With the ability to do two reverbs, the BigSkyMX allows you to set 1 of the reverbs to have infinite/freeze function on, and the other off, the effect being you can truly freeze a reverb and still have the 'dry' parts you play on top of it have their own reverb on them, instead of flat dry - which never really sounded great to me. I know people don't like the price (check out the Boss RV-500 for an alternative two reverb workstation), but you really get two bigsky's in one, and the reverbs in the MX do sound better to me than my original BigSky. Maybe that's placebo effect, but I like it. The CXM 1978 still has the least 'fake' sounding verb I've heard in a pedal, but I find the BigSkyMX to be more musical and to cover more ground for me. I hope Meris does a big box version of its Enzo. That was a phenomenal pedal truly crippled by its small box/non-screen format.
That’s a great way to work around the clipping. Have one on Freeze and the other not. Hadn’t thought about that. Thanks for that great suggestion! As for a big box Enzo, I hope so too! I suspect their next big box might be a combo of Enzo, Hedra, and Ottobit all wrapped up into one!
I think the implementation of hold/infinite/freeze is quite different between the two. The MercuryX is diffusing and looping a section of audio, allowing you still have an active reverb through the use of a single algorithm. The BigSky MX is running the algorithm with infinite repeats, which is why you must either have no reverb on the dry/non-held signal, or use the building-into-reverb of the infinite. You have to add the second algorithm to actually use a reverb in a conventional way with hold engaged.
Love the way you put this! Very well said! I agree that they're not the same way of doing it, but for someone contemplating one or the other, it's good to know how they do it. Thank you for this!
Also when you think of it the hold modifier on the Mercury X is kinda like an extra preset, you can have a completely different sound if you set it that way,in effect having 200 presets,all be it it's in the same reverb structure.. however I'd be very surprised if there is not an update to increase the presets...
Hi, After a couple month using both witch one is your favorite and shortly why . Please it is difficult to choose one of them. I understand it can be a personal choice.Thanks
It’s a very personal choice indeed. For me, it’s the MercuryX hands down. I feel the BigSkyMX is limited in its creative options and after being used to adding whatever I can dream up on the MercuryX, the limits of the BigSkyMX frustrate me. Also the BigSkyMX seems to have headroom limitations and I find it clips a lot for me when I’m going after those big reverbs. Hope that helps!
@@thepedalcollaborative Thank you so much, that’s exactly what i tought but i haven’t tried both of them. I actually own a cloudburst i don’t think il will need it after i bought the Mercury X? Do you agree ?
@AVCOME I think the MercuryX can do what you need from the Cloudburst. May not be 100% exact but can definitely give you the freedom to tweak it and make it your own!
Super great video as usual! The Strymon seems to sound fuller and richer where the Meris seems to be more precise and metallic. I really do not understand why Strymon decided to add a dedicated switch to the infinite function losing one of 3 presets available on the fly on the previous version. 🤷. I much prefer the Meris in this case. More presets available quickly.
Hey thanks! I think the Strymon jfet preamps give them all a warm sound. In truth it muddies up the overall signal but we’re just so used to it that when we now use high fidelity units like the Meris, it can feel like something is missing or that it’s “metallic”
To my ears, the algorithms on the BigSky MX generally sound a bit more polished and warmer, but the Mercury X is tons of fun and hard to beat when you're into creating experimental sounds. The Eventide H90 is a strong contender to both these pedals in the reverb department and has a lot more versatility and complex routing options, but it comes at a slightly higher price.
I often hear people commenting about how good Eventide's reverbs are, yet I never see any demos of the H9 or the new H90 producing spacious, ambient sounds on TH-cam. All I hear are demos of their pitch-shifting, delays, modulation, synth and distortion algorithms. I'm not knocking Eventide -- I own two H9s, BigSky, TimeLine, Mobius, Neunaber, etc... Many of the Meris pedals sound impressive to my ears, just haven't had any personal experience with them yet because easy MIDI control is essential for me. For that reason I'm considering replacing almost every pedal I own with both the Eventide H90 and the BigSky MX.
I've had both the Space and Blackhole and didn't love the sounds. I should really try the H90 though. I don't implement MIDI to the greater extent so I can't speak to how easy it is on the MercuryX or BSMX
Owner here of BigSky (old one which I just sold) and MercuryX. IMO, MercuryX is the way to go. It covers all the bases while allowing you to create amazing sonic atmospheres. Also I always felt the Strymon had a bit of a coloring I didn’t appreciate. But most importantly I found the MercuryX extremely inspiring.
I was thinking of changing from the Mercury x …because it’s so deep , bit too deep for the hours I’m willing to;spend inside it. .. I really like the inclusion of convolution reverb in MX … but then.. the Meris has all the algos that can be found in the chase bliss 78 ..specifically the room. The digital clipping thing was really off putting .. but I also dislike that the Metis updater/ MANAGER . needs midi and an audio interface to connect. Thanks for the video. I’m still very much undecided… I sent the poly convolution back because you couldn’t turn the mix down low enough and the start up time was monumental… Still looking .. reverbs a big space . Literally ..
Hey thanks for sharing! Here’s what I can tell you on the Meris: they’re working on their prEDITOR for the MercuryX like they have out for the LVX. It’s a game changer and should be USB connect only As for convolution reverbs, have you tried the Integral by Tasty Chips?
@@thepedalcollaborative thanks so much for the reply. I will definately look at Tasty chips. I regret selling the chase bliss really. That was a mistake. I'm secretly hoping that fender do something with TMP and convolution Reverbs . Time will tell.. peace ✌️
Look. I just got the EQD Avalanche Run V2 for the FOURTH!!! TIME!!! No judgement here. I think part of our disease (I think GAS will be in the DSM6) is that we are always hunting for what’s better than what we have. For most of us we can’t afford to purchase all the options so we have to sell or trade what might very well be the pedal we should keep. We just won’t know it until it’s too late. No shame on going back!
That Circle Mod example was great! Yup the end result was achieved through two different variations. Strymon was pretty standard while Meris had its beautiful weirdness. Glad you did that. Thank you 😊
Thank you so much for saying this! I was a bit nervous to put that on there for fear of what backlash I’d get. In the end I decided it was best to be true to how I hear and function with both pedals when they do something different. Glad you liked it!
Concerning the blue sky patch that you tried to recreate in the mercury. It sounds different because the mercury is sustaining that high frequency while the big sky sounds like its feeding back on itself while also being pitched up for every loop. If the mercury has loadable impulse responses then couldnt you just use the big sky audio sample and create a big sky impulse response, then load it to the mercury? If its capable of that then it can be basically be any reverb you want it to be as long as you have sample audio to analyze.
@thepedalcollaborative good to know! Thanks man. Im comparing reverb pedals right now before i buy one. The big sky seems like a one of a kind thing so im leaning towards it. But im going to check out the bsmx you mentioned now just incase. Good video btw 👌
@thepedalcollaborative yeah i caught that right after i posted the comment. That basically made p my mind about the bigskymx, the loadable impulse responses was all i needed to know to make the decision. Thnx again
I found the BigSky processing speeds easily but did not find them explicitly listed for Mercury X. Maybe someone more knowledgeable about these things knows the stats for what the Mercury X has processor wise.
Is the 385 acting as your amp, or is the Stomp doing that function? Your reverbs (a lot of reverbs! 🙂) are pre or post? In case is the HX Stomp, what amp are you using?
Truly a fantastic question! The 385 is acting as my overdrive. I’ve got that into the Mercury X (MISO) into the BigSkyMX (SISO), into the input of the HX Stomp. In this way the reverbs are pre amp. They’re not in the effects loop. The amp sims I’m using for the Stomp are the ones based on the Roland Jazz Chorus, which are some of the cleanest amps in there I feel
@@thepedalcollaborative do you use 2 Jazz Rivets to "respect" the stereo input? I'm a fan of the L6 Ventoux and the Soldano clean. My favourite preset right now is a Dual amp preset with a L6 Ventoux + Matchless on channel 2 The L6 Clarity is as clean as it gets with a bit more of valve thing than the JC
@@thepedalcollaborative nice tones, btw would be interesting see you comparing the Dynamic reverbs from the HX Stomp with these two reverb monsters you have. Seriously tempted by the Mercury X
Yes…..you’ve saved me from having to do this video now! ❤ haha joke…filming something similar this week….interesting to see where we agree and differ on our thoughts on this topic. what a time to be alive for effects hey…so so good.
Don't watch my video until after you've filmed yours! That way yours will be completely unbiased! ...but I'm guessing we'll differ with our take. That's ok, not everyone can be right.
@@thepedalcollaborative haha too late. But I already know where my heads at and know what points I wana get across. It’s like picking between your two favourite children 😀
I really want to upgrade my Specular Tempus to the Mercury X. Such an amazing pedal. The only thing that intrigues me about the BSMX is the IR/Convolution ability
If that’s the ONLY thing that intrigues you about the BSMX, then I’d say check out the Poly Verbs or Tasty Chips Integral. Both are stereo convolution reverbs
@@thepedalcollaborative i didnt know about the Tasty Chips Integral. That pedal looks awesome! Thanks for informing me about it! I shouldnt say the IR loader in the BSMX is the ONLY thing i find intriguing about the pedal as a whole, but it is the main feature that sparks my interest in comparison to the Mercury X.
@gerdakodak no worries. Both the MercuryX and BigSkyMX has menus you have to work with. The BigSkyMX has the closest sounds to the original BigSky. That said, the BigSky has a ton of reverb algorithms, making menus a bit necessary. If there were a specific sound you liked that would be easier. Example: the Cloud algorithm on both BigSkies is menuless and easy with the Cloudburst pedal. Shimmer on the BlueSky, etc. On the Meris side of things you can go with the Mercury7 for the plate and cathedral sounds without menus
Sure thing! I actually did one for the OG BigSky, but yes can update it for the BSMX. The OG video is here: th-cam.com/video/y0hLCoxe5io/w-d-xo.htmlsi=r_3zYBvQcCNVzlbI
@@thepedalcollaborative i can't really hear it too well on the Mercury tbh... this is like the one thing holding me back from pulling the trigger on it, that damn chorale is just so nice on the big sky. Thanks for the link!
@@thepedalcollaborative haha. I'll keep an eye out. Really appreciate this comparison video as these 2 pedals make it hard to choose. I might just have to buy both like a crazy person and then return one of em
@regularmenthol if there are any questions you have or if you need to see/hear something let me know. If I can help prevent you shelling out $1278 I’m here to help!
Thank you so much for focusing on the digital clipping problem with reverb. I’ve been having the issue with DBA Rooms clipping. It’s like a headroom threshold on the input. I can’t run an overdriven guitar into it without clipping.
You’re welcome! I forgot to mention in this video that you can lower the output level in the preset to help, but doing that I found everything lowering more than I liked.
Beatifull pedals! I had the first bigsky and the Meris, but at the end i found the FM9 better because you can really go deep with the parameters and it has a lot of algorithms, combined with the multidelay is awesome
Oh yeah the FM9 is pretty incredible! For this video I didn't want to bring in other more powerful all-in-ones that can essentially be an entire signal path by itself. Fractal, Helix, Quad Cortex, etc. Those are in a different category altogether even though they can handle reverb beautifully
Thanks for the comparison video! I was looking into the Bigsky MX, and I'm curious how it sounds when compared to the Source Audio Ventris (which is also a double reverb.) There's always been a tonal quality (maybe EQing) to the original Bigsky that I don't like, but I can't put my finger on what it is exactly. There was something with EQ that's in all of the algorithms that make them all sound the same to me, where the Mx sounds more natural and different between algorithms. I'm still very intrigued by the MX though, it seems like a great pedal.
I had a Ventris ages ago. Didn't like it simply because of the UI and that you couldn't access additional algorithms without using the app. Sonically though I haven't compared them. I hear what you're saying about the EQ thing..the "Strymon Sound" if you were. Love it or hate it, it's in every box they make. The Meris MX does tend to be a little more transparent for those that prefer that.
Yeah exactly, that's one of the reasons I'm looking into the MX. I liked using the phone app at first, but I think I prefer having all of the features available on the pedal itself. Ok, well I'll definitely make sure to keep that in mind and buy the mx from someone with a long return policy, just in case I end up not liking it. Thanks.
I've got the Ventris now and looking to get rid of it - hence looking at videos like this. It's got a great range of options and configurability, but somehow can't do the rich, warm, lush sounds in Strymon and Meris - and believe me I've tried. It has fantastic core reverbs in Spring, Plate and Hall but beyond that sounds very "digital".
@mpgnz73 both the Meris and Strymkn are great! Go for the MercuryX if you’re wanting more control over everything and the ability to have unique sound designed reverbs (as well as incredible “basic” reverbs!) Go with the BugSkyMX if you need the dual reverbs or IR loading and are ok with great sounds that don’t quite have as much tweakability.
@clayteasouth probably one of the reasons why I like the MercuryX, since I can craft it how I like! …that said, there are more verbs on the horizon from some pretty big companies so we’ll keep our fingers crossed! 🤞
Thanks for the video. Sometimes your phrases could be more ellaborate, not just "this does it better and this makes it like that" -> name the pedals in saying such phrases - on short: Big Sky is more a preset machine, set and forget. The Mercury has a lot of options and you could go much further. I think the Mercury X brings more in the future, when users start to upload their presets. Not for the usual guitarist but more the ambient fiddler.
@RandoCalglitchian she did! I was referencing the album titled 1989, which is where the song “Bad Blood” resides…but we can start an internet rumor that her career started in 1989. I’m fine with that.
If she didn't start in utero, then she can't be THAT talented...at least not as talented as Nirvana. Also, if seeing that TS was born in 1989 makes you feel old, then you probably... ;)
I know I didn’t get the best out of the MercX 😂. There is so much it can do that the BSMX can’t and I don’t think it would be fair. This was more trying to level things out and do apple to apples as much as possible…except it’s like an exotic complex tasting apple vs a second generation slightly updated Apple. Also, how often do you talk about the audio company “Shure” that your phone autocorrected to that instead of “sure”? 🤣
@@thepedalcollaborativeexactly! Not really sure big sky has more potential. Had a lot less features and control. No doubt its algo are amazing. mercury x can do much more in terms of sound design.
That’s kinda where I’m landing. BSMX can get you incredible stuff quickly but then you’re at the ceiling and can’t go up. The MX (MercuryX…duh! 😆) starts great and then just goes deep and wide into sound design!
@@joeymc5272 It's 100% a workflow thing. If you don't like sound design and wading into the parameters, the Strymon is probably a lot more gratifying to use. I only own the Mercury X, but really appreciate how much control you have, and once a patch is set up and you assign the knobs correctly, you get just the amount of immediate control.
I personally wouldn't say it's 100% a workflow thing, but then again I've never liked the workflow of Strymon's big boxes (to be fair, I've also never liked the workflow of Meris's SMALL boxes haha!). The BSMX is a better workflow than the original, but I quickly find myself wishing I could adjust it a little more. So, maybe 99% workflow thing.
I have both pedals and thought when I got the bigskyMX I would immediately sell the Meris. However I’m torn. WINS - for out of the box amazing sound the bigsky MX wins for me. - for crafted reverbs the Meris wins in some ways. - neither have editor capability yet but I really hope both allow live editing its 2024 and this should be a standard for any pedal this price. - I own an h90 and editing via my MacBook Pro or iPad through Bluetooth is game changer and for some like me who plays a lot of variety of music on a weekly basis the app makes it much easier. LOSSES - bigskyMX not allowing me to load my 100s of presets I have crafted on the BigSky over the past 10 years. I even tried to match knob settings but it just doesn’t sound the same. - Meris this has been the most frustrating thing for me. Scrolling through 20 menus I absolutely despise the UI. I have tried both modes and keep it on the text mode but still having to scroll a knob to get through all those settings either the small text and bending down while doing that live in a run through or sound check is NOT fun. I have other thoughts but these are my main wins and losses. I never thought about the ability to add algorithms and def strymon has cut themselves off there although I doubt they would ever add any anyway. Meris however we will see TBD. It’s always interesting to see how a pedal develops overtime. For instance with the H90 recently I was absolutely thrilled when the Tape algo came out it makes it extremely rewarding and like a new pedal when small things like that happen. Thanks for the video enjoying the presets from Patreon!
I love your thoughts here, on both wins and losses. Very well said! I’ve gotten so used to the Meris UI that it’s almost second nature, but I totally understand the complexity/frustration people can face. It will be interesting to see how Meris/Strymon update their firmware now that they’re both out in the wild!
Beautifully articulated break down. How does the EventideH90 compare to the BigSky MX? Specifically in regards to character and quality of algorithms? Can you get the same lush cinematic tails on the H90?
I love Strymon stuff.. The El Cap and Brigidier have prolly been my favorite delay sounds ever... That said tho, for me, the MercuryX MURDERS the BigSky MX. Not even close.. The control and tweakability .. Everything about it.
@@thepedalcollaborative I actually have an LVX and El Cap on my board now.. I'm replacing the El Cap with a Starlight though that I should have in a couple days.. I'm just looking to get the perfect Memory Man sound. Yea I love the Strymon delays, even the Dig sounds incredible and I'm not a digital guy. Hard to beat Meris in the verb game tho from what I've heard.
@@13aphomet I also have an LVX and an El cap v2.....and a Starlight lol. El Cap is in it's own lane, Starlight is the most lush DMM sounds I've ever heard, and LVX is literally the best of everything else delay related!
Bigsky is definitely digitally clipping. That is something they need to fix hopefully in a firmware update. That is infinite/stomp is dedicated to that function which for the price is unacceptable. Still, for sound design and cinematic style verbs i much prefer mercury x. For overall washed out reverb and a slightly bigger dynamic range i think i prefer the big sky. Dammit this video had me worried. Now i want a bit sky to do my own side by side.
You were worried or your wallet was worried? So to be fair, I shot this with the firmware that the BSMX shipped with. I've since updated it, but have yet to revisit the digital clipping. I'll do that today and report back!
I should have clarified more you said you were going to do a comparison video which is what had me worried because i wanted to avoid seeing the side by side and then hearing something i liked better on the bigsky leading my wallet to be robbed of more money lol. Can you please revisit the clipping and see if it’s still persisting and report back since the updated firmware by chance please?
Totally! I did just check and the clipping is still there on the new firmware. This, along with the confusion surrounding Freeze/Infinite, makes me think of popping a quick video showing this.
@@thepedalcollaborative i would if i were you because ive seen a lot of talk about this being a big one bro. You do the best content because your not post processing the hell out of the audio to show us untrue versions of pedals and what they sound like. Im not going to lie for big long decay tails, i think i prefer the bigskymx but for hifi clean reverbs for studio recording, mercury x is very hard to beat. I did a big test on all my reverbs including plugins versus mercury x and for hifi sound that are not over the top washy, mercury x takes everything imo. I still think im going to get bigsky mx though. Just want to see complaints after a month of being out first.
I’ll try and do that today! I got sidetracked last night making a custom LVX preset for one of our Patreon Collaborators! The BSMX has some great sounds in it! It’s a step up from the OG which was king for over a decade! Nothing wrong with getting it and nothing wrong with waiting a month to do so!
![เจ็บที่ยังฮัก - ม่อน วรวิทย์ [ Official Mv ] จอนนี่มิวสิค](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/KALIGSRSjFs/mqdefault.jpg)
What pedal cables are you using? Love their slim and skinny form factor :)
Those are Ernie Ball Flat Ribbon cables. Got those from Sweetwater
@@thepedalcollaborative thanks a million
@esongsore you betcha!
With the ability to do two reverbs, the BigSkyMX allows you to set 1 of the reverbs to have infinite/freeze function on, and the other off, the effect being you can truly freeze a reverb and still have the 'dry' parts you play on top of it have their own reverb on them, instead of flat dry - which never really sounded great to me. I know people don't like the price (check out the Boss RV-500 for an alternative two reverb workstation), but you really get two bigsky's in one, and the reverbs in the MX do sound better to me than my original BigSky. Maybe that's placebo effect, but I like it.
The CXM 1978 still has the least 'fake' sounding verb I've heard in a pedal, but I find the BigSkyMX to be more musical and to cover more ground for me.
I hope Meris does a big box version of its Enzo. That was a phenomenal pedal truly crippled by its small box/non-screen format.
That’s a great way to work around the clipping. Have one on Freeze and the other not. Hadn’t thought about that. Thanks for that great suggestion!
As for a big box Enzo, I hope so too! I suspect their next big box might be a combo of Enzo, Hedra, and Ottobit all wrapped up into one!
I think the implementation of hold/infinite/freeze is quite different between the two. The MercuryX is diffusing and looping a section of audio, allowing you still have an active reverb through the use of a single algorithm. The BigSky MX is running the algorithm with infinite repeats, which is why you must either have no reverb on the dry/non-held signal, or use the building-into-reverb of the infinite. You have to add the second algorithm to actually use a reverb in a conventional way with hold engaged.
Love the way you put this! Very well said!
I agree that they're not the same way of doing it, but for someone contemplating one or the other, it's good to know how they do it. Thank you for this!
Also when you think of it the hold modifier on the Mercury X is kinda like an extra preset, you can have a completely different sound if you set it that way,in effect having 200 presets,all be it it's in the same reverb structure.. however I'd be very surprised if there is not an update to increase the presets...
That’s an excellent way of looking at the hold modifier! I never really thought of it as an extra preset but I totally see your point!
Hi, After a couple month using both witch one is your favorite and shortly why . Please it is difficult to choose one of them. I understand it can be a personal choice.Thanks
It’s a very personal choice indeed. For me, it’s the MercuryX hands down. I feel the BigSkyMX is limited in its creative options and after being used to adding whatever I can dream up on the MercuryX, the limits of the BigSkyMX frustrate me.
Also the BigSkyMX seems to have headroom limitations and I find it clips a lot for me when I’m going after those big reverbs.
Hope that helps!
@@thepedalcollaborative Thank you so much, that’s exactly what i tought but i haven’t tried both of them. I actually own a cloudburst i don’t think il will need it after i bought the Mercury X? Do you agree ?
@AVCOME I think the MercuryX can do what you need from the Cloudburst. May not be 100% exact but can definitely give you the freedom to tweak it and make it your own!
Super great video as usual! The Strymon seems to sound fuller and richer where the Meris seems to be more precise and metallic. I really do not understand why Strymon decided to add a dedicated switch to the infinite function losing one of 3 presets available on the fly on the previous version. 🤷. I much prefer the Meris in this case. More presets available quickly.
Hey thanks! I think the Strymon jfet preamps give them all a warm sound. In truth it muddies up the overall signal but we’re just so used to it that when we now use high fidelity units like the Meris, it can feel like something is missing or that it’s “metallic”
To my ears, the algorithms on the BigSky MX generally sound a bit more polished and warmer, but the Mercury X is tons of fun and hard to beat when you're into creating experimental sounds. The Eventide H90 is a strong contender to both these pedals in the reverb department and has a lot more versatility and complex routing options, but it comes at a slightly higher price.
I can definitely see everything you’re saying! I want to get the H90 but you know… 💰 💰 💰
I often hear people commenting about how good Eventide's reverbs are, yet I never see any demos of the H9 or the new H90 producing spacious, ambient sounds on TH-cam. All I hear are demos of their pitch-shifting, delays, modulation, synth and distortion algorithms. I'm not knocking Eventide -- I own two H9s, BigSky, TimeLine, Mobius, Neunaber, etc... Many of the Meris pedals sound impressive to my ears, just haven't had any personal experience with them yet because easy MIDI control is essential for me. For that reason I'm considering replacing almost every pedal I own with both the Eventide H90 and the BigSky MX.
I've had both the Space and Blackhole and didn't love the sounds. I should really try the H90 though.
I don't implement MIDI to the greater extent so I can't speak to how easy it is on the MercuryX or BSMX
I just got the meris mercuryX, but I couldn't find if there is a way to do spillover presets yet. Do you know if it's possible???
Yes there is! It’s in the global settings
Owner here of BigSky (old one which I just sold) and MercuryX. IMO, MercuryX is the way to go. It covers all the bases while allowing you to create amazing sonic atmospheres. Also I always felt the Strymon had a bit of a coloring I didn’t appreciate. But most importantly I found the MercuryX extremely inspiring.
The MercX is a very inspiring pedal! Did you see Meris is releasing 10th Anniversary matte black MercuryX and LVX pedals later this summer???
@@thepedalcollaborativeyep. Saw it. Looks really nice!
@jmaccess soo nice! Now the question is, what’s their next big box going to be and will it be gold, silver, or black
@@thepedalcollaborativea Mobius. Color not sure. Violet?
@jmaccess I wonder if it will be a combo of Hedra, Enzo, and Ottobit. It better be black though! Haha
Appreciate the comparison. I'm sitting happy with my MercuryX and LVX combo.
I absolutely adore the LVX + MercuryX combo! I’m waiting now for Meris’s third offering (no inside info, just wishful thinking!)
@@thepedalcollaborativeImagine a Meris “Mobius”… 🤤
@tompoynton I suspect the next one will be a powerhouse combo of Hedra/Enzo/Ottobit
@@thepedalcollaborative ooooooh
Right?!? I’m just guessing, but it makes sense
I was thinking of changing from the Mercury x …because it’s so deep , bit too deep for the hours I’m willing to;spend inside it.
.. I really like the inclusion of convolution reverb in MX …
but then.. the Meris has all the algos that can be found in the chase bliss 78 ..specifically the room.
The digital clipping thing was really off putting .. but I also dislike that the Metis updater/ MANAGER . needs midi and an audio interface to connect.
Thanks for the video. I’m still very much undecided… I sent the poly convolution back because you couldn’t turn the mix down low enough and the start up time was monumental…
Still looking .. reverbs a big space . Literally ..
Hey thanks for sharing! Here’s what I can tell you on the Meris: they’re working on their prEDITOR for the MercuryX like they have out for the LVX. It’s a game changer and should be USB connect only
As for convolution reverbs, have you tried the Integral by Tasty Chips?
@@thepedalcollaborative thanks so much for the reply. I will definately look at Tasty chips. I regret selling the chase bliss really. That was a mistake. I'm secretly hoping that fender do something with TMP and convolution
Reverbs . Time will tell.. peace ✌️
Nice thing is you can still get the CXM if you ever want to go back :)
@@thepedalcollaborative
I may have reverb pedal bi polar !
Will get that checked out ..
Look. I just got the EQD Avalanche Run V2 for the FOURTH!!! TIME!!! No judgement here.
I think part of our disease (I think GAS will be in the DSM6) is that we are always hunting for what’s better than what we have. For most of us we can’t afford to purchase all the options so we have to sell or trade what might very well be the pedal we should keep. We just won’t know it until it’s too late. No shame on going back!
That Circle Mod example was great! Yup the end result was achieved through two different variations. Strymon was pretty standard while Meris had its beautiful weirdness. Glad you did that. Thank you 😊
Thank you so much for saying this! I was a bit nervous to put that on there for fear of what backlash I’d get. In the end I decided it was best to be true to how I hear and function with both pedals when they do something different. Glad you liked it!
It was a great example of how the Mercury X differs.
@tonytaylor5087 yes it was!
Shared on the gear page and gear forum
why thank you Brock! Much love towards ya!
Concerning the blue sky patch that you tried to recreate in the mercury. It sounds different because the mercury is sustaining that high frequency while the big sky sounds like its feeding back on itself while also being pitched up for every loop.
If the mercury has loadable impulse responses then couldnt you just use the big sky audio sample and create a big sky impulse response, then load it to the mercury? If its capable of that then it can be basically be any reverb you want it to be as long as you have sample audio to analyze.
The MercuryX cannot load IR. The BSMX can. The patch I made could be tweaked further most likely to someone with better ears than myself :)
@thepedalcollaborative good to know! Thanks man. Im comparing reverb pedals right now before i buy one. The big sky seems like a one of a kind thing so im leaning towards it. But im going to check out the bsmx you mentioned now just incase. Good video btw 👌
@machettman BSMX is BigSkyMX, as opposed to the OG BigSky. This video is between the MercuryX and BSMX
@thepedalcollaborative yeah i caught that right after i posted the comment. That basically made p my mind about the bigskymx, the loadable impulse responses was all i needed to know to make the decision. Thnx again
@machettman 🙌 happy to help
I found the BigSky processing speeds easily but did not find them explicitly listed for Mercury X. Maybe someone more knowledgeable about these things knows the stats for what the Mercury X has processor wise.
I know they both use ARM processors but I do not know the stays for the MercuryX
Awesome bro.. Just in time for my lunch break 🤘
Timing is everything ;)
I'm feeling those BigSky Vibes.
It’s super vibey sk that makes sense!
Is the 385 acting as your amp, or is the Stomp doing that function? Your reverbs (a lot of reverbs! 🙂) are pre or post?
In case is the HX Stomp, what amp are you using?
Truly a fantastic question! The 385 is acting as my overdrive. I’ve got that into the Mercury X (MISO) into the BigSkyMX (SISO), into the input of the HX Stomp. In this way the reverbs are pre amp. They’re not in the effects loop.
The amp sims I’m using for the Stomp are the ones based on the Roland Jazz Chorus, which are some of the cleanest amps in there I feel
@@thepedalcollaborative do you use 2 Jazz Rivets to "respect" the stereo input?
I'm a fan of the L6 Ventoux and the Soldano clean.
My favourite preset right now is a Dual amp preset with a L6 Ventoux + Matchless on channel 2
The L6 Clarity is as clean as it gets with a bit more of valve thing than the JC
@martiboucat I’ll check those out! Yes I’m using 2 of the same amps, L & R
@@thepedalcollaborative nice tones, btw
would be interesting see you comparing the Dynamic reverbs from the HX Stomp with these two reverb monsters you have.
Seriously tempted by the Mercury X
I''ll definitely be doing some things like that!
Thanks for the tone comment :)
Amazing video, thanks so much.
You’re most welcome!
Yes…..you’ve saved me from having to do this video now! ❤ haha joke…filming something similar this week….interesting to see where we agree and differ on our thoughts on this topic. what a time to be alive for effects hey…so so good.
Don't watch my video until after you've filmed yours! That way yours will be completely unbiased!
...but I'm guessing we'll differ with our take. That's ok, not everyone can be right.
@@thepedalcollaborative haha too late. But I already know where my heads at and know what points I wana get across. It’s like picking between your two favourite children 😀
@nickreesyt so true…because children will cost you a lot of money
@@thepedalcollaborative 😂😂
However you generally shouldn’t step on them…your kids that is. Pedals are fine
The carpet, the voice, the hands, all points towards one thing I'm very familiar with~
Which is?
@@thepedalcollaborative something we call, a boytoy~
@JohnnyADi boys and their toys!
@@thepedalcollaborative and your toy ❤️
@@JohnnyADi TH-cam is not the place for that lol.
I really want to upgrade my Specular Tempus to the Mercury X. Such an amazing pedal. The only thing that intrigues me about the BSMX is the IR/Convolution ability
If that’s the ONLY thing that intrigues you about the BSMX, then I’d say check out the Poly Verbs or Tasty Chips Integral. Both are stereo convolution reverbs
@@thepedalcollaborative i didnt know about the Tasty Chips Integral. That pedal looks awesome! Thanks for informing me about it!
I shouldnt say the IR loader in the BSMX is the ONLY thing i find intriguing about the pedal as a whole, but it is the main feature that sparks my interest in comparison to the Mercury X.
@orryfishburne5326 you’re welcome! And you can get one at Perfect Circuit! There’s a link in the description on this video over to their site. 😎
@@thepedalcollaborative awesome! Thanks!
Sure thing!
Which is the reverb that can sound like BS but has no menu diving?
What do you mean by “BS”? BigSky? Blue Sky? Something else?
@@thepedalcollaborative Sorry..., Big Sky.
@gerdakodak no worries. Both the MercuryX and BigSkyMX has menus you have to work with. The BigSkyMX has the closest sounds to the original BigSky. That said, the BigSky has a ton of reverb algorithms, making menus a bit necessary.
If there were a specific sound you liked that would be easier. Example: the Cloud algorithm on both BigSkies is menuless and easy with the Cloudburst pedal. Shimmer on the BlueSky, etc.
On the Meris side of things you can go with the Mercury7 for the plate and cathedral sounds without menus
@@thepedalcollaborative Thank You, Sir.
You’re quite welcomes!
I simply have both. Is that too much? 😅
Not at all! Unless it is. Only you can be the judge. We support you any which way!
If you have money to waste why not?
We all have our vices. Mine is delay. There are worse things
I'll stick with my CXM 1978. Bit of a different thing but the UI is so much better for us non screen dwellers
The CXM is an absolute joy to use! So easy and I LOVE the motorized faders!!
Can you do Chorale on the MercuryX? I love that algo on the Big Sky
Sure thing! I actually did one for the OG BigSky, but yes can update it for the BSMX.
The OG video is here: th-cam.com/video/y0hLCoxe5io/w-d-xo.htmlsi=r_3zYBvQcCNVzlbI
@@thepedalcollaborative i can't really hear it too well on the Mercury tbh... this is like the one thing holding me back from pulling the trigger on it, that damn chorale is just so nice on the big sky. Thanks for the link!
@regularmenthol ok! I’ll keep that in mind when making the BSMX version on the MercX!
@@thepedalcollaborative haha. I'll keep an eye out. Really appreciate this comparison video as these 2 pedals make it hard to choose. I might just have to buy both like a crazy person and then return one of em
@regularmenthol if there are any questions you have or if you need to see/hear something let me know. If I can help prevent you shelling out $1278 I’m here to help!
I just ordered a Mercury X....awesome video to prepare, very cool overview
Hey thanks! I think you’ll love the MercX!
Again, Doing God's Work!
Amen 🙏
Thank you so much for focusing on the digital clipping problem with reverb. I’ve been having the issue with DBA Rooms clipping. It’s like a headroom threshold on the input. I can’t run an overdriven guitar into it without clipping.
You’re welcome! I forgot to mention in this video that you can lower the output level in the preset to help, but doing that I found everything lowering more than I liked.
Beatifull pedals! I had the first bigsky and the Meris, but at the end i found the FM9 better because you can really go deep with the parameters and it has a lot of algorithms, combined with the multidelay is awesome
Oh yeah the FM9 is pretty incredible! For this video I didn't want to bring in other more powerful all-in-ones that can essentially be an entire signal path by itself. Fractal, Helix, Quad Cortex, etc. Those are in a different category altogether even though they can handle reverb beautifully
Thanks for the comparison video!
I was looking into the Bigsky MX, and I'm curious how it sounds when compared to the Source Audio Ventris (which is also a double reverb.)
There's always been a tonal quality (maybe EQing) to the original Bigsky that I don't like, but I can't put my finger on what it is exactly.
There was something with EQ that's in all of the algorithms that make them all sound the same to me, where the Mx sounds more natural and different between algorithms.
I'm still very intrigued by the MX though, it seems like a great pedal.
I had a Ventris ages ago. Didn't like it simply because of the UI and that you couldn't access additional algorithms without using the app. Sonically though I haven't compared them.
I hear what you're saying about the EQ thing..the "Strymon Sound" if you were. Love it or hate it, it's in every box they make. The Meris MX does tend to be a little more transparent for those that prefer that.
Yeah exactly, that's one of the reasons I'm looking into the MX. I liked using the phone app at first, but I think I prefer having all of the features available on the pedal itself.
Ok, well I'll definitely make sure to keep that in mind and buy the mx from someone with a long return policy, just in case I end up not liking it.
Thanks.
@Rob_B_93 I hear you! PerfectCircuit has a nice return policy! I have direct links to both pedals here in the description
I've got the Ventris now and looking to get rid of it - hence looking at videos like this. It's got a great range of options and configurability, but somehow can't do the rich, warm, lush sounds in Strymon and Meris - and believe me I've tried. It has fantastic core reverbs in Spring, Plate and Hall but beyond that sounds very "digital".
@mpgnz73 both the Meris and Strymkn are great! Go for the MercuryX if you’re wanting more control over everything and the ability to have unique sound designed reverbs (as well as incredible “basic” reverbs!)
Go with the BugSkyMX if you need the dual reverbs or IR loading and are ok with great sounds that don’t quite have as much tweakability.
Frankly, I don't see why I should spend $500-$700 to replace my BigSky with either of those two.
Totally. For some people it’s a dilemma. If this helps anyone choose for themselves then it’s all worth it!
No kidding! Bigsky still inspiring and finding new sounds. Will stay in hold.
@clayteasouth good choice! If you’re still happy where you are, stay there!
Yea, I’m often under whelmed with these new verbs and realize we are in a competitive market during tough times.
@clayteasouth probably one of the reasons why I like the MercuryX, since I can craft it how I like!
…that said, there are more verbs on the horizon from some pretty big companies so we’ll keep our fingers crossed! 🤞
Nice video!! I think Mercury X software editor will help a lot. I'm waiting for that release...!
Same here! It’s going to be awesome!
Thanks for the video. Sometimes your phrases could be more ellaborate, not just "this does it better and this makes it like that" -> name the pedals in saying such phrases - on short: Big Sky is more a preset machine, set and forget. The Mercury has a lot of options and you could go much further. I think the Mercury X brings more in the future, when users start to upload their presets. Not for the usual guitarist but more the ambient fiddler.
I agree. Being more specific and elaborate is something I am working on. Appreciate the feedback and will take it to heart!
Dunn, dunn...DUNN!!!
🤣 🤣 🤣
It’s that or… “LET’S GET READY TO RUMMMBBBBLLLLLLLLLLEEEE!!!”
@@thepedalcollaborative Watching now, really interesting stuff. Also, Taylor Swift started her career REALLY early 😂
@RandoCalglitchian she did! I was referencing the album titled 1989, which is where the song “Bad Blood” resides…but we can start an internet rumor that her career started in 1989. I’m fine with that.
@@thepedalcollaborative She's so talented it started at birth! Apparently that's her birth year 😂God I feel old.
If she didn't start in utero, then she can't be THAT talented...at least not as talented as Nirvana.
Also, if seeing that TS was born in 1989 makes you feel old, then you probably... ;)
not shure you got the best out of the mercury. anyways appreciate it. cheers!
I know I didn’t get the best out of the MercX 😂. There is so much it can do that the BSMX can’t and I don’t think it would be fair. This was more trying to level things out and do apple to apples as much as possible…except it’s like an exotic complex tasting apple vs a second generation slightly updated Apple.
Also, how often do you talk about the audio company “Shure” that your phone autocorrected to that instead of “sure”? 🤣
Both are really good units. But, as I understand, the BigSky MX has way more potential.
I guess that depends on what you mean by “way more potential”
@@thepedalcollaborativeexactly! Not really sure big sky has more potential. Had a lot less features and control. No doubt its algo are amazing. mercury x can do much more in terms of sound design.
That’s kinda where I’m landing. BSMX can get you incredible stuff quickly but then you’re at the ceiling and can’t go up. The MX (MercuryX…duh! 😆) starts great and then just goes deep and wide into sound design!
@@joeymc5272 It's 100% a workflow thing. If you don't like sound design and wading into the parameters, the Strymon is probably a lot more gratifying to use. I only own the Mercury X, but really appreciate how much control you have, and once a patch is set up and you assign the knobs correctly, you get just the amount of immediate control.
I personally wouldn't say it's 100% a workflow thing, but then again I've never liked the workflow of Strymon's big boxes (to be fair, I've also never liked the workflow of Meris's SMALL boxes haha!). The BSMX is a better workflow than the original, but I quickly find myself wishing I could adjust it a little more. So, maybe 99% workflow thing.
I have both pedals and thought when I got the bigskyMX I would immediately sell the Meris. However I’m torn.
WINS
- for out of the box amazing sound the bigsky MX wins for me.
- for crafted reverbs the Meris wins in some ways.
- neither have editor capability yet but I really hope both allow live editing its 2024 and this should be a standard for any pedal this price.
- I own an h90 and editing via my MacBook Pro or iPad through Bluetooth is game changer and for some like me who plays a lot of variety of music on a weekly basis the app makes it much easier.
LOSSES
- bigskyMX not allowing me to load my 100s of presets I have crafted on the BigSky over the past 10 years. I even tried to match knob settings but it just doesn’t sound the same.
- Meris this has been the most frustrating thing for me. Scrolling through 20 menus I absolutely despise the UI. I have tried both modes and keep it on the text mode but still having to scroll a knob to get through all those settings either the small text and bending down while doing that live in a run through or sound check is NOT fun.
I have other thoughts but these are my main wins and losses. I never thought about the ability to add algorithms and def strymon has cut themselves off there although I doubt they would ever add any anyway. Meris however we will see TBD. It’s always interesting to see how a pedal develops overtime. For instance with the H90 recently I was absolutely thrilled when the Tape algo came out it makes it extremely rewarding and like a new pedal when small things like that happen.
Thanks for the video enjoying the presets from Patreon!
I love your thoughts here, on both wins and losses. Very well said!
I’ve gotten so used to the Meris UI that it’s almost second nature, but I totally understand the complexity/frustration people can face.
It will be interesting to see how Meris/Strymon update their firmware now that they’re both out in the wild!
Beautifully articulated break down. How does the EventideH90 compare to the BigSky MX? Specifically in regards to character and quality of algorithms? Can you get the same lush cinematic tails on the H90?
@@M0N0KIRAterribly sorry! This comment was hung up waiting for approval. Not sure why.
What happened to male voices where they all sound so extremely feminine now?
I’m not saying it’s a bad thing… I just don’t understand why it is that so many dudes sound so feminine now.
Out of respect for my dear friend Niles Crane I will never play the MercuryX.
Niles ruins all the fun
@@thepedalcollaborative That's why you're the older btother!
HAHAHAHA!!!!
I love Strymon stuff.. The El Cap and Brigidier have prolly been my favorite delay sounds ever... That said tho, for me, the MercuryX MURDERS the BigSky MX. Not even close.. The control and tweakability .. Everything about it.
I think a lot of folks sit in either the Strymon delay OR reverb camp but not both.
I still rock a Volante from time to time. It just makes me smile!
@@thepedalcollaborative I actually have an LVX and El Cap on my board now.. I'm replacing the El Cap with a Starlight though that I should have in a couple days.. I'm just looking to get the perfect Memory Man sound.
Yea I love the Strymon delays, even the Dig sounds incredible and I'm not a digital guy. Hard to beat Meris in the verb game tho from what I've heard.
@@13aphomet I also have an LVX and an El cap v2.....and a Starlight lol. El Cap is in it's own lane, Starlight is the most lush DMM sounds I've ever heard, and LVX is literally the best of everything else delay related!
I haven’t tried the Starlight but I hear great things!
Sounds like a power trio right there!
Mercury X wins hands down, in every scenario. Strymon are greedy pigs.
🙌 🐖
Why are Strymon folks greedy pigs?
Greedy? Why’s that?
Bigsky is definitely digitally clipping. That is something they need to fix hopefully in a firmware update. That is infinite/stomp is dedicated to that function which for the price is unacceptable. Still, for sound design and cinematic style verbs i much prefer mercury x. For overall washed out reverb and a slightly bigger dynamic range i think i prefer the big sky. Dammit this video had me worried. Now i want a bit sky to do my own side by side.
You were worried or your wallet was worried?
So to be fair, I shot this with the firmware that the BSMX shipped with. I've since updated it, but have yet to revisit the digital clipping. I'll do that today and report back!
I should have clarified more you said you were going to do a comparison video which is what had me worried because i wanted to avoid seeing the side by side and then hearing something i liked better on the bigsky leading my wallet to be robbed of more money lol.
Can you please revisit the clipping and see if it’s still persisting and report back since the updated firmware by chance please?
Totally! I did just check and the clipping is still there on the new firmware. This, along with the confusion surrounding Freeze/Infinite, makes me think of popping a quick video showing this.
@@thepedalcollaborative i would if i were you because ive seen a lot of talk about this being a big one bro. You do the best content because your not post processing the hell out of the audio to show us untrue versions of pedals and what they sound like. Im not going to lie for big long decay tails, i think i prefer the bigskymx but for hifi clean reverbs for studio recording, mercury x is very hard to beat.
I did a big test on all my reverbs including plugins versus mercury x and for hifi sound that are not over the top washy, mercury x takes everything imo. I still think im going to get bigsky mx though. Just want to see complaints after a month of being out first.
I’ll try and do that today! I got sidetracked last night making a custom LVX preset for one of our Patreon Collaborators!
The BSMX has some great sounds in it! It’s a step up from the OG which was king for over a decade! Nothing wrong with getting it and nothing wrong with waiting a month to do so!