sonic maximizer? New Amp

scogbass · #1 11-05-2010, 02:38 PM

Ordering new amp GK-MB 500 W 2x10 Neo
I was woundering how many guys/gals use sonic maximizer how much do they help? whats a good cheap one?

Thanks!

Zooberwerx · #2 11-05-2010, 02:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scogbass

Ordering new amp GK-MB 500 W 2x10 Neo
I was woundering how many guys/gals use sonic maximizer how much do they help? whats a good cheap one?

Make sure you need one first. I use either an SM or Aphex equivalent with the PA but not my bass rig. Any way you can borrow a unit for a test run?

FWIW, I've seen the BBE SonicStomp for ~$50 on the secondhand market.

Riis

shoot-r · #3 11-05-2010, 02:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scogbass

Ordering new amp GK-MB 500 W 2x10 Neo
I was woundering how many guys/gals use sonic maximizer how much do they help? whats a good cheap one?

Thanks!

I'm running a G.K. MB2-500 head into two Avatar Neo 210 cabinets.
I've a Aphex Bass Exciter floor pedal, (I'm guessing about the same as a sonic maximizer.)
I quit using the Exciter cause to my ears the MB2-500 has such a range it didn't need anything added.

fruity2x · #4 11-05-2010, 03:11 PM

I own a BBE 482 and I have a GK 700 RBII.

Thru my Avatar 210/212 set up, nope don't use it, don't really see/hear a need for it. Can't really explain it but it just sound like too much and I can achieve a better results with just the GK EQ (LOVE the GK eq section).

Now with my FrankenRig 1820 cab....use it and LOVE IT!!!! something about that set up that it really seams to enhance. It makes the 18 lower and more pounding and the 210 section more defined.

I picked mine up used @ Guitar Center for $99 as an impulse buy for my studio just to have and didn't use it till I put the 1820 together. Nice tool to have but its a strange creature, a little goes a long way and too much is TOOOOO MUCH!!!!!

Sartori · #5 11-05-2010, 05:02 PM

What does it actually do?

bongomania · #6 11-05-2010, 05:16 PM

It's a mid-scoop EQ mainly. They also compress the lows slightly, and adjust the phase of the highs slightly. Most of the effect can just be gotten by scooping the mids with an ordinary EQ. Also, many people find these maximizer dealios improve the sound of a cheap or muddy amp, but they do nothing to improve a good-quality amp. Certainly there are exceptions, though...

Mousekillaz · #7 08-01-2011, 11:59 AM

I'm not in love with my sonic stomp for bass, although it seems to clean up the tone slightly. Some say its like taking a blanket off of the cabinet. Which is a close analogy. For amplifying acoustic/electric guitar however... quite impressive. Since I have it, I use it, although very mildly.

GrinningMouth88 · #8 08-01-2011, 01:23 PM

Not to hijack the thread or anything but I have a tech 21 sansamp bass driver, would getting a sonic maximizer be over-redundant?

TheAngryPocket · #9 08-01-2011, 02:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sartori

What does it actually do?

As for the BBE Sonic Maximizer, it sends the low frequencies milliseconds behind the highs. Therefore, resulting in a more "scooped" tone. But that is also why the BBE works for some people/applications, and sometimes it doesn't.

codethechode · #10 08-01-2011, 10:13 PM

I have a BBE 482 i , in both of my rigs .....honestly I never go with out it, however the previous comments about it not really enhancing high quality equipments sound is true but you can still tell a slight difference. I run one with a hartke lh1000 and the other with an ampeg svt 3 pro. I notice the most difference with the ampeg for whatever reason. It really does make your sound more clear which is what it says its supposed to do. I was kind of stuck between the bbe and a graphic EQ but one try and I was hooked. I love my BBE's

Sartori · #11 08-03-2011, 02:03 AM

Ah, I have no use for a mid scoop, so clearly this isn't for me.

diegoholyshize! · #12 08-03-2011, 06:29 AM

This is the manual for the 882i
http://www.bbesound.com/products/man...anual_rev4.pdf

scroll down to where it says "The BBE process: What Is It?"

seems like a decent idea. For someone who doesn't mind spending extra it can't hurt.

demo vid on guitar:
‪BBE Sonic Stomp Demo‬&rlm; - YouTube

tdub0199 · #13 08-03-2011, 06:47 AM

I have a BBE Sonic Stomp and it's always on......

Gearhead17 · #14 08-03-2011, 10:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bongomania

It's a mid-scoop EQ mainly. They also compress the lows slightly, and adjust the phase of the highs slightly. Most of the effect can just be gotten by scooping the mids with an ordinary EQ. Also, many people find these maximizer dealios improve the sound of a cheap or muddy amp, but they do nothing to improve a good-quality amp. Certainly there are exceptions, though...

+10

I think the BBE products are more helpful in a studio situation. Not so much in a live situation. The extra clarity of low end and high end is going to get lost on stage. Definitely buy it and try it out though, find out for yourself.

EricF · #15 08-03-2011, 10:47 AM

I used a SM with an Ampeg SVT 3-Pro about 5 years ago. You could definintely hear it was doing something. However, I soon realized that I didn't like what it was doing to my sound and I got rid of it.

In a PA application, I could see a use for it. For an instrument rig, not so much.

That said, if you like what you hear, got for it.

staindbass · #16 08-03-2011, 11:01 AM

i tried one and found it to be a sonic minimizer . maybe i didnt have it adjusted right .

FuzzBoxVoodoo · #17 08-03-2011, 11:07 AM

I have found the cheaper the gear that you hook them up to the better they sound.
Honestly.

Quote:

Originally Posted by staindbass

i tried one and found it to be a sonic minimizer . maybe i didnt have it adjusted right .

poorbassist15 · #18 08-03-2011, 11:19 AM

I use it with my el-cheapo rig, or my POD when recording, and I was really impressed with the clarity it added to my rig. I agree with those who are saying it really doesn't do anything for a good rig...but with what I play through, I need all the help I can get.

sowegafly · #19 08-03-2011, 11:22 AM

I would defiantly not use it with that GK set up. If you are looking for the scooped sound that rig does it nicely with out any help.

silky smoove · #20 08-03-2011, 11:31 AM

The only use I have for then is when recording vocalists who don't really know how to get top end out of their voice. I run a DBX mic pre that has the same type of BBE process where the highs come out slightly ahead of the lows. Combine that with an 80hz HPF, careful EQ and compression and I get wonderful studio vocals from anyone that can hit the right pitches. It seems to help more than just EQ an compression alone.

On a bass rig... Meh... I've owned and used a BBE rack model (386? Something like that.), as well as a BBE Bmax preamp that had it. I did not find it especially favorable with a quality bass rig. Didnt really do anything I couldn't achieve without it.