverb modes: Normal, Modulated, and Shimmer.
• Three reverb types: Plate, Room, and Spring.
• Comprehensive control over Decay, Pre-Delay, Low Damp, High Damp, and Mix.
• Durable aluminum construction for road-worthiness.
• Stereo input and output capabilities for flexible signal routing.
• Dedicated Favorite switch for saving and recalling a preferred setting.
• True bypass switching to preserve your dry tone when the effect is off.

Setup

Power Connection

Connect a 9VDC power supply (center-negative) to the 9VDC input jack on the rear of the pedal. Ensure the power supply meets the pedal's specifications (9VDC, 250mA minimum) to prevent damage and ensure optimal performance.

Audio Connections

The blueSky pedal supports both mono and stereo operation. Use high-quality 1/4-inch instrument cables for all audio connections.

Image Description: A close-up view of the rear panel of the Strymon blueSky V.1 Reverb Pedal. It features four 1/4-inch audio jacks labeled "LEFT IN", "RIGHT IN", "LEFT OUT", and "RIGHT OUT". To the far right is a 9VDC power input jack.

Mono Setup

Connect your instrument or the output of a preceding pedal to the LEFT IN jack. Connect the LEFT OUT jack to your amplifier or the input of the next pedal in your signal chain.

Stereo Setup

Connect the stereo output from your preceding device to the LEFT IN and RIGHT IN jacks. Connect the LEFT OUT and RIGHT OUT jacks to your stereo amplifier setup or other stereo processing units.

Operating Controls

The blueSky pedal features several knobs and switches to precisely tailor your reverb sound.

Knobs

• DECAY: Controls the length of the reverb tail. Turn clockwise for longer, more expansive decay times.
• PRE-DELAY: Adjusts the time before the reverb effect begins after the dry signal. Useful for maintaining clarity of the dry signal, especially with longer decay times.
• LOW DAMP: Controls the damping of low frequencies within the reverb. Turn clockwise to reduce low-frequency content in the reverb tail, preventing muddiness.
• HIGH DAMP: Controls the damping of high frequencies within the reverb. Turn clockwise to reduce high-frequency content, creating a warmer, darker reverb.
• MIX: Blends the dry (unaffected) signal with the wet (reverb) signal. Fully counter-clockwise is 100% dry, fully clockwise is 100% wet.

Switches

• MODE (Toggle Switch): Selects the reverb mode, altering the character of the reverb tail.
  • NORM: Provides a standard, unmodulated reverb sound.
  • MOD: Adds subtle modulation (chorus-like effect) to the reverb tail for a richer, more ethereal sound.
  • SHIMMER: Adds an octave-up effect to the reverb tail, creating a bright, angelic, and atmospheric texture.
• TYPE (Toggle Switch): Selects the fundamental reverb algorithm.
  • PLATE: Emulates a classic plate reverb, known for its bright, dense, and smooth sound.
  • ROOM: Simulates the natural reverberation of a physical room, offering a versatile and realistic space.
  • SPRING: Recreates the sound of a vintage spring reverb tank, characterized by its distinctive "drip" and metallic qualities.

Footswitches

• BYPASS: Toggles the effect on and off. When the effect is off, the signal passes through unaffected (true bypass). The corresponding LED indicates the effect status.
• FAVORITE: Recalls a saved preset. To save a preset, adjust the knobs and switches to your desired setting, then press and hold the FAVORITE footswitch until the LED flashes, indicating the preset has been saved.

Specifications

Maintenance

Cleaning

Use a soft, dry cloth to clean the pedal's exterior. Avoid abrasive cleaners, solvents, or harsh chemicals, which may damage the finish or internal components.

Storage

Store the pedal in a cool, dry environment away from direct sunlight, extreme temperatures, and excessive humidity. When not in use for extended periods, disconnect the power supply.

General Care

Avoid dropping the pedal or subjecting it to excessive force. Ensure all cables are connected securely to prevent intermittent signal loss or damage to the jacks.

Troubleshooting

No Sound

• Verify the power supply is correctly connected and functioning. Ensure it is a 9VDC center-negative supply.
• Check all audio cable connections. Ensure they are fully inserted into the input and output jacks.
• Confirm the pedal is not in bypass mode if you expect an effect. The BYPASS LED should be illuminated.
• Test with different cables, power supply, and amplifier to isolate the issue.

Unexpected Noise

• Ensure your power supply is isolated and provides clean power to avoid ground loops or hum.
• Check for faulty or unshielded cables, which can introduce noise.
• Reduce the MIX knob setting if the reverb is overwhelming the dry signal or causing feedback.

Effect Not Engaging

• Press the BYPASS footswitch to ensure the effect is active. The corresponding LED should illuminate.
• If attempting to recall a preset with the FAVORITE switch, ensure a preset has been properly saved to that switch.

Warranty and Support

Warranty Information

This product is covered by the manufacturer's warranty. Please refer to the official Strymon website or your purchase documentation for specific warranty terms and conditions, including registration requirements and coverage details.

Technical Support

For technical assistance, product registration, or further information regarding your Strymon blueSky V.1 Reverb Pedal, please visit the official Strymon website at www.strymon.net. You can also find additional resources, FAQs, and contact information on the Strymon support pages.