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The Sushi Box FX Secret Society

#17,841
bassbrad said:
IMHO when size allows but offer the option to delete the DI and associated complexities of IR and HPF/LPF filters for those that do not want or need those features.

My feeling about all in one boxes is well known, tldr they all have shortcomings no matter how well designed or intended.
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Hasty said:
Very valid. Sushi is an interesting phenomena in that the devoted have multiples of these pedals on one board. In that context it does not make sense. However I'm thinking of the "average player" and how they might utilize a Sushi Box pedal, I bet many of them would only own one and those that know what's up would probably use it as a One-Pedal-To-Rule-Them-All context if it had a DI. Sort of a realistic and reasonable Noble alternative (if I might be so bold).

I say this in the context of the type of bass player that shows up to a gig with two pedals... one is a tuner and the other is a DI.
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And I'm open to that to a degree. It all comes back to my trying to please everyone all the time with every pedal, I'll try to do it as much as it makes sense. But this all falls under the umbrella of customization to me. Every pedal will have a "stock" configuration. A stock Grand Slampegg will have a pink LED and be in a silver powdercoated enclosure with whatever artwork I decide (probably carry over or slightly modify the honeycomb design from Slampegg Bee), and it will have a D.I. That will be the stock configuration that I will build and keep on-hand. For logistics reasons I have to choose one configuration and let the other options be limited to custom orders, or I'll lose my mind.

I keep trying to add more explanation to this post and it keeps feeling like I'm ranting (surprising I know, I never rant), so I'll leave it at that.
 
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#17,843
Sushi Box FX said:
Yup this is Grand Slampegg. I still don't have the architecture of Furthermore 100% nailed down, but for now it's just 12AU7+12AT7 like More, 4-band inductor-based EQ with switchable frequency for both mid bands. I plan to add a variable HPF and variable LPF, then I think I promised people a headphone out as well. Obviously Lightning Boy magnetics based D.I. will be in there, but the current prototype hasn't even gotten that far yet.

So as you're all aware my to-develop list is a mile long and growing all the time, but right now the order is sitting at:
  1. Grand Slampegg - v1.1 prototype boards on order with updates outlined above; ETA is early september
  2. Furthermore - base preamp from four months ago is solid and I really like it; next step is adding the HPF/LPF, then working out a headphone amp; adding the D.I. obviously isn't hard; ETA is I have no idea
  3. SBVT II - @FronTowardEnemy liked the v0 prototype enough that I'm not planning drastic changes, but the enclosure raises a question; it has 3 tubes so it has to be big (same size as Detective, Dreamcatcher, Venus X), but the circuit isn't wildly complicated so I have enough spare room to squeeze in a D.I. if I want; do I just start adding D.I. to everything?
Anyway, thanks for coming to my TED talk. Again.
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For SBVT2 I would add a boost foot switch, a knob to control how much, and maybe a toggle for pre/post preamp. Could be an easy way to get a few more tones or just leap out for a solo.
 
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#17,844
@Hasty I do appreciate the POV and even the impossible goal of anyone attempting to create an all in one solution, there are several companies that make commendable options for that. Companies with groups of engineers that never actually have to build the product sold to the public that is most often subcontracted out to the cheapest manufacturer.

OTOH @Sushi Box FX is still a boutique pedal builder in the original sense of the name, a one man operation creating and hand building tasty, unique and quality products for discerning musicians. That to me is worthy of my patronage and loyalty.
 
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#17,845
It seems like the Sushi line-up is starting to show two product categories/series:
1. "Simple" preamps: no DI's, nothing too fancy, cost effective - e.g. Underground Accelerator, Slampegg Bee, etc.
2. "Premium" preamps: LB powered DI's, more features, bigger enclosures - e.g. Venus X, Grand Slampegg, SBVT2?

If you want just a tube pre with a straight forward tone stack, get a simple preamp. Need a DI? Maybe some form of IR? Get a premium preamp. Enough flavors of tubes and gain staging in both series to find something you like. Simple enough IME. :thumbsup:
 
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#17,846
Mayo Fan said:
It seems like the Sushi line-up is starting to show two product categories/series:
1. "Simple" preamps: no DI's, nothing too fancy, cost effective - e.g. Underground Accelerator, Slampegg Bee, etc.
2. "Premium" preamps: LB powered DI's, more features, bigger enclosures - e.g. Venus X, Grand Slampegg, SBVT2?

If you want just a tube pre with a straight forward tone stack, get a simple preamp. Need a DI? Maybe some form of IR? Get a premium preamp. Enough flavors of tubes and gain staging in both series to find something you like. Simple enough IME. :thumbsup:
Click to expand...

+1 to this. I’ve tried multiple Sushi Boxes at this point and found I land in group 1, or even “0”, as my favorite by a long shot is the More pedal with 0 controls beyond volume. Turns out I like my existing preamp/IR/DI situation as-is, I was just missing the clean “3D” tube special sauce that the More provides. If I get another Sushi Box, it will likely be ANOTHER More.

So while I definitely appreciate the premium options for what they are, I’m very thankful for the simple, more modular options as well.
 
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#17,847
Sushi Box FX said:
And I'm open to that to a degree. It all comes back to my trying to please everyone all the time with every pedal, I'll try to do it as much as it makes sense. But this all falls under the umbrella of customization to me. Every pedal will have a "stock" configuration. A stock Grand Slampegg will have a pink LED and be in a silver powdercoated enclosure with whatever artwork I decide (probably carry over or slightly modify the honeycomb design from Slampegg Bee), and it will have a D.I. That will be the stock configuration that I will build and keep on-hand. For logistics reasons I have to choose one configuration and let the other options be limited to custom orders, or I'll lose my mind.

I keep trying to add more explanation to this post and it keeps feeling like I'm ranting (surprising I know, I never rant), so I'll leave it at that.
Click to expand...
Does this mean Slampegg Bee and Grand Slampegg will coexist in the line-up?
 
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#17,848
Sushi Box FX said:
And I'm open to that to a degree. It all comes back to my trying to please everyone all the time with every pedal, I'll try to do it as much as it makes sense. But this all falls under the umbrella of customization to me. Every pedal will have a "stock" configuration. A stock Grand Slampegg will have a pink LED and be in a silver powdercoated enclosure with whatever artwork I decide (probably carry over or slightly modify the honeycomb design from Slampegg Bee), and it will have a D.I. That will be the stock configuration that I will build and keep on-hand. For logistics reasons I have to choose one configuration and let the other options be limited to custom orders, or I'll lose my mind.

I keep trying to add more explanation to this post and it keeps feeling like I'm ranting (surprising I know, I never rant), so I'll leave it at that.
Click to expand...
Keep it fun Nathan!
 
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#17,850
_Tay_ said:
I have 2 More's and could honestly say I'd prefer no control knob at all and have them just set at unity gain as they are always on for me. If I could personalize my own Sushi pedal I would have the unit always on then use the switch as a boost effect like the new MBD does by damnation audio.
Click to expand...

Hmmm...I've often thought how cool would it be if the More (along with other pedals) would have a boost switch on it. :thumbsup: There are times you just need some extra OOMPH! :)
 
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#17,851
Mayo Fan said:
It seems like the Sushi line-up is starting to show two product categories/series:
1. "Simple" preamps: no DI's, nothing too fancy, cost effective - e.g. Underground Accelerator, Slampegg Bee, etc.
2. "Premium" preamps: LB powered DI's, more features, bigger enclosures - e.g. Venus X, Grand Slampegg, SBVT2?

If you want just a tube pre with a straight forward tone stack, get a simple preamp. Need a DI? Maybe some form of IR? Get a premium preamp. Enough flavors of tubes and gain staging in both series to find something you like. Simple enough IME. :thumbsup:
Click to expand...
That's a pretty accurate summary. I will always try to offer great sounding tube preamps at a reasonable price, but there is enough demand out there for more premium devices with more features that I want to be able to do both.

eeyorebass said:
Does this mean Slampegg Bee and Grand Slampegg will coexist in the line-up?
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That is the intention, yup.
 
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#17,854
Mayo Fan said:
Yes please, something simple and straightforward that can live on a pedalboard would be great! In my mind this could be a compact competitor to the Broughton P-15, but in a more manageable form factor. I have the SSDI (also a lunchbox style preamp) and find I rarely take it out due to its shape.

My dream setup for vintage style tones: a good P bass into a fat 6SL7 B15 style preamp. That's all I would really need. And from that perspective, I think a Grand Slampegg would be an excellent addition to the line-up opposite the modern oriented Venus X. Give it a simple James tonestack, maybe a HPF (fixed frequency, on/off switchable) and an LB powered DI and you could be convincing customers that would otherwise hunt for something like a Noble or Broughton P-15.
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+1 what he said
plus, in the smallest form factor possible
 
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#17,856
bassbrad said:
@Hasty I do appreciate the POV and even the impossible goal of anyone attempting to create an all in one solution, there are several companies that make commendable options for that. Companies with groups of engineers that never actually have to build the product sold to the public that is most often subcontracted out to the cheapest manufacturer.
Click to expand...

As always, some great insight. Nathan does some pretty amazing things and I'm always blown away by his detail. I was almost hesitant to even type anything initially because I didn't want to put any ideas in his head that could detract from his goals... however I came to the realization that he's probably already thought this through 100 times prior to posting. That often seems to be the case with anything he's working on, that he has thought through the possibilities and is just seeing if there is enough interest in something he already has a plan for.

In regards to the bells and whistles, instead of an all in one solution... maybe a "most-in-one" solution? I could see the option two discussion providing some pretty great and flexible pedals for people out there that would cover "most" of their needs.
 
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#17,859
bassbrad said:
@Hasty We all as members of the Secret Society of @Sushi Box FX have incredible access to the brilliant mind and creations of NS and enjoy an unheard of access and input to his process.
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A mixed blessing to be sure. My mind is a weird place.
 
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#17,860
bassbrad said:
@Hasty We all as members of the Secret Society of @Sushi Box FX have incredible access to the brilliant mind and creations of NS and enjoy an unheard of access and input to his process.
Click to expand...
This!! I'm not a Sushi Box owner (yet!) but this thread is so interesting because of the free flow of info between builder and customers/audience. Unparalleled on TB as far as I'm aware.
 
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