Eventide H9 vs Strymon BigSky
H9 is the more versatile single pedal — delay, modulation, pitch and reverb all available via algorithm purchase. BigSky is the superior dedicated reverb when that's all you need.
Eventide H9
Single-pedal format that houses all of Eventide's algorithms — reverb, delay, modulation, pitch, distortion and compression available via in-app purchase. The most capable single effects pedal available.
Players who want a single pedal that can be any effect type — the most flexible pedal available for the price
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
Eventide H9
- ✓ All Eventide algorithms in one pedal
- ✓ App-based purchasing of individual algorithms
- ✓ Studio-grade DSP
- ✓ MIDI and Bluetooth
- ✓ Compact size
- ✗ Algorithm expansion costs extra
- ✗ H9 Control app required for full use
- ✗ Hardware editing limited
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
Players who want one pedal that can be any effect type — the maximum flexibility single-pedal solution
Players whose primary need is studio-quality reverb and who don't need the H9's multi-effect flexibility
Final Verdict — Eventide H9 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 Eventide H9.
Best for metal tones
Eventide H9
Eventide H9 leads on gain (40/100) and bass response (60/100) — the two tonal pillars of metal playing.
Best value
Eventide H9
At £399 vs £449, Eventide H9 delivers 11% cost savings. The tonal trade-off is minor.
Specification Summary
| Eventide H9 | Strymon BigSky | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £399 | £449 |
| Category | Multi-FX | Reverb |
| Gain | 40/100 | 0/100 |
| Warmth | 65/100 | 65/100 |
| Treble | 65/100 | 62/100 |
| Bass | 60/100 | 60/100 |
| Versatility | 95/100 | 95/100 |
| Best for | Players who want a single pedal that can be any effect type | Players for whom reverb is central to their sound |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Delay, modulation, pitch, compression, distortion — full multi-effects via in-app purchase.
BigSky — fully dedicated to reverb, with deeper algorithm quality. H9's reverbs are excellent but secondary.
H9 is most powerful with the H9 Control app. BigSky has complete hardware control.
H9 if you need multiple effect types. BigSky if reverb is your primary need.