Strymon blueSky V2 Guitar Effects Pedal User Manual

Introduction

The Strymon blueSky V2 is a trailblazing reverb pedal designed to unlock creativity with its rich and expansive three-dimensional ambiences. Featuring studio-quality Plate, Room, and Spring reverbs, along with a pitch-shifted Shimmer engine, the blueSky V2 offers unparalleled versatility for electric and acoustic guitar, synths, vocals, and keyboards. This manual provides detailed instructions for setup, operation, and maintenance to help you get the most out of your pedal.

Figure 1: Top view of the Strymon blueSky V2 pedal.

Key Features

• Studio-Quality Reverbs: Features world-class Spring, Plate, and Room reverb machines.
• Shimmer Engine: Pitch-shifted Shimmer for infinite modulated soundscapes with a new variable Shimmer level control.
• Intuitive Controls: Dedicated knobs for Reverb Type, Decay, Pre-delay, Hi and Lo EQ, Modulation depth.
• Enhanced Hardware: Discrete Class A JFET preamp for touch sensitivity, dedicated Favorite preset footswitch, mono/stereo switch, and stereo inputs/outputs.
• Extensive Connectivity: Complete MIDI functionality, 300 presets, USB-C port, and expression pedal/TRS MIDI jack for seamless integration.

Setup

Power Supply

The blueSky V2 requires a 9V DC power supply. Use only the included 9V DC power supply or a compatible, regulated power supply to ensure proper operation and prevent damage.

Connections

The pedal features versatile input and output options:

• Input (Left In): Connect your instrument or the output of another pedal here.
• Output (Left Out, Right Out): Connect to your amplifier(s) or the input of subsequent pedals.
• Mono/Stereo Switch: A rear panel switch allows you to select between mono and stereo input sources. This provides flexible audio routing without needing to open the pedal.
• TRS MIDI / Expression Jack: This jack supports both TRS MIDI control and expression pedal input. It allows for full MIDI control, including continuous control messages and program changes, or connection of an expression pedal for real-time parameter manipulation.
• USB-C Port: Connect to your computer for firmware updates and MIDI communication with your Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) or other MIDI-compatible software.

Figure 2: Rear panel connections of the blueSky V2.

JFET Input

The blueSky V2 features a discrete Class A JFET preamp at its input. This high-quality input circuit ensures superb responsiveness to your playing, accurately translating and preparing high-impedance outputs from instruments for optimal conversion and processing. This design contributes to the pedal's excellent sound quality and feel.

Operating

Controls Overview

The blueSky V2 offers a comprehensive set of controls to shape your reverb sound:

• DECAY: Controls the duration of the reverberated signal's decay, from short and snappy to nearly infinite.
• PRE-DELAY: Determines the time before the reverberated signal appears, adding space between the dry signal and the reverb.
• LOW: Adjusts the low-frequency content of the reverb, cleaning up bass-heavy reverberations.
• HIGH: Adjusts the high-frequency content of the reverb, allowing you to reduce highs for dark, moody reverbs.
• MIX: Controls the blend between your dry signal and the wet reverb signal, from 100% dry to 100% wet.
• SHIMMER: Controls the level of the pitch-shifted shimmer effect.
• MOD (Toggle Switch): Selects the modulation depth for each reverb type: Off, Light, or Deep.
• VERB (Toggle Switch): Selects the reverb type: Plate, Room, or Spring.

Figure 3: Main control knobs of the blueSky V2.

Reverb Types

The blueSky V2 offers three distinct reverb algorithms:

• Plate: For smooth, crisp reverberations.
• Room: Designed for spaces ranging from small rooms to massive arenas.
• Spring: Classic spring reverb with expanded spring textures.

Figure 4: Reverb Type selection.

Shimmer

The Shimmer engine adds pitch-shifted harmonies to the reverb tail, creating ethereal and expansive soundscapes. The new variable Shimmer level control allows for precise blending of this effect.

Modulation

The MOD switch introduces subtle to deep modulation to the reverb:

• Light: Modulates the lengths of individual delay lines responsible for reflections in the reverb tank, adding subtle motion.
• Deep: Modulates the signal entering the reverb in addition to the individual delay lines, creating a more pronounced modulation effect.

Figure 5: Modulation control.

Favorite Switch

The dedicated Favorite footswitch provides instant access to a stored setting, allowing you to quickly recall your preferred reverb configuration during performance or practice.

MIDI Control

The blueSky V2 offers comprehensive MIDI functionality:

• TRS MIDI / USB-C: Full MIDI control is available via the TRS MIDI/Expression jack or the USB-C port. This allows for remote control of almost every knob and switch setting.
• Presets: Store and recall up to 300 presets, providing vast sonic possibilities without the need to manually adjust settings.
• MIDI Clock Sync: The pedal can sync to MIDI clock, ensuring that time-based effects are perfectly synchronized with your DAW or master pedalboard controller.

Maintenance

To ensure the longevity and optimal performance of your Strymon blueSky V2 pedal, follow these general maintenance guidelines:

• Cleaning: Use a soft, dry cloth to clean the pedal's exterior. Avoid abrasive cleaners or solvents that could damage the finish or internal components.
• Storage: Store the pedal in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, extreme temperatures, and high humidity.
• Protection: When not in use, consider storing the pedal in a protective case, especially during transport, to prevent physical damage.
• Power: Always use the specified 9V DC power supply. Incorrect voltage or polarity can damage the pedal.

Troubleshooting

If you encounter any issues with your blueSky V2 pedal, consider the following common troubleshooting steps:

• No Sound:
  • Ensure the power supply is correctly connected and providing the correct voltage (9V DC).
  • Check all audio cables for proper connection and integrity. Try swapping cables.
  • Verify that your instrument and amplifier are functioning correctly.
  • Check the MIX knob setting; if it's fully dry, you won't hear the reverb effect.
• Unexpected Sound/Noise:
  • Ensure all cables are properly shielded and not running parallel to power cables.
  • Check the power supply for noise or interference.
  • Adjust the LOW and HIGH EQ knobs to shape the reverb's tonal characteristics.
  • If using MIDI, ensure correct MIDI channel and CC messages are being sent.
• Footswitch Issues:
  • Ensure the footswitches are clean and free from debris.
  • If the Favorite switch isn't recalling correctly, ensure a preset has been properly saved to it.

For further assistance, please refer to the detailed online manual or contact Strymon support.

Specifications

Warranty & Support

Strymon products are known for their high quality and reliability. For detailed warranty information and support, please visit the official Strymon website or contact their customer service directly. Keep your purchase receipt as proof of purchase for any warranty claims.

For the latest firmware updates, additional resources, and frequently asked questions, please visit www.strymon.net.