BBE 362 sonic maximizer review

[vinterland]

Well I briefly got this hooked up this weekend through my amp and got to play with it. My first impression is that it sounds great through the distortion channel but not clean channel. On the distortion channel, the sound comes through clean and punchy. You can really tell a difference when its engaged and when its not. For some reason it makes the clean channel sound very thin. I'm still not sure why this is as I didn't get alot of time to play with the thing. Maybe a few more tweaks will help this problem. I could really see myself using this in a live situation as it would really help you cut through the mix and hit you with that chest rumbling punch.

 

[joelap]

Re: BBE 362 sonic maximizer review

Well I briefly got this hooked up this weekend through my amp and got to play with it. My first impression is that it sounds great through the distortion channel but not clean channel. On the distortion channel, the sound comes through clean and punchy. You can really tell a difference when its engaged and when its not. For some reason it makes the clean channel sound very thin. I'm still not sure why this is as I didn't get alot of time to play with the thing. Maybe a few more tweaks will help this problem. I could really see myself using this in a live situation as it would really help you cut through the mix and hit you with that chest rumbling punch.

I'll add to this in regards to the BBE 482. I recently bought one off of Cazmarzak and have had time to play with it.

First off, I agree with him in saying it is best used sparingly. Cranking the knobs gives an unpleasant, overprocessed sound. Settings are best within the 4-7 range. At first, when plugging it in, it does sound good, but I thought to myself "ahh crap, I spent x dollars for this?". Then you unplug the loop and then HOT DAMN! after playing through it for a while, then listening to your tone without it, you're going to want to plug that back in ASAP.

My advice: if you can find one in good condition second hand, go for it. While it does definately improve the sound quality tenfold, you'll feel much better about spending the money if you can get 40% off of the price for one new. Unless, of course, you have a lot of money to spend. Definately a worthwhile upgrade :laugh2:

 

[Hellion]

Re: BBE 362 sonic maximizer review

The 462 is an integral part of my overall tone. However, you're correct in stating that they're best sounding when they're not overused. I love the way they tighten up the bottom end of my guitar tone.

 

[jimmy]

Re: BBE 362 sonic maximizer review

the 482i is a killer unit. I got one at the music store for $120, new!
Mine got broken somehow and I had to send it back. I got a new one, thought.

The BBE is really cool because you can add a ton a thick low-end and get that nice tight chunk.

 

[Willis]

Re: BBE 362 sonic maximizer review

I'm planning on buying a 422.

 

[Pierre]

Re: BBE 362 sonic maximizer review

What is it? It seems like basically a rack mounted EQ?

 

[Animal]

Re: BBE 362 sonic maximizer review

^ Pierre I've seen it described as an intelligent EQ that scans an incoming signal and helps boosts harmonic and high-end sounds that are often lost when the speaker reproduces the sound. The overall effect usually is that an amps muddyness is removed and the notes become a lot more clear and defined. A rackmount EQ just changes the frequencys that it has been set at and nothing more.

I recently got a BBE 442A off Ebay and I must say that I'm impressed with how much it tightens up my sound. Powerchords become so much more defined, no wonder it was such an integral part to Dimebag Darrels rig. I can't really notice any difference on the clean channel though.

I keep my settings both dead at 12 o'clock. Anything more and it sounds too processed and anything less it sounds like it's not doing anything.

 

[GuitarStv]

Re: BBE 362 sonic maximizer review

I've seen the little sonic maximizer stompboxes, do they work as well as the rackmounted stuff?

 

[Vincent]

Re: BBE 362 sonic maximizer review

I had a BBE 422A in my rig with an MP-1 at some point. I agree with the above statments about sounding overprocessed. Its really easy to overdo it and get this horrible digitally reproduced sound that is very metallic/fuzzy sounding. On the other hand, I find using it between the 9-12 o'clock positions provides some overall tightening of the sound without too much of that harsh digital effect.

One comment though is that I find that the attack and decay of each note sounds less natural and a bit thin. The actual note itself is enhanced beautifully, with the harmonics / depth of sound, but the attack and decay sound very artificial and a bit too 'crisp' (if that makes sense).

Yes, cleans didn't sound good through my MP-1 either with the 422 engaged. Not just thin, but also very trebly.

I find I get a very 80s sounding rig with this thing on, and its really good for the chugga-chugga type crunch because of the increased presence / harmonics, but in the end I grew tired of it and sold my rig for a simple 5150 into Marshall cab setup.

 

[Animal]

Re: BBE 362 sonic maximizer review

I had a BBE 422A in my rig with an MP-1 at some point. I agree with the above statments about sounding overprocessed. Its really easy to overdo it and get this horrible digitally reproduced sound that is very metallic/fuzzy sounding. On the other hand, I find using it between the 9-12 o'clock positions provides some overall tightening of the sound without too much of that harsh digital effect.

haha, you weren't the guy who sold me his 422A about a month ago on ebay and accidently put his peavey classic 50 manual in the 422A manual?