The Sonicake Smart Box (product name QME-20) is a compact digital multi-effects pedal that uses Sonicake's proprietary white-box digital modeling for what the maker describes as natural, high-quality tone. It runs up to 9 effects simultaneously, holds 100 presets (50 of them factory presets), and supports third-party NAM captures and cabinet IR files with 5 user slots, so you can load your own amp profiles rather than being limited to the built-in models12.
It sits in Sonicake's multi-effects range above the Pocket Master, and the maker describes it as delivering more natural, amp-like tone and deeper sound customization than that smaller unit1. The regular price is $94.993.
The controls
The Smart Box is built around metal footswitches with multi-color LED rings, which Sonicake says enable instant effect toggling, tap tempo and CTRL switching1. Tap tempo is handled from the footswitches themselves, so time-based effects can be synced without bending down2.
For editing, the unit has dedicated module select buttons, which Sonicake describes as allowing faster, more intuitive on-device control than working through nested menus1. An HD color LCD shows preset names and settings clearly2.
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Metal footswitches with LED rings | Instant effect toggling, tap tempo, CTRL switching1 |
| Module select buttons | Faster, more intuitive on-device editing1 |
| HD color LCD | Preset clarity2 |
Preset memory covers 100 preset slots, of which 50 are factory presets1. Firmware is at V1.0.6, described by Sonicake as an improved-compatibility release1.
Power: 9V DC, USB-C or built-in battery
The Smart Box can be powered three ways:
- 9V DC power supply: center negative, drawing more than 700mA1
- USB-C: the USB 2.0 Type-C port accepts DC 5V at more than 1A15
- Built-in battery: a 2000mAh lithium battery rated for up to 4 hours of use1
The 9V DC requirement of more than 700mA is well above what a standard 100mA pedal power output supplies, so the Smart Box needs a high-current output or its own supply. Daisy-chaining it with low-current analog pedals on a shared output is not advisable at that draw.
The USB-C port doubles for data, supporting OTG connections to iOS and Android devices1.
Inputs and outputs
The Smart Box is a true stereo unit with an independent headphone output1.
| Jack | Type | Impedance |
|---|---|---|
| IN | 1/4" (6.35mm) unbalanced (TS) | 1MΩ1 |
| STEREO OUT | 1/4" (6.35mm) stereo (TRS) | 1kΩ16 |
| PHONES | 1/8" (3.5mm) stereo (TRS) | 22Ω5 |
| EXP/FS | 1/4" (6.35mm) TRS | For expression pedals or footswitch expansion15 |
The EXP/FS jack accepts external expression pedals or footswitch expansion, giving real-time control over parameters from a standard TRS expression pedal1.
Modeling, NAM support and MIDI
Sonicake describes the Smart Box's sound engine as proprietary white-box digital modeling, and the unit supports third-party NAM and cabinet IR files with 5 user slots1. Firmware V1.0.6, the current release, is described by the maker as improving compatibility1.
For control, the Smart Box offers wired and wireless Bluetooth MIDI, plus OTG support for iOS and Android1. That opens the door to MIDI footcontrollers and app-based editing.
How it differs from the Pocket Master
Sonicake positions the Smart Box above the Pocket Master in its multi-effects lineup, alongside the Matribox, Matribox II and Matribox II Pro6. Compared with the Pocket Master, the maker says the Smart Box delivers more natural, amp-like tone and deeper sound customization1, and it adds dedicated module select buttons for faster on-device control1.
Videos
Leon Brown Music
Budget Pedal Chap
Justin Bishop Music
Questions
Can the Sonicake Smart Box load NAM captures?
Yes. Sonicake states the Smart Box supports third-party NAM and cabinet IR files, with 5 user slots for storing them. The companion SONICLINK app for iOS and Android also supports NAM A2, so captures can be managed from a phone or tablet.
How long does the Sonicake Smart Box battery last?
The Smart Box has a built-in 2000mAh lithium battery that Sonicake rates for up to 4 hours of use. It can also run on a 9V DC center-negative power supply drawing more than 700mA, or over USB-C at 5V and more than 1A.
Does the Sonicake Smart Box have MIDI?
Yes. Sonicake lists both wired and wireless Bluetooth MIDI on the Smart Box, plus OTG support for connecting to iOS and Android devices. That makes it controllable from a MIDI controller or the SONICLINK companion app.
What is the difference between the Smart Box and the Pocket Master?
Sonicake positions the Smart Box above the Pocket Master in its multi-effects range, describing it as delivering more natural, amp-like tone and deeper sound customization than the Pocket Master. The Smart Box also adds dedicated module select buttons for faster on-device control.
Can I use an expression pedal with the Sonicake Smart Box?
Yes. The Smart Box has an EXP/FS jack, a 1/4 inch (6.35mm) TRS input that accepts external expression pedals or footswitch expansion. This gives you real-time control over parameters without reaching for the knobs.
Sources (6)
- Sonicake Smart Box Compact Multi Effects Processor for Stage (QME-20), Sonicake
- Sonicake Smart Box Compact Multi Effects Processor for Stage (QME-20), Sonicake
- SONICAKE QME-100 Matribox II Multi-effects Processor, Sonicake
- Sonicake Smart Box oembed record, Sonicake
- Sonicake Smart Box Compact Multi Effects Processor for Stage (QME-20), Sonicake (de.sonicake.com)
- Sonicake Smart Box Compact Multi Effects Processor for Stage (QME-20), Sonicake
