Anybody used a BBE 462 Sonic Maximizer?

[Boleslaw Gers 666]

Well, I read in the manual that the higher you put up the "BBE Process" knob, the more LEDs should be illuminated. None of them get illuminated on mine, but it still seems to be working. But rather than cleaning up the sound it seems to make it.... harsher, perhaps? It is hard to describe, and I don't know what's up. I have it wired up correctly and everything, so I don't know what it is. Any suggestions?

 

[Hellion]

Re: Anybody used a BBE 462 Sonic Maximizer?

I've used the Maximizer for the last 15 years. They're a great addition to the system. I'm not sure what you're referring to though, about the LEDs. They'll light up in accordance to the amount of signal that you're processing. And as great as they sound, they're not one of those items that you can "turn up to 10". Can you give me some info on what you're doing with it, placement in the signal path, etc?

 

[Boleslaw Gers 666]

Re: Anybody used a BBE 462 Sonic Maximizer?

I have it between the pre and power amps. The LEDs don'lt light up at all, that's the thing. It just sounds wierd.

 

[Hellion]

Re: Anybody used a BBE 462 Sonic Maximizer?

Sorry if this sounds like an idiotic question, but do you have the "process" switch pushed? If so, and it's not doing anything, there may be a problem with the unit. It certainly wouldn't be the first time that a processor had a problem after it left the factory. Also, there's not a "night and day" difference between the processed and unprocessed sound. The purpose of the Sonic Maximizer is to realign frequencies and make the whole sound "tighter", so to speak.

 

[Hellion]

Re: Anybody used a BBE 462 Sonic Maximizer?

What's the signal chain by the way? I see you've got a lot of gear listed.

 

[Boleslaw Gers 666]

Re: Anybody used a BBE 462 Sonic Maximizer?

Well, I messed with the settings and it sounds worlds better. What settings are you using, and for what music types? Gear chain meaning the order of how things are plugged in?

 

[Hellion]

Re: Anybody used a BBE 462 Sonic Maximizer?

Yes, by "signal chain" I was asking the order of connection, but if you got it working, it's a moot point.

In my rack unit, I'll usually run the "Lo Contour" anywhere between 12 and 3 oclock and the "Process" between 1 and 3 oclock, depending on the guitar I'm using. I play all kinds of music, and the style doesn't really dictate the settings. It's just what I happen to want to hear at the time.

 

[Boleslaw Gers 666]

Re: Anybody used a BBE 462 Sonic Maximizer?

Guitar>Marshall JMP-2 Preamp>BBE Sonic Maximizer 462>Marshall 9200 Poweramp>Marshall 1960AV 4x12 cabinet.

 

[milkbone]

Re: Anybody used a BBE 462 Sonic Maximizer?

I believe the LEDs show the signal coming in to the processor. If you turn up the output on you preamp, the LEDs will light up.

 

[Cazmarzak]

Re: Anybody used a BBE 462 Sonic Maximizer?

Yea, You definately can't turn that Hi process knob way up or it does sound like a hrash mess. Like the oter guys said, the light should ligt up according to the signal you feed it.

 

[Boleslaw Gers 666]

Re: Anybody used a BBE 462 Sonic Maximizer?

Ohhh, I see now. The volume on my preamp is at 2, but the volume on the poweramps are at 10. That makes sense now. I notice that leaving them around 12-2 o'clock make them sound best. thanks for everyone's help.