BBE 482i Sonic Maximizer

Couldnt be easier to use, two knobs for each channel, "Lo-Contour" and "Process" (really just bass and treble frequencies). Though its setup so a child could use it easily, dont let its simplicity fool you to think its ineffective, its just a great user interface.

This part, I cant say enough about, though i'm just reiterating how what many reviewers before me have said. The BBE 482i does exactly what it says it will... clean up your sound, make it more dynamic and full. The best analogy has been said by several reviewers before (which helped convince me to pick this unit up) - "Its like taking a blanket off your speakers". and its true.

I do alot of home recording, not pro, but i get some pretty great recordings/mixes. However, one thing that I've been struggling with (and my guitarist too) has been getting a great guitar sound. I was nearly convinced that you did have to go to a studio and hookup your 4x12 and crank it with the expensive mics and processors to get the guitars as thick and punchy as the guitars on the records. After fooling with the knobs for half an hour, we found that full, clear guitar sound we've been searching for. It's amazing.

This will be a definite fixture in our guitar setup from here on out, and would highly recommend this unit to anyone.

Is it perfect? Will it solve all your sound problems? no... but it will help nearly all sound setups, and for the price, you cant beat it. Would highly recommend this to anyone.

Very Simple-straight out of the box! Simply hook up to your amp, twiddle the knob on the front and away you go! If you should have any problems, the manual is written clearly and easy to follow.

Exceptional signal sound quality. The bypass switch allows A/B comparison and the good general description of its effect is rather like hitting the 'stereo wide' switch on a HiFi. Your tone will appear wide and expansive with added lower end 'chug' and crisp, but never harsh upper end. It adds no noise to the actual signal path, but I have to say that the transformer on my unit is quite loud-I assume this is because the voltage is being stepped up to UK levels. However I must add that this is not obstrusive to the actual guitar signal.

No problems so far. It's built like an armoured tank so I can't see it being damaged on the road.

Have had no need of customer support.

This unit is great for rock and metal players and beautifully compliments my TC Electronic multi FX unit and 5150 head and cab. If you're after that crisp, expansive tone you always here your favourite bands albums, then this is the piece of kit that will allow you to achieve it.

It doesen't get any easier than this; 1/4" in from pre-amp/effects (Boss GT-8) and 1/4" out to power amp (Mesa Boogie Simul-Class 2:90), dial in the 'lo contour' and 'process' settings to your likeing, and BAM!!!.....instant improvement.
Manual? We don't need no stinkin' manual.

Although I heard an instant improvement upon hooking this baby up I still spent a lot of time experimenting with the different settings of the 482i to see how it sounded with different adjustments to my power amp's presence and my pre-amp EQ. I found that if you are happy with your original settings before hooking up the 482i, adding this puppy will only enhance your sound quality.
In addition, it is an extremely quiet unit, you won't have to worry about hum, hiss or buzz.
I have read some reviews stating that you would be better off with an EQ or that just tweaking your amp settings is enough to get you the sound you need, I disagree; EQ and amp settings can not manipulate the properties of your sound that this piece of equipment can, yes you can get great sound without it, but if you want to improve an already great sounding rig the 482i is what you need. This thing basically cleared up any muddiness in my sound, it did not change the tone, add gain or compress, it just gave my distortion more definition, clearity and bite without sounding harsh or compromising warmth.

Warning: If you turn the 'Lo contour' past six, you will begin to get a very loud lo frequency feedback especially when your pre-amp is pushed. This may not happen on all rigs but it did on mine. Nevertheless this is still an awsome unit.

Haven't had any problems with it yet. It seems like a pretty sturdy unit, I wouldn't drop it or anything, just be sure and put it in a rack case, hard or soft and it will be safe and sound.

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I play funk and blues but mainly metal. I have many axes in my collection but the main reason I purchased this unit was to enhance the sound of my distorted metal tone through my main guitar which is an ESP VB 400 Baritone with an EMG 81 in the bridge and an 85 at the neck. I love hi gain lo end chunk but found some issues with feedback, slight muddiness and mush, everyone loved my sound but I still felt there was something missing, that it could be better. I would constantly experiment with different EQ settings without satisfaction until I purchased the piece of equipment that would change my sound forever. Aside from aleviating all of the above mentioned sonic symptoms of my rig it added definition and clearity, all other sound improvements are very subtle but satisfactory. My bass player and drummer noticed the difference immediately but the untrained ear may not notice the difference unless you punch the 'process in/out' button for them to hear the change in your sound, I guarantee the response will be, "Oh yeah, wow! That does sound better". To be honest with you I purchased a BBE 362NR many years ago for the same reason and returned it, all it did was add a processed hissing sound to my distortion so I was very weary about buying another BBE product. I read every review on the 482 and 482i and thought I would give BBE another try. I have found it to be an extremely essential part of my rig and wished I had purchased one sooner. The 482i is definately the real deal baby, it will definately polish up your sound.

Easy to use for sure. I use it in my FX loop running the Lo Contour set to 5 and the Process set to 4. It is on all the time and helps your clean and distorted tones so it is ideal to just leave on all the time.

I run a Les Paul Special SL flat-top guitar (Worn Cherry) with a matched set of BurstBucker Pro pickups installed. I run this into my Line6 FlextoneIII XL's preamp with the six different types of delays, and six types of modulations built in the amp. My signal then is routed out the amp's stereo FX loop 'Send' jacks, to enter my PreSonus BlueTube DP (Dual Path) for some tubeyness to be added. The signal then goes on to my DOD SR430-Qx stereo 15 band graphic EQ for some small tone shapeing. After the EQ stage it enteres the belobed BBE 482i Sonic Maximizer for some magic to be applied. Last I pipe my new improved sound back into the FlextoneIII's FX return jacks to hit the 150W Power amp stage.

I placed the BBE last in the FX loop chain, and directly before the Power amp stage on BBE's recomendation. I think they are correct for the best spot to install it.

What is does for me:
The FlextoneIII is a fun modeling amp. Some of the 32 built in Amp models tend to sound like a blanket is in the speaker, and or the bass gets too flabby. This may be due to the stock Line6 Custom speakers that may be lacking, and not bad amp modeling? Whatever the reason, the BBE helps remove the blanket effect and moves your sound out 3 feet in front of the amp. Between the BlueTube (with tube upgrade), and the BBE 482i, my FlexIII XL rig has improved in sound quality over a stocker for sure. I guess it made me like my entire rig better like so many others have stated.

It has been said before, and I'll say it again, once you turn it on, you won't want to turn it off! A box to make every string stand out is exactly what this unit does.

All solid state, no tubes, excellent sound, metal knobbs, heavey duty metal to mount to your rack.

Good job BBE!!

Never had to use them but baught the BBE at Guitar Center so I am covered.

If I didn't have this unit my entire rig hung in the balance. It really put a BBE bandaid right where my rig needed it most.

I would want another fast!! :)

Not much to it. Each side has two knobs. One is for low end frequency and the other for high end frequency.

I?m using an Ibanez JS 1000 with a Duncan ?59 into a Tubescreamer into a Triaxis into a VHT 2/50/2 into a cab with 25 watt Greenbacks. Not noisy. You can get anything from low end boom to high end sizzle. The BBE sounds O.K., but I don?t think it?s worth $179. I?m sure the BBE will make your system sound great if your system needs it. I took it back and got a $79 rackmount eq which I run in the effects loop. I now have 15 bands of frequencies to shape my sound. I?m much happier with the eq. I?m not giving the BBE a rating because there?s nothing really wrong with it. I just don?t think it?s worth the money. To each his own?

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Not worth the money. Get an eq.

Can't be easier to use...plug and play ! And with the compare switch, it takes only about a second to understand it worth every bucks spent on it ! The difference and improvement were imediatly earable...and unbelivable !

I bought this unit to improve the overall sound of my guitar rackmount setup. And to be honest, i didn't know what to expect : Now, i totally agree with the ?guru? who, in another review, suggested to buy a sonic maximiser before considering any other equipement or instrument change !!! The 482i definitly kick ass !

I own a PRS CE22 goldtop, an American Standard Telecaster and a California Fat Telecaster, that i use with a line 6 Pod XT through the 482i, through a mesa boogie 20/20 power amp and a behringer BG412S Stereo 4X12 cab.

Can't say...i own it since about a month. Had no trouble since, and as it will remain rackmount in a SKB roadcase, it will probably last for decades !

As i said, it is a recent buy. Didn't have to contact BBE yet.

I mainly play metal and progressive music...

No matter what style of music you play, the BBE sonic maximiser 482i is a must in ANY guitar rig. I spent the last 18 years trying every guizmos that could possibly make a difference in my guitar tone, and the BBE sonic maximiser is the one that fulfilled all my expectations ! A major breakthrough, a huge step forward in the search for the perfect tone !

If it were stolen or lost, well, i'd cry every tears out of my body and run to the nearest retailer, bend on my knees and beg for another one, even for twice de price (but that, we will not tell them at BBE...lol).

Very easy.. you can't really mess it up.. only two knobs.

I am current running a Schecter Stiletto Custom 4 through a Hartke VX2510, and now with the Sonic Maximizer my sound is amazing. The lows are rumbly and punchy, the highs are amazing, and everything in between is just beautiful.

It has never done me wrong, and I cant really see myself playing without it anymore.

Never had to deal with customer support thus far.

As any metal bassist would know, we strugle with our sound sometime, but ever since I purchased the Sonic Maximizer I haven't had any problems with achieving the sound I was aiming for. Not only does it help live, but it helps recording too. During recording I always find my two guitarists asking me to use it when they put down their tracks. Your can't really go wrong with this from recording to live shows, it helps in everyway.

This things delivers the goods right out the box with no added noise, hum or hiss. It is very easy to dial the desired tone and it just shapes the sound very good.
The manual describes very well its purpose and fuction.

The sound on this thing is great, it really shapes your sound without noise, hum hiss, and over eq. It just imporves my sound 100% my leads and rythm are stronger and sustain better, my clean, which took me a while to attain is cleaner, brighter and clearer. I am currently using the Maximizer right after my preamps and before my power amp, from the preamp I run directly into my pedal board, which contains a controller and four additional pedals. With this thing and my handy dandy effects I can dial about any sound from Vai to Petrucci, Sacth, Paul Gilbert, and the old vintage sounds that everyone seem to be so obssed about....
The Maximizer is a great addition to any rig, keyboard, bass, guitar, acoustic intruments, PAs you name it. This is the best addtion to any rig, a must have. Many pieces of gear become coveted and must have over the years and increase in price and value, this Sonic Maximizer, in my humble opinion will be one of those pieces.

Very reliable and of course the reliability will reflect, in part the treatment to any piece of gear. I pretty much try to build my rack, chords and connections to be bullet proof. I've had no problems and hope not to have any....

I have not dealt with the company yet and hope that if I ever do it will reflect the quality of their equipment.

I play all kinds of covers, jazz, blues, rock, metal, instrumental shredd, which is my main style. I have been playing for 24 years now and going strong. If this piece was stolen I would defenetly buy another and would seek the person who stoled it to cut their hands off......
I came across a great deal at the Guitar Center in Harrisburg, PA and the supervisor gave it to me new for $159.00, what a great guy!
There is no comparison to any other product around and it truly helps my sound to come across with clarity, punch and power. Remember, gear is always great but practice makes perfect, your fingers and your ability will get you through anything.

The 482i is very simple to use. The manual clearly explains how to hook it up. Once you have it hooked up it is VERY simple to get a good sound out of, just turn it on. There are only 2 knobs to deal with both of which have extremely noticable differences.

I run various guitars (Gibson Les Paul, Peavey Wolfgang, Strat, Flying V etc.) into various effects ann into a Mesa/Boogie Triple Rectifier head with a recto cab. I use the 482i in the effects loop of the amp, as the manual states to do. It really cleans up the sound and pretty much puts it in your face. I was considering selling my amp because i was not getting the sound i wanted out of it in the almost 3 years or so i've had it. After getting the Sonic Maximizer, i won't be doing that. Now i have the tone I have always wanted out of it. I was VERY skeptical about it at first. All reviews i have read on it would say how you never want to go back to playing without it. Well that is completely true. I would've paid 10 times as much as i did for it had i known how great it was gonna work!!

Seems pretty sturdy. I don't bang up my gear. This stays in a nice hardshell'd rack.

I have not dealt with them to know.

I play mostly hard rock, metal and some blues and classical. The 482i seems like a great addition to any genre of music. I've been playing for about 6.5 years now and have been searching for a great live tone, similar to what i get on my digital equipment but i wanted a more analog feel. I accomplish that with this setup. The only thing i wish was different on it is that i wish i could plug it direct in my line of effects rather than in the effects loop on my amp. But it's not that big of a deal for the quality of sound that I get out of it.

There are 2 knobs (p[er channel)and a power switch. Nothing to it. When you turn a knob, you hear a distinct difference. So is easy to adjust and hear the difference.
The backside has RCA and unbalanced 1/4" jacks that are clearly labeled.

This isnt a compressor, EQ, enhancer, exciter...it is something different. Check out the BBE site.


I use this for my bass setup.

Basses: Fenders, Warwicks, MTDs, NSD, Spector ....

Setup: 1 clean amp and one dirty amp.
Clean: Aguilar DB 680 pre to DB 728 power
Dirty: Ashdown EVO II pre to the power section of my Ampeg SVT 2 Pro

I put the BBE 428i in the FX loops with a full mix in the loop.
I have some other effects in front of the pre amps.

Like others have said once you turn it on you'll never want to turn it off. Explaining how it sounds seems to be very subjective, but I'll try my best.

Clean: The best way I can sum it is up is to say that it adds warmth and makes the frequency rang seem broader and more complete. Its kind of like when you go from a solid state amp to a tube amp, you get that bigger warmer sound. Well, plug this into a tube amp and it is one step further in that direction, however it does not color your tone, each bass you use maintains its signature sound.
It givves you a bigger broader sound without making the bass sounding mushy or too tight.

Dirty: My fx loop comes in after my drive/distiortion section. In doing it this way... I like the sound of my overdrive to be very consistant over the frequency spectrum. Putting the BBE post distortion allows me to beef up the bottom and maintain my even distortion...it just seems much better than putting another EQ after my distortion/overdrive. With an EQ you just add more bass. With the BBE it seems like you add fullness and debth not just more bass.

New...don't know.

I cant think of a review where I gave a 10 in this section for overall value, because most of my gear costs so much and I just cant rationalize a 10. Well this baby is under $200 and makes as much difference in your sound much as a great amp or set of speakers. The guy at the store says he also uses his on his stereo (it also has RCA jacks)...I'll give it a try.

If you are thinking of getting a BBE sonic maximizer or some fancey effects pedal, there is no comparison, get the BBE. I would even say get this before yopu buy a new bass, after you get the BBE you may not need the new bass.