EQD Afterneath v3 vs Strymon BigSky
The Afterneath wins for its unique swarm-of-delays reverb character that no other pedal can produce — a specialist tool for ambient and experimental players. The BigSky wins as the all-purpose reverb for any musical context.
EQD Afterneath v3
EarthQuaker Devices' unique reverb using a swarm of short delay lines that react to each other — fundamentally different from convolution or algorithmic reverb. Produces sounds ranging from subtle glittery reverb to infinite droning ambience.
Experimental, ambient, and shoegaze players who want reverb textures that no other pedal can produce — a second reverb or specialist tone tool, not a primary reverb
Strymon BigSky
The flagship studio-quality reverb pedal — 12 reverb machines including Room, Hall, Plate, Spring, Shimmer, Cloud, Chorale, Bloom, and more. The reference premium reverb for professional guitarists worldwide.
Players for whom reverb is central to their sound — ambient, shoegaze, post-rock, and professional session players who need the finest reverb available
Tone Character
EQD Afterneath v3
- ✓ Unique algorithm not achievable with conventional reverb
- ✓ Drag control sweeps delay lines for pitch-shifting effects
- ✓ Reflect control manages decay and self-oscillation
- ✓ v3 adds Drag modulation and flexi-switch
- ✓ Compact EQD enclosure
- ✗ Not a conventional reverb — limited usefulness as a primary reverb
- ✗ Can become unwieldy without careful setting management
- ✗ Specialist tool — high price for what most players need from reverb
Strymon BigSky
- ✓ 12 reverb machines with exceptional quality
- ✓ 300 presets with MIDI
- ✓ Exceptional stereo operation
- ✓ The industry reference for premium reverb
- ✓ BigSky hardware controls are comprehensive
- ✗ Expensive at £449
- ✗ Large pedal format
- ✗ Some algorithms require deep editing for best results
When To Choose Each
Ambient, shoegaze and experimental players who want a reverb that doesn't sound like anything else.
Players who want one reverb pedal that excels at every conventional type — the Swiss Army knife of reverb.
Final Verdict — EQD Afterneath v3 vs Strymon BigSky
Best for beginners
Strymon BigSky
Strymon BigSky scores higher on versatility (95/100) and lower on gain (0/100) — a more forgiving starting point than EQD Afterneath v3.
Best for metal tones
Strymon BigSky
Strymon BigSky leads on gain (0/100) and bass response (60/100) — the two tonal pillars of metal playing.
Best value
EQD Afterneath v3
At £249 vs £449, EQD Afterneath v3 delivers 45% cost savings. The tonal trade-off is meaningful.
Specification Summary
| EQD Afterneath v3 | Strymon BigSky | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £249 | £449 |
| Category | Reverb | Reverb |
| Gain | 0/100 | 0/100 |
| Warmth | 50/100 | 65/100 |
| Treble | 62/100 | 62/100 |
| Bass | 48/100 | 60/100 |
| Versatility | 55/100 | 95/100 |
| Best for | Experimental, ambient, and shoegaze players who want reverb textures that no other pedal can produce | Players for whom reverb is central to their sound |
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Frequently Asked Questions
It uses a swarm of short delays that react to each other — fundamentally different from convolution or algorithmic reverb.
Not exactly — BigSky's shimmer and nonlinear modes approach the territory but lack the Afterneath's organic strangeness.
BigSky — more versatile across conventional reverb uses. Afterneath is a specialist tool.
Afterneath — much smaller footprint than the BigSky.