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BBE BMAX SS Preamp

srxplayer

srxplayer

May 19, 2004
3,380
94
Highland, CA
#1
I have been looking around through the search feature but haven't found what I'm looking for.

I'm considering getting a preamp to match up to a QSC 1450 amp. I tried a BBE Bmax yesterday at a small store that actually had some in stock. The store had it hooked up to an old 60 watt tube power amp. When I turned it on it was really noisy. I tried active and passive bases and it was the same. I tried Peavey cabinets with the tweeters turned off. Still noisy. The store owner then hooked it up to a Crown XLS 602 thinking that it was the old amp and it was still noisy. The tone was pretty good through it but that noise (sort of a buzz like a single coil mixed with tweeter hiss) is really irritating.

Is this common with the BBE unit. Can anyone with experience using this unit give me some info on using the Bmax live. I don't plan to do any recording with it.
 
#2
I have a Bmax and have had no problems with noise at all. There is an issue with the4 Bmax having to sensitive an input stage. Most guys find that they have to keep the input volume level very low or the input signal clips.

As there is no input volume or clip lights, you have to use your ears to hear when starts to distort.

I sent mine to BBE and they did a mod for free and paid for the return shipping. Now it works great and I can turn the level up to a reasonable level with a hot active bass before the input stage clips.

I would insist on trying a second Bmax at the store if they have more than one. Try different cables as there could be a simple issue like a faulty cable between the pre/pwr amp, the speaker cable or the guitar cable.

I hope it works out as the Bmax sounds gorgeous!
 
#4
Yes check out my recent thread on the issues I am now having with my BMAX SS. Not trying to turn you off the unit as it has some great features but mine is acting up with this strange clipping, static type sound that follows every note. Its driving me nuts!
 
#6
my BMax works great. I do get a loudish sort of humming noise when i turn up my poweramp. not sure if it's the poweramp, the non-grounded plug for the bmax, or the powerall i use for my pedals.
 
#7
I feel like a broken record here........... ;)

I play a Bmax SS, and it's the last pre I'll need for a while. (I'd say "forever", but we all know what THAT leads too...)

I find it very quiet in the "noise" department, and very organic sounding for an all SS pre. I've got mine powered by a PLX2-1804, and it's a match made in heaven.

How do you have your gain structured when testing? Try boosting the pre's master to about 3:00, and adjusting your volume with the power amp's gain. That should (hopefully) eliminate any noise.
 
#8
I forgot about this thread.

I posted this when I was shopping around for a preamp. I ended up buying one. I tried it again and found that the one the store had set up as a demo had some sort of ground problem with the way they had their rack set up. When I came back a week later and tried it again it sounded great. Bought it on the spot.

I'm experimenting now with running my Sansamp directly into the passive input and also through the effects loop with the rest of my pedals.

I run it with an XLS402 and an Avatar B210 Delta cabinet and the preamp is sounds great. I will eventually switch to my RMX1450 when I get a 212 Neo to go with it.
 
#9
srxplayer said:
I forgot about this thread.

I posted this when I was shopping around for a preamp. I ended up buying one. I tried it again and found that the one the store had set up as a demo had some sort of ground problem with the way they had their rack set up. When I came back a week later and tried it again it sounded great. Bought it on the spot.

I'm experimenting now with running my Sansamp directly into the passive input and also through the effects loop with the rest of my pedals.

I run it with an XLS402 and an Avatar B210 Delta cabinet and the preamp is sounds great. I will eventually switch to my RMX1450 when I get a 212 Neo to go with it.
Click to expand...
I've got a very similar rig! The 210/212 combo is awesome. I've tried my PBDDI through the front and through the FX loop, and it works best for me running through the front of the pre. Though it's only ever activated for "rock" shows. Most of the time it's just straight into the BMax (with the PBDDI bypassed for a FOH DI).
 
#10
I use the ss bmax, no noise issues.Actully it's pretty darn quiet. I will admit, the input gain is sensitive (as I haven't had mod), so I compensate best I can w/master vol & pwr amp vol until I do. As far as tone goes I agree with teedub

teedub said:
I play a Bmax SS, and it's the last pre I'll need for a while. (I'd say "forever", but we all know what THAT leads too...)
Click to expand...
 
#12
I love the tone of mine but need to get this noise issue dealt with. Otherwise I am really impressed.

The gain mod b y the way was a huge improvement. I couldn't turn the input level up at all before the mod without the input stage clipping. Now its clean and sounds great. I can run my active basses in the passive jack and still crank the level up to noon!
 
#13
Sorry to resurrect a dead thread (..no I'm not..), but I have a few burning questions about the BMAX SS...

Does it have good distortion/overdrive built in? I'm looking for something that's not too "tight" sounding per se but rather loose and raspy in a good sense.

Secondly, does it have both XLR and 1/4'' direct outs, and does it have the all important pre/post switch? My plan is to run the distorted main signal gated at about 150hz into my 410 with the clean low end gated for above 150 into a 212.... Producing thick raspy metal tone with solid low end....

And I'm poor and I like the price tag of the Bmax unit, hehe..

Thanks in advance for any help!
 

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