BBE Sonic Maximizer Question

[nathan28]

Does anyone use a BBE Sonic Maximizer with their Boogie? IF so how does it sound and do you have any clips. Im thinking about getting one and want to know if its worth the money.

 

[nocluejimbo]

Don't waste your time and money. Even if the Sonic Max sounded good (not the point), it won't work in a parallel effects loop.

 

[Russ]

Not only that but it would be redundant with the onboard eq anyway (if you have one). The sonic maximizer is like a sweeping single knob eq that you would find on a stereo. I think a regular eq would do you more justice.

 

[MesaENGR412]

if it's eq you're looking for, might i suggest the Danelectro Fish and Chips 7-band graphic eq pedal. $29.99 in musicians friend and as good as the $100 counterparts IMO. I use it between my EMG 81's and my Triple to get those pesky mids out (I play hard rock/Metal and like a scooped yet focused sound with a razorblade edge on my downstroke 'a la Hetfield', but even at that in vintage mode on channel two i can still get a nice Boston-esque gain sound 8) ) and I got that sound in all live applications,from bedroom to the stage, with this little pedal. Lots of bang for minimal buck ( 9v adaptor sold separately at the cost of $9.99 i think)

Anyways, there's my plug. Good luck with your tone.

-AJH

 

[Humbility]

BBE also makes a sonic max in Pedal form. Never tried one but its just info that I'd like to pass on that may help you. Cheeers

 

[G.I.G.]

Like others have said, you'd probably be better off using a EQ pedal or just better utilizing your onboard EQ.

I tried the BBE Sonic Stomp (the pedal version of the Sonic Maximizer) through a Bad Cat with a PRS Singlecut and wasn't impressed. It just seemed like a global presence control and nothing more.

I have a pretty basic approach when it comes to gear. I have a BOSS GE-7 EQ pedal and I hardly even use that. I think an EQ pedal would work better than the BBE. Whatever the case, you should definitely try one out (preferably through your rig) before you buy one.

 

[Dersu Uzala]

Does anyone use a BBE Sonic Maximizer with their Boogie? IF so how does it sound and do you have any clips. Im thinking about getting one and want to know if its worth the money.

I've had it (BBE 882i), tried to use it. Pointless with Boogies and any high quality amp. Nowadays, I see it being quite useful with 'crappy' amps and home digital recording studios (as part of studio rack gear opposed to guitar rack gear).

They've already sonically maximized our Boogies in Petaluma.

+1 for external EQ should you not have one already (built-in).

 

[Ravensha]

They've already sonically maximized our Boogies in Petaluma.

I would agree with Dersu.

Back in the day, an ADA MP-1 and the BBE were a great combo that many players used. But with a Mesa, I am not sure the BBE would help at all.

I know that guitar gear and gadgets can be a lot of fun to play around with. And I am also sure that many others on this board have great combinations of pedals, rack equipment and the like that give them the sound and added flexibility they love.

Over the years I have gone through my fair share plugable toys too. Then I got a Mesa. From then on I found myself using less and less extra stuff. Because I like the amp sound so much, I have found that I don't like putting anything in the loop or on the front end.

Les Paul + Mesa, and I am a happy camper.

But to each his own.
You can clearly see in the pictures people have posted of their rigs - that probably most people are using a lot of pedals and extra rack equipment. You might scan through the pictures and find a combination you are interested in, and ask them how they like the setup.

 

[Anthony1967]

Ordered the BBE Sonice Maximizer 482i from Musician's Friend and it was another in a series of mistakes I make in trying to 'improve' upon things. You'd be better off trying different tubes to liven up the sound if you so desire.

Needless to say, I sent it back and had to pay for the shipping.

Aaaaargh!

Anthony

:evil:

 

[nathan28]

I guess that answers my question. No one seems to like them. So I will definitely stay away. Thanks for the info. I have played guitar for just over 10 years and never have tried a eq. Looks like my studying on one is about to begin.

I will tell you guys exactly what I want and see what you guys think.

I love my triple rec. I find myself playing channel 2 vintage mode, most of the time for my heavy parts. I want a solid(smooth) distortion with lots of gain, not harsh. I have been boosting channel 2 vintage with my rocktron nitro, just a little bit, to get that liquid feeling when im playing. I like the heaviness to the modern channel, just not the harshness. Its extremely harsh to my ears. What do u guys think would help me?

 

[petejt]

Does anyone use a BBE Sonic Maximizer with their Boogie? IF so how does it sound and do you have any clips. Im thinking about getting one and want to know if its worth the money.

I have the BBE Sonic Stomp Maximiser pedal. I'm still learning how to set it properly but it works quite well, helps to tighten the low end and prevent any fartyness in the top end.

Haven't tried it with a Boogie amp yet though. If I can get a Mesa/Boogie I shall try it. I want to run two different amps at once for my sound, so if the BBE doesn't sound right with the Boogie, I'll use it for the other amp.

 

[jbird]

Explain "harsh" in terms of tone?

 

[nathan28]

Thats a good question. Sounding like more noise than buzz, so to speak. Its hard to explain. For instance I like the added crunck treble gives you, but it usually also makes things harsh to the ears and less smooth.

 

[CudBucket]

I guess that answers my question. No one seems to like them. So I will definitely stay away.

Who cares what other people think? Try one and decide for yourself. I've heard far more positive opinions on the BBE than negative.

 

[prs1999]

I used a 482i with the following amps ;
MKIII
MKIV
Dual Recto 2 channel
Triax preamp
and a 3ch. D.R.

The only amp it DIDNT help was the 3ch. D.R.
When swtiched in 'modern" modes,it was like having a built in sonic maximizer.
The BBE added much needed depth to all the other's and especially to the Triax. When I bought my MKIV,and hit a power chord with the BBE in the loop,jaws dropped in the store. I been wanting to try the Sonic Stomp thru my Trident but just nevergot round to it.
As CudBucket said.....(in so many words) to each there own.

 

[goneloco]

i vote for bbe

 

[LPClassic]

I love the BBE, I used to have a rectoverb combo and I read before that the lead channel would be better with one of those so I bought a 482i first thinking on putting in my rack too, well the lead channel it was as described, like I removed a blanquet from it, clean focused, just much better. So I decided to try the BBE 482i on one of my home stereo and I liked so much that I left it there. So I bought the 362 that do the same work but is cheaper.

BBE are great, if possible try one and decide. Also compare to a EQ and see what you like better.

 

[prs1999]

Are you using the BBE in conjuntion with your triaxs?
I'm still undecided to leave it on there and use it for a few different presets..or just go without.
The dynamic voice acting as a 5 band graphic EQ seems to do the same thing as the BBE,but there is a differance kicking it in on some channels.
Guess a personal preferance thing huh.

 

[LPClassic]

I was planing to use in on the triaxis but have not had time to test it yet, I used on the rectoverb but then I trade the rectoverb and currently I'm only using it on the Maverick that is my main amp. I tested on the triple rectifier and it improve the sound a little more too. I have a bunch more amplifiers that the mesa boogies but I have had no time to test it on all of them. So far for me works very good on the amps and on the home stereo. I still want to try the BBE stopmbox but I think is a little pricey and you can get cheaper the 362.

 

[Ecto_Cooler]

BBE for a recto? Thats like putting ketchup on a spicy jalepeno.