BBE Sonic Maximizer

[Bob Gollihur]

I was wondering if any EUB player is using a BBE Sonic Maximizer with their axe. I used a BBE 362NR for a few years in some situations with acoustic bass and electric bass guitar - a urb player friend had told me it added a more acoustic-like sound to his upright bass, and I agreed.

It did enhance the sound, though it depends on your opinion of enhance - it contributed to a more "studio-like" sound, which is great if that's what you're aiming for. I got away from it when reducing the size of my rack, especially because my electric bass gigs were more bluesrock-oriented, and the BBE took away too much of the ragged edge that works so well in rock situations.

I've been tempted to pick up one of the BBE pedal units for various assignments and wondered if anyone
- is using any BBE sonic maximizer with their EUB, to add to the "acoustic sound"
- has compared a rack unit like the 362NR with their stomp box

[Planet Boulder]

If you're looking for an enhancer, I would honestly go with the Aphex Bass Exciter (yes, even for EUB!). I've owned/used various BBE Sonic Max models and, while they are well made, I find that they drop the mids too much when used for bass, causing me to get lost in the mix. Where they excel is in enhancing overall live sound (i.e., in the PA rack).

The Bass Exciter has worked wonders for me and I swear by it.

[steve in tampa]

Another nod for the Aphex unit

[ToneRanger]

I found the BBE made my bass sound 'different' and perhaps better when when soloed, but not necessarily any better in the mix.
I tried their Optical compressor stomp box last week - very transparent sound with no pumping, like a good rack unit.

[LyleRyan]

I've been hanging a SansAmp Para-DI off the back of my Ampeg Baby Bass to give me a little more punch and signal, but I was having a hard time dialing in a warm yet clear sound. And I always get overwhelmed with two sets of eq knobs to deal with.

Then I hung my Aphex Bass Exciter off the back, and it looks like it will give me what I want: some signal boost from the passive pickups, plus warmth, but simple & not duplicating the eq section of my amp.

I'm using a small pouch (Eagle Creek Pack-It Quarter Cube) with cut-outs for the knobs, and a strap to hang it off the back. A 3ft cord keeps the input lead short, and then I'm free to move about, without a stompbox on the floor.

....Lyle