Enhancer/Exciter

thechuggernaut · #1 01-24-2011, 12:29 PM

I'm looking into buying a sound enhancer for my rack any reccommendations. I've been looking at BBE 482i sonic maximizer

TimmyP · #2 01-24-2011, 08:12 PM

New strings and more rehearsal will do much more for your sound than an exciter/maximizer IMHO.

walker rosewood · #3 01-24-2011, 11:36 PM

most people think the sonic maximizer is just marketing trickery. Same with the Aphex Bass Exciter, but that seems to get more love.

Tecate · #4 01-25-2011, 05:07 PM

I used to have a sonic maximizer but sold it. not recommended...... You can do more with an eq, I think.

bassman1185 · #5 01-25-2011, 06:34 PM

Is this for your bass rig, or your live sound rig?

Sonic Maximizers and the like can be worthwhile in small doses, but it is far too easy to obliterate your sound with them. You have to be REALLY cautious with them.

MuzikMan · #6 01-25-2011, 08:11 PM

I have to say I don't understand the interest people have in something called a sonic maximizer. I used one on my ol BBE preamp and would never go back to one. I definitely wouldn't dedicate a rack space to one. What can these things do that EQ can't?

Sorry for the rant but AAAAUUGGGGHHHHHHHH!

Zooberwerx · #7 01-26-2011, 06:01 AM

It would be worth a try but I'd go the BBE Sonic Stomp pedal route. Make sure you have return privileges or right-of-refusal.

Riis

jimbilly · #8 01-26-2011, 04:43 PM

What do you hope it will do? I had one, I sold it, it didn't sound bad, but mine added noise which I can't stand.
A parametric EQ is pretty much always a better idea.

Munjibunga · #9 01-26-2011, 11:36 PM

Aphex 204, if you must.

fokof · #10 01-27-2011, 12:26 AM

I saw the title :Enhancer/Exciter and I thought it was a thread about 'em ladies ...... disapointed.

chavezding · #11 01-27-2011, 03:13 AM

I own the Aphex 204. The actual sound difference (effect?) is so subtle, not sure if it's worth the money I paid for it. In a live situation, I'm not sure if the audience will notice if the unit is on or off.

Maybe in a recording set up, it will work magic.

I rather spend the money on another J Retro preamp for a future Jazz bass.

Now that said, my Boss GT6-B has an "Enhancer" effect in it. That makes a BIG difference in my chain effects. Which is why I thought I needed to get the real deal, the Aphex Aural Exciter. It's just not sonically the same.

Zooberwerx · #12 01-27-2011, 05:11 AM

Whether it be a Sonic Max or Aphex (I have one of each), placement in your FOH / PA rig will have a more profound effect.

Riis

FuzzBoxVoodoo · #13 01-27-2011, 07:13 AM

I have used the BBE Sonic Maximizer and also a Aphex 651 Exciter/Compressor and for my bass rig and PA and there is a noticable difference with the BBE on the PA for sure.
I ran the Aphex on my bass rig and the Enhance portion was really good it definentaly opened up the sound in a 3D way but the compressor portion was way to sensative for live use in my opinion.
The best way to know is to simply try one and see if you like what it does for your rig,a BBE stomp pedal can be had for cheap new or used.

ric3xrt · #14 02-03-2011, 10:31 AM

Been palying around with one of those Behringer Ultraflex EX3200
it makes a noticable difference but I don't know if I'd relay on it in a live gig.
I have a BBE 411 in the rig now, I like it, but then agian I pull a lot of mids out of my sound anyway.

MuzikMan · #15 02-06-2011, 07:32 AM

They are toys with a bling factor and nothing else.

Bass_Thumper · #16 02-09-2011, 08:41 AM

I love my Sonic Maximizer and wouldn't have a rig without it. You just have to pay attention to how you set the knobs, which is basically to say, barely move them from noon if you need to. It adds clarity to your sound in a very subtle way that after playing with it for a while, you will certainly hear if it's not there. This is not a pedal (Sonic Stomp) for those who like to overly tweak on knobs. You set it and forget it.