BBE Sonic Maximizer

[NKBassman]

I have an Aphex Aural Exciter (same idea as the BBE, different brand name, more knobs), and I've never once said "OMG this sounds so much better!", nor have I noticed an appreciable difference in my tone while playing live.

The enhancement is so subtle that the only time I notice a real difference is when I flip the unit off and on while playing. If I would start a gig or a jam session and it was accidently bypassed, I don't think I or any of my bandmates would notice any real appreciable difference, and nobody would ever think my tone sounded bad in any way without it. It won't be the cornerstone to an amazing sounding rig... like, it's not the kind of drastic tone shaping that makes a poor rig sound awesome. It's more about subtle tweaking to make a good thing just a little bit better.

Now, on the other hand, I have a pretty high end Mesa Boogie cab, and never run the Aural Exciter at 'extreme' settings anyway, which sounds too unnatural and boomy... It's possible the "enhancement" would be more beneficial/noticeable on a less awesome cab. It also is a pretty nice unit for recording and mixing, though I haven't used it extensively in that regard. It did really helped fatten up my keyboard for some tracks I did though. If I ever put a synth rig together it would probably be involved in some way.

Overall verdict: Decent unit for some purposes, not useful live. Your money is better spent elsewhere. *cough*sansamp*cough*

 

[Zooberwerx]

I have a few older SM's and an ancient Aphex 104. Since we're focusing on the SM, a handful of observations:

*The SM does exactly what BBE says it does. I recall seeing the published fixed xover point and delays. Here's an interesting experiment: hook an SM in line with your amp (disengaged). Turn up your amp's bass and treble and play a few licks. Return both to -0-. Now engage the SM and turn each control (lo contour & process) to -3- for starters. Again, play a few lines. The tonal response is different...but that's not saying its an improvement or that you will necessarily like it.

*A little bit goes a long way. I've never cranked up either the lo contour or process past -3.5-. Doing so results in a harsh, synthetic coloration.

*The SM works best when inserted in a marginal bass rig or PA system. Case-in-point: Tim and I threw together a Karaoke rig from bits 'n pieces...Behringer board, Audio Centron power amp, and two Peavey enclosures purchased at a yard sale. Add one cast-off BBE SM 462 (?) and the thing absolutely rocks. BTW, we use no other EQ of any type.

*You'll just have to buy one and try it out for yourself. Maybe somebody has one in your area that can be "borrowed" for a trial.

Riis

 

[Plays_For_Dog]

You sir, have hit the holy grail of debate here on TB.

I have one. I use it. I like it. Can you achieve the same effect with a rack mount EQ, yes. Is it cheaper and simpler to try the BBE SM first, yes. I have higher end gear, and have found that the BBE SM isn't neccessary, but it will add warmth and some tone enhancement in the lowend. It gives you a "fuller" sound without having to spend mega bucks on a "rig of doom". Your best bet is to try one. There are enough players out there that try them and don't like them that you should have no issues getting a good used one for a steal of a deal. Don't buy new, it's not neccessary. I picked mine up for half price as a display model at GC.

Please note, even the stomp version works best in the effects loop. If you don't have an effects loop, put the pedal at the end of your pedal chain. Best of luck.

 

[Bijoux]

I have a BBE sonic maximizer, and I think it's pretty useless.

 

[ItsMichaelYeah]

Try a EHX Knockout. that might be what you're looking for. cheap pedal aswell.

 

[rockstarbassist]

I have used them before, and I'm 50/50 on their usefulness.
With a quality head, you really shouldn't need one. But I don't see how you're not getting a full, punchy tone from that instrument anyway? Flats are going to take you the opposite direction anyway of where you're looking. What strings do you have on it currently?

Only thing I've found the BBE really useful for is if you're detuned to maybe drop C or lower, it can help "tighten" up (whether it's ear trickery or no, it's perceived that way) your low-end. I would start by looking at the string thing, then just setting your amp at 0 across the EQ and adjust to taste. Cheapest, simplest way.

But I feel your pain- I used a BBE in college too when money was tight and I couldn't afford the dream rig I wanted. So it can be useful as a bandaid, but long-term when you can afford it, look at the rig.

 

[Bassamatic]

The BEE Sonic Maximizer is a fancy equalizer that was designed to compete with the Aphex Aural Exciter many years ago for the studio.

The BBE expands your highs - meaning the louder they are the more they are boosted, and the bass is a fixed boost, just like turning up the bass knob on your amp. It can add a LOT of level so beware of clipping and harshness.

The Aphex Aural Exciter re-creates harmonic detail instead of trying to boost what isn't there. The effect is supposed to be subtle and it adds very little level, if any. The Aphex Big Bottom adds extra bass "feel" but does not add level so you can't damage anything.