A good deal of quality sound manipulation

After owning this EQ for a few weeks, it does provide access to a number of alternative sound shaping tools that will liven up a mix without destroying the intent and integrity of the source material. I have a massive passive right next to the Kush, and while the Kush won't be usurping it as my go-to piece (not that the Kush is marketed or intended to do so) it will provide another take on the final shaping of the source - and is built with an attention to quality and detail that allows it to hang as well as a piece 1/4 of the price of the Manley, Summit, and Great River pieces I use regularly.

In use: The only way I've found to achieve my goals with the Kush has been to literally randomly turn knobs and rely on my ears, as opposed to my normal operating procedure of, at least, knowing what knob I wantto grab and knowing exactly what I should expect (not that, in the grand scheme, using your ears is the ONLY way to get a quality end product no matter if you have the top of the top end, unlimited amount of gear...) The Kush, therefore, is truly a device you can use blindfolded.

Re: Kush themselves/support... I spoke at length multiple times with one of their reps, and if his enthusiasm and knowledge are indicative of the rest of the company, you shouldn't have any disappointments on that front... As (I was told) the first person to order one of these from sweetwater, my sales rep (Mark Magdich) went above and beyond to check this piece out, give me constructive feedback, and follow up after the sale. Big plusses on both the company and the dealer,

I have yet to find anything that sounds "bad.". Technically, the sonics are quiet, clean, and what you would expect in this price range (and frankly, beyond) and the tool adds character that wouldn't be as easily achieved using what I would say are "typical" means when working in the box on a DAW.

So - to end... If you a) already have invested in a pristine front end b) already have the key outboard pieces you prefer use to liven up, color up, warm up, and c) need another tool, or would like another "sound" that will help you to rid yourself of that "mixed totally in the box" sound that can be tough to avoid if you aren't careful, this box gives you some nice additional shaping options. I'm not disappointed with the result for the investment.