Sonic Maximizer

[Demanic]

Just out of curiosity, as I just recently brought mine out of retirement (a 481i) and am running it in the effects loop of a Randall RG100es into a 4x12 Randall half stack loaded with Jaguars ((2 of them slightly damaged, previous owner kicked them to get a distorted sound)). It makes the combination sound positively massive.) I was wondering if anyone else out there runs them in their rig?

 

[marcboomer]

Re: Sonic Maximizer

I love mine. Both rackmount and pedal versions. I use for bass all the time live. It's good for the PA and the full mix as well for problem venues.

 

[idsnowdog]

Re: Sonic Maximizer

I used to when I had a rack setup. I haven't recently because my modeler doesn't have a loop. Otherwise I would run one.

 

[Demanic]

Re: Sonic Maximizer

I'm considering running one of the channels on mine for bass. I love what it's done for the guitar. At least once I read the owners manual and found out that it's a line level effect. Before, using it in through the front end, it sounded horrible.

 

[Kamanda~SD]

Re: Sonic Maximizer

Had one for about 2 days before I brought it back, couldn't stand it. Only piece of gear I returned that wasn't broken

 

[skyydogg01]

Re: Sonic Maximizer

If anyone is looking for a Sonic Stomp (v1), PM me. I got one for sale.

(sorry for the plug)

 

[Van Noord]

Re: Sonic Maximizer

They re good if you're going for that razor sharp, bombastic, synthetic sounding Rammstein/Fear Factory tone.
Stay away if you want warmth, touch sensitivity or anything resembling organic.

 

[chadd]

Re: Sonic Maximizer

Everyone goes through a phase where they try one, most people eventually move on. I did like it for the old acoustic electric I had that only had a single tone control. It really helped shape the tone on that guitar.

 

[Demanic]

Re: Sonic Maximizer

They re good if you're going for that razor sharp, bombastic, synthetic sounding Rammstein/Fear Factory tone.
Stay away if you want warmth, touch sensitivity or anything resembling organic.

I think that's why I like it.

Sent from my MotoE2(4G-LTE) using Tapatalk

 

[BloodRose]

Re: Sonic Maximizer

Great thread!! Ive been curious about these for years. I played one in a music store once and the way it thickened things up and made it punch you in the face was awesome... Ive never bought one cuz its something I didnt really need enough to part with the cash. Plus, I thought maybe it wasnt all that because it doesnt seem like alot of guys whose tones I like are using them. But its always been in the back of my mind and Ive wondered why more guys dont use them.?? So Ill learn something here. Am I taking whats been said correctly that its not good for a nice organic tone and more like an artificial driver??

 

[Demanic]

Re: Sonic Maximizer

I don't know what anyone else thinks, but I like what it does to the clean sound, as well as running it with full out brutal gain. I suppose it's a matter of taste.

Sent from my MotoE2(4G-LTE) using Tapatalk

 

[chadd]

Re: Sonic Maximizer

But its always been in the back of my mind and Ive wondered why more guys dont use them.?? So Ill learn something here. Am I taking whats been said correctly that its not good for a nice organic tone and more like an artificial driver??

Watch this video, it explains them in excellent detail
https://youtu.be/LosL-gdHLpk

 

[Securb]

Re: Sonic Maximizer

The rackmount BBE 482i Sonic Maximizer is the SDOTD for $79

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/stupid?src=3TP5DNB&&noPopup=true&src=3TP5DNB

 

[Demanic]

Re: Sonic Maximizer

Watch this video, it explains them in excellent detail
https://youtu.be/LosL-gdHLpk

Interesting video. I agree that some people might be better served with a good eq instead. However, the reviewer only seemed to touch upon the phase shift. He mentioned that it allows the bass frequencies to arrive at the ear just a tad faster than the treble range. I think this has more significance in the way the overall sound is perceived.

Sent from my MotoE2(4G-LTE) using Tapatalk

 

[Edgecrusher]

Re: Sonic Maximizer

I don't know what anyone else thinks, but I like what it does to the clean sound, as well as running it with full out brutal gain. I suppose it's a matter of taste.

Sent from my MotoE2(4G-LTE) using Tapatalk

On cleans I like to use it just below the point that I can hear it. Usually i turn the knob at the moment i can start to hear it effect my tone I back it off a notch and a half.

I dont run one anymore mostly because I hate having to carry a rack around but back when i was running my JCM900 4100 that amp was pretty toppy on its own and for modern metal just lacked thumped and balls. The BBE gave it that attitude that it needed to go from hair metal to thrash metal.

 

[LLL]

Re: Sonic Maximizer

Never ran one on my guitar rig, but definitely had one (BBE 2ch rackmount) in my PA rack back in the day to give the PA punch and clarity.

I remember the demo GC was doing for these back in the late 80's... they would play a cassette tape, then a CD, then the cassette tape again with the BBE on it.

I was sold and bought it on the spot.

 

[Aceman]

Re: Sonic Maximizer

REALLY love what it does for my acoustic (Aphex Acoustic Exciter)

Brings boom, punch, depth and sparkle back after the fx chain!