Sonicake Smart Box – From Proof of Concept to Proper Gigging Tool

The Sonicake Pocket Master was one of those pedals (well, FX unit maybe?) in 2025. The kind that quietly landed, didn’t look like much, but then completely changed the guitar landscape. It was one of the first genuinely affordable ways for everyday players to dip their toes into Neural Amp Modelling on the go, and once people realised what it could do, it absolutely took off. Small, unassuming, and way more capable than it had any right to be.

The Smart Box is very much the next step in that journey. If the Pocket Master proved the concept, the Smart Box feels like Sonicake taking that idea seriously and asking, “Right… how do we actually make this usable outside the bedroom?”

The most obvious upgrade hits you straight away: footswitches. Two of them, no less. This might sound like a small thing, but it absolutely isn’t. The Pocket Master relied on those little rubber buttons, which were fine for desk use but always felt like it prohibited live use. The Smart Box fixes that in one move. Suddenly, this feels like something you could actually put on the floor without fear.

It’s hard not to draw comparisons with the Valeton GP-50 here. Both companies seem to be circling the same idea at the same time: take a compact NAM-capable unit and make it genuinely stage-friendly. With proper footswitches, LED rings, tap tempo, and control switching, the Smart Box immediately feels more confident in that role. You can still pair it with something like the M-Vave Chocolate Plus if you want to go even further, but you don’t have to anymore.

The front panel layout is another big win. Instead of burying everything in menus, Sonicake have added dedicated buttons for each block in the signal chain — amp, cab, delay, reverb, EQ, and so on. Editing patches directly on the unit is now much quicker and far more intuitive. The Pocket Master wasn’t hard to use, but this feels friendlier again, especially for players who don’t want to spend half an hour scrolling through menus. Even the most technophobic guitarist should be able to build a usable patch without getting nervous.

Internally, there are some meaningful upgrades too. The effects list has grown a lot. Where the Pocket Master gave you one or two flavours of each modulation, the Smart Box gives you proper choice — including some more adventurous options. There’s a clear nod here towards ambient and shoegaze players, with textures and effects that go well beyond the usual budget multi-FX safe zone. It really feels like Sonicake are pushing the boundaries of what “affordable” gear is supposed to sound like.

Now, we do need to talk about the NAM situation, because this is still the elephant in the room. Like most compact NAM players at the moment, once you engage NAM profiling, the internal cab sim is bypassed. That means you’re either using full rig NAM profiles (amp and cab together) or running an external cab solution. The Smart Box sticks with this limitation, which is a little disappointing — simultaneous amp and cab modelling would’ve been a genuine leap forward.

That said, it’s not a dealbreaker. There are loads of excellent full rig NAM profiles available for free on Tone3000, and realistically, most users are going to find plenty of sounds that work for them without much hassle. It’s just one of those “we’re not quite there yet” moments for NAM tech at this price point.

Feature-wise, the Smart Box is absolutely stacked. You’ve got over 130 effects, up to nine blocks running at once, 100 presets, drum rhythms, a looper, tuner, metronome, stereo outputs, USB audio interface with re-amping, OTG support for phones, wired and wireless MIDI, expression pedal input, headphones out… and it’ll even run on its internal battery for a few hours if you need it to. It’s one of those pedals where you keep discovering another feature you didn’t realise was there.

Crucially, it still comes in under £100. That’s the headline for me. Yes, it’s not the bold technological leap some of us were hoping for, but it is a clear step towards being a proper gigging unit. More usable, more intuitive, more flexible — and still very affordable.

If Sonicake keep refining this platform, especially on the NAM side of things, this could end up being something really special. As it stands, the Smart Box feels like a confident evolution rather than a flashy reinvention — and honestly, that’s probably exactly what most players actually need.

The Matribox II Pro just got a Serious upgrade...

 Sonicake Matribox II Pro Update – Now with NAM Profiling

The latest update to the Sonicake Matribox II Pro has quietly turned an already capable unit into something much more powerful. The big news is that it can now load .nam profiles, which puts it into the same conversation as some very high-end amp modelling units.

For those not familiar, nam profiling is similar in concept to Kemper modelling. You can capture a “snapshot” of an amp and turn it into a digital file. That snapshot can be just the preamp, the preamp and power amp together, or even a full rig including cab. Better still, you can profile an amp with your favourite drive pedal in front of it, meaning you can bake in that pushed high-gain sound as a single file. Once loaded into the Matribox II Pro, you can still adjust the amp’s EQ, gain, and volume, and—most importantly—it reacts dynamically to your playing. Just like with a real amp, rolling back your guitar’s volume or changing your pick attack gives you different tonal responses.

Nam profiling is still relatively young compared to Kemper or Neural DSP’s Quad Cortex, but it’s evolving fast. The community around it is growing, meaning more and more free profiles are available every week, and the tech itself is constantly being refined by a few dedicated developers. That makes this update a very exciting development for the Matribox II Pro, especially for players who want to get in on the ground floor of something new.

Why Now?

The timing of this update is interesting. Sonicake recently released the Pocket Master, a portable multi-FX unit in a mini format, and one of the first compact devices to offer nam profiling. Not long after, Valeton launched the GP-5, another portable modeller with similar functionality. In response, Sonicake pushed an update to the Matribox II to include a nam loader. What they didn’t make especially clear was that the update also applies to the Matribox II Pro—and that’s where things get very exciting.

The Matribox II Pro Was Already Strong

Even before this update, the Matribox II Pro was punching above its weight. One of its best features is the fully customisable signal chain. With many budget multi-FX units (including earlier versions of the Matribox), you’re stuck with a semi-fixed path: an amp block is always an amp, the EQ is always an EQ, and so on. You might get a handful of free-floating effects you can position pre or post amp, but flexibility is limited.

Higher-end units, like the Line 6 Helix, give you the freedom to build your signal chain however you want. You can load blocks in any order, experiment with strange placements, and really shape your sound. The Matribox II Pro gives you that same kind of flexibility. The only real limitation is DSP power, and that’s a fair trade for the price point.

For example, in the sound demos I put together, I used a cleaner Fender-style nam profile paired with one of the built-in drive pedals, a spring reverb up front, and then finished the chain with a studio compressor and subtle room reverb. That last touch adds a polish that feels like a “recorded” guitar tone, and it’s a trick I picked up from Mr Lamby over on YouTube. The end result was dynamic, characterful, and surprisingly refined.

Final Thoughts

The Matribox II Pro was already a hit here at Budget Pedal Chap. It offered flexibility, solid tones, and features you’d normally expect from pricier units. With the addition of nam profiling, Sonicake have taken things to another level.

This wasn’t an update anyone was clamouring for, but now that it’s here, it feels like an upgrade we didn’t even know we needed. Whether you’re already a Matribox II Pro owner or just looking for a budget-friendly way into the world of amp profiling, this update makes the unit far more appealing.

It’s another sign that Sonicake aren’t just keeping pace with the competition—they’re quietly raising the bar in the budget multi-FX world.

Valeton GP-5 Review – The Mini Multi-FX That Punches Above Its Weight

Every now and then, a pedal comes along that makes you stop and think: how on earth are they doing this at that price? The Valeton GP-5 is one of those pedals. On the surface, it looks like another compact multi-FX box, but spend even a few minutes with it and you quickly realise it’s far more capable than you’d expect. With amp sims, drives, delay, reverb, compressor, EQ, tuner, and even support for Neural Amp Modeler (.nam) files, this little pedal is feature-packed to the brim.

And here’s the kicker: it costs about the same as a Boss DS-1. Yes, you read that right. A full amp and FX rig in a box, for the price of a single distortion pedal.

First Impressions – So Much Packed Inside

The GP-5 isn’t some half-baked toy. It’s a serious piece of kit that covers almost everything you’d need in a *gigging or practice setup. Multiple amp sims, drive pedals, time-based effects, modulation, EQ, compressor, and even a tuner are all packed inside.

What really impressed me is how the amp sims aren't one-dimensional (we all remember the 'amp-sims of 20 years ago). They respond to the guitar’s volume control, cleaning up when you roll back, and they react to dynamics in your playing. That sort of responsiveness is usually reserved for far pricier gear — the kind you’d expect from a Helix or a Quad Cortex, not something that costs a fraction of the price. 

Now, are they at that level of refinement? Of course not. The GP-5 isn’t going to replace a £1500 modelling rig. But in its price bracket, it’s astonishingly good.

*there is a caveat with this, I'll cover later on

Neural Amp Modeler Support

One of the most exciting features is its support for .nam files — Neural Amp Modeler captures. If you’re not familiar, NAM is basically an open-source version of the “amp profiling” technology you see in things like the Kemper, Quad Cortex and even Tonex. It’s still in its infancy, but the fact that the GP-5 can already load these files is a huge deal.

As NAM technology continues to improve, this little pedal could give you access to incredibly detailed and accurate amp tones at basically no extra cost. That future-proofing puts the GP-5 in a very interesting position, and makes it a lot more than just a cheap multi-FX box.

Footswitch Flexibility

The GP-5 only has one footswitch, but don’t let that fool you — it’s surprisingly versatile. It can be set up to bank through presets, which is handy enough, but you can also use it in “stomp mode” to switch individual effects within a patch.

That means you can treat it a bit like an amp with multiple channels: have a clean patch with a boost for solos, or a crunchy rhythm patch where you can kick in extra gain for leads. Alternatively, you can set the footswitch to access tuner mode, so you save an extra spot on your pedalboard and get your versatility from external pedals instead. 

It massively increases the usefulness of the unit and means you don’t feel nearly as limited as you’d expect with a one-switch design. Valeton have really considered the user experience and it shows with the versatility of the switching options.

Editing and App Control

Let’s be honest: editing sounds on tiny multi-FX units can be a nightmare. Menu diving, endless button pressing, cryptic abbreviations — no thanks.

Thankfully, Valeton went the smart route here. The GP-5 can be edited with an app, and it’s wonderfully intuitive. The learning curve is basically non-existent. The amp models don’t use official brand names (for obvious legal reasons), but they’re easy enough to decode, and you’ll quickly find what you’re looking for.

The only downside? There’s no editing without the app. If your phone battery dies at a gig, you’re stuck with whatever presets you’ve already got. That’s not a dealbreaker for practice or home use, but for live players it’s definitely something to keep in mind. There’s also the bigger concern of longevity: if Valeton ever pull the app from stores, the GP-5’s flexibility would take a big hit.

Tone Quality – The Good and the Not-So-Good

The amp models are, quite frankly, far better than they have any right to be at this price. Clean and edge-of-breakup tones in particular are very usable, in some cases getting quite amp-like. Mid-gain options are solid too, though like with any modeller at this level, you sometimes need to EQ carefully to keep them sitting right in a mix or getting them to sound less 'boxy' in certain cases.

High-gain is where things wobble a little. Some of the heavier amp sims feel a bit less refined, and they can sound harsh compared to the cleans and crunch tones. Still usable, but it’s clear not every amp model received the same amount of polish in development.

The drive pedals are unfortunately the weakest link. They’re functional, but they don’t have the same character or refinement as the amps. My advice for this would be: get as much of the tone you can out of the amps themselves, use the drive pedals only as a last resort.

Time-based effects like delay and reverb are solid, though. Nothing earth-shattering, but definitely good enough for live or practice use. Think of the reverbs especially, there are lots of 'safe'  options, but not many wild and outlandish verbs on hand. For those wanting to experience lush soundscapes, this one might not be the best option if you are using it alone. 

Latency – The Digital Elephant in the Room

Like all digital pedals, the GP-5 has some latency. For me, it wasn’t something I could really 'feel' while playing, but some players have noted it’s a touch higher than more expensive modellers. That’s to be expected at this price, but it’s worth pointing out if you’re particularly sensitive to latency.

The Price Point – Game-Changing

Here’s where things get silly: the GP-5 costs about the same as a mid-tier drive pedal. Ten years ago, even the most basic entry-level multi-FX units would have set you back at least £200 or more and it wouldn't necessarily be something you could consider gigging. The fact that this level of functionality is now available at “pocket money” prices is frankly mind-blowing.

Valeton have set a new bar here. Other manufacturers need to take note, because the budget end of the market is starting to nip at the heels of the big players. If the likes of Valeton and Sonicake can offer something with such functionality at this price point, you damn well better be offering something better if you're going to charge more.

Use Cases – Where the GP-5 Shines

So, who is this pedal really for?

Beginners – Perfect for players who want to experiment with different amp types and effects without buying loads of individual gear. It’s an affordable way to learn what tones you like.

Practice – Maybe its strongest role. With headphones and one power cable, you’re up and running instantly. No faffing with amps, pedalboards, or cables. Removing that friction makes it much easier to actually sit down and practice.

Gig Backup – A lifesaver if disaster strikes. Keep one in your gig bag and if your amp blows up mid-set, you’ve got a whole rig ready to plug straight into the PA. *

Travelling musicians – Light, compact, and versatile. Perfect for throwing in a backpack and having a full rig wherever you go.

*You could use it as your gigging amp-sim, but it would be incredibly limited and there are some more viable options in the rough ballpark price-wise

At the end of the day...

The Valeton GP-5 is not trying to be a Helix, a Kemper, or a Quad Cortex. If you judge it against those, of course you’ll find shortcomings. But that misses the point.

What it is, is a shockingly capable, feature-rich multi-FX and amp modeller that costs about the same as a single Boss pedal. It offers a taste of high-end modelling features like NAM support, it makes practice ridiculously easy, and it’s good enough to use as a backup gigging solution.

Yes, the drives are weak, yes, editing requires an app, and yes, some amp models shine brighter than others. But taken as a whole, this is one of the most impressive budget pedals I’ve come across in a long time.

It’s affordable, flexible, and genuinely fun to play. For beginners, it’s a no-brainer. For more experienced players, it’s a useful tool to have around. And for the pedal industry at large? It’s a reminder that the budget end of the market is raising the bar — fast. I bet you're probably asking how it compares to the Sonicake Pocket Master though huh? Well, that is a topic for another time...

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Sonicake Pocket Master - Worth It?

Sonicake Pocket Master – Tiny Box, Big Surprises

The Sonicake Pocket Master has been getting a fair bit of buzz since its release—and for good reason. As I mention in the video, it’s basically a mini, battery-powered version of the Matribox. That’s no small thing. The Matribox was already a great bit of budget-friendly kit, and a brilliant tool for practice. The Pocket Master manages to do about 80% of what the Matribox did, but in a smaller, more convenient form factor.

And honestly? You won’t miss the few amps and effects that didn’t make the cut. There’s still plenty here to keep your tone options fresh and your practice sessions productive.

Now, in the demo I mentioned a bit of software for the Pocket Master, and I want to clarify that a little. What I said was partly true: the software I used allows you to apply firmware updates (more on this in a sec) and import files. Originally, the Pocket Master shipped with firmware that let you load up to five impulse responses (IRs) for guitar cabs. Pretty solid on its own.

But here’s where it gets exciting—once you install the latest firmware update, you unlock the feature everyone’s been talking about: NAM file support.

There’s also a companion app for iOS and Android that opens up even more functionality. I’ll dig into that in a future post, but for now, let’s talk NAM.

NAM Profiles: The Game-Changer

The big reason the guitar community has taken notice of the Pocket Master is its support for NAM files—short for Neural Amp Modeler. Think of it as a kind of open-source alternative to the profiling tech you’d find in something like a Kemper. Is it as detailed or refined as a Kemper profile? Of course not. But let’s be real—you’re not dropping a grand here.

In my initial demo, I said that NAM’s limitations felt appropriate for the price point, rather than being disappointing. But since recording that video, I’ve had the chance to try out more NAM profiles… and I’ve got to say, this little box has exceeded my expectations. It still isn’t Kemper-level, but it sounds far better than a £50, battery-powered amp modeller has any right to.

What’s Next?

I’m seriously considering curating a few choice NAM profiles to help new Pocket Master users get the best possible start. If that’s something you’d find useful, drop a comment and let me know!

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