Question regarding my rack and Sonic Maximizer

[Mykk]

Hey Guys,

I've got a question about my rack config. I currently have on order (but yet to receive) a BBE Sonic Maximizer 382i. I have read the reviews and opinions regarding them, I know what it is and what it does and I decided to give it a try for myself.

This is my current rack set up, including the 382i:





The power amp is a two channel bridged for mono operation. The volumes on the power amp are kept max and the master volume gets adjusted by the Ampeg pre-amp output.

My question is: Since I use the pre-amp to control master volume, can the BBE 382i accept the variable output Db's of the pre?

The 382i is designed to work with -10Dbu input. I do not know what the SVT-IIP output is capable of. I usually never have turned the SVT-IIP past 1/2 to 3/4 volume in any situation. (recording or live)

Also, the Crest VS1500 has an input CMMR (1kHz) -64db. (Something I'm unsure of the meaning and still learning about) Does this coincide with the 382i's max output of +20dbu @ 1kHz?

Thank you for any help & advice.
Cheers ~Mykk

[Zooberwerx]

Give it a whirl with your power amp off or speaker disconnected. The SM does not have a bargraph signal indicator but does have a clip indicator. Crank your preamp volume to ascertain at what point the SM clips and go from there. Note: the clip point will vary with different EQ settings so take that into consideration. This will also be a good time to fire up the power amp with no speakers to adjust attenuators for the best possible gain structure.

The Sonic Max is best utilized in an FX loop, insert, etc. but since the IIP has neither, you're on the right track.

Riis

[Mykk]

If I'm understanding you correctly your advice is to turn up the SVT-IIP with the power amp off until the 382i clips than slightly back off, then turn on the power amp with the speaker cable unplugged and turn up the master until it clips than slightly back off... and this would presumably still allow me to use the SVT-IIP as the master volume yet allow for the max safest volume my rig could handle. Am I on the same page?

[will33]

Yeah, that'll give you the strongest clean signal and you can use you pre as the volume control just consider the "right before clipping" point to be max vol.

You can run those between a mixer and poweramp just fine, your setup is essentially the same thing.

[Zooberwerx]

Originally Posted by Mykk

If I'm understanding you correctly your advice is to turn up the SVT-IIP with the power amp off until the 382i clips than slightly back off, then turn on the power amp with the speaker cable unplugged and turn up the master until it clips than slightly back off... and this would presumably still allow me to use the SVT-IIP as the master volume yet allow for the max safest volume my rig could handle. Am I on the same page?

Yep. Some folks labor under the impression that the attenuators turned up to 100% will provide full power, anything less will blunt power output & volume. This is simply untrue. An attenuated power amp is still capable of producing full power if provided a hot enough input signal. What you're looking for is the power amp's clip point with relation to the IIP's master volume setting and/or clip point. Here's an example: if your pre's volume is set @ 4 and your power amp is red-lighting, you may want back off the attenuators a tad or more.

Riis

[Mykk]

The BBE 382i arrived, and I bolted it in my rack. It's a handsome piece if not anything else :-P

[JimmyM]

Originally Posted by Mykk

The BBE 382i arrived, and I bolted it in my rack. It's a handsome piece if not anything else :-P

A ringing endorsement if I ever heard one!

(and I agree)

[rust_preacher]

Originally Posted by JimmyM

A ringing endorsement if I ever heard one!

(and I agree)

"It's like taking a blanket off your cabinet..." I use it for guitar. I also have a BBE DI with the SM feature, and it's great for acoustic.

[Mykk]

My initial impression with a sonic maximizer is a good one. I'm sitting down with it today to dial in a sound in depth.

with the SVT-IIP cranked max and the BBE Lo Contour & Process maxed I just barely begin to clip the BBE.

I noticed right off the bat with the 382i active I can roll off the boosted tone knobs on my EMG actives and maintain my active pickup jazz bass sound. A definite plus.

With the way the 382i rolls off the mids, I am going to shape them a bit with the Pre to retain the 'driven' grungy rock bass sound.

The signal to the power amp is much hotter with the 382i, yet it still reacts and tones the same by controlling master volume from the preamp. I'm noticing with my set up and bass that I get the best tonal response with the Lo Contour at 11 o'clock and the Process around 12 o'clock. I might dial it back some at band volumes in hopes to take some strain off the power amp and Ampeg 810E

I'm really glad I went with the lesser expensive 382i, no need for independently controlled channels.

I'm happy with it, it will stay in my rig.