BBE Sonic Stomp user reviews ( 10/10) - 12 user reviews

• 11/16/09

  songboy's review

  Characteristics

  This is simply a EQing tool.  There are no other effects
  
  No this cannot be edited through a computer.  It is strictly analog audio.
  
  It is not rackable in the traditional sense.  You can purchase shelves that allow you to rackmount guitar pedals.
  
  This is strictly analog
  
  There is only 1/4" audio jacks (and of course the power supply jack).

  Utilization

  Yes, the effect editing is easy.  Tow knobs, Lo contour (bass) and process (phase correction).
  
  Yes the manual is clear enough.  Its a short read and tells you exactly what the pedal is doing in order to accomplish its task of cleaning up (de-mudding) your sound.
  
  Yes the setup is very easy, plug it in, dial in the two knobs for your ideal sound, and thats it.

  Sound Quality

  I use this for my Parker guitar going into a Fender Twin as well as a Rhodes Mark 1 going into a twin.
  
  I have read reviews where people say that the tone is lost.  I somewhat agree.  I would never use this when recording a track.  I would do all the EQing in the post production.  But, when you are playing live, this thing is amazing.  It helps you cut through the mix better which means you don't have to blast the stage with you guitar amp to be heard.  It really helps with the clarity.  It doesn't color the sound so much as it thins it a little. 
  
  I love this little pedal.  It opens up a lot of frequency room for my voice when I am playing live.  I use to feel drowned out by my rhodes when I played and sang, but now there is room

  Overall Opinion

  What I like most is its use in live situations.  Works great for clarity.
  
  What I don't like about it????  Not really anything, it does what it does and doesn't cost an arm and a leg and is doesn't take up to much pedal board space.
  
  I got mine used for $50, that was a great deal.  I think they go for $100 new, but thats still not to bad for the clarity it delivers.
  
  Again, I only use mine in live applications.  When recording, I want all the frequencies there, then I fine tune in post production.
  
  I had the Boss Equalizer stomp box, but it had a lot more noise and didn't quite cut it for me.
  
  I would definitely buy this guy again, comes in very handy.
  Did you find this review helpful?yesno
• 11/15/09

  moosers's review

  Characteristics

  The BBE Sonic Stomp is a simple sonic maximizer, or exciter pedal that can be used with any electronic instrument.  The pedal has a standard 1/4 inch input and output and can be powered by either a nine volt battery or nine volt power supply.  The pedal isn't in rack form as it is a stomp box.

  Utilization

  Using the BBE Sonic Stomp couldn't be any simpler than it already is.  The pedal simply has two knobs - one for lo contour and process.  If you have any experience using any versions of the Sonic Maximizer, either in rackable form or in a plug-in, you'll understand everything going on here as these are the two parameters that can be found in every version of this signal processor.  The process knob will amp up the high end and 'excite' the sound a bit, and the lo contour is there to counteract and make up for this on the low end of the spectrum.  A manual isn't needed although I haven't seen it so I don't know how helpful it could be.

  Sound Quality

  The sound of the BBE Sonic Stomp is definitely as advertised, but I wouldn't expect too much more from this pedal.  I've only used this pedal with guitar and have really found it to be of minimal use, even if it does what it says it will do.  It is nice to have a little booster pedal in my chain from time to time, but there is nothing here that I don't think I'd be able to get with an overdrive pedal or simply on my amp.  While this definitley does have a good sound for what it is, it definitely isn't a pedal that is essential by any means.

  Overall Opinion

  The BBE Sonic Stomp will definitely give you a boost if you are looking for it for your guitar, but this is just about all that this pedal is good for.  The pedal is cheap enough where you could try it at little cost, but for me it isn't a pedal that I need to have in my chain as it doesn't do enough for me.  If you're interested in a booster pedal I would try this pedal out, but be sure to shop around as I believe there are a variety of pedals out there that will do this job and then some.
  Did you find this review helpful?yesno
• 03/25/08

  rarson's review

  Characteristics

  The BBE Sonic Stomp is a "sonic maximizer." I would guess that the circuitry inside this is probably similar to other BBE rack mount sonic maximizers. I might add that I used to own a very expensive Alpine car stereo head unit that included a BBE function, and the effect of the pedal sounds very similar to the sonic massaging that the head unit's BBE function performed.
  
  
  
  "Sonic massaging" is probably a good, if vague, way to describe the effect of this pedal. It's not quite an EQ or tone control, but works in almost a similar way, as it sounds like it is altering certain frequency responses. It is simple with only two knobs (Lo Contour and Process), and it's pretty darn hard to find a setting that doesn't improve the signal. Simple is always a good thing in my opinion, and the control setup does a fine job of allowing some good tweaking.
  
  
  
  The manual talks a bit about phase and amplitude correction, and this pedal apparently corrects timing of different frequencies to restore the original sound lost by limitations in the loudspeaker setup. Thus, following this, there are two things to take from the explanation: that every setup will likely have a slightly different "optimal" setting, and that this effect will likely be hard if impossible to get from an EQ. So perhaps the apparent result of using the pedal might sound similar to using a certain EQ setting, but what is really going on is quite different, and much more complex.
  
  
  
  Configuration is standard for a stomp box, with an input, output, 9V jack, and battery clip. BBE gets brownie points in my book for making the battery easily accessible with a simple door on the underside of the pedal, no disassembly or screw driver necessary. It also came with an adapter, but I am using this pedal with a Voodoo Labs Pedal Power 2 Plus, so I didn't need it. But I do appreciate the fact they included one.

  Utilization

  Simple: two knobs. Lo Contour "regulates the amount of phase corrected bass frequencies." To my ears, it provides a function similar to a tone knob in that it provides more emphasis on the bass frequencies at high levels, and more emphasis on high frequencies at low levels. I was looking to make my sound fuller, and coincidentally enough, I have mine set to 5 (right in the middle). Seems to provide a very nice, even sound enhancement.
  
  
  
  The Process knob regulates the amount of phase correction. And it sounds to me like a mixture of the dry and wet output. Less process equals less of the effect. I like mine set to about 6 1/2. You have to turn it up a bit to enjoy the enhancement that the pedal provides, but turning it up higher seems a bit much to my ears.
  
  
  
  The manual provides a nice overview and attempts to explain some background behind the BBE effect. It's interesting stuff, if you can understand what they're saying, and I admit I'm no sound processing master. It makes sense to me, but I'm not totally sure I fully grasp it. Luckily, all you need to utilize this pedal is a good set of ears. Just play with the settings and you'll be able to hear a good improvement to your sound and figure out how to set it best. And since it's not all that complicated, it probably won't even take ten minutes to find the perfect setting.
  
  
  
  The manual suggest you place it last in the effects chain just before the amp. I see no reason why anyone would ever do otherwise, because whatever isn't in the chain isn't being processed, obviously. You can also place the BBE in the effects loop, but I haven't tried that yet.
  
  
  
  You will never forget that this pedal is on, because the ultra-bright blue LED won't go by unnoticed.

  Sound Quality

  I had read some reviews prior to owning this pedal where people said they couldn't hear what the pedal was doing, or they couldn't notice a difference until they played for a while with the pedal and then turned it off. I just find that hard to believe, because once you start bringing the settings up a bit, to me the effect is very noticeable. It's not overpowering, and the effect is rather subtle, but I'm just surprised people have said they couldn't hear a difference. I felt it was an immediately noticeable improvement in the sound.
  
  
  
  Once you turn it on and dial it in, you won't turn it off. There's no reason. BBE processing pretty much makes everything sound better, as it did with my old head unit. Turning it off will make you realize how flat your sound was, and you'll scramble to get that BBE goodness back as quick as possible. It improves the quality of the sound, without really coloring it. In other words, I would say that it's more for "presence" than "tone."
  
  
  
  I will be buying one of the rack mount Sonic Maximizers for recording purposes and to process my synths. They sound great to my ears already, but I'm sure that BBE will make them sound even better. If you're looking for a full, "big budget" sound, you can't go wrong with BBE (and their products AREN'T expensive, which is a big plus for the home musician). This stomp box would likely make any input sound even better, but I want the rack in addition for stereo processing.

  Overall Opinion

  I review everything as realistically as possible. Realistically, nothing is perfect and I try to avoid giving perfect 10s. But in my opinion, a 10 is deserved for a product in which you can't find fault.
  
  
  
  That's just it, I can't find anything wrong with this pedal. The manual is good, the design is cool and feels very sturdy, they include both a power adapter and a battery, and the signal processing is great. Okay, so I paid $100 for it from Musician's Friend, and I probably could've gotten a different brand of sound exciter for less money. And yes, I didn't A/B any other brands for comparison to this. But I can compare it to other BBE processing products, and it's as good as they get. Someone less concerned with the quality of their sound (not the sound itself) might not care about the effect it gives, or might not even notice it, and might think of it as a waste of $100. But I'm striving to get the best sound quality possible, and I think it's worth every penny. It makes the sound a lot fuller and seem more professional.
  
  
  
  So sure, maybe it's not for everyone, and because of that, perfect 10's might not fit someone else's taste. But to me, this pedal was everything I was hoping and expecting, plus more. So in my opinion, it actually deserves the 10s. BBE processing in a stomp box, how great is that!
  
  
  
  And yeah, if I had to buy it again, I definitely would.
  Did you find this review helpful?yesno

• 11/02/11

  surfy's review ( translated ) Improve this translation " Just needed"

  Characteristics

  This is an "enhancer", hear a "beautifying". I do not know how it works, but it just makes the sound more clearly defined. input, output,

  Utilization

  two knobs to position the effect more on the treble or bass
  
  Read the manual to see the standard config, but basically you put the knobs at noon and presto!

  Sound Quality

  At first it's a bit confusing. Tried on electro-acoustic Takamine Santa Fe is great! It defined the warm sound even better in my pre-amp tube.
  
  On my 5120 gretsch mounted TV Jones, nickel clear sound. We feel a little less than the difference with distortion.

  Overall Opinion

  I use it for one month. What I like is that simple. One branch, the sound is better. Since it is early in the chain of my pedal board and always connected. If I take it off, I feel that my sound is not as good., Especially in the clear.
  
  
  
  Attention on the other hand, do not go beyond 1 hour on the knob: settings on "extreme" seems sound synthetic.
  
  
  
  And of course, it does not turn the guitar or amp or ... on (the) guitar. Input chain, it brings a more crystalline, better defined. This effect is quite subtle, which I recommend to those who have not advanced equipment (like me) and have a varied game, and enjoy the subtle. Large distortion of the nag, go your way.
  Did you find this review helpful?yesno
• 01/11/11

  duguy182's review ( translated ) Improve this translation

  Characteristics

  Very simple pedal with two knobs, a lo contour and a process. Its role is to optimize the signal sent to it by redefining the bass and treble.

  Utilization

  Hard to get any easier than that two knobs. You branches, you put everything in the middle and you adjusted what you want.

  Sound Quality

  Undeniable, it is impossible to do without it once it was on and I said he is in all circumstances, even those who have repeatedly changed their lamps amp (as I do) say they would be better to buy the sonic stomp first because you hear right now a bigger difference.

  Overall Opinion

  We say more than that this pedal a try, is to adopt it so it gives any guitar sound on a scale hitherto unsuspected.
  
  
  
  The value for money is very good compared to other brands of pedals, a few hundred euros for having a sound like that's really cheap I think.
  
  
  
  If it all over again, I would do without hesitation. Just need
  Did you find this review helpful?yesno
• 08/27/09

  erratom's review ( translated ) Improve this translation

  Characteristics

  Utilization

  Sound Quality

  Overall Opinion

  the +
  
  . PDAL quite magical when the o must: rsultat unique and guaranteed
  
  . own sound
  
  the -
  
  . impossibility of carving a staff
  
  . few opportunities
  Did you find this review helpful?yesno
• 08/10/09

  Marmas's review ( translated ) Improve this translation

  Characteristics

  No better. <img class="smiley" src="http://fr.audiofanzine.com/images/audiofanzine/interface/smileys/icon_mrgreen.gif" alt="mrgreen" />

  Utilization

  Super simple. T'enclenches, you put the treble and bass you play.

  Sound Quality

  It's simple. Plug in and play 10 minutes then cut l.
  
  When I was doing I wondered how I could play with her any poky like this!
  
  So you shall return, and you let it!

  Overall Opinion

  Not to be missed!
  Did you find this review helpful?yesno
• 02/15/09

  vsoleil's review ( translated ) Improve this translation

  Characteristics

  This effect is a ... a ehancer Maximizer, a "Wheel" of his ...
  
  A priori it is analog, but I&#39;m not at all.
  
  Audio Connectors edition ... not by a software ... Plug In, Plug Out a Basta ... ... and a pedal effect at all.

  Utilization

  Confguration very simple ...
  
  2 buttons, one turns, is pressed, it changes the sound, and when found the right one, you touch more.
  
  
  
  edition therefore very easy as long as you know what you want ... but even hesitant in the right setting is fast enough.
  
  
  
  Simple manual in English, rather detailed. They might be able to add some examples of "presets" or setting more or less corresponding to such an instrument, but here we quibble.
  
  
  
  10 because more difficult to make simple

  Sound Quality

  So for efficiency, I will focus the topic on my favorite instrument, namely the bass.
  
  The first time I connected, I was super disappointed, I connected a headphone output a 300 ATK input (active so) and frankly, bah blah y&#39;avait nothing really stunning. So I said I n&#39;étaies a Geek who had succumbed to the lure of marketing ... in short I pack up a little disappointed.
  
  
  
  The next day, I plug my bass on SonicStomp, and I&#39;m all out of my stereo (although vintage, good stuff Fire Papa ... big speakers ... not the mini chain purchased in 2007) ... and there ... revelation!
  
  In fact I did say that a user of this pedal across the Atlantic ... I just plugged ... pressed the pedal ... started playing a while and then I turned off the pedal and there bah ... it was just my sound cheap ... more low round ... beautiful little more sexy side had disappeared.
  
  Well I plugged in a passive bass it ... Jack Casady of the epiphone, semi hollowbody ... the cash, it has a well ... especially with the Sonic Stomp really well this spring ...
  
  
  
  So I come to the conclusion that with an active bass, it is not essential, the eq can be used to compensate the smallness of his home ... and with a headphone that does not work bah really ... but then with speakers and an amplifier between the two is very effective right away. And the fact that serious !!!!!!
  
  
  
  So YES ... Realistic Effect adapted YES, YES really transparent. Used primarily with low ...
  
  
  
  I put 10 because then I can not do without it: o)

  Overall Opinion

  I use it for 2 weeks.
  
  
  
  I bought this because I had the memory of an old walkman (they said no player at the time) or there was a touch "maximize" and it boost the sound was really good ... and in my little head I thought seeing the Sonic Stomp "If it does the same, it must be awesome"
  
  
  
  What I like most about her ... her ... but just before I like his mug, well done ...
  
  Nice mix of red and gray lavender light.
  
  Its construction is mega strong, the race of the buttons is very nice ... we feel that there is something underneath.
  
  I love the local cell, especially when one connects the transformer, there is no need to remove the battery, it turns off by itself.
  
  
  
  What I like least ... bah nothing in particular ...
  
  
  
  Money ... It&#39;s just a product not given (although when you see the price of some pedals and it comes out as its IE: o /), but it&#39;s solid and effective.
  
  
  
  What is stunning with this pedal is that the user who sell it, do it to go to the rack ... so they are captured by the effect and application more ... my next crisis GAS??
  
  
  
  So actually, I am very satisfied with my purchase, I think that once plugged into my Ashdown&#39;s going to really do it ... but I&#39;m against a little skeptical about using a low-active to re-test ... ... I would EDIT one if necessary.
  
  
  
  Mega cool as I am, I made a small sample that is what it is worth. Recorded at 9 o&#39;clock in the morning &#39;
  
  Epiphone> BBESonicSTOMP> ZOOMB2.1.u (any effect off)> microphone input of my Mac
  
  
  
  it&#39;s a little riff that I like, it&#39;s not played well but if it can give you a small idea, so much the better.
  
  
  
  starts without the effect, I started (in some clumsy) in the second time I play the riff
  
  
  
  Lo Contour setting to 6 / 10 and Process in 6 / 10 ... Set on the Casady Varitone of 250 and tone knob at 7.
  
  
  
  Bass line on his finger
  
  http://vsoleil.free.fr/secret/audiofanzine/BBE_SonicStomp/BBE_SONICSTOMP6+6_FING_CASADY250+7.mp3
  
  
  
  To pick the same
  
  http://vsoleil.free.fr/secret/audiofanzine/BBE_SonicStomp/BBE_SONICSTOMP6+6_MED_CASADY250+7.mp3
  
  I put 10 because it is ultimately very convincing as an effect ... without it the sound is thin ...
  
  [EDIT] They are pretty bad these samples, they give not a very good idea of ​​the pedal but I feel good ...
  
  Recently I made the catch of his to record the third album of my group, unhurriedly at home with my aria pro 2, Model 2 ... JLB side to AF 150 euros is to say ... (but removed, lift , settled by the artists in DNG ...) a brief dung that sounds. Well I swear that one micro precision + EQ the bass + treble primarily on the BBE set to put some heat and a simulated amp bassman ... we believe in a tribute to Gossip ... a fucking sound low!
  
  I regret this purchase, even if it seems redundant, it makes a difference ...
  Did you find this review helpful?yesno
• 05/24/07

  Nuglux's review ( translated ) Improve this translation

  Characteristics

  This is what I would call a sheer sound.
  
  I do not put the maximum rating, I would have liked to have it in stereo for the same price (125 €). Ok we can dream above the rack version is available for the stereo and the price is not excessive.

  Utilization

  Very easy to adjust if it has ears and fingers. No brainer, only 2 rotary (at the same time not need more ...).

  Sound Quality

  It's devilishly effective, I use it out of my pod and it does not change the grain but makes the whole more airy, lighter (be careful not to abuse either; p). The signal that comes out is beautiful but no equalizer or compressed. Pretty hard to explain I would recommend going on the BBE website to listen to what happens. Also very useful to me to get along in groups without mounting the volume too much.

  Overall Opinion

  I really like its effect on the sound but be careful it should be used sparingly so as not to drown the instruments in a mix that will be perhaps a bit too "hi-fi."
  
  Its price is not excessive but not super great, what about average.
  
  This choice I would do without hesitation.
  Did you find this review helpful?yesno
• 03/03/07

  barboiron's review ( translated ) Improve this translation

  Characteristics

  "Maximizer" that to mean "embélisseur", "improver", "re-hausseur" ... Ben is here! Technically, from what I read, the effect acts on the phase of the signal, different for different frequencies. It tends to compensate for the phase rotations due to imperfections of HP (HP a cone does not pass all frequencies in the same way).

  Utilization

  Intuitive. The left button plays on the presence of low, the right of the depth of the effect. I put the end of the chain of effects pedals.

  Sound Quality

  I agree with previous opinions, when you put it: "Yeah, not bad but blah!"
  
  When it is removed: "What did you do? There's something missing in your sound"
  
  You see the difference when you changed your original HP for a good combo Celestion (or Jensen, or other)? You see when you changed your old lights for the amp right? You see when you change the strings of the guitar? When you plug your little one 4x12 combo?
  
  Well here's a little like that. It looks like they removed the HP front cover which masked the treble and bass that made a little runny.
  
  
  
  Compared to the rack version is equivalent to that end, the pedal is a little hair underneath. The pedal is great, the rack is even better!

  Overall Opinion

  I could use the rack for over a year, and now I have the pedal for 2 months. This is a must. I do not routinely engages, but very often anyway. Try it in all configurations, the rendering is different in the clear, crunch, distortion and even the type of distortion.
  Did you find this review helpful?yesno

• Page: 1
• 2
• 
•