BBE Sonic Max in PA rack?

[smogg]

Hi,
We have decided to run the entire band to FOH all the time. Thinking of adding a BBE Sonic Maximizer to the PA rack.
Two questions,
A) Does it really make a noticeable difference in the final mix?
B) Should it be run through the effects loop on the board so it's in the monitors as well or run it mains out to BBE to power amp?

Thanks,
smogg

 

[Zooberwerx]

Hi,
We have decided to run the entire band to FOH all the time. Thinking of adding a BBE Sonic Maximizer to the PA rack.
Two questions,
A) Does it really make a noticeable difference in the final mix?
B) Should it be run through the effects loop on the board so it's in the monitors as well or run it mains out to BBE to power amp?

Thanks,
smogg

Okay, a lot of debate on this one. They work best on "marginal" PA systems....like our's! Yes, it can sound better if used judiciously. Do not use it in the effects loop; use the main inserts or between the mixer and amps. Since we use our PA in mono only, I use one side in the left insert for FOH and the other for monitors (monitor out > BBE > monitor amp).

Yes, the BBE does have a noticeable effect on the mix but its not always desirable. YMMV.

Riis

 

[konodl18]

Zooberwerx is correct. The BBE will change the sound, sometimes better, sometimes worse, sometimes neither... Just different.

The consensus among most sound engineers and musicians is that you would be better off spending the 200 bones (or however much they are now) on something else to upgrade your PA. Especially with a marginal or basic PA setup. Buy a better mic or two, better cables, upgrade your mixer, or switch from a standard crossover to a driverack.

Those things will have a more significant affect on your mix.

Derek

 

[NGL]

If you do try using it for your whole band, please share your results. I use one in my rack and am pretty content with its effect. I've never thought to run the whole group through one.

 

[Zooberwerx]

If you do try using it for your whole band, please share your results. I use one in my rack and am pretty content with its effect. I've never thought to run the whole group through one.

Seriously, you'll just have to try it for yourself thru your PA. Hook up your CD player, iPod, whatever and play some canned tracks. Sit a friend 20-30" away from the array and switch the BBE in and out. Better or worse?

Few tips when doing the "Pepsi Challenge:

1) Flatten the mixer EQ (not absolutely necessary but I like to remove certain variables).

2) Adjust the "Low Contour" that it approximates the unprocessed (out) signal. You'll find #3-4 is pretty close.

3) Adjust the "Process" to #3 which is adequate IMO.

Oh, and I read this somewhere.....Steely Dan tracks work best for test material.

Riis

 

[agedhorse]

Personally, I think there are better, more useful ways to spend your PA $$$, without knowing what your PA consists of, I would look closely at areas where your real performance is being compromised... better mics? Do you have enough cables? direct boxes, cases? All ofthese contribute to the quality of sound or ease of set-up (translating into having more time for doing things right).