BBE Sonic Maximizer

[steve_k]

I usually don't like to run anything altering the EQ, but I dug out my old rack mount BBE Sonic Maximizer and slapped it the rack and ran it through the channel inserts of channel 3 and 4 on the VH4. I must say, this little unit really makes my loins quiver and really opens up the tone in another dimension. We gigged last night and I left the channel insert selected for the full set and never switched it off. I had loads of comments on the tone through the front loaded cab. Had it mic'd through the PA as well and left the Uberschall running dry. I think the BBE may have a permanent place in my rack. For those of you who have everything and want to spend a few bucks, I would highly recommend giving it a go.

Steve

 

[Capulin Overdrive]

meh, maybe?


bet you'll play it a week or so like that, and then turn it off and leave it off?



they can be cool, but really think they just trick your ears for awhile?

 

[SpicedMuffin]

I had the stomp box version when i first got my herbert and hooked it up to it
it sounded ok but added alot more bass to the mix. after i turned it off my
herbert sounded way better

 

[hairychris444]

I use one in the loop of my Einstein to fatten things up a bit. It helps in a band situation when playing very heavy stuff and a more compressed feel is wanted.

One thing, though, is that I'd not record with it.

 

[Anonymous]

Why oh why!!!! Why would you want to kill the luscious tone of that VH4???

 

[steve_k]

Why oh why!!!! Why would you want to kill the luscious tone of that VH4???

Maybe it was just something different! Sort of like having a really hot step-sister .

Steve

 

[PaulyPanacea]

A really hot stepsister?? Very nice Steve!!!

 

[Anonymous]

 

[Szar]

Why oh why!!!! Why would you want to kill the luscious tone of that VH4???

Maybe it was just something different! Sort of like having a really hot step-sister .

Steve

I've been there....

 

[steve_k]

Can't be having thoughts about my Step-Sister right now . My new Elmwood M90 arrived today. Got to get busy with it

Steve

 

[Sixtonoize]

they can be cool, but really think they just trick your ears for awhile?

This.

They hype up the bass and treble, so your amp sounds KILLER when you're jamming in your bedroom by yourself.
Once you get into a band situation, you realize how useless they are in a high-end guitar rig.

 

[moltenmetalburn]

I had an audiophile genius friend shoot a sine wave through the BBE to see the results. he was utterly appalled at the distortions and phase cancellations that the unit caused and told me to promptly sell the thing on ebay which i did. enough said

 

[steve_k]

I had an audiophile genius friend shoot a sine wave through the BBE to see the results. he was utterly appalled at the distortions and phase cancellations that the unit caused and told me to promptly sell the thing on ebay which i did. enough said

Guess I best quit using mine then. WTF was I thinking...

 

[VH4_BigRig]

I use a sonic stomp and love it! The main thing for me which I've mentioned in a couple of previous posts is making sure it's in the parallel loop so that you can adjust how much it affects your sound. I wouldn't use the pedal otherwise. To my ears it boosts bass and treble and cuts mids, which on its own sounds like @ss...but if the amp is dialed in properly to take this into account (upping the the mids, rolling back the bass), I like the sound better than if I don't have in the loop. Just my two cents.

 

[steve_k]

I use a sonic stomp and love it! The main thing for me which I've mentioned in a couple of previous posts is making sure it's in the parallel loop so that you can adjust how much it affects your sound. I wouldn't use the pedal otherwise. To my ears it boosts bass and treble and cuts mids, which on its own sounds like @ss...but if the amp is dialed in properly to take this into account (upping the the mids, rolling back the bass), I like the sound better than if I don't have in the loop. Just my two cents.

Exactly....

 

[sean106ESP]

I had the rack mount BBE once. I dunno at first I liked it then hated it and returned it. I think it really helped my cleans but felt it sucked some tone out of my CH3 and CH4. JMO

 

[van hellion]

i never get good results with one, but if you are having good results with your guitars and hands and amps then keep on rockin!


A Wood

 

[moltenmetalburn]

I use a sonic stomp and love it! The main thing for me which I've mentioned in a couple of previous posts is making sure it's in the parallel loop so that you can adjust how much it affects your sound. I wouldn't use the pedal otherwise. To my ears it boosts bass and treble and cuts mids, which on its own sounds like @ss...but if the amp is dialed in properly to take this into account (upping the the mids, rolling back the bass), I like the sound better than if I don't have in the loop. Just my two cents.

the BBE should not be used in a parallel loop, that would kind of defeat the purpose; leaving unaffected audio.

from the manual:

Setting up
the BBE 882i as an echo send device like a digital reverb is not recommended as the processed effect is not fully realized
when summed with the original source audio.

the effect is fully realized in series as it is a delaying of certain frequencies.

 

[hairychris444]

Just a quick note after some playing around last night.

The BBE works really well with my EMG707 loaded Schecter. On the other hand it muddies up when used with my BKP Warpig loaded Blackmachine.

So... very pickup-dependent fwiw.