A Scaled-down Strymon with Studio-grade Reverberation
Strymon’s Cloudburst reverb pedal represents a bold new step for one of the stompbox world’s most renowned brands, packing its industry-defining echo algorithms into a significantly smaller form factor with a drastically streamlined workflow. The Strymon Cloudburst boasts an exceptionally accessible knob-per-function layout, including a single Decay knob that unlocks a vast sweep of different echo options, from a slight room reflection to an all-out wash of ambient reverberation. Moreover, a cutting-edge Ensemble control integrates dynamic synthetic string-style harmonics into your signal, while the Mod control is a must-have for creating movement and texture in your signature soundscapes. Of course, this pedal’s slimmed-down box makes no compromises on Strymon’s studio-quality formula — the Cloudburst sports full MIDI functionality, USB-C, 300 presets, stereo I/O, and a host of other top-end features found on its larger siblings. Strymon never fails to impress; fittingly, the Cloudburst’s seamless blend of studio-grade sound, near-limitless sonic options, and traditional stompbox workflow proves the sky’s the limit for this single-algorithm reverb pedal.
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Pedalboard-friendly enclosure
While the Cloudburst may clock in at a significantly smaller size than your typical Strymon box, don’t be fooled: this pedal boasts the same world-class build and industry-defining tone as any of its full-size V2 siblings. A discrete JFET analog front end, stereo input/output, and full MIDI functionality allow the Cloudburst to hang with any top-end reverb pedal on the market. Next, electromechanical relay-switched true bypass operation delivers a 100% uncolored signal when the pedal is not in use; you can also swap the Cloudburst to buffered bypass mode to beef up a long signal chain. You can also access full MIDI and USB functionality for remote control via your DAW or controller, with 300 MIDI preset locations available to save your favorite settings.
One algorithm — endless ambient reverb possibilities
The Cloudburst takes a wildly different approach to pedal design compared to Strymon’s previous echo offerings, and the key to the formula is the massive sonic sweep of this pedal’s Decay control. A standard function on almost every reverb pedal, the Cloudburst’s Decay knob is anything but typical — instead of packing the Cloudburst with a variety of switchable settings, this pedal’s single-algorithm Decay knob is fine-tuned to sweep through the entire spectrum of reverb types. From a slight room reflection on the lowest setting to an ethereal wash of cathedral-style reverberation and beyond, the Cloudburst’s Decay knob delivers an uncompromising array of sonic possibilities with Strymon’s most intuitive pedal workflow yet.
Dynamic synthetic string ensembles
An atmospheric Ensemble control sets the Cloudburst apart from any other Strymon reverb and — quite frankly — any reverb pedal on the market today, with an exceptionally dynamic, artifact-free harmonic-generating effect reminiscent of an angelic synthesized string section. Ensemble continuously analyzes 48 different frequency bands in your guitar’s signal, then generates upper harmonic partials relative to each frequency as you play. A switch allows for two distinct levels of Ensemble, from the subtle character enhancement of the mezzo piano setting to the cascading string-style orchestration of forte.
Modulation for texture and movement
In addition to the Cloudburst’s Ensemble effect, the pedal boasts a robust modulation control to impart a touch of movement and lushness to your tone. The Mod control is a dual-function modulation knob that impacts the effect’s depth on the first half of the sweep, while the second half increases the speed. Sweetwater guitarists find that the Cloudburst’s modulation perfectly pairs with the pedal’s Ensemble control, especially on higher settings where the combination results in an ’80s-style synthesizer sci-fi sway.
Strymon Cloudburst Features:
- Slimmed-down stompbox loaded with an uncompromising array of traditional and ambient reverb tones
- Strymon’s most intuitive pedal yet, with full per-function controls and no secret settings
- Decay knob offers an unprecedented sweep of reverb tones, from room reflection to spaced-out echo
- Ensemble control introduces dynamic synthetic string-style harmonics, with 2 different settings to choose from
- Built-in modulation section with depth and speed settings on a single knob
- Mix knob with kill-dry for effects loops and analog dry path options
- Formidable pre-delay section adds some space between your wet and dry signal, and can even function as a slapback-style echo
- Tone control to shape your sound
- Full MIDI and USB-C functionality for remote DAW and controller access
- 300 MIDI presets to save your sonic creations
- Connect an expression pedal or Strymon Mini Switch or Multi Switch Plus to Exp/MIDI jack to access 5 different modes: expression pedal, favorite, freeze, infinite, or MIDI
- Switch between true and buffered bypass modes to easily integrate into any setup
- Ultra-low-noise discrete Class A JFET preamp
- Full stereo I/O to create a 3D wash of reverb tones
- Lightweight anodized aluminum chassis with a pedalboard-friendly form factor
