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sonic maximizer

#21
Freight Train said:
Sonic Maximizers are way misunderstood and mostly over-used when they are used. If they are still true to the original BBE designs, they are a dynamic high-frequency eq, meaning they boost highs when there are highs present to be boosted, but they do not boost highs when there are no highs, or no signal, so they don't enhance hi-end noise like a 'static' hi frequency eq would. They also react dynamically, meaning they boost highs more or less depending on much high frequency action there is in the signal. If you are already using your amp or an outboard eq to boost your highs, then you should set the maximizer so it is just slightly brightening things overall, and pull back on your other eq so things don't get too bright. But if it is making a night-and-day difference when you switch it on and off, I promise you are WAY over-using it and you will wear your and the audiences ears out with it. They are a MAJOR source of listening fatigue. I personally agreee with CL400Peavey - they suck - but if some people get what they want from them, then it's all good.
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+1
 
#28
I had the BBE rack mount and didn't like it. It took the guts out of my sound.

Then I got the sonic maximizer for recording. Loved it on vocals and drums, not on bass. Thined it out. No good.

Then I tried the sonic stomp in my effect rig -- eh. Did nothing.

THEN...I went directly into the box and ran a line from the box to the amp. WOW!!! That worked. Don't know why. More output. Fatter, yet tighter low end. More clarity.

Some people say it's just an EQ. (Hey, I've always thought the "presence dial on guitar amps were just 6K boosts). But if the Sonic Stomp is an EQ it's boosting and cutting some "in-between" frequencies I can't get with any other EQ.

Naturally, sound is subjective. But I think it's a great device.
 
#29
Buster Brown said:
I tend to agree. The BBE, when used as a part of the PA is a good thing.....not so much for bass....;)
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Kinda the way I feel. The SM's should all come with fixed pins which prevent you from turning either control above #4. I have two in my rack...one for mains / subs, one for monitors and an ancient Aphex 104 Aural Enhancer which I plan to re-cable into the system. Two words of caution: a little bit goes a loooooong way and use your mixer inserts, not the Aux's, when adding to a PA.

Riis
 
#30
about SM's in general: if you have an itch that feels like "man I know my amp would sound better if it just had a couple more knobs on it to turn" (and who hasn't felt that way with an amp at some point) - then the SM will absolutely scratch that itch for a while, mission accomplished. but as no itch ever gets permanently scratched (despite spontaneous dubious claims erupting upon receipt of high priced boutique gear, especially in front of spouses) opinions may vary with time...
* and yes I have a 362+NR, an 882i, a Kosmos, and an Aphex 104, they are all a bit different, but do exactly what you want - when you want it. I use one in my stereo/dvd rig that I occasionally use to watch/listen to live audio/video audience recordings and some are so flat it takes a nearly full blast of the SM to make them enjoyable.
 

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