Hello:

I’ve always preferred and will prefer the classic sheet metal boxes, from the trapezoid ones (DMM’s, Deluxe Big Muff, POG… etc) to medium (Big Muff, EH Pulsar…) and small (Double Muff, Small Clone, BassBalls, Small Stone). Maybe because, most of EH effects I like are available in big boxes so I don’t need to go find new ones.

I don’t find these boxes weak or flimsy, it’s just the way you take care of your gear to avoid scratches, dents, paint chips or whatever damages you can think of …

Of course, I own some XO boxes, because they are present-time effects not existing before like the EH Metal Muff (got it when I wanted a high-gain distortion), the SMM/Hazarai (bought when I needed a full-featured delay & looper) or the XO Stereo Pulsar (The original was discontinued and I wanted to get this sound, also, it fitted in my 40 x 40 cm pedalboard). Of course, I’m very happy with these and will never get rid of them. If I need a new effect and is a XO box type, I’ll get one sure because EH effects sound like “themselves in their own and unique style”.

I agree that EH must look toward the future in order to keep and expand its place in the market, but there are some things that were the distinctive trademark and hooked me to use (mostly) EH and not others (for example). They were the sound, and the image of course. Big boxed effects should not disappear completely in my opinion, I’d keep at least the Big Muff or the Double Muff (sorry, a XO enclosure is an antithesis for a Big Muff) or effects that don’t rely on limited stock components.

Maybe within 30 years, the present XO boxes will become “vintage” and some people will claim if XO’s are replaced by a new design it’s just a matter of time… history repeats again and again, don’t forget.

I own over 20 EH effects, but only three I described are XO series. My interest goes now to get some big boxed units I owned first, mainly pre-2.003 units (DMM’s, Hot Tubes.. etc), later big boxes (EH Pulsar, EH POG). Or getting vintage units (like most of my Big Muff “army” or Deluxe Big Muff, Small Stones, etc.).

My summary:

I vote for classic boxes, but XO’s are the future, so don’t miss them!. But please, keep the Big Muff still available with is Big box, EH!

Regards

Nacho

I’ve voted now….after seeing the new pedals I’ve decided to go ‘diecast’ because I just don’t think half of these pedals would have happened otherwise….it’s time to move onwards and upwards imo. most other companies change the style of the cases from time to time (apart from boss) it’s nothing to worry about, a company can’t just keep putting out the same stuff.

I too vote for XO Enclosures but with the 1/4″ input/output/exp jacks on the top, not on the sides.

The Malekko B:Assmaster does it this way. Makes pedalboard routing easier for me.

I wish EHX would just release “limited editions” of the new XOs in classic cases. I’d kill for a classic cased SMMH or Big Muff w/ Tone Wicker!

I do like the classic enclosures. But the diecast ones fit in better and are tougher.

Guess I’ll finally cast my vote on this…

I’m voting XO. Sadly they do make ehx look like a lot of other pedals, whereas they really stood out before. But they just make more sense space wise, and the inclusion of a more universal power supply socket is very welcome.

Looks, feel, and collectibility I’d say the old enclosures RULE. But the new Hammond enclosures are just much more user friendly in both space and function. And as of the Pog 2, EHX seem to be finding their way into making these hammond cases STILL look unique!

I actually would have NEVER purchased a Frequency Analyzer or a Bassballs, until the XO/Nano series came out. It just didn’t make sense space wise. Now I own both of them, and love them.

I fully understand the new XO series pedals and they have lots of great points. But frankly, the vintage enclosures will almost always look cooler. Plus they can be easily repaired or modified, something that’s very sadly gone from the new ones.