BBE Sonic Maximizer (882 i)

[mattman0324]

Hello all!

Here's my scenario...I currently have an Ampeg svt 5 pro and would like to use a bbe sonic maximizer. However, all the instrumental set-up diagrams I've seen detail a pre-amp, power amp set-up with the sonic maximizer directly after the pre-amp, just before the power amp; in order to get the full effects from the sonic maximizer, you need to use it last in your chain. Where in my set up, having the ampeg svt 5 pro with 2 separate channels (distortion and clean) would be best to place the unit?? Would I just simply have to run it before my amp, or should I run each channel of the 882 i into the effects loop of both my clean and distorted channels??

Any help or advice would be MUCH welcomed and MUCH appreciated.

 

[EricF]

BBE recommends putting the Sonic Maximizer as far down the signal chain as possible for best results (but always BEFORE the power amp).

Does the SVT5-Pro have seperate fx loops for each channel? If so, then make use of the 2-channel configuration of the BBE and put one channel in each of the fx loops. If there's only one loop, put the BBE there.

 

[mattman0324]

Yes, each channel has it's own effects loop. Each channel of the maximizer into each channel on the amp is what I was thinking, just wondering what others thought.

 

[uly_]

Hmm, I run my Maximizer 842i (I think it is..) in my Ashdown ABM500's effects loop, mono that is! Works like a charm - huge tone!

 

[mattman0324]

When you run it in your effects loop, it doesn't take away any of the tone from your ashdown does it??

 

[uly_]

No, not at all it takes the tone from my ashdown and "enhances"/fattens it up! The ashdown alone sounds "dry" when the maximizer is bypassed.

I'm not saying that a maximizer can make all amps sound better, but it certanly can bring out some good sounds, imo.

 

[Rakie]

I've read a lot of debate on this, and if been told it cuts some of the mids and fattens up the bass / treble, which could be undesirable.

 

[mattman0324]

Interesting...sounds like it would help to enhance a 'nu-metal' setting or Fieldy type style.

Curious if running it through the effects loop on the amp would help to clear up/ enhance pedals being used??

 

[jonly]

I've read a lot of debate on this, and if been told it cuts some of the mids and fattens up the bass / treble, which could be undesirable.

It has that capability but that isn't what it is intended for. Just like any other fx, if you crank the knobs up to 10, then you are going to get undesirable results.

 

[JackANSI]

I know just about all the effect loops on amps I've got experience with are normal just before the power amp and after the pre.

Anyone got any sound clips of the BBE in their chain vs bypassed. I'd LOVE to know what the difference really sounds like.

 

[mattman0324]

that would be really nice to hear

 

[bassman1185]

I know just about all the effect loops on amps I've got experience with are normal just before the power amp and after the pre.

Anyone got any sound clips of the BBE in their chain vs bypassed. I'd LOVE to know what the difference really sounds like.

I don't have clips, but there is a VERY noticeable difference between when I engage my Sonic Maximizer (I have the older 362 version) and when I bypass it, especially when using distortion or overdrive. I use tweeter-less cabinets (Tech21 B410s) and the BBE seems to bring out some treble response that isn't there otherwise, but it is much more natural sounding than with a tweeter or just boosting the treble.

 

[uly_]

I don't agree with the "cutting mids"-thingy thats been said here. The two knobs controls bass and treble, yes, but if you've dialed in a mid-heavy tone from the amp's EQ, it wont take that away!

And yes, there's a very noticable difference when the maximizer is on. The overall tone becomes more "full" and a bit more "smooth" if you could say that. That's my impression of it, at least.

 

[srxplayer]

I don't agree with the "cutting mids"-thingy thats been said here. The two knobs controls bass and treble, yes, but if you've dialed in a mid-heavy tone from the amp's EQ, it wont take that away!

And yes, there's a very noticable difference when the maximizer is on. The overall tone becomes more "full" and a bit more "smooth" if you could say that. That's my impression of it, at least.

I agree with Uly's statement. I have several of these 882i units and they do exactly what they are supposed to do. They clean up the signal and make it punchy and smoother. I have yet to hear one make something sound bad.

I use them in PA rigs. They are especially nice if you have Ipods, computers with mp3's or other compressed music data signals running through your PA.

I use a BBE BMax Preamp in my bass rig and I always use the Sonic Maximizer thats built in to it.

I believe in the product.