BBE

Great device if your using to mix a recording , but will do wonders in the effects loop of an amplifier while playing live. I use one before my two 31 band Eq's and one after my 12 band Eq ( Behringer 1124P Feedback Destroyer) , because something happened to tone, so I added another 462 after my two 31 band Eq and my tone was restored . It has a Lo Countour knob for the lower frequencies , it doesn't affect the mid frequencies at all and the Process knob works on the high frequencies. If you get one, set the knobs at 12 O'clock and adjust the sound to your liking. All Sonic Maximizers , do a time / phase alignment; first the high frequencies come out, the mid frequencies and finally the bass frequencies . This is makes the speaker deliver an clean delivery of you sound and takes the "mushiness" out of your speakers .

I own a BBE Stomp Sonic pedal, 362, 462 and 482. Many folks use the Sonic Maximizer for studio mixing and fine tuning recordings , but I love using them in my racks, effects loops of my amps, effects loops of my Digitech RP-1, Digitech 2112's effects loop and between my two effects processors on my pedalboard. What does a Sonic Maximizer do ? It does phase alignment on your audio sources, it does a time / phase alignment of your sound before it reaches your speaker. First the treble frequencies come out, the mids are not affected and the lower bass frequencies. And the results amazing, a clean, clear and more detailed sound comes out of the speakers . Wah Wahs are more dynamic, Modulations are more 3 dimensional sounding, Delay and Reverbs sound more detailed. Set the knobs at 12 o'clock and then proceed to do adjustments according to what you want to sound like and you'll be amazed .

The BBE Stomp Ware Bundle is a bundle of eight different plug-ins that are all modeled after hardware pedals made by BBE. This bundle is actually put out by Nomad Factory and BBE in cahoots. The eight plug-ins included in the bundle are Sonic Stomp, Soul Vibe, Free Fuzz, Green Screamer, Tremor, Mind Bender, Opto Stomp, and the Two Timer. You'll install the bundle as a whole, and none of the plug-ins are available on an individual basis. It's definitely nice to get this many different effects in one place, but they're pretty limited in what each of them can do, as most only have two knobs in order to follow the make up of their hardware pedal counterparts. While the plug-ins are designed for guitar, they're definitely useful across the board in terms of possible applications. All of the plug-ins in the bundle are pretty easy to use, so unless you're an absolute beginner, I wouldn't think that a manual would be something you would need. SUITABILITY/PERFORMANCE I'm running the BBE Stomp Ware Bundle on my recording system at home. This set up runs with Pro Tools LE 8, which I run with a Digi 002R audio interface. The computer I'm running everything on is a Mac Book Pro that has a 2.2 Ghz Intel Core 2 Duo processor, and 4 GB of RAM. These plug-ins are all really low processing guzzling plug-ins, so they should be able to run on most systems. OVERALL OPINION While the BBE Stomp Ware Bundle is a decent one, I really only find myself using a few of them every now and again. On paper it's a great deal, but a few of the plug-ins in here I don't use at all as they aren't up to par in terms of sound quality (namely the overdrive ones). I do like the Two Timer plug-in as it's unique, but it's probably not worth getting the bundle if you're only going to use a few of them. It's cheap enough where it's not really a risk to get it and see if they're going to be useful, but your money is probably better spend elsewhere in my opinion. If you're looking for a cheap way to get a variety of useful plug-ins, check out some of the other bundles that Nomad Factory has to offer...

BBE claims that the sonic maximizer will "replace lost mids in your signal that get lost in speaker to ear discourse" or something like that. Honestly, I remember reading the literature a while back and coming to the conclusion that BBE's advertising for this product was overly wordy and geared toward people who weren't smart enough to figure out what they meant anyway. BBE's mumbo jumbo aside, in layman's terms this is a compressor/eq basically. Don't be fooled. This isn't some kind of rocket science at work here. UTILIZATION Look at the front panel. That controls are simple. You can use this on guitar, bass, or in a live/studio mix. It doesn't matter. BBE basically designed it to improve the tone of anything. It's not hard to setup. Just follow BBE's instructions and turn the knobs till it sounds good. SOUND QUALITY Here's where I think this unit falls flat. A lot of people swear by this thing. I know a few guitarists and bassists that say it just makes them sound better. I used one of these on guitar years ago. If you aren't playing live, it does make you sound better. But when you start playing with a band, the BBE tends to suck your mids in a way that removes you from the mix. This is true especially when you turn the knobs higher. I found the BBE to be like an addictive drug. You can stick it on an instrument and turn the knob up and perceive it to sound better the higher the knob goes. In reality, the higher it goes the less you get heard in the mix. The bottom line is, the BBE is really a fancy compressor/eq unit. In moderation, it can add some punch to certain things. But once you go overboard with it, you run a huge risk of being totally lost in a mix. OVERALL OPINION Considering what the sonic maximizer really is, I can't give it high ratings for value. It would probably be a better idea to spend your money on a good compressor instead. At least it wouldn't be pretending to be anything it's not. The BBE is advertised as magic. Maybe that's because it magically makes you dissapear from the mix. It may seem like I'm knocking it. I'm not. It's still usable. I just think a lot of people misuse them.

The BBE Stomp Ware Mind Bender is a simple chorus/vibrato plug-in that is a part of the BBE Stomp Ware bundle of plug-ins, designed in tandem by BBE and Nomad Factory. All of the plug-ins in this bundle are modeled after real hardware pedals that BBE manufactures. It’s a real cheap way to get a number of effects in one spot, but in general they aren’t very versatile and many of them I don’t find myself ever using. This one is however, one of the better plug-ins in the bundle. Installing the bundle is as easy as following the step by step instructions as you would for installing any software, and learning to use the plug-in is even easier. The interface has two buttons – one for engaging the effects and one of choosing between using the pedal as either a chorus or vibrato effect. It then has knobs for setting the speed and depth of the effect. It’s definitely easy enough to use where a manual shouldn’t be at all necessary. SUITABILITY/PERFORMANCE I’m running the full BBE Stomp Ware bundle and the individual Mind Bender plug-in on my recording rig at home. This system consists of Pro Tools LE 8 software and a Mac Book Pro computer that has a 2.2 Ghz Intel Core 2 Duo processor and 4 GB of RAM. I run Pro Tools LE with a Digi 002R audio interface. Regardless of the system being used, I really can’t imagine this plug-in giving you any performance issues. While perhaps not the best sounding or most versatile chorus/vibrato plug-in, it can OVERALL OPINION still be useful for sure. While incredibly cheap, I’m still not the biggest fan of the Stomp Ware bundle of plug-ins that this is a part of, but as I stated earlier this is definitely one of the more realistic sounding plug-ins in the bunch. I like using on guitar the best for sure, but it’s useful on other instruments too if you’re looking for a vibrato/chorus sound. Of course you’d like a bit more control, but between the two modes you can still get a good amount of varying effects. You can only buy this plug-in within the full Stomp Ware bundle, so check out the others in the bundle if you’re interested.

The BBE Stomp Ware Two Timer is a delay plug-in that is modeled after a pedal of the same name from BBE. The plug-in comes in the Stomp Ware bundle of plug-ins that are all modeled after different hardware pedals for guitar. It wasn't at all hard to install the full bundle all at once, as you install all eight of the plug-ins in the bundle in one swoop. As far as learning how to use the plug-in, it's really quite easy and I don't think that many users will require a manual for help. The plug-in can be used in either stereo or mono and has parameters for delay time 1, delay time 2, repeat, and mix. It also has a sync switch will sync up the two different delays here. SUITABILITY/PERFORMANCE I've currently got the BBE Stomp Ware Two Timer plug-in and the full Stomp Ware bundle running on my system at home. My home recording studio consists of Pro Tools LE 8 and a Mac Book Pro lap top. Pro Tools LE is running with a Digi 002R audio interface, while the computer has 4 GB of RAM and a 2.2 Ghz Intel Core 2 Duo processor. This plug-in really doesn't take up much processing power, and I'll usually run it on an aux channel anyway since it's a delay. Not too much to worry about here in terms of performance... OVERALL OPINION The BBE Stomp Ware Two Timer is one of my favorite plug-ins in the Stomp Ware bundle, although I must admit that that isn't saying very much. I'm not the biggest fan of all the plug-ins in this bundle, but this one is pretty cool as it's unique since it has two delays in one in it. The artwork on it is also pretty funny. It's definitely a cool delay to work with if you're looking to get some spacious sort of delay sounds, as turning up the two delay times will give you some endless delay for sure. It's not the warmest signal I've heard by a long shot, but in most situations it will get the job done for inside the box mixing. The bundle of Stomp Ware plug-ins is cheap enough, but I'm not sure it's worth it still as I find myself only using a few of these out of eight...

This unit is Transistor amplification. This is designed to be used for an Acoustic guitar with a pick up primarily so it has only a 1/4" input. According to the manual, this unit's max output is +18dBu, but it does say that this "may vary due to control settings." All I know is that it is loud enough when I use it live or in a recording setting. As for controls, you have "Gain" or course, then you have the "Low Contour" knob which adjusts the the low frequency (50Hz) by adding 10dBu or taking away 10dBu. The next knob is the "Definition" which is the primary control of the "BBE Process." This tightens up the Low end and improves the clarity of the High end, which in effect makes the whole spectrum sound clearer. Next to that is the toggle switch for the Definition knob or BBE Process. This is nice to have so you can A/B the sound and hear exactly what the BBE Process is doing to your guitar signal. Next you have the EQ section which consists of a "Level", and a "Frequency" knob. The first controls the level of the Peak Frequency and the latter defines that Frequency (500Hz-2kHz). Next is the Notch filter section which consists of a "Gain" knob that adjust the frequency of the filter (85Hz-250Hz) and a button to toggle it off and on. The only effect you are going to get out of this unit is a cleaner sounding guitar. UTILIZATION Yes, you can easily get a good sound out of this unit. In fact, the moment you plug your guitar in, you will notice a difference, at least I did. There are only 6 parameters to mess with. Once you get the hang of what each one does, you will have no problem dialing in the right sound for your guitar. There is not Keyboard on this device, this must be a mistake. Yes, the manual is clear and very sufficient. When I first got this unit, I was unfamiliar with BBE products. After reading the short (15 pages) manual, I felt well informed and ready to use the device with confidence. SOUNDS I use this with a Martin D-16 and a variety of Basses (Fender JP-90, Carvin 6 String Fretless, and a Peavey Soundgear). The only sound you are going to get out of this unit is a well defined tone. I use this to reduce the mud from all the instruments I use. I use it to brighten up my Martin D-16, its all mahogany so it has a very dark tone in the first place. I love it for that, but sometimes I need it to be a little brighter to cut through a mix, the BBE Unit does the trick. When I use it with a bass, the Low contour helps beef up the low end without dominating the rest of the tone. Yes, when you "zero" all the parameters out on this unit, it is very neutral. OVERALL OPINION What I like most about this unit is how wonderfully clear and present it makes my guitar sound. What I don't like about it is that it has only a 1/4" input. I wish it has a Mic input too for when I am recording with a condenser on the guitar, just to hear what it would do. I got this unit used for $80 which was a great deal in my mind. I don't believe they make this model anymore, so used is the only way its going to happen. I give this unit a 10 out of 10 for sound quality. I got this a few months after I first started recording on my own with a Roland VS 1880. I used to just plug my Martin directly into the roland and the sound was always a little muddy. After I got this unit, I notices a HUGE difference in the clarity of my tone. I also have a ART MPA Gold tube preamp. Its nice to have the option of Tube and Transistor. They both serve there purpose well. Yes, I would definitely buy this unit again.

I didn't have any problems installing the BBE H82 Harmonic Maximizer as I installed it along with the other plug-ins within the BBE Sonic Suite plug-in bundle. It only took a few minutes as I didn't have any compatibility issues or any other problems. The interface of the software is easy to follow as it has a pretty simple lay out. It has five knobs to control different parameters including lo tune, lo mix, hi tune, hi mix, and output level. It also has metering for both input and output levels. I've never seen a manual for the BBE H82 Harmonic Maximizer so I can't say if it would be helpful or not. SUITABILITY/PERFORMANCE Running the BBE H82 Harmonic Maximizer is always quite easy as it doesn't take up too much processing power at all. I am able to run a few of them at once if I choose to, but I generally only have one or two going at once if at all. I am currently running the plug-in on a Mac Book Pro that has a 2.2 Ghz Intel Core 2 Duo processor and 4 GB of RAM. I run Pro Tools LE 7.4 with a Digi 002R audio interface and this configuration is quite stable when considering this plug-in. OVERALL OPINION I've had the BBE H82 Harmonic Maximizer for about a year or so after purchasing it within the BBE Sonic Suite. It has a pretty good sound and will add some life to your sound as you can effect both the top and low end of your signal. The price of the suite (as I don't think that they sell this plug-in on its own) is pretty reasonable. It is one of the better plug-ins in the bundle and is also one of the most versatile. This is definitely a useful plug-in, but isn't a necessity and unless you think you will be using all the plug-ins in the suite, I don't know if it would be worth it.

The process of installing the BBE D82 Sonic Maximizer plug-in was quick and easy as I had no compatibility issues or any other problems. After a few minutes I had the plug-in running and was learning how to use it, which also didn't take too long. The plug-in has a simple interface and those with any experience with any other version of the BBE Sonic Maximizer will already understand how to use it because it is pretty much the same as any other version of it. It has three parameters - one for lo contour, one for process, and one for output level. It also has metering for overall output and a button to bypass the plug-in. I don't have a manual for the BBE D82 Sonic Maximizer but it is easy enough to use that you don't really need one. SUITABILITY/PERFORMANCE I am currently running the BBE D82 Sonic Maximizer on a Mac Book Pro that has a 2.2 Ghz Intel Core 2 Duo processor and 4 GB of RAM. I use the plug-in in Pro Tools LE 7.4 that runs with a Digi 002R audio interface. Although I don't use the plug-in all that often, I have used both this version of the plug-in and another one so I do have a good amount of experience with BBE Sonic Maximizer plug-ins. Within my set up, the plug-in works pretty flawlessly if you use only a few of them as the plug-in won't take up much processing power at all. Even if you wanted to run a lot of them at a time you shouldn't have a problem if you have an adequate machine, but it really depends on what type of system you are running it on. OVERALL OPINION I've been using the BBE D82 Sonic Maximizer for only a short while as this is the newest version of the plug-in. I've been quite satisfied with the plug-in since I started using it even though I only use it every once in a while. It works great for adding a little punch to your sound, but I try not to use it too much as I find that you can suck the mids out of a sound if you use it too often. The price isn't too bad at all and once you have it you won't ever need another plug-in like this as this will do the job. All in all, this is a nice little plug-in that is cool to have, but is by no means essential to any recording set up.

The BBE Sonic Maximizer 882i is a dual channel exciter, also known as a sound enhancer. What it does is that it will boost up the high end frequencies in a signal to make it sound more “alive” and vibrant. I’m not sure what type of connections the BBE Sonic Maximizer 882i has as the one I used is pre-racked, but it is a rack mountable piece of gear that will only take up a single rack space unit. UTILIZATION The set up of the BBE Sonic Maximizer 882i is very easy to follow, as each channel only has two knobs and a section for metering. The parameters that each channel has are for process, which is the exciter portion of the unit, as well as a knob for lo contour, which boosts the low end in the signal and is there to balance out the level after using the process knob. There is also a bypass switch in the middle of the two channels. I don’t have a manual for the BBE Sonic Maximizer 882i, but it is very simple to use and a manual isn’t needed. SOUND QUALITY The sound quality of the BBE Sonic Maximizer 882i is very good, especially when compared to some of the other models of the Sonic Maximizer. While I don’t use this all the time, when I do use it I find that I am happy with my results. I’ve used it on a number of different applications including vocals, electric guitar, acoustic guitar, and drum overheads. In some cases I’ve even used it on single drums like snare drum, tom tom drums, and kick drum. OVERALL OPINION I’ve been using the BBE Sonic Maximizer 882i for about two years and it is probably the best model of the Sonic Maximizer out there that I have used. While I prefer the plug-in version of this model because it is more convenient to use since I don’t use it that much, the BBE Sonic Maximizer 882i sounds great and is certainly a unique type of outboard gear. The price of the BBE Sonic Maximizer 882i isn’t too expensive, but I really would recommend the plug-in version over this one unless you feel you are going to be using it all the time because it is a little cheaper and much more convenient. If you are looking for a piece of gear that will add a little punch to your mixes, the BBE Sonic Maximizer 882i is worthy of a look.

This is a clean boost pedal.. 1/4" true bypass.. I'm assuming this is an analog effect.. (durrr) Definitely NOT rackable... bulletproof construction. UTILIZATION Uh..1 button. 1 Knob. Wow. No manual necessary. Anyone can do this. It is a clean boost.. especially on cleans.. really enhances distortion if used in front of a dirty amp. SOUND QUALITY Mmm..really clean. True bypass pedal.. really quiet. Great deal for 80 bucks. Does not add artifacts, fuzz or anything else truly.. it WILL enhance distortion because it is fattening up your signal. Adds LOADS of beef to my Strat with a Dimarzio HS-3 stacked humbucker in the bridge. Using this and a Keeley TS9 in front of a Voodoo Lab Preamp absolutely SCREAMS. People cannot believe the metal tone I get with a Strat with single coils. I can get that grind from Godsmack "Keep Away".. with an even heavier/fatter lead tone.. knock off the pedals, flip to the neck pickup and and I have nasty blues... hit my clean channel and I can comp Stevie Ray Vaughn. So.. using it as a pickup booster for humbucker tones can make your Strat even more versatile. To really get this as a clean volume boost on a dirty amp..You have to run it in the effects loop. My rig does not have one.. so.. I just use it for signal fattening. Either is good.. it is a very clean effect. More on the issue of volume boost versus gain boost. In the front end of a dirty amp this will NOT give you enough db gain to use as a boost for solos. In front of a clean amp, then yeah.. it will noticeably bump it up. With distortion you MUST run it in the loop.. (between your preamp and poweramp stages) to get a usable real solo boost. If you are just looking to increase your distortion or fatten your signal, run it into the front end. Use this with the Strat mostly, but also with Les Pauls, Tele's, other humbucker guitars if I want to go over the top. I use this with one particular Yamaha electric with JB's in the bridgee..and I get a really close approximation to Eric Johnson's old tone (shockingly enough. It gets that chunky Fuzz Face meets Plexi fatness). Nothing I hate about it! (except that it adds some noise.. but way less than even my Keeley TS9... OVERALL OPINION Using it about a year. Use it on and off... with the 3 channel preamp.. I use it extensively. With a Digitech GSP2101..I use it a bit. With my Boss GT8.. I don't use it at all.. (the solo boost function on that preamp is perfect.Just the right amount of boost.) Mmmm..did not try anything else for this function before this..but this has the right features. True bypass and one purpose. Pretty easy to figure that out. I think it is a great value if you need it. Does what it is supposed to.. cleanly and overall quietly for something adding gain/volume. I would buy it again. There are a lot of pedals out there with the same features at twice the price. This is not something that I bought to color my tone...the transparency IS the desired effect!

I put this device in the effects loop of my older Digitech 2112 SGS and it does perfect phase alignment of the frequencies inside the unit. The 362 made the older Digitech unit sound as good as any of today's amp Modelers or IR. This friend of mine decided to "capture" the sounds of 2112 and the Sonic Maximizer. Great in effects loops on pedalboards, amp effects loops or between multi effects processors. It's not an EQ, Compressor .... it is a time phase correction unit, that give great results in the speaker department.