Absolutely love my MB2 Pro.. I've just upgraded from the OG MB2 which itself was a great bit of kit. These sub £300 modelers are getting better and better. Long may it continue.
I just bought the Valeton GP200, which is probably made in the same factory as the Sonicake! LOL The LCD interface on the Sonicake looks almost identical to the Valeton. These pedals have come a long way. The tone is amazing. Great review.
I've used the Sonicake boom for bass for 5 years or so. Varies on use depending on what instrument I'm playing but some years as many as 40ish live outings. It is all (actually more than) I need for live bass and the balanced out (super quiet btw) eliminates an extra DI box. Straight to PA/In-ears. For grins I tested my mandolin through it just for some extra eq control and it actually sounded fantastic. If my Zoom G7.1ut ever dies I'd get whatever Sonicake has like this multi effect to replace it for my guitar effects.
Depends on who you ask. For some people, PRO means a certain price point or brand. For some it means certain features. For me, it means that it does the job you need it to do consistently, and is durable enough to handle regular use.
I love these kind of effect pedals. It allows also beginning artists to have a lot of options without breaking the bank, by buying everything seperate. Also for in a studio, it could really help to get the sound you were imagining at home. Either by using this pedal, or talking with the soundtech about the sims you used, and if they have those amps and cabs, or if they can use the same in their mixing when using direct signal. Also being able to share the settings through usb, and maybe sending it ahead to the sound tech, could make setting up on recording day a lot quicker.
I just caught your signature on the thoman website. That is fn sweet. Great specs. I priced out the parts and they offer it for less than I can buy parts. Good on you guy!
Hey Max. Cool video. I've been studying. I hope it has drop tuning functions, compound delays, compound reverbs, in/out buffering, at lreast 90-second loop length, stereo panning... you know, stuff like that. I'll check. Thanks for the lead. Sonicake's Matribox series is good stuff. Take care buddy.
Okay I now know what I want for Christmas. This sounds really good. Very nice tones. Price is very good too. Something I could afford.Good job Sonicake.🎸🤘🏻
They took a bit of inspiration from the Valeton GP200. TBH, while I haven't tried this one myself, the GP200 is superior IMO, especially in terms of ongoing FW updates and feature improvements from Valeton. Truly, the GP200 hits way above its weight, so much so that I sold off my full Helix. In any case, these days are truly days of abundance for guitarists in terms of gear options and scope/pricing/features.
Hmmm. Max, I think you have hit on the topic for another video: Sonicake Matribox II PRO against one or more of the big boys from Neural DSP or Line 6 or whomever. Are the expensive boxes worth the money when they are compared to the cheaper ones? Viewers might like to know!🤔😶🌫😃
That would be a good mod for any board with more than one row of those switches. I'm sure those tall ones are available somewhere. I can't jive with shimmer reverb but this one sounds at least as good as the Helix stuff
Pro means, that if it falls of the stage, someone poors beer over it or the singer stumbles over you cable, it is still doing his job. And also when someone accidentally plugs it out, it is working immediately after plugin it in again. And of course it does not hang up during playing.
I have their Twiggy Blues pedal and their Octaver. I like both a lot, but here's where I stree I play and record at home only as a hobby. Looks like a nice update of the Matribox II. (Next year, it'll be the Matribox 3 Ultra Pro! Thing is, guys, these companies have to sell new stuff all the time or they'll go under. How much better can they make this?
Would I be upset using one of these units? Nah. Am I gonna trade in my Helix to get one of these instead? also Nah. That being said, it is a great time to be a guitar player, because even at this lower price point, you can get some great sounds and such. This thing is definitely a step up from the Digitech RP80 I had when I was starting to play.
Thanks for a great video! That pedal really sounds great! Would you be willing to do a video comparing this pedal to the NUX MG-30? It would be very interesting to compare the sounds as well as the usability in a live situation. With the latest firmware (v. 5), the MG-30 allows 3 scenes per patch, and each scene can have an entirely different amp, cab, and effects selection. Would there be a compelling reason to sell the MG-30 and upgrade to the Matribox II Pro?
I'd say "pro" refers to being built tough to handle the abuse of gigging, and having good sound and switching capabilities, not just scrolling up and down patches. I gigged for years with an old Digitech multi effects pedal and always recieved compliments on my sound 🤷♂️
The word "Pro" in a product name is meaningless in todays world. It's pure marketing hype by manufacturers in an attempt to make us believe their product is what "professionals" (whatever that is) use and if we use that product we'll sound as good as a "professional" or be seen as a "professional" by others. Total BS if you ask me.
Putting the word "Pro" in any product is about as meaningful as putting "Jumbo" before "shrimp". It really means nothing. It just sounds better, and gives the manufacturer, retailer, merchant, etc the liberty to increase the price. Also, I love your solo styling in that opening guitar shred, sir!
Pro is often just three more letters to justify a price point. Thos is a rare one, the price is highly competitive and it looks capable of withstanding a gig or three. A far cry from the plastic everything with small switches and display.
Very impressive unit and demo. My question at this point is HOW BEST TO AMPLIFY in a live situation. At this point I play small clubs, events and parties and using the P.A. In most of these places is NOT GONNA CUT IT. I currently have a Boss GT-100 about 8 years old through a solid state amp …I get good results but I find the 4 cable method via effects loop not any better than putting it in the front of the amp..I get some great sounds and effects. So any thoughts on using through an amp ? Eventually I will modernize from the BOSS GT-100.
Hello ! Thanks for the demo! I tested it in rehearsal, and a big latency appeared, plugging it into a power amp and my Marshall cab. In fact, the bass of my Metal preset only kicked in at the end of the chug. The sound was very compressed, and the quality was quite poor. Would you have a solution to this please? Thanks a lot!
Wow, just got this two days ago and am loving it. I wonder what is best for monitors; XLR or 1/4"? Right at the moment I am using the headphone jack into PC studio-speakers - I wonder if this sounds different, seems a bit bassy.
NUX MG30 is you competitor... not 101 also if the kick is strong enough maybe the external damage is least of your concerns, in the end electronics and shock don't go hand to hand well together.
I still use a Zoom G1X. The delay sounds great, the E.Q. is decent and whatever they do for "cab simulation " improves the sound of everything I've played it through.
I've compared zoom to the newer stuff and they don't sound as good. Still like them, they are easy to use and have a lot built in. But my modern stuff gives a better tone.
I have had a few different multi-effects units. I've had boss, zoom, line 6 and ToneX. To me they always had a bit too much put it this way if you ask yourself what percentage of the unit do you use My answer would be probably at most 20% or less I would say most of the time I probably use less than 10% of everything it does. So then I asked myself this what is the sound quality and to me a lot of them don't sound as good live as you would think Now that could be a setup issue as well because they give you a lot of variables in the setup. So to me they're just not practical unless you're somebody that plays many many different styles of guitar. So to me it's a big no on multi effect units. I can say this though the Helix sounds really good matter of fact there's a guy on TH-cam that uses it very well. He uses the drum machine a rhythm backing track and he solo's over it his name is provoke the truth. He's got some great riffs and he gets great tones so for posting on social media it works very well. For me playing live in a band I don't need that many sounds and I don't need that much stuff to complicate it for me. At home is kind of a different story where your experimenting. Live I use a cry baby petal, boost or distortion pedal chorus, delay, reverb and an EQ. When you buy single effect pedals the sound quality is tenfold in my opinion. But I could see how somebody could use that as a fly rig or something and the price is pretty good 300 bucks is what I pay sometimes for one pedal. All right I've gone on way too long😅 Thanks Max great video as always we'll see you on the next one 🤙
What it is supposed to mean is that it is versatile enough, performs up to a certain quality, and is durable enough to function up to the demands of someone who makes a living using said piece of equipment. What it actually means is that the marketing department came up with a label to justify why it is more expensive than the unit priced below it or the one sold by competitors.
Your 'choice ' of gear will probably make YOU happier... However, if you play a $20,000 1968 Marshall Rig or record with a $200 modeller ,that will have ZERO effect on whether your song became a #1 hit.
But, how does it sound in a mix? Pedal sounds are useless unless you're a solo artist, throw it into a mix with bass and drums and then we'll know how it may sound in a band setting
We all know (at least some us who are awake know) that the God-haters, changed music from 432 to 440. So lets say no to this and start writing music in 432 again.
"Pro" is a cork sniffers term to let you know cool they are...and how uncool you are if you dont have what ever that "Pro" item is. Correct me if Im wrong. 💀💀💀
I absolutely hate this style of multieffects units. Everyone makes them this way and they suck. It sits on the floor but we are expected to spend our time leaned over editing on the floor. Or if you put it on the top of the amp or table then you lose all fo the foot control. This is the worst idea ever implemented and everyone does it this way. Never understood the logic.
You lost me @ "Simm" I have 2x Full Stacks and have NO intension of pretending I own a Soldano "Logowhore" name drop blablabla I am into REALITY it either can shake the room I am in, or it cannot. Usually, I really LIKE ALL of your videos, but you lost me on this one sorry! no disrespect intended
Marty Friedman used the Boss Metalzone in his live rig for leads in the CW era...Metalzone+Crate BV 🤔
Thank You for this illuminating review! Got mine a couple weeks ago and love it. I also have the NUX-MG 30 and it fits in nicely.
For you which is better?
Absolutely love my MB2 Pro.. I've just upgraded from the OG MB2 which itself was a great bit of kit. These sub £300 modelers are getting better and better. Long may it continue.
I just bought the Valeton GP200, which is probably made in the same factory as the Sonicake! LOL The LCD interface on the Sonicake looks almost identical to the Valeton. These pedals have come a long way. The tone is amazing. Great review.
Thanks for the info!
I've used the Sonicake boom for bass for 5 years or so. Varies on use depending on what instrument I'm playing but some years as many as 40ish live outings.
It is all (actually more than) I need for live bass and the balanced out (super quiet btw) eliminates an extra DI box. Straight to PA/In-ears. For grins I tested my mandolin through it just for some extra eq control and it actually sounded fantastic.
If my Zoom G7.1ut ever dies I'd get whatever Sonicake has like this multi effect to replace it for my guitar effects.
Awesome video! You should try valeton gp200 I heard a lot of good things about it. Would love to see you review it!
Great intro playing and demo! Thanks
Nice video Max! That unit sounds killer 👋
Thanks!
"PRO" is ancient Greek for "sell a kidney."
it has many synonyms too, like gamer, audiophile, led :P
In the 80s, it was referred to as "Turbo"
Not at all dude. I am Greek. Who told you that? It doesn't exist the word pro in ancient greek language.
@@serjim1 He's joking.
Depends on who you ask.
For some people, PRO means a certain price point or brand.
For some it means certain features.
For me, it means that it does the job you need it to do consistently, and is durable enough to handle regular use.
Love that you played a budget guitar with the budget multi-fx pedal. All too often you see guys testing low end gear with high end guitars/basses...
I love these kind of effect pedals. It allows also beginning artists to have a lot of options without breaking the bank, by buying everything seperate. Also for in a studio, it could really help to get the sound you were imagining at home. Either by using this pedal, or talking with the soundtech about the sims you used, and if they have those amps and cabs, or if they can use the same in their mixing when using direct signal. Also being able to share the settings through usb, and maybe sending it ahead to the sound tech, could make setting up on recording day a lot quicker.
I am ordering mine real soon I can’t wait🤘🏻
I just caught your signature on the thoman website. That is fn sweet. Great specs. I priced out the parts and they offer it for less than I can buy parts. Good on you guy!
Right on! Thank you!
Hey Max. Cool video. I've been studying. I hope it has drop tuning functions, compound delays, compound reverbs, in/out buffering, at lreast 90-second loop length, stereo panning... you know, stuff like that. I'll check. Thanks for the lead. Sonicake's Matribox series is good stuff. Take care buddy.
Okay I now know what I want for Christmas. This sounds really good. Very nice tones. Price is very good too. Something I could afford.Good job Sonicake.🎸🤘🏻
Donner has one for like $30 less.
@@ronaldmalcolm5609 Donner makes all of these Amazon pedals.
Happy holidays!
Very interesting and good to know this pedal can be used for bass guitar. Cheers.
I love how a lot of the newer budget gear have great modulation effects. That 'echo clean' you played sounded sweet.
Agreed!
They took a bit of inspiration from the Valeton GP200. TBH, while I haven't tried this one myself, the GP200 is superior IMO, especially in terms of ongoing FW updates and feature improvements from Valeton. Truly, the GP200 hits way above its weight, so much so that I sold off my full Helix. In any case, these days are truly days of abundance for guitarists in terms of gear options and scope/pricing/features.
Very nice product, i would love one without the expression(something like the hx stomp)
It definitely seems a lot more Pro than my old DigiTech rp200
You forgot Valeton GP 200.
Nice review btw.
Great channel
The Echo Clean effect has that Brian May thing.
Damn that thing rips!
Hmmm. Max, I think you have hit on the topic for another video: Sonicake Matribox II PRO against one or more of the big boys from Neural DSP or Line 6 or whomever. Are the expensive boxes worth the money when they are compared to the cheaper ones? Viewers might like to know!🤔😶🌫😃
That would be a good mod for any board with more than one row of those switches. I'm sure those tall ones are available somewhere. I can't jive with shimmer reverb but this one sounds at least as good as the Helix stuff
The Harley Benton ones also have the Riot, and the Metal Zone. So best of both worlds 😂
Hi Max, loving your channel. Have you or could you review the Spira S-450?
"Pro" is something the marketing department comes up with.
Pro means, that if it falls of the stage, someone poors beer over it or the singer stumbles over you cable, it is still doing his job. And also when someone accidentally plugs it out, it is working immediately after plugin it in again. And of course it does not hang up during playing.
i remember back in the day people said "extreme"& "epic"😅. that is great product.
Try the Valeton GP200 . More switches and faircustomized one even to the switches.
I have their Twiggy Blues pedal and their Octaver. I like both a lot, but here's where I stree I play and record at home only as a hobby. Looks like a nice update of the Matribox II. (Next year, it'll be the Matribox 3 Ultra Pro! Thing is, guys, these companies have to sell new stuff all the time or they'll go under. How much better can they make this?
Makes you rethink the PRS Student Edition name doesn’t it?
Would I be upset using one of these units? Nah. Am I gonna trade in my Helix to get one of these instead? also Nah. That being said, it is a great time to be a guitar player, because even at this lower price point, you can get some great sounds and such. This thing is definitely a step up from the Digitech RP80 I had when I was starting to play.
Thanks for a great video! That pedal really sounds great! Would you be willing to do a video comparing this pedal to the NUX MG-30? It would be very interesting to compare the sounds as well as the usability in a live situation. With the latest firmware (v. 5), the MG-30 allows 3 scenes per patch, and each scene can have an entirely different amp, cab, and effects selection. Would there be a compelling reason to sell the MG-30 and upgrade to the Matribox II Pro?
Max, have you tried the Valeton GP 200 multi-effects unit?
Justin Broadrick (Godflesh and Jesu) “Take my drumsticks.”
What about latency when switching presets? Or preserving effects tail between presets (delay/reverb)?
Max can you do a non edited video with this, so I know if your playing stock patches or ones you made better.
I'd say "pro" refers to being built tough to handle the abuse of gigging, and having good sound and switching capabilities, not just scrolling up and down patches. I gigged for years with an old Digitech multi effects pedal and always recieved compliments on my sound 🤷♂️
Lets see a Live "Take out a Window " Demo on a 2020 Honda at a Kroger parking lot.
Good idea!
The word "Pro" in a product name is meaningless in todays world. It's pure marketing hype by manufacturers in an attempt to make us believe their product is what "professionals" (whatever that is) use and if we use that product we'll sound as good as a "professional" or be seen as a "professional" by others. Total BS if you ask me.
Putting the word "Pro" in any product is about as meaningful as putting "Jumbo" before "shrimp". It really means nothing. It just sounds better, and gives the manufacturer, retailer, merchant, etc the liberty to increase the price. Also, I love your solo styling in that opening guitar shred, sir!
Exactly right. Yet, the sad fact is that strategy actually works to attract consumers.
It sure does. I think i saw “pro” toilet paper from Dollar Tree. Ok, I may have made that up, but it wouldn't surprise me.
It's like put the word "Vintage" in the description. It adds $$$ to the value somehow.
I would get it but the price is double here in Canada.
Pro is often just three more letters to justify a price point.
Thos is a rare one, the price is highly competitive and it looks capable of withstanding
a gig or three.
A far cry from the plastic everything with small switches and display.
Very impressive unit and demo. My question at this point is HOW BEST TO AMPLIFY in a live situation. At this point I play small clubs, events and parties and using the P.A. In most of these places is NOT GONNA CUT IT. I currently have a Boss GT-100 about 8 years old through a solid state amp …I get good results but I find the 4 cable method via effects loop not any better than putting it in the front of the amp..I get some great sounds and effects. So any thoughts on using through an amp ? Eventually I will modernize from the BOSS GT-100.
get a bigger pa. solved.
Not available on Amazon. 🤔😞
Just read through the effects list in the manual and I still have no idea why these multifx companies REFUSE to do an emulation of the Boss HM2.
Al😃ha 🤙
Was the previous model called 'Amateur'?
lol that would be great.
Hello ! Thanks for the demo!
I tested it in rehearsal, and a big latency appeared, plugging it into a power amp and my Marshall cab.
In fact, the bass of my Metal preset only kicked in at the end of the chug. The sound was very compressed, and the quality was quite poor.
Would you have a solution to this please?
Thanks a lot!
8:01 that is such a lead singer thing to do
Keep on pickin'
I really liked this unit when I first saw it reviewed. Maybe Santa will…
Quick question, can it be used as just a multi effects unit? Another word can the amp sim be disabled?
Yes absolutely.
do all guitars sound the same using this?
Question. How do we know big Chief is not over dubbing?
Wow, just got this two days ago and am loving it. I wonder what is best for monitors; XLR or 1/4"? Right at the moment I am using the headphone jack into PC studio-speakers - I wonder if this sounds different, seems a bit bassy.
Definitely go with XLR if possible.
I thought pro meant it was ready to take on the road and tour with, or use in a studio environment? no?
It means a premium price tag brand try to place on crap even though many many famous guitarists were using "amateur" gear
Are there any latency issues?
I thought pro gear was gear that was “pro” your instrument. I’ve been getting too much anti-gear so idk.
Also nice P-38
Can you use any of the bass stuff for guitar? Like a bass synth? I ask for bucket reasons..🐓🐓
Does it have scenes tool?
And how many effects in chain you can use?
Max, have you already reviewed the unit I purchased in February 2024, the Boss GX-100, and did your review go right past me?
Hey there! Sorry I have not reviewed that yet!
I think it is definitely worth at least giving a looksee,@@GuitarMAXMusic.
Nu-X MG30 would be a better comparison.
I thought that what you, the video creator, might have discussed is what is a pro level guitar versus an amateur guitar.
Tom Sisson
Yes, had it been a guitar review, that would make sense.
It means 100% mark up.
All of the greats simply used what they could acquire.
And it often was not the “best” available for the time.
Pass Run Option?
NUX MG30 is you competitor... not 101 also if the kick is strong enough maybe the external damage is least of your concerns, in the end electronics and shock don't go hand to hand well together.
Means it’s a Guitar Center exclusive.
Exclusively expensive.
I guess there is no room for IRs in this box. Tweaking the speaker can be essential to getting a “pro” sound.
I’ve always liked zoom pedals
Good video max as always
Thanks!
I still use a Zoom G1X.
The delay sounds great, the E.Q. is decent and whatever they do for "cab simulation " improves the sound of everything I've played it through.
I've compared zoom to the newer stuff and they don't sound as good. Still like them, they are easy to use and have a lot built in. But my modern stuff gives a better tone.
@@GuitarMAXMusic welcome thank u for everything max ur videos ur advice
I have had a few different multi-effects units. I've had boss, zoom, line 6 and ToneX. To me they always had a bit too much put it this way if you ask yourself what percentage of the unit do you use My answer would be probably at most 20% or less I would say most of the time I probably use less than 10% of everything it does. So then I asked myself this what is the sound quality and to me a lot of them don't sound as good live as you would think Now that could be a setup issue as well because they give you a lot of variables in the setup. So to me they're just not practical unless you're somebody that plays many many different styles of guitar. So to me it's a big no on multi effect units. I can say this though the Helix sounds really good matter of fact there's a guy on TH-cam that uses it very well. He uses the drum machine a rhythm backing track and he solo's over it his name is provoke the truth. He's got some great riffs and he gets great tones so for posting on social media it works very well. For me playing live in a band I don't need that many sounds and I don't need that much stuff to complicate it for me. At home is kind of a different story where your experimenting. Live I use a cry baby petal, boost or distortion pedal chorus, delay, reverb and an EQ. When you buy single effect pedals the sound quality is tenfold in my opinion. But I could see how somebody could use that as a fly rig or something and the price is pretty good 300 bucks is what I pay sometimes for one pedal. All right I've gone on way too long😅 Thanks Max great video as always we'll see you on the next one 🤙
Is that a P-38?
Yes!
Anybody tell you you kinda look like John Travolta?
Yes.
To me it means you don't have to upgrade to get exactly what you want
I'm so amateur I can't even play a single note
JUST GET a Boss ME 90
Pro means overpriced through clever marketing!
What it is supposed to mean is that it is versatile enough, performs up to a certain quality, and is durable enough to function up to the demands of someone who makes a living using said piece of equipment. What it actually means is that the marketing department came up with a label to justify why it is more expensive than the unit priced below it or the one sold by competitors.
Your 'choice ' of gear will probably make YOU happier... However, if you play a $20,000 1968 Marshall Rig or record with a $200 modeller ,that will have ZERO effect on whether your song became a #1 hit.
Great point!
But, how does it sound in a mix? Pedal sounds are useless unless you're a solo artist, throw it into a mix with bass and drums and then we'll know how it may sound in a band setting
This has something the boss core doesn't i cant put my finger on it
We all know (at least some us who are awake know) that the God-haters, changed music from 432 to 440. So lets say no to this and start writing music in 432 again.
"Pro" is a cork sniffers term to let you know cool they are...and how uncool you are if you dont have what ever that "Pro" item is. Correct me if Im wrong. 💀💀💀
Pro gear just means over priced crap.
I absolutely hate this style of multieffects units. Everyone makes them this way and they suck. It sits on the floor but we are expected to spend our time leaned over editing on the floor. Or if you put it on the top of the amp or table then you lose all fo the foot control. This is the worst idea ever implemented and everyone does it this way. Never understood the logic.
You lost me @ "Simm" I have 2x Full Stacks and have NO intension of pretending I own a Soldano "Logowhore" name drop blablabla I am into REALITY it either can shake the room I am in, or it cannot. Usually, I really LIKE ALL of your videos, but you lost me on this one sorry! no disrespect intended
P.S. Unsubscribed.
Sorry big Chief. Not in the mood for an informercial at this time. Thumbs down