BBE 462 Sonic Maximizer

Shortly after buying this product I made a post. I gave the BBE Sonic Maximizer 462 fairly good ratings and described how it brought my 4 track mixes out of their "demoish" sounding shell or hell (however you'd like to interpret that).
Well even though I still have not owned the product for more than a month and a half now, during this time I have really put it to the test and found out a few things and admittedly learned a few things about frequencies/recording. I thought by reposting my new results, it may help someone else out there make a more informed decision on whether it's a sonic maximizer they need or really something else (to fix their muddiness/clarity problem).
And so the story goes...First off I would like to pre-appologize for the shameless plugs for other products whithin this post. It's just a fact of my limited recording life that I ended up finding out that it was other problems within my system that needed fixing/tweaking instead of needing the sonic maximizer as a sort of "crutch" for these deficiencies.
With all that said, I would like to praise the 462 with the fact that it did like I said it did in my previous post. It made my dull recordings come to life. When doing the final mixdown to either cassette or minidisk, I used the 462 and what ended up on tape or md was something that really sounded better than what most 4 track porta-studios can produce (or at least better than what I have heard produced by people). I even tried it out on the guitar itself. I drove the 462 with the proper level via my RP-7 guitar preamp/effects. From the 462 I went straight into the 4-track. It really added some needed grit and punch to my guitar sound.
Right here is where I need to state that while I may have been playing guitar for a while now, using a direct in (only) from a guitar preamp and a drum machine are new concepts for me. Even recording in general is fairly new to me.
To make a long story shorter.....What I found out by analyzing my recording with (I think you call it a spectrum analyzer), I found that all the frequencies above 10k Hz were being truncated (cut off). This was due to the cheezy drum machine I was using that's built into my keyboard. Its signal is very dry (with absolutely no ambiance) and it simply truncates all frequencies about about 10k hz. That's where all the life to a recording is (snare, cymbols, etc.) I even was using too warm of a speaker cabinet simulator on the RP-7 so my high frequency content in my guitar sound was lacking too! By cranking the BBE process to about 5 or 6, it added a much welcome sparkly to my recordings.
My problem with the whole thing is that I was using the 462 to fix things that should have already been right and what I ended up doing was getting an Aleses drum machine (a drum machine with real sampled drums and ambient sound. It also let me have all this at frequencies into the 16k and above range too!!!) This is what was really the problem with my dead sound. I also used a brighter cabinet simulation setting on my Digitech RP-7.
Needless to say being the poor/starving musician, I sent the 462 back to musicans friend.
I feel one of these days, when I have the money, I would probably buy the 462 again to add a bit of definition and/or clarity to my final sound. I would never want to use it for any more than just a subtle enhancment. This is so because in my personal opinion if you crank the bbe process to 5 and beyond in order to let it REALLY enhance/(or fix) your sound like I was doing, YES it adds sparkle to the sound BUT at the expense of making it a little on the grainy side. This added edge makes the sound really "cut through" when you play it back on speakers but through high quality headphones, where the sound is reproduced perfectly, the sound was just too harsh.
The 462 is a good product(it blows the Aphex C3 exciter away, I had one of those too) and after reading some of the other guys posts and if you still decide on the 462 call up musicians frie

2 channels, 2 knobs per channel. 1 1/4 inch ins and outs for each channel, 1 rca type in and out for each channel, 1 bypass switch right on the front with a status light. Very easy to use overall. Whatever you are running thru it, set the lo contour and process for each channel according to what you like.

Think of it this way, whatever your "sound" is, this unit will make your "sound" sound better! It can really add fat, warm, punchy low end, while keeping everything crystal clear and focused. I have used it with my beloved rocktron chameleon into my marshall 9000 series tube power amp,50watts per channel, and it breahthes new life into my rig. I finally got my rocktron chameleon running exactly how i like it, but i was not satisfied with the low end on this unit, it just wasnt enough. I purchased the bbe 462 and run the rocktron into it in stereo. NOw, my chameleon sounds like an earthquake, while being very warm sounding, as well as precise. It seriously makes this rig sound like I am running 4x12 cabs, when I am only running a 2x12. This piece has maximized my compact, and now professional sounding rig. I like it set at 5-8 for the lo contour, and 4-5 for the process. Really adds thump and clarity without messing with the original characteristics of the tones. Also, because it has rca ins and outs for each channel, i ran it in between my cd player and stereo. It does amazing thing for an entire mix, you can hear much more separation between instruments which helps me learn new material.

its 3 days old at this point. Seems pretty good. My only concern is the hardwired power plug and the cheesy little bypass switch. All else seems good. It screwed into my rack right now so it is pretty safe. I expect it will last a long time. The other dud in my band played a 462 also, didnt rack mount it, carried it everywhere, and his always worked great. Ill give it 4 at this point becase it hasnt proven itself to me yet.

NO need as of yet. Very helpfull manaul which explains what this thing does, 800 number in the manual if i need it, web site with email, if i need em, ill find em. I give a 5 because The manual gave enough info to get me up and running, and answer a few basic questions.

I play hard rock, metal, and some eclectic material - this unit helps me tailor my sound to each style - ie - for metal, dial in more lo contour, increase process a little and I can cut thru the mix, for rock and classic rock, dial back the low contour and process and my sound gets a little less precise which is perfect for those styles. Most importantly, i gave this unit what i call the wife test - I a/b the bbe with my wife listening. I play the same lick thru the chameleon without the bbe, then with the bbe. I ask her which sound better. She says it sounds clearer with the bbe, and really sounds "neat with that thing turned on" . IF the wife likes it and doesnt want me to turn it down, its probably ok. I give it an 8 because there is no substitute for a good beginning tone, technique, and feel. If you have all that inline, check this unit out, it can add a polished, professional quality to your allready great sound. Also helps you cut in the mix without turning up louder - definately cool.

Its very easy, just two knobs per channel. One for more or less low end and the other for clarity.

I run my Fender Hardtail into an RP-7 and then into a 4 track portastudio. I bounce externally using a minidisk and when its time to do the final mixdown. I run everything through the sonic maximizer before going digital and onto a CD. It takes away the muddiness from the layered sound produced on the 4 track. I really havn't had it long but I am going to start trying it out on each individual external bounce and see what happens. I have heard that it can make even the individual instruments themselves sound better. I am not planning to try that since I am happy with my Strat/RP-7 marriage

Hasn't broke yet...Knock..Knock...Knock on wood!

Haven't needed any support. Nice Web site however..

Rock/Blues based stuff. Cover tunes and original. Been playing on and off since the early 1990's. Just recently started to record again and even though my recordings are good quality, they still end up sounding a little demo-ish (after all the bounces/final mixdown). The Sonic maximizer cleans it up and restores clarity back into the music so that once I mix everything down digitally to CD,. its kind of hard to tell the stuff was originally recorded with a 4 track portastudio.........

Incredibly simple. with two knobs for each channel and an effect activated/de-activated switch, how can you get lost? it has 1/4 inputs/outputs for both channels and also rca inputs/outputs so you can use it in whichever situation you are dealing with. Also the two channels are independant with their own controls, bassically 2 sonic maximizers in one.

I cannot describe the importance of this unit. It is just as important for your guitar rig as distortion/overdrive and reverb. it is just as important for your PA as the level controls on the mixing board. When you play with this thing in your guitar rig (in the fx loop or before the power amp), you sound professional even if you have been playing for only 1 year. works especially well with, uh, everything! the controls are for lo-contour and bbe process. the low contour doesn't really boost the gain of the lows, but gives it more definition and audibility. a must for metal bands, dj's, and bassically everything. the process control just makes everything sound better: more definition, no mud or mush. it doesn't boost the highs so if you play with your amp with low treble's, you can turn up the process and stil get a smooth sound, it is just that you can hear that smooth sound (or whatever sound you want) much much much better. Buy this if you know what is good for your sound!!!!!

the chassis is 16 gauge steel and the frontplate is thick aluminum. I would gig without a back-up.

i originally bought the 262 cause it cost less money. this did not work for my guitar amp. I called them up and the service guytold me that the 462 was designed for the application better and so i went to Sam Ash and the service dude was right.

BUY THIS!!! THIS IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN BUYING ANOTHER GUITAR! YOU WILL NOT REGRET IT AT ALL!!!! this is what can bring a jazz cat, a pop star, and a rivethead together. it makes everything sound perfect. and it even reduces a little noise...

Getting a good sound is as simple as turning it on. Adjust the lows and the "BBE process" to your liking and you're done.

I use this mainly with the PA for my band. We run it last right before the power amp. It sounds so good you will not believe it! It's like somebody pulled the pillows from out in front of the speakers. It'll make crappy speakers sound ok and good speakers sounds really good. It really is a magic box. I've also used it on my rack set-up. It does an excellent job there as well. I'm thinking about getting another one for my rack and also one for the home studio to use during mixdown to tape/dat etc.

Been using it for a year. The only problems have been operator error. (dumbass!)

Never needed to contact them.

The best 199 bucks you can spend for bass/guitar/pa/home stereo/studio whatever....it really is a the magic box that I've been trying to find for a long time.

It is very easy to use and there are a lot of ways of improving your sound from the two knobs. There is a lo and high contour knob and a lo and high process knob. The manual is very straight forward( Play around with the knobs until it suits your style).

I am using a PRS and a Gibson Les Paul Custom through the 462 to and then to a 100 watt Sovtek and a 100 watt Peavey head. It isn't noisy at all and you can really here the difference once you get the knobs set right. I like to play loud with lots of punch and this thing adds a lot of that.

I just bought it so I am not sure on the reliability but it seems pretty sturdy in my rack. I would definitely gig with it.

N\A

I like to play loud music with lots of punch and low end and the 462 added crisp lows that were not getting lost in the mud. If it were stolen I would get a new one in a heartbeat. I love the simplicity of the 462 because it only has two knobs. The only thing I will warn you of is that when the process is turned clockwise it tends to get ear piercing and trebly when the amps are turned up. I usually like to set the knobs at about 4 on the contour and 4 on the process. At this setting it doesn't change my sound but actually makes everything a lot clearer.

Two knobs that can be tweaked within seconds to really improve your overall sound, how much easier can you get?

im using thbis in myrack which also contains a Rocktron Intellifex and it sounds awesome through both of the heads I own, a Peavey 5150 and a Peavey Ultra plus. It really "tightens and brightens" your sound in a way that I promise you havent heard before, and will really dig. its not an EQ, I wish I knew what the F it was but im not concearned...I do wonder when I BYPASS IT HOW i PLAYED FOR SO LONG WITHOUT IT!

just bought it......

Its quite possibly the beat piece of gear Ive bought since my 5150 head back in 1992. it is something that once you play through, you wont ever use your rig without it. Some people call that a "crutch", but whatever! if something sounds good..use it and enjoy it. Thats what toys are for!

It's simple. There are only two knobs per channel and a bypass switch. Pretty much just set it and forget it.

Once you have used a Sonic Maximizer, you will wonder how you ever lived without it. I'm not kidding, it's that good. How does it work? I'm not exactly sure. BBE does attempt to explain what it does on their Web site (www.bbesound.com), but I'm not really sure I understand.
Here's what I do know: It's NOT an EQ. Though the Lo Contour may seem like a Bass control and Process may sound like Treble a little bit, they're not. Lo Contour emphasizes the bass in your sound source without actually adding more low frequencies to the signal, so you won't overload your speakers, and the Process control makes your highs clearer. I can't explain it any better that that, you have to hear it.
I should also mention that the 462 has unbalanced 1/4" ins and outs. If you want the absolute cleanest sound, go for the 862, which has balanced XLR in/out jacks. For my guitar rig, the 462 is just fine, but if I were using it in a digital studio, I'd probably save up the money for the 862.

It seems sturdy enough. The only problem I have with mine is that the flimsy little bypass switch sometimes doesn't work right away, like I didn't press it in far enough. I just give it another try, press a little harder, and it works. Honestly, I almost never bypass the thing anyway.
I'd gig without a backup, since as useful as it is, I could keep playing if it broke, I just wouldn't sound as good.
By the way, it's NOT powered by a wall wart, thank god. I hate those damn things. It's a standard two-prong plug.

Haven't needed to speak with anybody at BBE. Their Web site is fine, and explains how the Sonic Maximizers work better than I can.

For the money, this is absolutely the best investment you can make for your rig, whether you play guitar, bass, keyboards, or you want to use it in a P.A. system. Hell, I'd even put it in a home stereo system. For $200, it's a great investment, and cheaper than buying new speakers. In fact, the 462 even has RCA ins and outs, so you could quite easily do this.
It's indispensable to me, and I would replace it in a heartbeat if it were lost or stolen.

Two knobs, couldn't be any easier; just fidget until you get the sound you want

What n Amazing difference this unit makes, how I ever gigged without this thing is beyond me, I'll never do another gig without it. CLEAN!!! The sound i so much more crisper.

haven't had any trouble yet after 4 months

Like I said, won't ever gig or record without one ever again. The best value you can get for your rig, no matter what instrument.

It's pretty hard to get a "bad" sound out of it... unless you just don't like what you're playing...

I'm using it between my mixer and the amp... processing everything from a QY70, to an electric guitar and several keyboards... very quiet. But, what it adds! You don't need as much volume with this unit in line since it clears things up so well you can hear BETTER at a lower volume. My speakers have really poor bass response and this brings it out beautifully without forcing them into distortion. The other side of the coin is that if you go hog wild with the adjustments and manage to get an unruly signal through it you may cut a sonic path through the masonry and steel of your building and bring down the house... Well worth the risk! And the last sound you heard would be really clear. Watch out for really trebly sounds - you may cause pain until you get a handle on the new sound characteristics. Still, my system has never sounded this good. My advice - for what it is worth - is next time you hear somebody complaining that their stereo stinks, put them onto one of these... They WILL thank you and it's cheaper than a good set of speakers, much less a good stereo...

I don't play live, so this question isn't applicable... I baby my gear anyway... If it runs on electricity and it isn't a UPS, well... don't drop it or use it as an anvil... If it is a UPS and you drop it - get out of the way...

Unless you are into mushy sound, this unit is worth having... I don't know anybody who likes to listen to mush, but there are probably a few of them living somewhere... and I've met a lot of people who couldn't really tell the difference... But one of my good friends is pretty close to this level of hearing and even he was impressed the first time he heard it. I'd lay money he will be getting one, too. I listen to a lot of different stuff... classical, jazz, world, synth, rock... I really enjoy great work regardless of who did it... but some of the most outstanding music I've heard would have to be Kate Bush, Todd Rundgren, Sezen Aksu (Turkish -absolutely amazing vocalist!), Peter Gabriel, Joe Jackson, Loreena McKennitt, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan but the list goes on and on... Still, if you know any of these musicians' work, you will know they are into excellent sound... They all sound better through this machine - I'm sold. This is basically a set it and forget it unit. You may want to tweak it once in a while for really different input... The other reviewers pretty much covered this unit (how much can you say about running a unit with four knobs, a push button bypass and an on/off switch...), but there wasn't a link to the web site, so I thought I'd put it here: http://www.bbesound.com/index.html Bottom line - I'm real picky about sound quality (a few professionals have asked me to check their work for them over the years (very few...), so somebody thinks I have a good ear...) and this thing is a miracle box... The only thing standing between this item and serious sales is buyer awareness and the general level of sonic obliviousness in the listening audience in general... And the fact that most people find it hard to believe that anything in this price range can make their system - whatever it is (I even saw a review by a home theater buff who raved about it, too...) - sound this much better regardless of what they are playing. It is definitely not overpriced - mine was a floor demo lovingly used by the store's staff. The sales manager said, with an obvious sense of major grief soon to come, that the bass player was going to be really, well - "pissed" was the word he used... when he found out it was gone! I bet he is, too! If you are feeling selfish or just self-indulgent - buy one of these and keep these guys in business... I don't usually feel like I got a steal of a bargain, but this one definitely qualifies. The least I could do is post a review in thanks. Excellent product! And they are addictive... that's probably the biggest drawback... You won't be satisfied with anything else after you listen to this... I will definitely be getting another one of these down the line...

There's only two knobs so so the unit is very straight forward. The manual reflects this simplicity

At first I was using it with my ADA MP-1 to liven up the sound, the phrase "night and day difference" has been used and it's no lie. Now I used it as the last link in the chain before I send my main bands signal to the house.

Never ever had a problem with it,

I use it for damnedbient metal band, it's does wonders for the low end and overall clarity. If it was lost I would buy a new one IMMEDIATELY (actually, would have to) . I can't stand exciters just because they mess with tone and are really annoying. I've read the other reviews and the only other I'd like to add, I wish they would lower the price on the 862, they add like 200$ bucks to the price just for the XLR outs. It'cheaper just to get direct boxes. Not to mention if it was lower I think the 862 would become a must-have piece in a live PA rig, like crossover are now. Speaking of crossovers, the 462 also makes a great crossover in a pinch. Use one side for highs and the other for lows, you don't quite get the precise control you would get with a regular crossover, but like I said...in a pinch!!!

it is very easy to get it to work...has 2 knobs on the front with no leds...lo contour and hi contour. there is no editing or anything...it's as primitive as you get. turn the lo knob for more "bass" and the hi knob for more "high-end clarity." the manual is basic but good.

All i can say is "OH MY GOD!" This unit kicks! It's the best $200 i ever spent and would still buy it if it was $300! (BBE, please don't raise the price!) the unit isn't noisy at all. i'm using it with my stack. it isn't an effect. the only thing i can think of comparing it to is an EQ but it's not even that. it's like taking pillows off your speakers...it's night and day. i use it last in my FX chain of my rack gear. And i use it to mixdown in the studio. i even use it on my home stereo system to make it sound better. I don't care what CD you pop in...try it with the BBE and it's night and day! It sounds like you take pillows off the speakers when it's on. When i use it live, i go from a cool deep metal crunch to a Megadeth punchy as hell tone! In fact, this is what they use. It tightens up your sound.

you can totally depend on this unit. i have used it everywhere without a backup but i want to buy another one for the studio.

never dealt with BBE

i play classical and metal but this will work for anything. it's not an FX unit at all. it just clarifies your sound and makes the high end brighter and the bottom end deeper and and punchier (doesn't add more bass so there is no overdriving.) the guy who sold it to me said that if i don't like it, he'll take it back and give me an additional $50! Well, i couldn't pass it up. i thought about returning it for the $50 but didn't want to part with the unit. get one!

There are only 2 controls on the front; "lo contour" and "process" and a bunch of outputs and inputs on the back. The manual is small, but it covers what you need to know. All in all it is VERY Easy to operate.

I am using this with a Peavey 5150 amp and an Ibanez JS-1 guitar with Seymour Duncan Custom Trembuckers. I saw no noticable noise increase with this setup at all (although the 5150 has a noticable hum anyway...but it didn't amplify it at all). This is really not an effect as much as a sound clarifier, it adds sparkle and bass. You have to watch out or it can get harsh or bassy (depending on which knob you twist); but if you keep the controls at a decent level it improves the sound a great deal (especially in hi-gain amps). Megadeth use these (and the 862's) and you can tell how full and clear there sound is!!!

I have only had it a little while...but there is not much to break (plus it comes with a really good warranty)

I called the company to decide which model would best suit my rig. They were very helpful, although a little slow.

Overall this is one of the best $200 I have spent on my rig. It clears up my sound alot (the 5150 can get a little mushy). You have to watch out or it will get harsh or boomy; but if you use it right you will never want to give this miracle up. If it got stolen I would hunt down the thief and well...their mother wouldn't regonize them when I was done :)

Incredibly simple. Two knobs per channel (one for the BBE Process, and one for low-end compensation), and a bypass switch.

Sounds like going to an ear doctor and having him remove all the wax/crud buildup in your ears. The difference is truly like night and day.

This is MANDATORY equipment for anyone who uses distorted guitar tones. I would dare go so far as to say that it can salvage the worst pre-amps. I wish a slow and painful death to anyone who dares to break or steal it.

Simplistic. Two controls for each channel. One for adjusting the 50K frequency and one for controlling the BBE process.

The BBE 462 Sonic Maximizer isn't really an effect. It actually modifies the electronic signal. The best way to describe it is that it totally brightens and clarifies your sound. I was playing in a music store's guitar tech room and was wondering what the BBE was actually doing so I bypassed it and started playing. I couldn't play for 10 seconds without wanting it back. The only reason I can think of for having a bypass button is so that you can remind yourself and others how important that little 200 dollar miracle is. It also has two types of jacks on the back: 1/4 inch jacks and RCA jacks. As far as the wiring goes, I was told to hook the 462 up as the last thing before the power amp.

I've only had it for a month so I really can't say.

Haven't had to call yet.

I've never talked to anybody that wasn't impressed by this thing. Eventually, I think every audio system I own will have one of these suckers attached to it.