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Anyone Else Using BBE Sonic Maximizer?

post #1 of 8
3/23/08 at 9:23pm
Thread Starter 
I recently hooked my BBE Sonic Maximizer up to my HP setup (M-Audio Fire410 - BBE Sonic Maximizer 482i - Little Dot MKIII - AKG K701) and really makes quite a difference in sound option when you play around with the two contours. In fact it can be used to raise the bass response.

For those who don't know BBE the Sonic Maximizer isn't an EQ but it contours the low end and high end frequencies and plays with the timings of each. For a lot of applications once you go BBE you don't go back.
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post #2 of 8
3/23/08 at 9:46pm
I use a similar processor with my home rig, the Aphex 204.
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post #3 of 8
3/23/08 at 10:42pm
It might not be a graphic equaliser but it certainly sounds like an EQ to me.
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post #4 of 8
3/24/08 at 7:46pm
Both the BBE and Aphex units are designed to boost certain harmonics in order to add richness to the sound, in the same way that tube amps can add flavor. I'm sort of a playback purist, so I don't use these sorts of devices during playback. However, many mixing engineers are partial to these processes in order to thicken up certain tracks, or even the whole mix.

Something tells me that huge amounts of aural excitation were used on the John Mayer album, Heavier Things. More than is usually normal, I mean. It makes for an interesting, if unrealistic sound.

Basically, I'm of the opinion that a mixing or mastering engineer can and should be able to do anything they want to the sound, including intentional degradation (ex. printing from ProTools to tape then recording the tape machine's output, tube compressors, aural excitation). Then, when you play it back, you'll hear it as they intended. Just my personal preference.
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post #5 of 8
4/6/08 at 1:11pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by One Fan To Another View Post
I recently hooked my BBE Sonic Maximizer up to my HP setup (M-Audio Fire410 - BBE Sonic Maximizer 482i - Little Dot MKIII - AKG K701) and really makes quite a difference in sound option when you play around with the two contours. In fact it can be used to raise the bass response.

For those who don't know BBE the Sonic Maximizer isn't an EQ but it contours the low end and high end frequencies and plays with the timings of each. For a lot of applications once you go BBE you don't go back.
I am very intrigued and tempted by this posting. I utilize BBE on my iAudio7 (where it's a built-in processing option), and I have a Little Dot MKII fed into by a Headroom Micro Dac. I'm assuming the the Sonic Maximizer, because of its increased control and flexibility over what's in the iAudio, could enhance the sound coming from sources other than the iAudio (i.e., flac on my computer and cd's from my cd player) even more. Does anyone have further thoughts on this matter?
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post #6 of 8
4/16/08 at 5:05pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by ascherjim View Post
I am very intrigued and tempted by this posting. I utilize BBE on my iAudio7 (where it's a built-in processing option), and I have a Little Dot MKII fed into by a Headroom Micro Dac. I'm assuming the the Sonic Maximizer, because of its increased control and flexibility over what's in the iAudio, could enhance the sound coming from sources other than the iAudio (i.e., flac on my computer and cd's from my cd player) even more. Does anyone have further thoughts on this matter?
Even though I received no responses to my query I have since gone ahead and purchased the BBE Sonic Maximizer VG360 and am very pleased with it. I'm able to hear and enjoy aspects of music (classical) I was never able to hear and enjoy before.
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post #7 of 8
4/16/08 at 9:18pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by ascherjim View Post
Even though I received no responses to my query I have since gone ahead and purchased the BBE Sonic Maximizer VG360 and am very pleased with it. I'm able to hear and enjoy aspects of music (classical) I was never able to hear and enjoy before.
What did you previously find lacking that you've discovered since beginning to use the BBE? Imaging? EQ? Warmth in the signal? Bass slam? "A more exciting sound"?


Guitarists also use it in their signal chain.
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post #8 of 8
4/16/08 at 10:21pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Fixcinater View Post
What did you previously find lacking that you've discovered since beginning to use the BBE? Imaging? EQ? Warmth in the signal? Bass slam? "A more exciting sound"?


Guitarists also use it in their signal chain.
Improvements: The sounds of instruments in the higher registers, or the higher overtones. Also, seemingly better, sharper articulation throughout. Also, a seemingly broader soundstage. That's as well as I can describe it. Not necessarily any increased warmth in the signal. It always was pretty warm with my LD MKII. And the good previous level of bass remained the same.
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