Is The Sonicake Smart Box the Improved Version of the Pocket Master?

If you’ve been following the budget multi-effects pedal market, you’ve probably heard of Sonicake’s Pocket Master—that surprisingly capable little unit that punches way above its Php 3,500.00 price point.

Now Sonicake has released the Smart Box (QME-20), and guitarists are asking the obvious question: is this the next evolution of the Pocket Master, or something entirely different?

The short answer is yes—the Smart Box represents a significant upgrade. But let me break down exactly what makes this Php 5,000.00 unit worth the extra investment, and why it matters to both live performers and bedroom players.

Before diving into the Smart Box itself, it’s worth understanding where Sonicake comes from.

Changsha Sonicake Technology Co., Ltd. was established in 2017 by a group of music enthusiasts who shared a simple vision: create quality musical instruments at decent prices.

Their philosophy centers around “Amplifying the Sonic Beauty of This Wild World,” targeting the middle and low-end market for guitar effects and accessories without sacrificing quality.

In less than a decade, Sonicake has built a reputation for offering feature-rich multi-effects processors that compete with units costing two or three times as much.

The Pocket Master became something of a cult favorite among budget-conscious guitarists, myself included, frequently earning praise like “way better than it has any right to be for the price.”

White-Box Modeling

The most significant upgrade in the Smart Box is its proprietary white-box digital modeling technology.

While the Pocket Master delivered solid tones with its 100+ effects and 20 legendary amp models, the Smart Box takes things to another level with 130+ high-quality effects and enhanced modeling that delivers what Sonicake describes as “more natural, amp-like tone.”

But here’s where it gets really interesting: the Smart Box supports third-party Neural Amp Modeler (NAM) profiles and impulse response (IR) files through 5 user slots.

This means you’re not limited to Sonicake’s factory sounds. You can download professionally captured amp models from platforms like ToneHunt.org and load them directly into the pedal.

This level of customization was simply not possible with the Pocket Master’s more limited IR support.

The signal processing remains at 24-bit/44.1kHz with an impressive 103dB signal-to-noise ratio, matching the Pocket Master’s specifications while delivering cleaner, more transparent tone through improved modeling algorithms.

Built for Real-World Use

One of the biggest complaints about the Pocket Master was its limited on-device control. While it featured a color LCD screen, editing directly on the unit felt cramped, and most serious tweaking required the mobile app or desktop editor.

The Smart Box addresses this head-on with dedicated module select buttons. These nine quick-access buttons allow you to jump directly to specific effect blocks without menu diving.

For guitarists who’ve struggled with nested menus mid-rehearsal, this is a massive improvement. The HD color LCD display provides clear preset clarity, making it easier to see exactly what you’re working with.

The signal chain is now fully flexible and editable, allowing you to arrange amp, cabinet, and effect blocks however you want—a significant upgrade from the Pocket Master’s more rigid structure where certain blocks were fixed in position.

Stage-Ready for Live Performance

Here’s where the Smart Box really separates itself from its predecessor and becomes a legitimate gigging tool.

True Stereo Outputs: Unlike the Pocket Master’s single headphone output, the Smart Box features true stereo 1/4″ outputs plus an independent headphone output. This means you can run stereo effects into two amps or send a monitor mix to your headphones while maintaining full stereo outputs to the PA.

Metal Footswitches with LED Rings: The specially designed footswitches feature multi-color LED rings that provide instant visual feedback. You can toggle effects, engage tap tempo, and use CTRL switching without looking down. This is crucial when you’re in the middle of a set and need to make quick changes.

Expression Pedal and Footswitch Expansion: The TRS EXP/FS input lets you connect external expression pedals for real-time control of parameters like wah, volume, or effect intensity. You can also expand your footswitch options for hands-free preset changes.

Wireless BT-MIDI: Both wired and wireless Bluetooth MIDI support means you can control the Smart Box with external MIDI controllers, opening up possibilities for integration with more complex rigs.

Battery Life: The built-in 2000mAh lithium battery provides up to 4 hours of use—double the 1000mAh battery in the Pocket Master. For most gigging situations, that’s more than enough to get through a full set without plugging in.

A Home Studio for Bedroom Players

For home recording and practice, the Smart Box is genuinely impressive.

USB Audio Interface: The USB functionality includes 2-in/2-out stereo streaming, loopback capability, and re-amp support. This means you can record directly into your DAW, monitor backing tracks, and re-amp previously recorded dry signals—all without additional hardware.

OTG Support: Direct connection to iOS and Android devices via USB OTG means you can record ideas on your phone or tablet instantly. No computer required.

100 Drum Rhythms: Perfect for practice sessions, the built-in drum machine provides accompaniment across multiple genres. Combined with the 20-second looper and built-in chromatic tuner, you have everything needed for productive practice sessions.

Deep Editing Software: The free PC/Mac editor and mobile app (SONICLINK V1.6.4) provide intuitive preset management and deep parameter editing. This is where you’ll do most of your sound sculpting, saving the on-device controls for quick tweaks and live performance.

Comparison Table: Smart Box vs. Pocket Master

Feature	Smart Box (QME-20)	Pocket Master (QME-10)
Price	Php 5,000.00	Php 3,500.00
Effects	130+	100+
Modeling	White-box digital with NAM support	White-box digital, limited IR
Module Control	9 dedicated buttons	Limited on-device control
Outputs	True stereo 1/4″ + independent phones	Single headphone output
Footswitches	Metal with LED rings	None
EXP/FS Input	Yes (TRS)	No
BT-MIDI	Wired + wireless	Limited
Battery	2000mAh (4 hours)	1000mAh (4 hours)
Dimensions	135×114×51mm	103.5×85×28.5mm
Weight	378g	194g
Signal Chain	Fully flexible	Partially fixed

The Smart Box represents Sonicake’s understanding of what users actually needed from the Pocket Master. It’s not just “more features”—it’s smarter features that address real workflow issues.

For live performers, the improved control interface, stage-ready footswitches, and expanded connectivity options transform this from a “practice pedal” into a legitimate backup rig or even a primary multi-effects solution for smaller venues.

The ability to load professional NAM captures means your tones can rival much more expensive modeling platforms.

For bedroom players and home recordists, the enhanced USB interface capabilities and expanded preset storage (100 total presets) mean you’re getting a complete recording solution for under Php 5,000.00.

The combination of drum rhythms, looper, and tuner eliminates the need for multiple pieces of software or hardware.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Exceptional value with 130+ effects and NAM support at $94.99
• Dedicated module buttons dramatically improve workflow
• True stereo outputs and independent headphone jack
• Stage-ready metal footswitches with visual LED feedback
• Comprehensive USB audio interface with re-amp capability
• Double the battery capacity of Pocket Master
• Fully flexible, editable signal chain
• OTG support for iOS and Android

Cons:

• Larger and heavier than the ultra-portable Pocket Master
• Still requires external power supply (9V DC or USB-C, not included)
• Screen, while improved, may still be challenging for detailed editing
• Newer product with limited long-term reliability data
• No wireless audio (BT audio is MIDI only)

Is the Smart Box an improved version of the Pocket Master?

Absolutely.

It takes everything that made the Pocket Master surprisingly good and refines it into a more professional, stage-capable tool. The Php 1,500.00 price increase is completely justified by the improved modeling, NAM support, superior control interface, and expanded I/O options.

If you’re a beginner or casual player who just wants something portable for headphone practice, the Pocket Master might still be sufficient.

But if you’re serious about tone, need gigging capability, or want a legitimate recording interface, the Smart Box delivers professional features at a price point that remains incredibly accessible. Sonicake has proven they’re listening to their users—and the Smart Box is evidence of a company that’s not just making cheaper gear, but smarter gear.