The Sushi Box FX Secret Society

[Sushi Box FX]

....and based on what specs are available, this sounds like (pun intended) a tone sweetening compressor rather than a full featured utility comp. Remember that More is basically the "non-compressor" part of the D/C'ed Deep Dish comp. It was inspired by comments from deep Dish users who loved how it sounded with the comp minimized. I'd really like to know what the comp ratio is. Also, I haven't read anything indicating that it has bass-specific features, and if that's the case I wonder if lows tend to trigger it early? Kwekshins kwekshins & more kwekshins.....

Based on my limited (ha! compressor pun) understanding if compressors, it seems like they tend to fall into the categories of compressor-limiter and compressor-sustainer, and this one falls into the compressor-sustainer category. Keeley explained this a bit in a video a while back.

Awesome— and many thanks again for your accessibility, willingness to answer questions and transparency! Given that it’s one tube (albeit not a mini), is it more like a PC-2A– as per Scubaduba in his stellar review of the LA-1A? (Link):

“There are two gain stages. First is a grounded cathode tube stage. The output stage is a cathode follower circuit which also acts as a buffer. While the Effectrode PC-2A uses one tube for all of this, the LA-1A has three tubes.”

Also, I don’t know why I never thought about the inclusion of the LEDs in relation to the way the tubes were being used as I could have answered my own question.

I would say it's similar to how the PC-2A does it, but I have them flipped, I have a cathode follower buffer in the front end and a common cathode gain stage.

 

[kojdogg]

So the tubes are something like gain stages or buffers that bookend the compression circuit?

With regards to the way the tube is used, I can clarify that a little further. The best parallel I can use is actually the Effectrode LA-1A. I'm using the tube in Single Slice in the same way they are in the LA-1A. The tube acts as an input stage to "flavor" the signal on the way in and also to feed the sidechain, which is the part that tells the compression engine (OTA in Single Slice, optical in LA-1A) how to adjust the signal output in relation to the input. There is then an additional tube stage that then further "flavors" and buffers the signal on the way out. So the tube isn't providing the compression per se, but it is very much involved in the way the output sounds as the response of the input stage can affect the reaction of the compression sidechain. We all know tubes sound different than their solid-state counterparts, but I think more important is the way they feel, and the reaction of a tube input translates through to the compression sidechain, so if I were to replace the tube stages in Single Slice with solid-state components, I would expect the compression to behave differently.

I would say it's similar to how the PC-2A does it, but I have them flipped, I have a cathode follower buffer in the front end and a common cathode gain stage.

lol so a buffer and a gain stage. Many thanks again for the info and clarifications!

EDIT: Also the 5.6MΩ input impedance is interesting!

 

[kojdogg]

I'll admit I use those interchangeably, but to be accurate, an OTA is a type of VCA. VCA stands for Voltage Controlled Amplifier, but frankly most compressors can technically be considered voltage controlled amplification since the concept of compression is that the amount of amplification being done is adjusted based on the input of the circuit which is then converted to a control voltage. OTA, or operational transconductance amplifier, is a specific type of device that is used in compressors like the Dynacomp, Keeley, and Becos compressors.

Are you sure about OTAs being a type of VCAs? I just did a little Wikipedia-ing and, assuming the info there is correct, an OTA is a type of voltage controlled current source (VCCS) and is distinguished from VCAs and other amplifiers in that an OTA outputs current and not voltage. That seems to be consistent with what is posted on the ovnilabs page here Link

“OTA stands for Operational Transconductance Amplifier, which is a chip like a VCA except its output is variable current, not voltage.”

Can they actually be used interchangeably in a circuit without additional modification given that they have different types of output?

 

[Sushi Box FX]

Are you sure about OTAs being a type of VCAs? I just did a little Wikipedia-ing and, assuming the info there is correct, an OTA is a type of voltage controlled current source (VCCS) and is distinguished from VCAs and other amplifiers in that an OTA outputs current and not voltage. That seems to be consistent with what is posted on the ovnilabs page here Link

“OTA stands for Operational Transconductance Amplifier, which is a chip like a VCA except its output is variable current, not voltage.”

Can they actually be used interchangeably in a circuit without additional modification given that they have different types of output?

Well it looks like I was just wrong then, variable current is not the same thing as variable voltage, so it is not accurate for me to use OTA interchangeably with VCA. I learned something new today, thanks

So to amend my previous statement, Single Slice is an OTA-based compressor, not VCA.

 

[Mighty Thumb]

Single slice on back order. Sad face that I missed the first batch.

 

[kojdogg]

Well it looks like I was just wrong then, variable current is not the same thing as variable voltage, so it is not accurate for me to use OTA interchangeably with VCA. I learned something new today, thanks

So to amend my previous statement, Single Slice is an OTA-based compressor, not VCA.

It may be worth changing that on the product page as I imagine some of your customers don’t keep up with this thread.

 

[Sushi Box FX]

It may be worth changing that on the product page as I imagine some of your customers don’t keep up with this thread.

Yup, just went in and did that. Thanks!

 

[Michael Vee]

Waded through many 2020 and 2021 pages in here but did not see an answer to this. In the Deep Dish, did the tubes and circuitry of the More come before or after the compression circuitry?

I would imagine it came after the compressor, so that the compressed signal could be boosted. When I get my Single Slice, I will try it both ways with my More.

Edit: I'm guessing the Deep Dish footswitch toggled the compressor, but the More circuitry remained active.

Can't wait to see Scuba's Single Slice review. Hopefully, he can get that up this coming week.

 

[bassbrad]

Waded through many 2020 and 2021 pages in here but did not see an answer to this. In the Deep Dish, did the tubes and circuitry of the More come before or after the compression circuitry?

I would imagine it came after the compressor, so that the compressed signal could be boosted. When I get my Single Slice, I will try it both ways with my More.

IIRC both is the answer, in that there are separate input and output stages with the compressor circuitry in between.

 

[BassJuju]

So my board is slowly turning into a Sushi Box zone. Does that make it a Bento Board?

Anyway, all this Single Slice talk, makes me want pizza, and a compressor. I’m currently using an Empress as a compressor. I’ve tried a DynaSsor for awhile, but liked the Empress better. While I think there is some similarity between the Ross style and the Single Slice, reading above leads me to believe the tubes will have a nice effect to the tone. Does it make sense that the tubes may also make the SS better than the Empress?

If so, the chain would look something like this…

Single Slice>(chorus, octave, and/or reverb)>More>Grand Slampegg> FOH.

While I wait for the Sushi Box chorus, octave, and reverb, that still seems like a lot of tube-y goodness. How do we feel about this collection? What else should I get? I’m guessing the answer to should I get a Slice is yes, but I’m gonna ask anyway.

 

[JackFawkes]

In the Deep Dish, did the tubes and circuitry of the More come before or after the compression circuitry?
Edit: I'm guessing the Deep Dish footswitch toggled the compressor, but the More circuitry remained active.

Pretty sure the MORE is a parallel gain-stage (both triodes of a 12AU7), with input and output buffering (both triodes of a 12AT7).
Deep Dish used the same two tubes, and I believe the parallel gain-stage was before the compressor and the footswitch toggled the entire pedal/circuitry.

Jack

 

[Tassieviking]

So my board is slowly turning into a Sushi Box zone. Does that make it a Bento Board?

Anyway, all this Single Slice talk, makes me want pizza, and a compressor. I’m currently using an Empress as a compressor. I’ve tried a DynaSsor for awhile, but liked the Empress better. While I think there is some similarity between the Ross style and the Single Slice, reading above leads me to believe the tubes will have a nice effect to the tone. Does it make sense that the tubes may also make the SS better than the Empress?

If so, the chain would look something like this…

Single Slice>(chorus, octave, and/or reverb)>More>Grand Slampegg> FOH.

While I wait for the Sushi Box chorus, octave, and reverb, that still seems like a lot of tube-y goodness. How do we feel about this collection? What else should I get? I’m guessing the answer to should I get a Slice is yes, but I’m gonna ask anyway.

You could always build, or get someone to build one for you, a C2CE "BathTUBe Reverb" so you get a Nathan tube reverb while we wait for a Sushi Box reverb. (I just had to change tub to TUBe to stir Nathan)

Bathtub Reverb PCB Set

This is a PCB set for building your own Bathtub Reverb pedal. This is not a beginner project, so if you’ve never built a pedal before, then this isn’t for you. I’ve tried to make this as affordable…

c2celectronics.com

 

[lomo]

While I wait for the Sushi Box chorus, octave, and reverb, that still seems like a lot of tube-y goodness. How do we feel about this collection? What else should I get? I’m guessing the answer to should I get a Slice is yes, but I’m gonna ask anyway.

In terms of reverb, keep an eye out for a used S-Box Glass Buyterfly like this one on reverb

https://reverb.com/item/85536709-sushi-box-fx-glass-butterfly-2023

It's an excellent multimod pedal. Slightly wide footprint (4.7") . I was sad to see it dropped from the lineup and know I am not selling mine! As far as S-Slice replacing Empress is concerned, I dunno. The Empress MKll is my #1 comp and clearly has more features & control than a slice, so I am keeping a lid on my expectations and will compare the 2 later in Jan.

 

[s_wood]

So my board is slowly turning into a Sushi Box zone. Does that make it a Bento Board?

Perfect! I nominate this for Official Sushi Box Society Thread lingo. We have Bento Boards.

 

[Michael Vee]

the (Single Slice) tubes will have a nice effect to the tone. Does it make sense that the tubes may also make the SS better than the Empress?

Make that "tube". Single Slice, single tube.

 

[Tassieviking]

I did notice my bookmark to the Sushi Store is Sushi Box FX – High quality tube pedals built with unbridled sass., when I press on that bookmark I can not see the Single Slice pedal, I have to click on the "Home" icon now to get the newer page with the Single Slice displayed. Pedals – Sushi Box FX
Anyone who has a bookmark that they made before the Single Slice came up in the shop have to click on the Home icon to find a Slice.
Maybe Nathan can fix it up so sushiboxfx.com does not come up as the old shop page without the Slice in it.
Cheers
Mick

 

[Tassieviking]

In terms of reverb, keep an eye out for a used S-Box Glass Buyterfly like this one on reverb

https://reverb.com/item/85536709-sushi-box-fx-glass-butterfly-2023

It's an excellent multimod pedal. Slightly wide footprint (4.7") . I was sad to see it dropped from the lineup and know I am not selling mine! As far as S-Slice replacing Empress is concerned, I dunno. The Empress MKll is my #1 comp and clearly has more features & control than a slice, so I am keeping a lid on my expectations and will compare the 2 later in Jan.

I just checked the Glass Butterfly out in the Archive section of the Sushi shop, now I really want one of them as well.
The only pedal I bought in 2024 is the Single Slice, but I have made several myself, especially in the (Sushi inspired) C2CE lineup of PCB's.
If the Glass Butterfly does make a comeback I will buy that one in 2025.
I think that would be an unreal pedal to bring back, might have to rename it to The Phoenix this time though since it would be making a come-back, not many Sushi pedals ever come back from the archive graveyard.
I would imagine it would have many changes and upgrades if it did make a comeback.

 

[Michael Vee]

I did notice my bookmark to the Sushi Store is Sushi Box FX – High quality tube pedals built with unbridled sass., when I press on that bookmark I can not see the Single Slice pedal, I have to click on the "Home" icon now to get the newer page with the Single Slice displayed. Pedals – Sushi Box FX
Anyone who has a bookmark that they made before the Single Slice came up in the shop have to click on the Home icon to find a Slice.
Maybe Nathan can fix it up so sushiboxfx.com does not come up as the old shop page without the Slice in it.

Two different pages. The home page currently does not have the Single Slice on it. The Pedals page does have the SS. He just hasn't had the time to add SS to the home page.

A website suggestion for 2025 would be to get rid of the Recent Announcements section that appears on some pages. The last update there was NAMM 2023!!!

Personally, I'm glad Nathan is building and shipping pedals instead at the moment! Looks like the backorders on the Single Slice have been fulfilled now.

 

[kojdogg]

You could always build, or get someone to build one for you, a C2CE "BathTUBe Reverb" so you get a Nathan tube reverb while we wait for a Sushi Box reverb. (I just had to change tub to TUBe to stir Nathan)

Bathtub Reverb PCB Set

This is a PCB set for building your own Bathtub Reverb pedal. This is not a beginner project, so if you’ve never built a pedal before, then this isn’t for you. I’ve tried to make this as affordable…

c2celectronics.com

In terms of reverb, keep an eye out for a used S-Box Glass Buyterfly like this one on reverb

https://reverb.com/item/85536709-sushi-box-fx-glass-butterfly-2023

It's an excellent multimod pedal. Slightly wide footprint (4.7") . I was sad to see it dropped from the lineup and know I am not selling mine! As far as S-Slice replacing Empress is concerned, I dunno. The Empress MKll is my #1 comp and clearly has more features & control than a slice, so I am keeping a lid on my expectations and will compare the 2 later in Jan.

Since neither of these are current Sushi Box offerings, in the meantime, for non-pre/DI pedals like a multi-mod or reverb, you can probably get a similar effect by running a Sushi Box pre (w or w/o) DI in front of (or maybe after) a non-tube pedal of the same kind as the tubes are probably being used in the same way— buffer and gain stage. That C2CE reverb looks like it uses a Belton box for the actual “reverbing” like just about every other digital reverb pedal (with exceptions like the Neunabers which I’ve read use FV-1s like the Glass Butterfly) according to the BOM.

If you can’t find a Glass Butterfly, a Damage Control Glass Nexus might be a good alternative for tubey multi effects, though you’ll need to allocate more real estate on your board and to be ok with early 00’s aesthetic sensibilities. It also has an analog dry path with tube buffers on the input and output stages, the tubes run at 250V, it lets you run 3 effects at once, internal DSP is done at 96khz, has tap tempo and midi. There are a few on Reverb for around three hundo.

 

[Parzival]

Just retrieved from the mailbox. Hope to spend some time with it tomorrow.