BBE

K.Ross · #1 07-29-2008, 01:10 PM

Anybody using the BBE? I've read a little about them,and they fall in my price range...I just wondered if anyone out there is using them for live performances.
Kent

bassman1185 · #2 07-29-2008, 01:17 PM

Try searching for it. There has been a lot of discussion on these gadgets here on TB.

Personally, I have used one for a couple of years, but I just recently realized how much better my Aphex Bass Xciter is.

bassbrock · #3 07-29-2008, 01:19 PM

I used one for a while but then I found out I liked my sound better without it.

stflbn · #4 07-29-2008, 01:36 PM

BBE what specifically?

Bmax?

Bmax-T?

Maximizer?

Maxcom?

Stomp boxes?

Quite a few BBE things...

Personally I really like the Bmax-T which includes a compressor and maximizer. It's Tube, the plain Bmax is not Tube. Subtle differences in their sounds.

Due to needing to be able to switch between differnet sound Patches I moved away from the Bmax-T, but ended up getting a Maxcom to keep in my rack for when I need Compressor/Mazimizer. Happy with it also.

bongomania · #5 07-29-2008, 01:38 PM

Yeah, I was going to say, BBE is a brand name, not a specific product. Even if you "meant to say" the sonic maximizer, there are many different models of maximizer they made over several years.

stflbn · #6 07-29-2008, 01:41 PM

If you're looking for a vintage sound a mazimizer probably isn't for you. If you like a Modern sound you may like it a lot.

**cheezewiz** · #7 07-29-2008, 01:48 PM

Sonic Maximizer = suck out all your midrange so you don't cut through a band mix.

neonrust · #8 07-29-2008, 01:59 PM

I use no maxi, mini, or any of the "mizers" to be frank. I just don't find them necessary. If I were to look in that general direction, I would look toward the Aphex Exciter..........cause it sounds exciting.

I like a good compressor.

My 2 pennies.

RickenBoogie · #9 07-29-2008, 02:01 PM

I gave up the Sonic Stomp in favor of a Barber Linden EQ. If you're looking for good tone, that's what I'm talking about.

basswave · #10 07-29-2008, 02:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stflbn

BBE what specifically?

Personally I really like the Bmax-T which includes a compressor and maximizer. It's Tube, the plain Bmax is not Tube. Subtle differences in their sounds.
.

A hidden gem and worth what it is.

Love this pre and use it daily.

Baird6869 · #11 07-29-2008, 02:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cheezewiz

Sonic Maximizer = suck out all your midrange so you don't cut through a band mix.

+1.

I have an older rack Sonic Maximizer and it sounds great in my basement. Not so great on a gig! Amazing for voice though.

bassbrock · #12 07-29-2008, 02:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cheezewiz

Sonic Maximizer = suck out all your midrange so you don't cut through a band mix.

+1

I patched my BBE 882i Sonic Maximizer through my RTA and saw a nice smiley faced EQ curve applied to the pink noise I was feeding it. With both the low process and hi process knobs at 12 o'clock it was around a +10 boost on the low end and a +10db boost on the high end.

The marketing literature says that the BBE "process" is not EQ... however my RTA showed that it was. Wish I took a picture before I got rid of it.

RickenBoogie · #13 07-29-2008, 02:20 PM

I always thought of it as an eq pedal, whatever they said. I mean, what else could it be?

bassbrock · #14 07-29-2008, 03:00 PM

Well for bassists, sucking mids out of your tone isn't usually considered a good thing.

Turn that smile into a frown! Speaking of EQ, of course

LarryR · #15 07-31-2008, 09:39 AM

I just got a Sonic Stomp from the Classifieds.
There seems to be a lot of love/hate for this thing.
I think it may depend on the application and of course another minor thing: your ears.

For me, for my particular application in a certain band, i think it'll work out nice.
I've got a gig where everyone (me too i guess) wants the Gibson EB-3 (passive, vintahge). The pedal does scoop a bit of mids (jury's out as to how much), add lows (but when used judiciously, really tightens them up in a good way), adds some top end (but not ugly brittle). It seems there's more going on than just an EQ. There's an excitement it's added to this particular bass. The excitement i remember feeling (circa '76) when I'd hit the loudness button on my first stereo receiver, a Sansui. So, it fattens, it smooths, it makes tone more alive. Both my dials are set 6.
All I know is, so far,......in the apartment..... I like it. Haven't yet put my passive P through it. And if I remember to, I'll report back after a gig.

Just tried it with my passive P. Similar thing. Fattens, tightens, makes more round and even (slight compression?), subtle, but, pleasing.

SuperDuck · #16 07-31-2008, 09:42 AM

I _just_ got my Opto Stomp and it seems to be a very nice product.

LarryR · #17 07-31-2008, 10:01 AM

I should add... maybe the best use for the BBE Sonic Stomp is at the end of a long chain of effects to add some life & responsiveness? Or, for a dull sounding bass/rig?
Again, for my EB-3, i think it may work out.

bassman1185 · #18 07-31-2008, 10:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LarryR

I should add... maybe the best use for the BBE Sonic Stomp is at the end of a long chain of effects to add some life & responsiveness? Or, for a dull sounding bass/rig?
Again, for my EB-3, i think it may work out.

That's where BBE recommends that you use the sonic maximizer. If you use it before, say, distortion, the effect is very minimal.

Winemule · #19 08-12-2008, 07:16 AM

I just picked up an EBS Multicomp to go with the BBE Sonic Stomp. Sounds like the BBE should go AFTER the EBS. (My needs are simple, just like me

)

fishtx · #20 08-12-2008, 07:44 AM

anyone have noise (ie hiss) issues with the sonic maximizer? I had one years ago (can't remember the model), and found it horribly noisy...