The Atelier Z MM-Box is a three-band EQ pedal and preamp for bass, designed to sculpt tone. It is a combination of two earlier Atelier Z pedals, the Mid-Knight and the M-Box, both of which were based on the company's original onboard preamp. Each of the two circuits can be used on its own or combined with the other, so the pedal works as a single EQ block or as two separate stages of tone shaping.1
Two circuits, one pedal
The idea behind the MM-Box is simple: put the Mid-Knight and M-Box circuits in one enclosure. Guitar World's reviewer described the pedal as "a combination of their previously-issued Mid-Knight and M-Box EQ pedals", both derived from Atelier Z's original onboard preamp.1
The Mid-Range circuit features a sweep from 70Hz to 6kHz with 14dB of cut and boost, which covers everything from deep bass shaping to upper-mid presence in one control.1
For players comparing it with other tone-shaping tools, the MM-Box sits in the equalization pedals category but also functions as a preamp, which is why it can replace an onboard preamp that a bass may lack1.
Size, power and price
The MM-Box is built as a compact pedal. Guitar World's review lists the dimensions as H 90 x W 115 x D 35mm, or H 3.5" x W 4.5" x D 1.4", small enough for a crowded pedalboard.1
Power comes from a 9V battery or an AC adapter, so it will run from a standard pedalboard supply or on battery power for occasional use.1
The list price is given as $367.47 USD, with £295 also quoted in the review.1
What reviewers said
Guitar World's reviewer came away positive, praising the pedal's tone-shaping ability and its build1:
"the MM-Box is a well-made, solid piece of machinery that would enhance any bassist's studio or pedalboard. Recommended1!"
The review's overall verdict was a recommendation, with the compact form and excellent tone-shaping singled out.1
Videos
Bass Japan Direct
Terry Romanio
Questions
Where is the Atelier Z MM-Box made?
The MM-Box is made in Japan. Guitar World's review lists the country of manufacture as Japan, and the pedal comes from Atelier Z, a maker whose earlier Mid-Knight and M-Box EQ pedals the MM-Box draws on.
Can the Atelier Z MM-Box run on a battery?
Yes. According to Guitar World's review, the MM-Box operates on a 9V battery or an AC adapter, so it can be run battery-powered or from a standard pedalboard power supply.
What is the Atelier Z MM-Box based on?
The MM-Box combines Atelier Z's previously issued Mid-Knight and M-Box EQ pedals, which were themselves based on the company's original onboard preamp. Each of the two circuits can be used on its own or together with the other.
How big is the Atelier Z MM-Box?
Guitar World's review gives the dimensions as 90 mm high by 115 mm wide by 35 mm deep, or about 3.5 by 4.5 by 1.4 inches, which puts it in compact pedal territory for a pedalboard.
Sources (1)
- Atelier Z MM-Box review, Guitar World, 2020-03-16