BBE Sonic Maximizers

[sambo]

i've been looking at these as a possibility recently just to bring my sound 'to life' as it were- give a bit more clarity and all the things associated with them.

but would people recommend the stompbox version or one of the rack-style units?

i dont know a great deal about them so any info is appreciated.

i think i remember a few people, Feline being one of them, mention them.

any thoughts?

cheers,

sam.

[TwilightOdyssey]

They're very interesting pieces, based on actual science, not voodoo, and they do indeed act just like it says on the tin.

The advantage of a rackmount unit is that it will have a more stable power supply and stereo operation. Otherwise, the processing is identical.

[Tellboy]

I have the stompbox version - very pleased (got it on ebay). The effect is fairly subtle but is much more noticeable on clean settings where it improves clarity and 'lifts' the sound. I find on some heavy distorted amp settings I prefer to switch it off.

[Antag]

I have the stompbox version - very pleased (got it on ebay). The effect is fairly subtle but is much more noticeable on clean settings where it improves clarity and 'lifts' the sound. I find on some heavy distorted amp settings I prefer to switch it off.

That's funny, I find the exact opposite :-)

I have a rackmount unit - the 482 - bought it after trying one through Feline's JCM800.

The effect on high gain sounds is amazing.  Tons more definition & clarity.  It's not particularly subtle either - the difference is huge.  It did more to my Rectifier (which had quite a sludgy sound) than my Engl Savage but it's still very noticeable.

I find it does less to clean sounds - I like my clean sound warm, loose & swimming in Chorus/Reverb/Delay :)

Perhaps the difference is due to me using mine in the FX loop but you have it in front of the amp?

[sambo]

cheers for the replies guys!

actually if tellboy uses his in the front of the amp then both of your descriptions would match perfectly with a video demo on youtube.

some guy says through the serial effects loop the high gain difference is great, but doesn't affect the clean much, and the opposite through the front end of the amp.

interesting.


i'm seriously tempted by them. where did you both get yours from?

also, just a quick hypothetical question here- what would be a more worth while purchase- the BBE or a Hotplate?

[Tellboy]

Perhaps the difference is due to me using mine in the FX loop but you have it in front of the amp?

Yes - I use it in front of the amp. I have a Cornford Hellcat Combo and a Hurricane and they are already fairly clear sounding (definitely not sludgy). When I use the modern channell of the Hellcat I prefer to use no pedals at all - I just love tha sound as it is.

Sambo - got it off ebay.

[38thBeatle]

I have been thinking about one myself Sam having heard a number of friends go on about them. I did try and get one whilst  was in the USA in April but the stores I went to didn't have them in (they are certainly a lot cheaper there) and I may wait until I go again which is hopefully in the Autumn. Having said that, there is a seller on Ebay knocking them out for around £55.00.

[sambo]

Perhaps the difference is due to me using mine in the FX loop but you have it in front of the amp?

Yes - I use it in front of the amp. I have a Cornford Hellcat Combo and a Hurricane and they are already fairly clear sounding (definitely not sludgy). When I use the modern channell of the Hellcat I prefer to use no pedals at all - I just love tha sound as it is.

Sambo - got it off ebay.

silly me, im blind. ebay, cool. and yes, as beatle says, £55 on there at the moment! nice! if i had £50 now i'd probably go for one.

beatle- what is the normal retail price as i don't actually know

[38thBeatle]

I have seen them for about £80.00 Sam so the Ebay sale looked quite appealing.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=011&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&viewitem=&item=320128854046&rd=1&rd=1


You have to add  tenner, though, for postage but then again if you bought it at £80.00 I suppose you'd have the same thing-unless you bought from a store locally that is.

[Tellboy]

Sambo - if you're not in a desperate hurry for one I'd wait for a used one to come up on ebay. I got mine for £38 (plus p+p).

Looking at the video on YouTube you refer to (Diezel VH4) and the experiences of Antag and myself it does seem that  it gives very different results depending on whether you put in front or in the effects loop.

[Antag]

i'm seriously tempted by them. where did you both get yours from?

also, just a quick hypothetical question here- what would be a more worth while purchase- the BBE or a Hotplate?

I got mine from XL2XL

Chose one of the old-style 482 models that were on clearance rather than the new 482i - they turned up to deliver it within 3 hours of me ordering it :eek: :lol:

One thing about the rack version - the power supply is integrated (power chord isn't even removable) so if you get one of Ebay, make sure it's the 230V europe/UK version - you cannot just stick a UK plug on the 110V US version.

It's the one feature I don't like about mine - would much prefer an IEC power chord then I can run if off my power conditioner & only need one mains socket.

[Tellboy]

As mentioned above I have been using the BBE SM in front of my Hurricane (not particularly pleased with the effects loop on this, even my digital delay sounds better in front).  Since I got a Hellcat a few weeks ago haven't been using many effects but after reading Antag's comments above have just tried the SM in the effects loop. Yep - it can make a huge difference in this position. What I'm really impressed with is the Lo Contour control. The Hellcat can be a little bright sounding on certain settings - turning up the Lo Contour on the SM really gives the low end a real punch - very impressed.

[deg0ey]

I did try and get one whilst  was in the USA in April but the stores I went to didn't have them in (they are certainly a lot cheaper there) and I may wait until I go again which is hopefully in the Autumn.

Wanna get me one too? :P

[38thBeatle]

Yeah  could possibly-I have to juggle with a lot of things at the moment to arrange it.depends upon my Son (who I'd be visiting).

[deg0ey]

If you do end up going, you should make a post along the lines of "Going to America, who wants stuff brought back?" :lol:

Maybe not though :P