BBE 362NR

I just got this product a few days ago, in an intense bidding war on EBay...for about $150. As far as "ease of use" goes, this is the definition of "easy". Turn it on, green means "active", red means "not". Four knobs, 2 buttons, and a switch. Obviously you won't get as much of an effect if you don't have an effects loop, but otherwise it's very simple.

I currently use a Schecter C1-Classic guitar, a Peavey 5150 II w/ JJ tubes, a Peavey XXL cab (which will be replaced as soon as possible...tonally, it's the only thing holding me back)...the maximizer, a Rocktron Xpression (DSP effects) (also a Furman Pl-PlusD power conditioner, a Korg DTR-2000 tuner, and 2 chameleon racklights, but none of which really affect tone any).

When I first turned it on, it was like the super-treble master...All I heard was "Ouch...high sound". But, um...yeah. There are knobs. Soo, after quickly setting the Lo Contour (bass) to maybe 6, and the Process (high) to about 4 (not the 9 it was at), it sounded AMAZING. Absolutely incredible, everything was so much more articulate...I loved it. For me, I didn't notice such a massive difference, until I turned it back off...and wow. It was as if I put a mattress in front of my cab. As far as the noise reducer goes, it does it's job well. The controls are a little odd, set at "minimum" is the highest level of noise reduction, common sense would tell me otherwise. I used to use a Rocktron HUSH pedal, which I no longer need....between the noise reducer on the BBE and the HUSH built-in on the Xpression, I am a happy guy that is only heard when I want to be.

The thing is built very well...it was used, so I am not the original owner, but so far, no issues. I stress again, I've only had it a couple days, but I mean...mounted in a rack, it's pretty safe. I don't have a back-up, for financial reasons, but I feel pretty safe. Especially with it going in to the power conditioner, my only real concern is internal failure, and I doubt it will. I give it an 8 because I just haven't had it long enough to say.

I haven't had to deal with BBE yet, so I can't really say.

I play in a few bands....guitar in a heavy metal band, and a heavier ska band, and drums in a heavy metal band. I have been playing a little over a year. I mentioned my equipment earlier, I also use a Crybaby wah pedal, a Rocktron Midi-Mate, and a Rocktron HEX expression pedal.

If it were stolen/lost/broken, I'd buy another one first chance I get, same model. It is my understanding that the higher/more expensive models have features like Stereo operation, or weird connections, or one has two maximizers in one chassis. None of this is necessary in my situation.

On top of all that, I'd like to get the basic 362 (about $100) for my PA system, and one for my stereo...I'm told it works amazingly for these applications. (Also, it's good to clean up old cassette tapes).

I just love how easy it is, and that it's a "real" help! It's not like one of those effects that really doesn't do too much of anything (my "hush" pedal often made me feel like I wasted my money on something rather useless). But this isn't the case today, both the BBE part and the noise reduction have helped immensely, and I highly reccommend it!

As everyone else has said, this is very simple to use. A high (process) and a low (lo contour). The noise reduction is a nice option, but I personally haven't had a lot of use for it. I do have it on all the time since it does improve the sound marginally. I didn't get a manual when I got it (used online) but BBE Sound has them online in a .pdf format (www.bbesound.com). This is not a product that you need a owners manual for, but there is some useful info in it. The most useful things I found it are the diagrams that show how to route the 362nr for several different applications.

The sound is simply amazing! I'm not the type of person who buys into gimmicky crap, nor do I have much money to spend on gear. The only reason I bought this one is because I got it so cheap ($83) that I knew if it stunk I could resell it for more than I bought if for. I use a Fender M-80 chorus amp (one of the old ones with the nasty gray carpet all over it) and play an Epiphone Les Paul 100. I also have a Boss ME-33 effects board that I use. That's it. Not the most expensive set up, but it works well for me. I've been pretty happy with the sound I've been able to get before getting the 362nr, but now that I have it, I can't believe I ever settled for the sound I had! It is literally like taking some blankets off of your amp. It makes my clean channel sound crisper and fuller, and it makes my distortion nice and beefy, yet individual notes cut through everything else. Lots of clarity. I play some different things where I'll be playing a rhythm part with sort of a lead part over it (think Rage Against the Machine). The lead part over the rhythm is very distinct now.
I also tried this thing on my father in laws studio. He's got a pretty nice home studio and has lots of misc. processors, Pro Tools, etc. I was skeptical as to how much the 362nr would do for his set up since it was so nice to begin with. We hooked it up and it made more of a difference in his studio than it did for my amp. We did a test where we mixed a song that he had recorded down to a CD. One time with the 362nr and one time without. Then we listened to it in the car while we were going somewhere. The difference was unbelieveable! The cut with the 362nr was so much fuller and clearer. The most distinct difference was the vocals stuck out much more clearly (without being overpowering).

I've had mine for about 2 months now. I've used it for recording and playing for a couple of live events (on my amp) and another live event (a small coffee house thing where we used the 362nr on the small house system). It seems pretty sturdy, and I guess I would definitely use it without a backup mostly since I don't have the cash to get a second one. It seems fine though.

The website is helpful and informative, although I have not dealt with anyone in person at BBE Sound.

I play mostly melodic rock (ie Dishwalla, Collective Soul, Shaded Red, Delerious). The 362nr is a great match for my playing style. But, it's a must for any type of music (unless you're into lo-fi retro stuff, then forget it). I would most definitely buy another one if I lost this one (although I may upgrade after doing a little more research on the other models BBE has to offer. The new 482i seems like it would be ideal for what I'd ideally need). I have nothing but praises for this product. Hands down the best money you can spend for anything from live playing to recording to live sound reinforcement. Dollar for dollar, there is nothing that will come even close to matching this.

four knobs. 1/4" AND RCA ins/outs. switches to engage/disengage the
"BBE PROCESS" and noise reduction SEPERATELY. USE YOUR EARS!!

fantastic!!! my previous experience with a unit of this type had been
a Behringer Ultrafex II. the 362NR is a FAR superior unit. the noise reduction is very subtle (but effective) and the "BBE process" ads nice definition and clarity (and "punch",..if desired) to the sound. i use it in the main inserts of my Mackie mixer and i works like a charm.

seems solidly built. knobs and switches are very robust. internal power supply as well.

never called 'em. never had a reason to. this company SPECIALIZES in this type of equipment. i'm sure they'd know their stuff.

OUTSTANDING VALUE!! use it as a "front end" to your recorder,..use it
between your recorder and "mixdown device",..use it to clean up old
cassette tapes. this unit is rock solid and operates in a "subtle" but
VERY EFFECTIVE fashion. highly recommended for ANY studio.

It is very easy to get a good sound out of this unit. Just turn the knobs until you get the desired sound. The manual is just average, but you probably won't need it.

I am using mine with a Fostex VF-16 digital multitrack. I have the VF-16 going directly into the BBE. It didn't take much to make my recordings sound excellent. The key with this unit is to use it sparingly. I think that the noise reduction is excellent, I have it on the lowest setting and it took the hiss right out without compromising the sound quality. The maximizer can really boost the bass and treble also.

I've only had it for about a week so I can't comment.

Haven't dealt with the company yet.

If you're on a low budget, and you want to make your recordings sound a whole lot better, this is the machine for you. Like I stated before, the noise reduction is outstanding. It might even be better than DBX.