# BigSky MX vs DS-1 Distortion: specs and price compared

A sourced, side-by-side comparison of the BigSky MX (Strymon) and DS-1 Distortion (BOSS) among guitar effects pedals. DS-1 Distortion is the cheaper of the two at $69.99.

## Side by side

| Spec | BigSky MX | DS-1 Distortion |
| --- | --- | --- |
| US price | $679 | $69.99 |
| Brand | Strymon | BOSS |
| Released | 2024-05 | 1978 |
| Effect type | multi reverb — 12 algorithms (Room, Hall, Chamber, Plate, Spring, Bloom, Cloud, Chorale, Shimmer, Magneto, Nonlinear, Impulse) with dual-engine series/parallel/split routing | distortion |
| True bypass | Yes | No |
| Power draw ma | 500 | 10 |
| Preset count | 300 | — |
| Stereo io | Yes | No |
| Tap tempo | — | — |
| Midi support | Yes | No |
| Expression input | Yes | No |
| Dimensions (in) | 7 x 5 x 1.87 | 2.9 x 5.1 x 2.4 |

## Key differences

- Effect type: BigSky MX multi reverb — 12 algorithms (Room, Hall, Chamber, Plate, Spring, Bloom, Cloud, Chorale, Shimmer, Magneto, Nonlinear, Impulse) with dual-engine series/parallel/split routing vs DS-1 Distortion distortion
- True bypass: BigSky MX Yes vs DS-1 Distortion No
- Power draw ma: BigSky MX 500 vs DS-1 Distortion 10
- Stereo io: BigSky MX Yes vs DS-1 Distortion No
- Midi support: BigSky MX Yes vs DS-1 Distortion No
- Expression input: BigSky MX Yes vs DS-1 Distortion No
- Dimensions (in): BigSky MX 7 x 5 x 1.87 vs DS-1 Distortion 2.9 x 5.1 x 2.4

## Sources

- BigSky MX: https://www.strymon.net/product/bigsky-mx/ (strymon.net, verified 2026-08-01)
- DS-1 Distortion: https://www.boss.info/us/products/ds-1/ (boss.info, verified 2026-08-01)

Canonical: https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/guitar-effects-pedals/strymon-bigsky-mx-vs-boss-ds-1/
Cite: Per The Front Desk Review, BigSky MX ($679) vs DS-1 Distortion ($69.99) — sourced spec-by-spec comparison at https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/guitar-effects-pedals/strymon-bigsky-mx-vs-boss-ds-1/
License: CC BY 4.0.