The Sushi Box FX Secret Society

[Turn Em Loose]

Since this is the Sushi Box FX Secret Society I may as well pass on some secrets, otherwise what's the point of having a secret society?

The reason it's taking me a bit to get May slots opened up is that there will be some changes in May. The biggest of which will be that I will not be offering mini-tube builds anymore. I know there are mixed feelings about that, but the fact is that X Series builds have outsold mini tube builds since they've been available, and the margin has been increasing. January had 16 mini tube orders, February had 12. March originally had 6 mini-tube builds, but I was short on mini-tubes so I offered everyone in March the option to go to X Series at no additional cost and now there are only 2 mini-tube builds this month (two people with Sunnday Drives wanted the smaller form factor).

There are a couple reasons I'm doing this, which have been discussed a few times throughout this thread, but since it's a couple hundred pages long now I'll summarize:

• Power: X Series builds can run 9V or 12V and pull significantly less current than mini tubes
• Serviceability: the mini tubes don't fail often but sometimes go microphonic, and it's convenient to be able to swap the tube yourself rather than have to send me the pedal, especially since there are currently Sushi Box pedals in 11 countries (last I counted).
• Flexibility: tube rolling isn't for everyone, but a lot of people like having the option. Don't like the tone? Swap for a different one. Want a little less gain? Swap for a 12AT7 or 5751. Loads of options.
• Form Factor: I know this is one of the biggest arguments to keep the mini tubes, but I'm starting to work on getting two 12AX7 into the standard smaller enclosure and am hoping to get as many as I can into it. Pedalboard real estate isn't an issue for everyone, but it is a dealbreaker for some, and I want to make having awesome tube pedals on your board as easy as possible. You shouldn't have to change your whole rig for one pedal.

Anyway, that's what's holding up May ordering right now, me and @Sonicblaze (though mostly him and less of me) are working on getting the website updated to handle the changes

Thanks for the update! I'm glad I've got a mini Bee on the way!

 

[NKBassman]

Since this is the Sushi Box FX Secret Society I may as well pass on some secrets, otherwise what's the point of having a secret society?

The reason it's taking me a bit to get May slots opened up is that there will be some changes in May. The biggest of which will be that I will not be offering mini-tube builds anymore. I know there are mixed feelings about that, but the fact is that X Series builds have outsold mini tube builds since they've been available, and the margin has been increasing. January had 16 mini tube orders, February had 12. March originally had 6 mini-tube builds, but I was short on mini-tubes so I offered everyone in March the option to go to X Series at no additional cost and now there are only 2 mini-tube builds this month (two people with Sunnday Drives wanted the smaller form factor).

There are a couple reasons I'm doing this, which have been discussed a few times throughout this thread, but since it's a couple hundred pages long now I'll summarize:

• Power: X Series builds can run 9V or 12V and pull significantly less current than mini tubes
• Serviceability: the mini tubes don't fail often but sometimes go microphonic, and it's convenient to be able to swap the tube yourself rather than have to send me the pedal, especially since there are currently Sushi Box pedals in 11 countries (last I counted).
• Flexibility: tube rolling isn't for everyone, but a lot of people like having the option. Don't like the tone? Swap for a different one. Want a little less gain? Swap for a 12AT7 or 5751. Loads of options.
• Form Factor: I know this is one of the biggest arguments to keep the mini tubes, but I'm starting to work on getting two 12AX7 into the standard smaller enclosure and am hoping to get as many as I can into it. Pedalboard real estate isn't an issue for everyone, but it is a dealbreaker for some, and I want to make having awesome tube pedals on your board as easy as possible. You shouldn't have to change your whole rig for one pedal.

Anyway, that's what's holding up May ordering right now, me and @Sonicblaze (though mostly him and less of me) are working on getting the website updated to handle the changes

Honesty, I'm glad because now I don't have to choose! #analysisparalysis
Also, should help simplify/consolidate your workflow and parts lists considerably.

 

[Sushi Box FX]

Also, should help simplify/consolidate your workflow and parts lists considerably.

That was a HUGE factor in the decision, but one that doesn't affect everyone else as much. I will be doing more units of each model, but there will be a lot fewer models to deal with.

 

[Pedalnetics]

but there will be a lot fewer models to deal with.

...until you release the 37 other PCB's you're actively working on and teasing everyone with

 

[NKBassman]

That was a HUGE factor in the decision, but one that doesn't affect everyone else as much. I will be doing more units of each model, but there will be a lot fewer models to deal with.

I would argue that simplifying things on your end affects all of us.

 

[Sushi Box FX]

...until you release the 37 other PCB's you're actively working on and teasing everyone with

I had to count to make sure there wasn't actually 37, I'm only coming up with 11 active projects and 3 tentative projects.

I would argue that simplifying things on your end affects all of us.

That is true, the less of a headache I'm causing myself the more likely I am to keep doing this As soon as it starts feeling like a job (which it doesn't) that's probably when I'd call it quits.

 

[Pedalnetics]

I had to count to make sure there wasn't actually 37, I'm only coming up with 11 active projects and 3 tentative projects.

 

[mdesjardins68]

Just got in for my birthday
Cant wait to try it
Thanks Sushi Box !

 

[Roxbororob]

Just got in for my birthday
Cant wait to try it
Thanks Sushi Box !

View attachment 4195909

Wow lots of nice pedals!
Bonne Fête

 

[mdesjardins68]

Wow lots of nice pedals!
Bonne Fête

Thanks !

 

[40Hz]

Just got in for my birthday
Cant wait to try it
Thanks Sushi Box !

View attachment 4195909

If your reaction is anything like mine was, you’re gonna love it. It’s a gem.

And best birthday wishes too!

 

[Sushi Box FX]

Finally got my D.I. shootout box put together. It fits, it works, and I hate it. This box is roomy and looks cool, but it's not going to work out for future builds, I'll have to find something else.

Anyway, I'm waiting for parts orders to come in for March, which means getting a bunch of random stuff done over the next couple days, maybe I'll finally get some clips recorded of the D.I. transformer comparison.

 

[labeledbass]

Finally got my D.I. shootout box put together. It fits, it works, and I hate it. This box is roomy and looks cool, but it's not going to work out for future builds, I'll have to find something else.

Anyway, I'm waiting for parts orders to come in for March, which means getting a bunch of random stuff done over the next couple days, maybe I'll finally get some clips recorded of the D.I. transformer comparison.

View attachment 4196362

May I ask why the hatred?

 

[shaggy45]

Finally got my D.I. shootout box put together. It fits, it works, and I hate it. This box is roomy and looks cool, but it's not going to work out for future builds, I'll have to find something else.

Anyway, I'm waiting for parts orders to come in for March, which means getting a bunch of random stuff done over the next couple days, maybe I'll finally get some clips recorded of the D.I. transformer comparison.

View attachment 4196362

Plenty of room for artwork. Might run out of ink though

 

[bass4more]

Finally got my D.I. shootout box put together. It fits, it works, and I hate it. This box is roomy and looks cool, but it's not going to work out for future builds, I'll have to find something else.

Anyway, I'm waiting for parts orders to come in for March, which means getting a bunch of random stuff done over the next couple days, maybe I'll finally get some clips recorded of the D.I. transformer comparison.

View attachment 4196362

I think Evel Knievel used one of those ramps to jump the fountain at Cesars Palace.

 

[Sushi Box FX]

May I ask why the hatred?

Sure, at my day job we would call it "poor manufacturability." The part that I mount everything to is thin aluminum, and when I throw it on the CNC machine it just flexes downward so I can't mill it, I either have to drill it by hand (which I did for this) or mount something underneath it for support on the CNC.

Once the holes have been milled out assembly is difficult because of the lip it has on the bottom of the plate for the mounting screws, it interferes with the area I'm used to having open for hardware assembly and soldering. So I have more room than usual to stick things in, but less space than usual to actually put them together in it.

Plenty of room for artwork. Might run out of ink though

Yeah I'm probably either going to laser labels on it or just leave it blank since it's just a one-off prototype.

I think Evel Knievel used one of those ramps to jump the fountain at Cesars Palace.

I tried to get that exact one, but couldn't get a good price on it.

 

[Real Soon]

That sounds terrible in about seven ways. Also that thing is massive and looks like an awful budget Halloween mask. Or effective horror movie prop.

What's the next step as far as alternatives?

I'll say, I sold my DG Vintage Ultra, but while it was big, it was also full of features including DI. I'm not sure what the nomenclature for its enclosure is, but it sought to be pedalboard-friendly. And very gig-testedly durable.

 

[revd]

I like the BDDI or Broughton Messenger size, not sure if those puppies would be big enough for a toob, I guess not.

 

[MascisMan]

Finally got my D.I. shootout box put together. It fits, it works, and I hate it. This box is roomy and looks cool, but it's not going to work out for future builds, I'll have to find something else.

Anyway, I'm waiting for parts orders to come in for March, which means getting a bunch of random stuff done over the next couple days, maybe I'll finally get some clips recorded of the D.I. transformer comparison.

View attachment 4196362

1590BB and all your dreams will come true

 

[Sushi Box FX]

1590BB and all your dreams will come true

1590BB are great, that's what I have Deep Dish, Sunnday Drive X, Black Eye X, and Dr. Wattson X in. The biggest problem is the D.I., the transformers are too tall. Ideally I would want them mounted on the board for stability, but in the interest of size it's looking like I may have to figure out some other way to mount them.