BBE 362 Sonic Maximizer

Very easy to use. Not very easy to use correctly. What do I mean by this? I mean that there are only two controls but they don't provide as much tonal flexibility as I would have liked. Yes, it is very easy to use, but when it's TOO EASY you can't tweak enough to get a good sound!

I use this unit in my guitar rack with an ADA MP-1 classic preamp and a Rocktron Velocity 300 power amp. I use Marshall cabs loaded with Celestion G12T-75 speakers. The unit isn't really noisy, in fact I get less noise when it's ON than when it's bypassed!. I bought one because I thought it would save my ADA MP-1 Classic from being thrown out of the window. I guess it worked, since I still have my ADA. The point is that this isn't a glorified EQ like someone else said. It's a processor which speeds up the treble response and slows down the bass response. To me it sounds really shrill and trebly. It adds a lot of definition, yeah!! But it gives some sterilness to the sound that I can't stand after a while. It is great for rhythm sounds, but it stinks big time for a warm lead sound. I always keep the "Lo-Contour" knob at the minimum and the "Process" knob between 9 and 12. If you overdoo the process knob, your guitar will sound like if you put EMG's in it. I HATE EMG's and I play Shred/Metal. I must add that the thing that digusts me the most out of this unit is that when you turn it on, you add definition to your sound, but you also add a little delay that is very annoying when doing FAST alternate picking lines a la Paul Gilbert and you need maximum attack and response. A great design since it really adds clarity, but it adds harshness as well. I give it a 7 because I think the definition is great, but the drawbacks are far too important.

Very reliable.

I would not recommend this unit for warm sounds. Use it only if you KNOW that you will get shrill treble sounds and great definition.

If I would have payed 50$ for this unit, I wouldn't complain.....but for the price these babies sell....you don't really NEED one.

So easy to use it's not even funny. Two knobs. A certified moron could figure this thing out. No need for a munual really, like I said if you cant work this thing, you're too stupid to be alive.

Just one word: UNFUCKINGBELIEVABLE !!

I have no idea how I ever played without this thing. There really isn't much more to say. It is by far the only piece of equipment I have that I can not find fault with. Just get one!

Never had a problem with it.

Never had to deal with them

This thing will make whatever you have sound better.

Case closed.

Piece of cake, its all a matter of taste and there are only 2 knobs. I give it a 9 cos as they say nothings perfect, but this is damn close.

Does exactly what it says. MAXIMISES!!!!. The difference in tone you get with one of these is phenomenal. Basically it adds a bit of sparkle and some depth, depending on how much or how little lo contour you give it and how much process you add. I bought this to go in my rack, but when i got it home it went straight in the loop of my GK 250ML combo. I thought that for a small amp it sounded good anyway but i was amazed when i heard the difference.

It seems pretty solid but like any rackable gear, it was designed to go in a case. I have no plans to gig with a backup for this. I'll give it a 9 cos its BBE and they make a good unit, but i suppose time will tell.

Never dealt with them, but thumbs up to website. All manuals are available forr download, as they SHOULD be !!!!!!

I'd never heard of these units till i found Harmony Central. After hearing what some people had said about them, i had to try one. When you first use it, you think "Christ, this thing sucks!" but its only when you A/B switch it and check your unprocessed tone that you realise just what a difference it makes. The Lows have more Bassy punch, The highs are more defined. It just clears everything up. I play mostly Metal and Power Jazz/Blues so a lot of the time i'm using hi gain settings that can lose some definition. Any mud in your tone can be eliminated with this device. They seem to be cheap enough second hand, and as they're not solely for guitarists or bassists there are plenty around. These really are one the best kept secrets in terms of improving your tone cheaply and easily. Try one, and suprise yourself. If it got stolen id get another one straight away, not to mention curse the little get who nicked it.

Nothing is easier than this unit. Turn it on... only two knobs, and away you go. The manual is well done, but unnecessary. A monkey could operate this unit.

The sound quality is unbelievable. This thing could make a car accident sound like a million bucks. I run it on the main inserts or an auxiliary of my Mackie 32-8 board, so it covers the whole mix, however I just bought one for my guitar rig as well. For live sound, it can create CD quality sound in a large or small venue, and it makes vocals twice as powerful. Very handy when your voice is dying at the end of the night. With this processor though, make sure to get your speakers up high or out farther, where no one can stand in front of them. If you get to close to the horns, the powerful highs this thing puts out will sound brittle, however they sound fabulous when dispersed over a large area.

Had it a short time, but no problems yet. It is the only one we have, and I have no reason to doubt this unit

Never dealt with BBE

Just two words..... BUY ONE!!!!

Very easy to use , Turn it on and adjust Lo contour and Process Level. There is a bypass button to compare processed to non processed.

With A Sans Amp Original Pedal this thing packs balls. Really gives a great bottom for direct recording . I use the Sans Amp ainto Berringer compressor to Quadraverb then through the BBE direct to Analg Tape and Sounds Great. It really cleans up the mud and gives a singing Quality to leads. Check it out ON line original tune "La Villa" at http://www.mp3.com/timanduppergi. Also Great for cleaning up deadened mixes as well. Well Worth the money. One Drawback. If the input signal is too quiet , the effect seems to dither or get a funny bit pumpy (its hard to explain) . I think its a feature of dynamic expansion. Watch out for that. Not a problem just crank up the program material. Very slightly noisy at this point.
Sounds great with distortion or clean in front of my Fender Super Amp.

Yes reliable and I used it on a final mix for a band I do sound for. Run it through the AUX. What a difference. The Mud just disappears. (They are a pretty heavy Alternative band. ) Its tough to clean up mus in a club with a heavy alt band but it does the job.

Never Tried so It wasnt tested.

Any Home recording dude or Guitar player really gotta have this. Gives you the Missing hot sound element.

This has got too be the easiest processor to use. There are only for knobs/buttons on the front, a Lo Contour and Process knob, and a function button and power. And there are only one two sets of inputs and outputs on the back.

The sound of this unit blew my old setup away. I run this maximizer into the effects loop of a 5150 head, and when I plug my Jackson guitar with Seymour Duncan pickups, the clean channel is bright and clear, and the Lead channel is one of the crunchiest distortions I have ever heard. This BBE gives me about 2X's the crunch of the normal head. It is awesome.

It is solid as a rock.

Never dealt with them.

I love to play metal with a lot of crunch on the lead channel, and with this BBE maximizer, I get the deepest crunch I have ever heard. If it were ever lost or stolen, I would buy a new one that same day. All I can say is that if you want a lot of crunch added to your guitars sound, get one.