BB-preamp & Maxon 808... Differences?? T-rex MAB update

[c.t.d-nicke]

Fellows

I have no chance to test these pedals myself so I have to ask you guys before buying one of them.

I'm wondering what the sonic differences is between the Xotic BB-preamp and the maxon 808 when used as "clean" boosts?

If someone could give a "side by side" or a A/B-rewiew would be grate.

I'd love to test them my self but if I going to buy one I have to order them as the "local" store doesn't offer them. (I'm actually leering at the XOTIC BB-MB PREAMP, the BB with a additional mid boost but do not know how it sounds comparing to the maxon 808)

Either one, going to be used as a boost to tightening up things. I'm boosting with a TS9 for the moment and going to update that department.

Btw, shuggashugga all day!

Thanks

nicke

 

[jab]

just a comment on the Xotic pedals. In order of gain from least to most it goes RC to AC to BB. RC a typical (and great) clean boost, but it doesn't leave much headroom above that for adding gain. The AC can still function as a clean boost but with gain on 0 and volume up it still adds a noticeable boost/grind with lots of gain headroom (I've never gone past 10:00 on it for classic rock). The BB is above that on the gain scale so when I think clean boost, I don't think BB unless you're just looking the crunch the hell out of your clean channel. Tough when you can't try them out but keeping checking the web for demos and of course our esteemed fellows here on the Boogie Board.

 

[c.t.d-nicke]

jab.. thanx man.

The reason I put the word "clean" in quotes is that I mean clean boost as I use my TS9 and that is not clean in a literal sense.

Cheers

nicke

 

[ibanez4life SZ!]

What amp are you boosting?

BB-preamp is a little more compressed and smoother. Allows for a little more tone shaping at the pedal.

Maxon 808 gives a better version of the tubescreamer response...boosted mids, cut lows.

My favorite boost so far with my Roadster is the T-Rex Michael Angelo Batio sig pedal. Boost and tightens, but doesn't make the tone thin and congested like the Maxon did.

Eric

 

[c.t.d-nicke]

Eric

What amp are you boosting?

Same one as you; Roadster.

nicke

 

[ibanez4life SZ!]

Do yourself and favor and jump straight to the T-Rex Batio pedal.

So worth it you wouldn't believe.

Eric

 

[c.t.d-nicke]

So worth it you wouldn't believe.

How would you compare it to a TS9?

EDIT: sorry, missed the 808 -> T-rex comparison.

Is the T-rex used in the same fashion as the common use of boosters... nill gain maxed level??

nicke

 

[ibanez4life SZ!]

Boosts, but doesn't change the EQ curve.

It adds a little attack, and sustain (makes the strings much easier to play), but stays MUCH smoother and more pleasant than any other OD I've used. A TS-9 cuts bass and boosts mids heavily.

The T-Rex leaves it all intact, but makes the amp 'hotter' if you will. INSANE clarity too...doesn't get fuzzy at all, which is important to me. For rhythm, I run my gain VERY high with a fat tone, but I sometimes I like boosting it for some more cut and attack. Other pedals, like my Maxon OD808, made the sound loose focus...there was just too much. The T-Rex still gives me the same amount of boost, but everything holds together.

As for settings, it's a little different. I like running it with gain at noon, volume at 2 oclock, and tone off. Sounds awesome!

Eric

 

[c.t.d-nicke]

Eric, I'll add the T-rex MAB to the short list and exclude the Maxon 808. The 808 is too similar to my TS9 the way I use it (turned out that a workmate had one that I A/B:ed).

The new question then; pros/cons and differences between the MAB and the BB MB-preamp (the BB with a adjustable mid boost)?

The TS9 give me a descent "chuggachugga chunk chunk" but gives a thin and puny leads. I hope to end up with a crunchy, thick, tight, well defined and aggressive chugg and at the same time a chewy and more organic lead tone.

MAB or BB :?:

More inputs please!

nicke

 

[ibanez4life SZ!]

All I can tell you is that I owned all of them...I recently had 3 Overdrives in my rig, and kept them for months, so I could spend a long time with them and honestly see which one I liked. I didn't want it to be from GAS, or just a shot gun decision.

The MAB is the only one left :wink:

 

[Pyro]

I have never owned the MAB but i do own the BB and i use it exactly how you want too. Tight punchy rhythm and fluid warm lead with good sustain at one single setting. Its the best overdrive i have ever owned but like i said, i have never used the MAB. I can vouch for T-Rex making top notch pedals though. I have a Replica delay and tremster in my loop and they are amazing quality and very reliable

 

[Tekneek]

I have owned a Road King II for a few months now, and just recently read about boosting the front end with TS9, Maxon OD808, etc. I own a Timmy and Mad Professor Little Green Wonder OD pedals (both of which are great, BTW; Timmy is the best I've ever played hands down). After reading these posts, I'm going to try putting them in front of the amp and seeing what happens. I'll try to let you guys know how it sounds As a side note, the Timmy is the best OD pedal I've ever played and I would HIGHLY recommend it to anyone in the market -- it even sounds better than the Little Green Wonder!

 

[droptrd]

The clips on youtube for the MAB sound awesome. The T Rex stuff is very good.

What amp are you boosting?

BB-preamp is a little more compressed and smoother. Allows for a little more tone shaping at the pedal.

Maxon 808 gives a better version of the tubescreamer response...boosted mids, cut lows.

My favorite boost so far with my Roadster is the T-Rex Michael Angelo Batio sig pedal. Boost and tightens, but doesn't make the tone thin and congested like the Maxon did.

Eric