He actually gave a really good dumbed down explanation of what it does. Ive owned one for 7 years. Basically its and eq that works in a different way. If you have and eq you dont have to get one but if you dont have an eq it will definately make your sound, sound much richer an you will never really need an eq afterwards. Basically instead of elliminating sound like and EQ it arranges the frequencies in a way so that they are more distinct and clear with out elliminating frequencies you may want
Additionally, on the bass end, some sonic maximizers will add harmonic bass tones as well. Overall, the unit can sound great in a small room, you have to be REALLY careful in a large room at high volume, or it will make your sound really harsh. For high volume, "less is more". You will need to adjust to each room to taste.
My understanding is that the maximiser delayed frequencies so that they all arrive at your ear from the speaker at the same time? Bass middle and treb from a speaker arrive at different times so the max rigs it so they don't. Less phase and less mud- clearer sound. I think that's it anyhow.....?
I usually try not to make negative comments, and this isn't intended to be negative. The technical explanation in this video is incorrect. Sonic maximizer units do not "organize the signal." These units do several things to correct poor (cheap) speaker designs, such as apply EQ (boost highs and lows, cut mids) add some high & low frequency harmonics, and some will slightly delay HF to fix driver alignment. They make bad speakers sound better, and good ones sound worse.
Hey folks, these units will always make your over all Color,Tone,Presence & Punch sound as good as most of you can ever expect because most every one i know (i know hundreds of engineers & professional stereo elites) and they all agree that having either of these "BBE Sonic Maximizer Units"(set correctly & in context ) will enhance all your Sparkling Highs & Lows with absolute brilliance and that;s why these "BBE Sonic Maximizers" are therefore "patented" because of the Value they bring to Music
Guitar player here, this is a great piece of equipment - the best way I can describe it ( when using it for my application ) is when it's engaged it makes the guitar speaker sound as if a blanket was removed covering the speaker cabinet. The fidelity is amazing. I have two of them and I HIGHLY recommend anyone doing sound, DJ, Guitar, Bass etc etc etc purchase one. I guarantee you will never look back and will consider it a staple in your rig as I do.
The effect is that you will "hear" high tones separated form the lows in a way that gets closer to the way the sound would travel when playing live. So in a way.. it does "sort" our the signal. Hope this helps.
The BBE is not a fancy EQ. I have used BBE rack stuff for more than 20 years in my recording studio and my live rack. Sound waves travel at different speeds depending on their frequencies. High frequencies will travel faster and reach you ears faster than low frequency sound waves. The BBE time aligns the output signals so the high end is slightly delayed and reaches the listeners ear at the same time the low end waves do. This causes a much cleaner and smoother sound. They are great.
Studios will use different equipment then what the average dj may have. A sonic maximizer is more used in the playback of sound then in the recording of it. Guitarists may use it for their amps but that is also for the playback output of the sound.
The Bizzare thing about these little units is that they are not putting any more power in your speakers (unless you boost the low contour or overprocess). It's just a much cleaner sound.
hey bro, i have a bbe sonicmaximixer also.. my connection on the mixers is i put it on the aux just like the reverb effects.. is it posible? pls tell me the details thanks...
I am mobile dj and my loud speakers are powered (I use two EV zlx15 and I have one EV elx 118 subwoofer) so I don’t have to use amplifier. My speakers sound great and clear already. Would that maximizer still add more punch and make the sound clear and bright even more?
What if you rack up the sonic maximizer upside down, and then plug in your rca cables backwards? Would I have to mount my speakers upside down and point them away from the dance floor?
That's a wrong connection. Why would you connect that maximizer on the Amp instead of crossover? I think the sequence of connections are: MIXER > EQUALIZER > CROSSOVER > SONIC MAXIMIZER > AMPLIFIER. If you connect it last, the audio input from Mixer passing thru Crossover to Amplifier is already amplified, where you gonna hook up the input/output of the Maximizer?
Good job brian But , and only a little but, you need to watch the speakers because some dj's may turn the amp/mixer up full and these things may (because the sound is better)blow the drivers if the unit is not treated with respect. thanks for posting.
It's not possible to organize frequencies within the same cable. You'd need a crossover with independent cables. All the sonic maximizer does is adjusts the phases of the harmonics to try to match the fundamental frequency.
WHAT IT DOES! The BBE Sonic Maximizer splits the lows/mids/highs by miliseconds fattening and boosting the signal.It's an EQ. I use to run the 462 (stereo.2 chanell) between an ADA/MP1 & a Peavey Classic 60/60 tube power amp and it was awesome.
Briansredd-My 462 manual stated that what this unit does,regardless of the signal be it stereo signal or as in my case a guitar signal is that,it splits the lo's/mid's/high's by miliseconds unnoticeable to the human ears and fattens up the sound.It's an EQ.I wish I never sold mine.The 462 is like yours but stereo.
I am listening through KRK K-Rok II studio monitors and I reckon that song sounds better without it engaged. The high frequencies (cymbals) sound harsh and thin and a lot of the subtance from the mid frequencies are gone as a result of boosting frequencies either side. it also acts as a volume control so you think it sounds better as it becomes louder and more compressed.
i just got this one at guitar center for $60 im kinda bummed that it only has 1/4" jacks though since all my other equipment is xlr, but should i put this before or after my EQ?
i found a used one for $35. using your suggested settings, it improved my sound dramatically. i dont care how it works as long as it works! thanks Brian!
As shown in the video, the Sonic Maximiser is designed for post-processing after MIXERS. They definitely work well for that. it's not meant for guitars. Guitarists used them because they heard a harsh top end and automatic mid-scoop which they perceived as crunch. A proper EQ is more efficient and appropriate to control and improve guitar tone.
well, i'm just generalizing here. every maximizer is different and every brand has their own little tricks. the thing is that those things are used to make it sound "better", so boosting the highs and lows is a good idea to compensate what general hifi and pa speakers lack and compression to increase the loudness without increasing the volume and taking away peaks that may distort the speakers. they sometimes can add clarity as compression boosts lower signals that might get lost.
@ohTon I don't care what books say. A good engineer, artist and music lover listen with their ears. They don't read what sounds good. The maximizer does work. Thanks Brian for your help!!
i have 3 outputs on my mixer two for my tops and 1 for my sub as my mixer has a built in active crossover how would i go about setting a sonic maximiser up. i have to amps one for my tops and one for my sub. would i just not use the maximiser for my sub and just connect it up for my tops? i am interested in purchasing one of these you see!
Question: I have two 15" powered speakers and 1 powered 18" sub. I'm about to get a BBE sonic maximizer and a Behringer ultragraph dual 15-band EQ. My question in how to hook them up to what first? Mixer to EQ to BBE to Speakers or Mixer to BBE to EQ to Speakers? David
So not an EQ, or compression, and there is no way you can do what this does with a graphic or parametric EQ. This unit has been unduly bad mouthed by those who just do not like it before the testing begins. When extensively spectrum analyzed. Just as it states there is bell curve EQ centered at 5khz and 50hz. Which is adjustable from zip to an overt 15db. It so happens these points are ideal for a lot of applications. Wondrous for guitar rigs. I use one on my synth rig and my guitar rig, The unit phase corrects and inverts right when on there is no adjust so the phase correction is taking place regardless how much you increase the levels. It follows the db increase. Ideally the unit should be placed as close to the power amp source as possible last in chain, setting right around 12:00, this is not an effect so one does not crank it to the extremes. It is best used at a subtle level and it works, for $100 cheaper than an EQ and easier and more enhancing. I consider them the best thing in the world for breathing new live into a guitar rig. No EQ does phase inversion correction and does what the BBE does. I pulled a dual 15 band EQ from my rig as it was just so frustrating trying to set it on an ideal system point mainly trying to flat response the guitar cabs. Helps but when using the BBE, just a dramatic improvement in low and high end punch and clarity. I have 2 382i dual single control units brand new for $100 ea, best $100 I have ever spent on my rig. These are not true bypass nor claim to be so, the signal A/B button in or out is dramatic but "out": is not your true bypass signal. There is a slight drop in db which does not matter as chances are you are driving it too hard anyway. The reviewer was so down on the unit from the start it was not objective and he railed on the bypass issue while most of us tend to use the unit "on" so it was a moot issue for me.
Thanks for reading. I now have three BBE's in my rack rig 2 TS units and one TRS/XLR unit. Each of my three stereo feeds uses one into three different speaker scenes. I run a fullrange modeling rig, a guitar cab rig and have one on my TRIO line. Makes a hell of a difference. Anyone who thinks they are not enhancing to your tone is just not using it right. It is not an effect to crank up it is a phase inversion slight EQ bump which corrects the time lag to the ear of frequencies leaving the speakers and this is true of full range and guitar speaker cabs. I dig what they do and I am hard sell and old school player.
+Paul A awesome. I'm gonna have to try one soon. It sounds similar to one of the old Waves plugins that very often gets overlooked. I can't for the life of me remember what it's called. But it adjusts the time frequencies arrive at your ear therefore EQ'ing the sound when standard EQ just doesn't work.
+Graham Prior Exactly, the whole phase inversion is the deal. I do not use any plug in stuff or DAW rig right now. Just have my live/studio rigs. I swear by the BBE, I have used them for well over 10 years. Everyone who has ever heard my rig with that in and out goes out and gets one the next day. Used correctly it is the best $100+ you will ever spend on improving your sound. Some cats can use anything wrong or screw up recordings and blame it on the gear. Keep the levels no more than 12:00, and get it as close to the final stage power amp as possible. Do not process anything after it. The phase inversion takes place regardless off the process levels. I've been a guitarist for some time and this is one piece of gear I will not do without in my rigs. Can also improve the PA quality of the main sound significantly. A little sound engineering savvy goes a long way, use a hammer backwards it may still drive a nail but not very well.
+Paul A I just got one BBE 882. I record my electronic/techno tracks live. My current setup is: Many synths + groove boxes > Mixer > Compressor > Graphical EQ (Just for 20Hz all the way down) > DI box > DI box link > Monitors, DI box line out to audio interface. I was hoping to put BBE between the Graphical EQ and the DI box. Is it a good choice? I acquired the BBE unit few hours ago for 35€. Where would you place the BBE? Thanks in advance.
Now you only need to provide food for the little elves inside the sonic maximizer that arrange the little triangles, squares and circles. They'll strike if they don't get fed properly and then your signal gets stuck.
Great video. I'm thinking about purchasing the BBE 882i. Will this work well with turntables? I am a hiphop DJ and would like a more crisper sound using Mackie 15 Thumps. Would scratching sound well also?
Here's a few things to look at first. 1, make sure that you are properly EQ'd. (No smiley face EQ.) 2, Make sure that the ranges to the speakers (high, mids, lows, subs), are properly balanced. One of the problems I see in "electric" bands is that they tend to one be way to loud for the venue, especially if it's indoors, and they tend to push the bass too much. Both of those will give you a real muddy sound. What I heard here, sounds like crap. There was a short segment where it did start to sound better, but for the most part, it sounded like the typical "smiley face" EQ. Getting a quite a bit on the high and low end, and not much in the middle. Try to remember that louder isn't better.
The length of electrical paths can be different for different frequencies as signals pass through effects pedals, EQs, preamps, speaker crossovers, etc. Harmonics can be phase shifted relative to fundamentals and other frequencies. It's very complex how this interacts all up and down the frequency spectrum to produce the final sound. The BBE gives you the ability to change these phase relationships, so that reinforcement and cancellation doesn't cause unpleasant results, like muddy sound.
Pretty good equipment. I've actually heard nothing but good reviews for this, with a 5 star rating on musician's friend. Thanks for posting the comparisons, as I'm sure this is what many of us were looking for! Can't wait to buy one.
I needed to HEAR what the BBE WOULD DO, and you helped me, thanks! Would the sound of my Access Virus B improve going to my PreSonus Audiobox and then to my DAW using any of these BBE Components? David
+David German NO sonic maximizers are a gimmic the two knobs are a bass/treble boost which you have little control over which frequencies are getting boosted
Part 3, LOL... Preference is to try to get your EQ to the best shape you can, then try adjusting from 0 up on the BBE, to find where it sounds good without being harsh. The adjustment can change from room to room.
he doesn't explain it right, the highs mids and lows aren't sort out by the bbe (how can you sort that out through just one cable?), it just processes the highs faster so it will hit your eardrum earlier than the lows and mids, that's what gives it its clarity.
I just got the BBE 882i. I through the equalizer out of my rack, it didn't seem to be needed anymore. You still using this? I see the video is kind of old now. Where would you put it if you're using subs? I don't have any yet, but if I do........
Ur right, it's just a simplified EQ machine. Basically, it picks up the bottom and hi end curves, giving it that more open and clear sound, as opposed to a flat line or treble sound. They work well for mono (guitars, bass, etc.) but not so well as a mastering tool. They also are a nice add on for DJs playing MP3s as a separate EQ or for a cheap home speaker system. For DJs, good sources and good amplifiers take care of that though.
the reason it sounds better bypassed is this is a mix that is done and mastered. It might already have the BBE on it . when you turn it on it sounds like theres too much high end shrill. put it on a mix that hasnt' been mastered yet, or an insturment.
I'm thinking of getting the BBE Max-X2 2-Way Stereo Crossover, but does it go before the 15-band eq I have or After the eq. I know it goes after the mixer obviously but does it go before my eq. Don't worry bout all the haters out there, keep up the good work Brian.
hey awesome vid. Im thinking about getting this. Does this take the place of an EQ or is it just another extra? Also does it hook up before or after the mixer?
I used to sell these well the one in video. To mobile deejays and club owners. You wouldn't regret getting this BBE unit. Trust. They have one for the car.
So judging by your diagram, if the Sonic maximizer sorts out the highs, lows and mids and sends them to the correct speaker, then this pedal will have little or no effect on an amp with only one speaker? Or say, a 4x10 with four of the same speakers?
Brian....the video is incorrect in explaining what it does. I have used BBE's maximizer in systems since it was first introduced. What it does is simple as can be heard from your video with it on. It is actually a frequency delay in the order of milliseconds to the individual hi-mid-low of the speaker. For example depending on which unit u have, I have always used the 3 way version, not the one u have there. It allows for tremendous frequency separation through frequency delay prosessing.
Actually Joel, you're the one who's wrong. An audio filter, whether it's a low-pass, a band-pass, or high-pass, all will introduce what is known as frequency-dependent phase delay. Phase delay is actually a time-based shift of the signal in the frequency domain. For more information on this topic, find a good book on audio filters. This phenomenon also occurs in large live sound concert venues, where a PA's actual coverage will actually shift as a function of air temp and humidity. Cheers!
If you, yourself honestly believe this is how ANYTHING works, then lick the connector to your subwoofer the next time you set up because little random octagon skittles will come out and make you feel excited, that's called electricity and it'll be made more organized by your god damn sonic maximizer. WHAT THE FUCK!
It does work had 1 along time ago... everything Brian said it's true. Will make yur speakers sound like they are on steroids ..but be careful not to blow them...must bring volume of amp or mixer down a bit.... thanks Brian awesome video as always, top notch bro! 👍
+djwhitecloud1 NO! anyone will any understanding of audio components that has reviewed this thing has stated its a highly expensive eq thats basically all it does
I own a Aphex Aural Exciter Type C and a Behringer Ultrafex Pro EX 3200 (my cousin gave it to me) also an Behringer Edison EX-1 (was dirt cheap). Do I really need this "sonic maximizer", too?! My point:: I'm lookin all over the internet and EVERYBODY says how cool this maximizer is, compared to NOTHING in the signal path. But NOONE compared it to other enhancers and exciters...
Pianodownloads I can't find anything on envelope distortion. I have this Behringer ultramizer and it's amazing. I simply can't believe everyone doesn't have something like this. It's more than turning up treble or bass. More like turning up clarity and smooth punchy response
Thanks for the demo. Your explaination is way the hell off (the BBE delays 2 of the 3 bands slightly so the speaker can react to each one at a time), but the on/off demo was very effective. Could you DI one sometime?
For DJ's playing back pre-recorded music, it sounds better than most EQ"s and is much easier to use. The BBE does in fact, ad a ton of bass! But most of all they clean-up the sound by time-alligning the frequencies so that they hit your ears at the same time. Normally, high frequencies hit you must faster! In fact, some boom boxes and even TV sets and car steros have built in BBE technology. Another company, Aphex, boasts a similar product "The Big Bottom" which provides even greater bass.
I really like your videos Brian, and I agree with the far majority of them. However, you are wrong about what this thing does. It doesn't do any sorting of frequencies, and it does nothing to help the crossover. The signal sent is a analog signal, and everything is one one wave. What a sonic maximizer does in a nutshell, is it adds harmonics to the high, that would be present in a live situation, and does a bit of timing adjustment on the bass.
![BBE 382isw Sonic Maximizer Audio Signal Processor Unboxing & Review [ESY0112]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/ZB7Rnk8AaTo/mqdefault.jpg)
@Chan163 You are wrong. The maximizer does work. It totally cleaned up my system as well. His explanation is right on the money.
He actually gave a really good dumbed down explanation of what it does. Ive owned one for 7 years. Basically its and eq that works in a different way. If you have and eq you dont have to get one but if you dont have an eq it will definately make your sound, sound much richer an you will never really need an eq afterwards. Basically instead of elliminating sound like and EQ it arranges the frequencies in a way so that they are more distinct and clear with out elliminating frequencies you may want
Additionally, on the bass end, some sonic maximizers will add harmonic bass tones as well. Overall, the unit can sound great in a small room, you have to be REALLY careful in a large room at high volume, or it will make your sound really harsh. For high volume, "less is more". You will need to adjust to each room to taste.
My understanding is that the maximiser delayed frequencies so that they all arrive at your ear from the speaker at the same time? Bass middle and treb from a speaker arrive at different times so the max rigs it so they don't. Less phase and less mud- clearer sound. I think that's it anyhow.....?
I usually try not to make negative comments, and this isn't intended to be negative. The technical explanation in this video is incorrect. Sonic maximizer units do not "organize the signal." These units do several things to correct poor (cheap) speaker designs, such as apply EQ (boost highs and lows, cut mids) add some high & low frequency harmonics, and some will slightly delay HF to fix driver alignment. They make bad speakers sound better, and good ones sound worse.
Hey folks, these units will always make your over all Color,Tone,Presence & Punch sound as good as most of you can ever expect because most every one i know (i know hundreds of engineers & professional stereo elites) and they all agree that having either of these "BBE Sonic Maximizer Units"(set correctly & in context ) will enhance all your Sparkling Highs & Lows with absolute brilliance and that;s why these "BBE Sonic Maximizers" are therefore "patented" because of the Value they bring to Music
Guitar player here, this is a great piece of equipment - the best way I can describe it ( when using it for my application ) is when it's engaged it makes the guitar speaker sound as if a blanket was removed covering the speaker cabinet. The fidelity is amazing. I have two of them and I HIGHLY recommend anyone doing sound, DJ, Guitar, Bass etc etc etc purchase one. I guarantee you will never look back and will consider it a staple in your rig as I do.
I have this feature on my BBE MaxCom compressor. Not sure if it's worth using these days
It's not "sorting" anything. It's basically an EQ that only ridiculously boosts the bass and high noises driving any sort of audience or fans away.
This is comedy gold! I'm looking forward to the next video on the benefits of triangular mid drivers...
The snakiest of oils
my speakers dont have enough triangles
The effect is that you will "hear" high tones separated form the lows in a way that gets closer to the way the sound would travel when playing live. So in a way.. it does "sort" our the signal. Hope this helps.
The BBE is not a fancy EQ. I have used BBE rack stuff for more than 20 years in my recording studio and my live rack. Sound waves travel at different speeds depending on their frequencies. High frequencies will travel faster and reach you ears faster than low frequency sound waves. The BBE time aligns the output signals so the high end is slightly delayed and reaches the listeners ear at the same time the low end waves do. This causes a much cleaner and smoother sound. They are great.
Studios will use different equipment then what the average dj may have. A sonic maximizer is more used in the playback of sound then in the recording of it. Guitarists may use it for their amps but that is also for the playback output of the sound.
The Bizzare thing about these little units is that they are not putting any more power in your speakers (unless you boost the low contour or overprocess). It's just a much cleaner sound.
2:04 dude what are you smoking. physically impossible for this unit to do what youre saying this does.
hey bro, i have a bbe sonicmaximixer also.. my connection on the mixers is i put it on the aux just like the reverb effects.. is it posible? pls tell me the details thanks...
I am mobile dj and my loud speakers are powered (I use two EV zlx15 and I have one EV elx 118 subwoofer) so I don’t have to use amplifier. My speakers sound great and clear already. Would that maximizer still add more punch and make the sound clear and bright even more?
What if you rack up the sonic maximizer upside down, and then plug in your rca cables backwards?
Would I have to mount my speakers upside down and point them away from the dance floor?
That's a wrong connection. Why would you connect that maximizer on the Amp instead of crossover? I think the sequence of connections are:
MIXER > EQUALIZER > CROSSOVER > SONIC MAXIMIZER > AMPLIFIER.
If you connect it last, the audio input from Mixer passing thru Crossover to Amplifier is already amplified, where you gonna hook up the input/output of the Maximizer?
Good job brian But , and only a little but, you need to watch the speakers because some dj's may turn the amp/mixer up full and these things may (because the sound is better)blow the drivers if the unit is not treated with respect.
thanks for posting.
It sure does! These things do wonders for guitars with the Stomp :)
hi brian, how can i connect my sonic maximizer on my powered mixer..? the speaker is connected directly to my powered mixer.?thanks a lot...
It's not possible to organize frequencies within the same cable. You'd need a crossover with independent cables. All the sonic maximizer does is adjusts the phases of the harmonics to try to match the fundamental frequency.
will this make my powered speakers any better
i have jbl eons and they sound pretty good right now
will this make em any better?
WHAT IT DOES!
The BBE Sonic Maximizer splits the lows/mids/highs by miliseconds fattening and boosting the signal.It's an EQ.
I use to run the 462 (stereo.2 chanell) between an ADA/MP1 & a Peavey Classic 60/60 tube power amp and it was awesome.
Briansredd-My 462 manual stated that what this unit does,regardless of the signal be it stereo signal or as in my case a guitar signal is that,it splits the lo's/mid's/high's by miliseconds unnoticeable to the human ears and fattens up the sound.It's an EQ.I wish I never sold mine.The 462 is like yours but stereo.
You will be very happy with it. I would recomend you set the knobs at 1:00 as a default and watch your volume. You may not need as much anymore.
I am listening through KRK K-Rok II studio monitors and I reckon that song sounds better without it engaged. The high frequencies (cymbals) sound harsh and thin and a lot of the subtance from the mid frequencies are gone as a result of boosting frequencies either side.
it also acts as a volume control so you think it sounds better as it becomes louder and more compressed.
i just got this one at guitar center for $60 im kinda bummed that it only has 1/4" jacks though since all my other equipment is xlr, but should i put this before or after my EQ?
hey brian how do you connect tha maximizer to the mixer and amp? what wires to use? pleeeeease help!! j.d.
i found a used one for $35. using your suggested settings, it improved my sound dramatically. i dont care how it works as long as it works! thanks Brian!
Yup, same effect no matter what you hook it up to speaker/amp wise.
Yeah there's no reason it shouldn't. This adjusts the signal before it hits an amp be it external or internal in your speakers.
As shown in the video, the Sonic Maximiser is designed for post-processing after MIXERS. They definitely work well for that.
it's not meant for guitars. Guitarists used them because they heard a harsh top end and automatic mid-scoop which they perceived as crunch. A proper EQ is more efficient and appropriate to control and improve guitar tone.
well, i'm just generalizing here. every maximizer is different and every brand has their own little tricks.
the thing is that those things are used to make it sound "better", so boosting the highs and lows is a good idea to compensate what general hifi and pa speakers lack and compression to increase the loudness without increasing the volume and taking away peaks that may distort the speakers. they sometimes can add clarity as compression boosts lower signals that might get lost.
2023, do you still recommend one?
@ohTon I don't care what books say. A good engineer, artist and music lover listen with their ears. They don't read what sounds good. The maximizer does work. Thanks Brian for your help!!
I'll check if it is available here in Dubai. I don't have any sound reinforcement yet, this is a good tip for me. Tnx.
it delays the high frequicies so they arrive at the same time as the lows. they work wonders on guitar amps.
i have 3 outputs on my mixer two for my tops and 1 for my sub as my mixer has a built in active crossover how would i go about setting a sonic maximiser up. i have to amps one for my tops and one for my sub. would i just not use the maximiser for my sub and just connect it up for my tops?
i am interested in purchasing one of these you see!
..i actually meant that "BBE Corp." has the Specialized Electronic Circuit "Patented"!!!
I don't understand how it works... I know for a fact that a cable isnt a hose with triangles and circles and squares... Is it just an equaliser?
so what does it do technichally? does it make it louder in a way or a cleaner sound?
Question: I have two 15" powered speakers and 1 powered 18" sub. I'm about to get a BBE sonic maximizer and a Behringer ultragraph dual 15-band EQ. My question in how to hook them up to what first? Mixer to EQ to BBE to Speakers or Mixer to BBE to EQ to Speakers?
David
So not an EQ, or compression, and there is no way you can do what this does with a graphic or parametric EQ. This unit has been unduly bad mouthed by those who just do not like it before the testing begins. When extensively spectrum analyzed. Just as it states there is bell curve EQ centered at 5khz and 50hz. Which is adjustable from zip to an overt 15db. It so happens these points are ideal for a lot of applications. Wondrous for guitar rigs. I use one on my synth rig and my guitar rig, The unit phase corrects and inverts right when on there is no adjust so the phase correction is taking place regardless how much you increase the levels. It follows the db increase. Ideally the unit should be placed as close to the power amp source as possible last in chain, setting right around 12:00, this is not an effect so one does not crank it to the extremes. It is best used at a subtle level and it works, for $100 cheaper than an EQ and easier and more enhancing. I consider them the best thing in the world for breathing new live into a guitar rig.
No EQ does phase inversion correction and does what the BBE does. I pulled a dual 15 band EQ from my rig as it was just so frustrating trying to set it on an ideal system point mainly trying to flat response the guitar cabs. Helps but when using the BBE, just a dramatic improvement in low and high end punch and clarity. I have 2 382i dual single control units brand new for $100 ea, best $100 I have ever spent on my rig. These are not true bypass nor claim to be so, the signal A/B button in or out is dramatic but "out": is not your true bypass signal. There is a slight drop in db which does not matter as chances are you are driving it too hard anyway. The reviewer was so down on the unit from the start it was not objective and he railed on the bypass issue while most of us tend to use the unit "on" so it was a moot issue for me.
Thanks for that wonderful explanation. Hopefully you've educated a few peeps.
Thanks for reading. I now have three BBE's in my rack rig 2 TS units and one TRS/XLR unit.
Each of my three stereo feeds uses one into three different speaker scenes. I run a fullrange modeling rig, a guitar cab rig and have one on my TRIO line. Makes a hell of a difference.
Anyone who thinks they are not enhancing to your tone is just not using it right. It is not an effect to crank up it is a phase inversion slight EQ bump which corrects the time lag to the ear of frequencies leaving the speakers and this is true of full range and guitar speaker cabs. I dig what they do and I am hard sell and old school player.
+Paul A awesome. I'm gonna have to try one soon. It sounds similar to one of the old Waves plugins that very often gets overlooked. I can't for the life of me remember what it's called. But it adjusts the time frequencies arrive at your ear therefore EQ'ing the sound when standard EQ just doesn't work.
+Graham Prior
Exactly, the whole phase inversion is the deal. I do not use any plug in stuff or DAW rig right now. Just have my live/studio rigs. I swear by the BBE, I have used them for well over 10 years. Everyone who has ever heard my rig with that in and out goes out and gets one the next day. Used correctly it is the best $100+ you will ever spend on improving your sound. Some cats can use anything wrong or screw up recordings and blame it on the gear. Keep the levels no more than 12:00, and get it as close to the final stage power amp as possible. Do not process anything after it. The phase inversion takes place regardless off the process levels. I've been a guitarist for some time and this is one piece of gear I will not do without in my rigs. Can also improve the PA quality of the main sound significantly. A little sound engineering savvy goes a long way, use a hammer backwards it may still drive a nail but not very well.
+Paul A I just got one BBE 882. I record my electronic/techno tracks live. My current setup is: Many synths + groove boxes > Mixer > Compressor > Graphical EQ (Just for 20Hz all the way down) > DI box > DI box link > Monitors, DI box line out to audio interface. I was hoping to put BBE between the Graphical EQ and the DI box. Is it a good choice? I acquired the BBE unit few hours ago for 35€. Where would you place the BBE? Thanks in advance.
Now you only need to provide food for the little elves inside the sonic maximizer that arrange the little triangles, squares and circles. They'll strike if they don't get fed properly and then your signal gets stuck.
Great video. I'm thinking about purchasing the BBE 882i. Will this work well with turntables? I am a hiphop DJ and would like a more crisper sound using Mackie 15 Thumps. Would scratching sound well also?
Here's a few things to look at first. 1, make sure that you are properly EQ'd. (No smiley face EQ.) 2, Make sure that the ranges to the speakers (high, mids, lows, subs), are properly balanced. One of the problems I see in "electric" bands is that they tend to one be way to loud for the venue, especially if it's indoors, and they tend to push the bass too much. Both of those will give you a real muddy sound. What I heard here, sounds like crap. There was a short segment where it did start to sound better, but for the most part, it sounded like the typical "smiley face" EQ. Getting a quite a bit on the high and low end, and not much in the middle. Try to remember that louder isn't better.
@techmaster242 Have you tried running your speakers upside down?
The length of electrical paths can be different for different frequencies as signals pass through effects pedals, EQs, preamps, speaker crossovers, etc. Harmonics can be phase shifted relative to fundamentals and other frequencies. It's very complex how this interacts all up and down the frequency spectrum to produce the final sound. The BBE gives you the ability to change these phase relationships, so that reinforcement and cancellation doesn't cause unpleasant results, like muddy sound.
You can always check Ebay. They usually have them there reasonable.
Brian, would this work the same with pre-amped speakers or do the pre-amped speakers defeat the purpose? Thanks!
Hey Brian, With todays powered speakers with dsp. Would you still reccommend a BBE sonic maximiser? Thanks
I used one of these once, and it rearranged the sounds so much, that the song came out of the speakers backwards.
Pretty good equipment. I've actually heard nothing but good reviews for this, with a 5 star rating on musician's friend. Thanks for posting the comparisons, as I'm sure this is what many of us were looking for! Can't wait to buy one.
How do these units go in a bass rig?
I'm tempted to ask.....what's the difference with using the BBE vs just adding HI's on the EQ?
I needed to HEAR what the BBE WOULD DO, and you helped me, thanks!
Would the sound of my Access Virus B improve going to my PreSonus Audiobox and then to my DAW using any of these BBE Components?
David
+David German NO sonic maximizers are a gimmic the two knobs are a bass/treble boost which you have little control over which frequencies are getting boosted
Wish you had shown how to hook it up
Part 3, LOL... Preference is to try to get your EQ to the best shape you can, then try adjusting from 0 up on the BBE, to find where it sounds good without being harsh. The adjustment can change from room to room.
"Random...." ? Whats random about the mix of frequencies generated?
sounds like a volume enhancer to me hahah.. no ive heard what these things can do.. i cant wait to get one
Do you recommend it in 2020
looooooooooooooooool. can i buy copies of those diagrams? i'd like to frame them.
he doesn't explain it right, the highs mids and lows aren't sort out by the bbe (how can you sort that out through just one cable?), it just processes the highs faster so it will hit your eardrum earlier than the lows and mids, that's what gives it its clarity.
I just got the BBE 882i. I through the equalizer out of my rack, it didn't seem to be needed anymore.
You still using this? I see the video is kind of old now.
Where would you put it if you're using subs? I don't have any yet, but if I do........
hey brianredd do i need maximiser for each amp i have ??
would you recommend the BBE 822?
Ur right, it's just a simplified EQ machine. Basically, it picks up the bottom and hi end curves, giving it that more open and clear sound, as opposed to a flat line or treble sound. They work well for mono (guitars, bass, etc.) but not so well as a mastering tool. They also are a nice add on for DJs playing MP3s as a separate EQ or for a cheap home speaker system. For DJs, good sources and good amplifiers take care of that though.
the reason it sounds better bypassed is this is a mix that is done and mastered. It might already have the BBE on it . when you turn it on it sounds like theres too much high end shrill. put it on a mix that hasnt' been mastered yet, or an insturment.
Song?
I remember when jensen had an amplifier with a bbe circuit built in.
I'm thinking of getting the BBE Max-X2 2-Way Stereo Crossover, but does it go before the 15-band eq I have or After the eq. I know it goes after the mixer obviously but does it go before my eq. Don't worry bout all the haters out there, keep up the good work Brian.
hey awesome vid. Im thinking about getting this. Does this take the place of an EQ or is it just another extra? Also does it hook up before or after the mixer?
I used to sell these well the one in video. To mobile deejays and club owners. You wouldn't regret getting this BBE unit. Trust. They have one for the car.
Thanks Brian, now I clearly understand why do I need this box.
list continued ,Furman M-8Dx Merit Series,BBE 882i Sonic Maximizer EMB MIX7 19"and Gemini CDMP-2700 Professional 2U Dual Media Player StarTech.com 2U 19-Inch 50lbs / 22kg Universal Vented Rack Raxxess PTSW25 Rack Screws with Washers GTD Audio G-622H 200
Your review is very detailed, thanks for sharing.
So judging by your diagram, if the Sonic maximizer sorts out the highs, lows and mids and sends them to the correct speaker, then this pedal will have little or no effect on an amp with only one speaker? Or say, a 4x10 with four of the same speakers?
If you eat bullshit for breakfast, then yes
Awesome, So that how it works Huh? Can you te us the price?
How can you connect it to an amp?
+Brian 1 thanks man
Maybe DJ Andre will turn you onto a light for your next video. Or better yet maybe you can trade your Sonic Maximizer for a light?
Brian....the video is incorrect in explaining what it does.
I have used BBE's maximizer in systems since it was first introduced.
What it does is simple as can be heard from your video with it on.
It is actually a frequency delay in the order of milliseconds to the individual hi-mid-low of the speaker.
For example depending on which unit u have, I have always used the 3 way version, not the one u have there. It allows for tremendous frequency separation through frequency delay prosessing.
I paid $84 US for mine. I've seen them used for as little as $45 and brand new retail is around $100
Can someone please tell me what these do without resorting to BS or sci-fi fantasy versions of established principles?
The sound coming out of mixer is not random.
The noticible effect is just the bass and treble boost
Nice job on the BBE demo
Actually Joel, you're the one who's wrong. An audio filter, whether it's a low-pass, a band-pass, or high-pass, all will introduce what is known as frequency-dependent phase delay. Phase delay is actually a time-based shift of the signal in the frequency domain. For more information on this topic, find a good book on audio filters. This phenomenon also occurs in large live sound concert venues, where a PA's actual coverage will actually shift as a function of air temp and humidity. Cheers!
If you, yourself honestly believe this is how ANYTHING works, then lick the connector to your subwoofer the next time you set up because little random octagon skittles will come out and make you feel excited, that's called electricity and it'll be made more organized by your god damn sonic maximizer. WHAT THE FUCK!
It does work had 1 along time ago... everything Brian said it's true. Will make yur speakers sound like they are on steroids ..but be careful not to blow them...must bring volume of amp or mixer down a bit.... thanks Brian awesome video as always, top notch bro! 👍
would anyone recommend BBE88Si
+djwhitecloud1 NO! anyone will any understanding of audio components that has reviewed this thing has stated its a highly expensive eq thats basically all it does
I own a Aphex Aural Exciter Type C and a Behringer Ultrafex Pro EX 3200 (my cousin gave it to me) also an Behringer Edison EX-1 (was dirt cheap).
Do I really need this "sonic maximizer", too?!
My point:: I'm lookin all over the internet and EVERYBODY says how cool this maximizer is, compared to NOTHING in the signal path. But NOONE compared it to other enhancers and exciters...
Man, you must not have a clue how sound signals work. This is a troll video.
Sonic Maximizers correct envelope distortion. Do the research and you may find that this analogy is not so far fetched.
Pianodownloads I can't find anything on envelope distortion. I have this Behringer ultramizer and it's amazing. I simply can't believe everyone doesn't have something like this. It's more than turning up treble or bass. More like turning up clarity and smooth punchy response
So is it true bypass then? If not, do the same test without having it in the signal chain at all and video that one. Cheers, Lucius
Thanks for the demo. Your explaination is way the hell off (the BBE delays 2 of the 3 bands slightly so the speaker can react to each one at a time), but the on/off demo was very effective. Could you DI one sometime?
In fact, check out user bbetv for a demo :)
For DJ's playing back pre-recorded music, it sounds better than most EQ"s and is much easier to use. The BBE does in fact, ad a ton of bass! But most of all they clean-up the sound by time-alligning the frequencies so that they hit your ears at the same time. Normally, high frequencies hit you must faster! In fact, some boom boxes and even TV sets and car steros have built in BBE technology. Another company, Aphex, boasts a similar product "The Big Bottom" which provides even greater bass.
I really like your videos Brian, and I agree with the far majority of them. However, you are wrong about what this thing does. It doesn't do any sorting of frequencies, and it does nothing to help the crossover. The signal sent is a analog signal, and everything is one one wave. What a sonic maximizer does in a nutshell, is it adds harmonics to the high, that would be present in a live situation, and does a bit of timing adjustment on the bass.