« Matribox II Pro is where NAM, IRs and usability truly click »

Context
I recently took the plunge on the Matribox II Pro, especially after the latest firmware finally made it possible to add both impulse responses and NAM files. As a reminder, NAM files allow you to capture the sonic fingerprint of amps or pedals, including
your own gear. I had previously owned a Matribox Mk1, which I loved, and ended up selling a bit reluctantly to
finance another purchase. So needless to say, I had high expectations for this Pro version.

Main features
The Matribox II Pro offers a wide range of effects, full support for IRs and NAMs, a practical looper, and a reliable tuner. In short, everything you’d expect from a modern multi-effects unit, with the added bonus of NAM compatibility, which really changes the game.

Ergonomics
Ergonomics are excellent, whether directly on the pedal or through the PC interface. The touchscreen is ultra-precise and makes building signal chains genuinely intuitive. The PC software is generally solid, though certain tasks (like loading a NAM file on Windows 11) sometimes require launching it in administrator mode.

Latency and performance
Latency is nonexistent, even with a heavily stacked signal chain. Occasionally, a “system overload” message pops up, but a simple tap on the screen clears it. Nothing blocking, and likely something that will be refined in future updates.

Gates and dynamics
Noise gates are a divisive topic, but personally I find them effective. To be fair, I don’t play much high-gain, so I’m probably not the most demanding user in this area.

Drive, amps and IRs
A very pleasant surprise: the gain is clean, much cleaner than on some competitors like Hotone. Less background noise, fewer artifacts, and an overall more controlled sound. NAM and IR imports sound excellent, with very little aliasing and minimal digital artifacts.

Modulation
Modulations are more uneven. The vibratos and univibes are extremely well done, and the octavers have a slightly messy, dirty character that Hendrix fans might enjoy — but the choruses and phasers didn’t win me over. I’m keeping my physical pedals for those.

Reverbs and delays
A very strong set: warm, varied, and above all free of the metallic sheen some multi-effects units tend to have. A clear step up compared to certain competing products.

Pros
Excellent rendering of NAM and IR imports: very little aliasing or digital artifacts.
Exemplary overall ergonomics, extremely precise touchscreen.
Impressively clean gain on the stock amp and pedal models.

Cons
PC software is serviceable but could definitely be more stable — future updates will likely help.
Modulations are not the pedal’s strongest point; I rely on my physical pedals instead.
Backing tracks are very bright, and would benefit from a dedicated EQ.