BBE Sonic Maximizer

Jeff5

New member
Thoughts? Good, bad? I use a rack setup, always kind of wanted one, but never got one. But really...I'm not entirely sure what they do hehe. So any input or thoughts would be appreciated! Thanks!
 
Re: BBE Sonic Maximizer

The theory behind the BBE S/M is that the phase or timing of your bass freqs and treble freqs are "off" when they leave the speakers and the BBE S/M corrects this phenomina, adding clarity to your signal. They have two controls, lo contour and processing. The lo contour adds bottom end and the processing seems to add top end and clarity. You can get anything from a bottom end push with added clarity to a very scooped and thumping Hi-fi sound from them.

Used sparingly in a guitar rig you can pull added clarity and bottom end, used too heavily and your tone can get extremely hi-fi sounding. Most guys I see running them tend to over process with them and end up with a too bright and somewhat solid state tone from them but if you go easy on the controls they can tighten up things quite a bit.

I have a 362 in my Mesa rack and a 482 in my recording rack but they dont see a lot of use. As a tool they can be nice, as a crutch around marginal tone they sound like garbage.
 
Re: BBE Sonic Maximizer

I loved mine, i just don't need it anymore. It made my temporary bass rig sound great and it added great crunch to my guitar rig. It also made the cleans sparkle. it's a great unit. it's the 362 model. I'll sell it to you if you are interested. email me at skyydogg01@yahoo.com
 
Re: BBE Sonic Maximizer

I just sold a bbe 862.

You do have a 'honeymoon period' with this gear. But eventually you'll understand why the majority of people review them like they do.
 
Re: BBE Sonic Maximizer

Another thing about the BBE S/Ms is that they sound best between the preamp and power amp and last in the chain if you are running other effects. I had my 362 before the Rocktron and TC Electronics rack effects and it sounded tinny and buzzy there but much better post effects.
 
Re: BBE Sonic Maximizer

I go through use/don't use phases with my BBE, going back to the mid 80's. Overall, I think it's a cool thing, but it kinda defeats the purpose of that guitar/amp/fingers simplicity we call TONE.
 
Re: BBE Sonic Maximizer

I have one in my guitar rack. It makes the bottom end a bit more focused and tight. I think they're great units. Mine is a 482 model and I've gotta agree with Robert S., they're a much better sounding unit if placed last in the chain.
 
Re: BBE Sonic Maximizer

Robert S. said:
Another thing about the BBE S/Ms is that they sound best between the preamp and power amp and last in the chain if you are running other effects. I had my 362 before the Rocktron and TC Electronics rack effects and it sounded tinny and buzzy there but much better post effects.

ditto. a BBE will defintely add girth and bottom end to your tone in a stereo guitar rack. at least that's my experience. MrHM.
 
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