Tell me about BBE Sonic Maximizers

  • Thread starter Thread starter Spaceboy
  • Start date Start date
Here's the deal. It's an EQ... it's a PHASE/Frequency EQ, but an EQ nonetheless. It's all about how you dial it in. However, OOPS... there are only two knobs--how much processing gets done, and how much bass boost.

The best implementation of this principle that I've seen is the Rocktron ProQ. It provides many of the same functions, but is much more "tweakable" than the BBE.

I think the upshot of this conversation is try it for yourself. If you like it, stick with it, if not dump it. You can implement any EQ poorly...

Cheers,
 
I've never used a BBE with a tube amp, but I do think they can help out a solid state amp quite a bit. I used one with a Peavey XXL and had really good results.

:)
 
They're great with solid state amps and pedals (because they already have no dynamics). Has anyone tried putting one in the loop of a Vetta II? Fucking epic tone.

There is a video of the OKKO Dominator and Toneczar Openhaus being used with a Sonic Maximizer. They sound pretty damn awesome to me.
 
I've had the 50/50 results with the Sonic Stomp. Some amps it's worked well, some amps, I went with the 10-band MXR. However, I've always used it in moderation. Most people think it sucks because they go crazy with the settings - can't do that, at all. I'm actually looking for another used one to try with my Laney. My best results have been with combo amps. Basically, they add more bunch/low-end. With a 4x12 cab, I find it not necessary.

Most people say it sucks, because they've read it sucks. I surely don't believe it sucks, it's just not always the best option. I'd go for it, if I were you. And again, moderation, ESPECIALLY with the highs.
 
petejt":1bxxnc3d said:
At first when using them, it appears to sound good, and will sound good to newcomers. But after a while you'll notice that a huge chunk of the raw tone is missing. Or you probably won't notice it until taking the BBE out of the signal chain.
Click to expand...

:thumbsup: Truth!

I had a BBE in my rack for a few months and had the same experience. I ditched mine well before my other guitarist did and was glad i did. The BBE seams to suck your mids and give you more of a "processed" type of sound. It really took away from my tone and I my guitar did not cut through in the mix.

If you are not happy with your tone or sound you are getting the BBE will not help you. Start with pickups, speakers, cab, guitar etc. You would be better off with getting a EQ to help shape your sound.
 
Yup, sounds epic in a bedroom, but you will be buried in a band situation. Try to turn up, but the sound gets shrill due to the nasty peak of the unit around 6.6k. You turn down the "hi" you get back to buried territory.
BUT
It can work great on bass, background vocals, or as an enhancer for FOH. (It's pretty much designed for the latest)
 
I learned first hand the the Sonic Maximiser was a piece of shit. It was so bad I couldn't even sell it. I gave it to my cousin amongst a guitar amp so when he feels like playing electric guitar, he has an amp and pedal to use (he's a drummer). The pedal just sits on the floor as a doorstop. It should be melted down and the metal used to make something else.
 
I have mixed experiences with these.

Loved it in my HK Warp X hated it with my 5150.

If your interested PM me I have mine in pretty rough shape but working perfectly Ill let go for less then half of what they go for new.
 
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