BBE Sonic Stomp user reviews ( 9/10) - 15 user reviews

• 06/21/12

  Mattfig's review "Not a toy"

  Characteristics

  OK, some people don't understand these things...They play with a lot more parameters than just EQ...Phase relationships and harmonics also play a huge role...
  
  
  
  Anyway, it's a dead simple pedal with 1/4 in and out and an on and off switch....
  
  
  
  There are no tubes...

  Utilization

  Sound editing is as simple as adjusting the two parameters...The response is already tailored to be very good...It's a matter of how much of it you want....
  
  
  
  The manual is simple as the pedal...There really isn't much to understand beyond where you place it in your chain or loop....

  Sound Quality

  The sound quality is outstanding....I use mine in moderation and it's a nice subtle push to my tone...I don't use it while recording....Only live....I find that natural is better for recording and using the BBE colors the tone...
  
  
  
  It makes all my guitars and basses sound good...And I have over 25....I love this pedal in the loop of my Crate BV-120...Wow, they were made for each other...
  
  
  
  This pedal will take your tone and not only fill it up but shape it just so...Two knobs can do a lot more than you think!

  Overall Opinion

  Built like a tank....Sounds awesome...You just gotta remember not to overuse it....It sounds really great when you're on your own playing solo....But with a band, it can get hairy...Too much bass can interfere with the band's tone in general....
  
  
  
  I'd buy another....I already own two...
  
  
  
  I tried others but BBE has it down...Period...
  
  
  
  Highly recommended...
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• 05/27/12

  feraledge's review "Like the difference between mastered and unmastered."

  Characteristics

  This is an extremely straightforward and easy to use processor that can do wonders for your sound.
  
  I've had a hard time really getting this across through words, but playing one of these does all the talking that you would need.
  
  As far as the actual pedal goes, this is the stomp box version of BBE's 482 rack mount Sonic Maximizer. It does all of the same things, but for one amp or unit instead of two. Runs off of a 9V battery or adapter, one input, one output, two knobs (lo contour and process) and one switch. It's got a heavy duty casing and I've never had reliability issues with one personally. And it's got a hardware bypass to boot.

  Utilization

  Two knobs, this is about as simple as it gets. Each one handles a different end of the sonic spectrum, so turn it till you like it and then stop.

  Sound Quality

  So what the sonic maximizer does is, and I'm putting this simply, split the high, mid and low ends of your signal to adjust for your low end punch or high end cut. The idea behind it is that the translation between amps and speaker cabs flattens the signal and looses the full range of the highs and lows. The Sonic Stomp or Maximizer brings those back in by adding a frequency curve/delay. So you get more clarity, or, if you like, more brutality for modern high gain applications.
  
  I lack the overall terminology to explain it, but it almost sounds like the Sonic Stomp/Maximizer spreads out your signal through the speaker instead of just dumping flatly out of the middle. It gives you more control and a lot more dynamic range in how your amp sounds.
  
  I always keep this in the effects loop and that's really where it's most effective. You can use it for some EQ or boost before the pre-amp, but it's really not going to get the same effect as running it in the back end. I've used this with a number of heads and you'll always get the same result.

  Overall Opinion

  Playing death metal with a scooped sound and not wanting to lose mid-range articulation, I can't imagine not using a sonic maximizer. I always keep it running and it's an essential part of my rig. If you're running a gain boost in your chain, definitely try this stomp box out.
  
  Even if you're not going high gain, the simplicity and range of boost makes this effect hard to pass up. Unless you're a guitar > cable > amp purist, it's worth giving it a shot.
  
  I liken the sound difference between using this pedal and not using this pedal to how a recording sounds before it is mastered and after. It's simple and powerful.
  
  I have yet to find another EQ that can have a similar impact. And for the price, it's really hard to justify a continued search.
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• 03/17/11

  MGR/Billy's review "BBE Sonic Stomp Pedal"

  Characteristics

  Utilization

  Sound Quality

  Overall Opinion

  This is the Sonic Stomp SS Sonic Maximizer pedal put out by BBE Sound. Basically the Sonic Maximizer effect does one thing and that one thing is it makes your amp go boom.
  
  
  
  This pedal has 2 knobs. From left to right they are Lo Contour and Process.
  
  
  
  My friend was ranting and raving about this pedal and how great his rig sounded ever since he added this pedal to his setup.
  
  
  
  The pedal costs $100 and seems to be a hot item, so I figured worst case if I hate it someone else will want it.
  
  
  
  It is easy to use. The footprint is a little bigger than a Boss pedal similar to an EH Big Muff. The pedal is hard wire bypassed which, well I do not really know what that means, but it doesn\'t suck too much tone from my signal.
  
  
  
  BBE includes a power supply. I think it is a standard 9v plug, but hey it is cool they included it.
  
  
  
  The magic of this pedal is it scoops your mids, midly compresses and doubles your signal.
  
  
  
  This sound really isn\'t much you can\'t get with some basic EQ\'ing, but it is all in one box and simple to use.
  
  
  
  The box is nice, the switch and knobs are sturdy. Looks like it can handle a few nights a week live. The jacks are on the side, so cables run nicely out of it.
  
  
  
  If you can\'t seem to get your sound going live, give this pedal a test drive. It may be just want you need to get your sound to pop.
  
  
  
  This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com
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• 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.
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• 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.
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• 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.
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• 04/18/12

  Marc-Henri Fossoyeur's review ( translated ) Improve this translation " very nice"

  Characteristics

  it is a "maximize", I would tend to say it's a compressor / enhancer which

  Utilization

  we have two pots, a switch is the infancy of art; a knob for the amplitude of the effect, and another called "lo contour", will define the frequency set valeur.Expliquazion lowest .
  
  So ultra-simple. on the other hand, And they do this which leads me to make a real rant! If on most effects pedals cell simply unplug the jack to stop wasting energy celle6ci, no, BBE SONIC STOMP on, you also disconnect the battery, otherwise if like me you had left this afternoon in, like me you home at night and you can go to buy your 9V battery at € 4.
  
  By Ba against it, it fills me! 'Cause not only is it annoying to see impossile AC on a pedalboard, but also has the force of the enleveret the back, was a sacred wear wires from terminal + - !
  
  but not laugh! yes I could fouttre him a power supply in the ass and basta, except that the bitch she makes us a buzz with a power supply! then what's the point has to have bought a great pedal that makes your sound is great with a dynamic nikel egg and a Wahad grain and all if it is to have a drone that breaks the balls behind!? Then voila, rant and well done, bam!

  Sound Quality

  the sound is great I regret it, was so good I told of the wonders that I was expecting a little better but yes it is very interesting.
  
  I once told the outline to 10 knob Lo was clearly highlighted the fréquenes low and vice versa if you but at the beginning of the race it rained shine. This is the tool of choice if you want to sculpt his sound équalo supplement to the amp.
  
  The Process knob it gives us a beautiful shade of the effect, well I must confess I still quechez it is almost all the time thoroughly but I not long ago.

  Overall Opinion

  So for 1 1/2 months I branch not stop, I make small test with other instruments but I use it on my bass.
  
  Basically it is a sound engineer who told me about this bass, telling me that the tail of a baby bass or amplified bass is the bomb. I confirm that point, actually even with all my celule pourrave my cons has a sound like something with the BBE.
  
  AT ass bass all thoroughly sound was very heavy and rich, low in achegé, very friendly but not mushy so has all the usable sauces.Les Rckeux, reaggaeteux the love, the music lover should hopping at low dose the effect. But the sound is undeniably enriched, depending on the settings we rediscover just his instrument!
  
  Just recently I switched on my amp parallel (Markmass LM 250), and I realized that this is his place.
  
  So we just connected really use it and do fine work with the amp: the possibilities are many nuances and the sound is full.
  
  I recommend.
  
  But my god made something for this battery, it's annoying!
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• 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
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• 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
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• 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!
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