Community: Message List - Where to put a BBE Sonic Maximizer with 4CM

Re: Where to put a BBE Sonic Maximizer with 4CM

support@line6.com — Sat, 19 Jan 2013 00:09:02 GMT

Just for info .... there is a very competent tech over on the JVM Forum who has been doing some detailed circuit analysis on the BBE., He is still chewing on whether there is substance to the claims that are being made for it but the analysis is interesting for those with an interest. Details here --> http://jvmforum.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?p=75168#p75168

Re: Where to put a BBE Sonic Maximizer with 4CM

support@line6.com — Sat, 12 Jan 2013 03:23:24 GMT

most welcome sir...always loved that one...

Re: Where to put a BBE Sonic Maximizer with 4CM

support@line6.com — Fri, 11 Jan 2013 23:39:20 GMT

Wow, I'm pleasantly surprised to see more 'nice' things said than 'teasing' and that some of have "seen the light".

I love my BBE Stomp (also run a 422 in my studio).

I run Stomp in the HD500 effects loop. Funny though, on some patches it sounds best when placed very last in the whole chain but on a few, it's best right before the Amp model.

Re: Where to put a BBE Sonic Maximizer with 4CM

support@line6.com — Fri, 11 Jan 2013 16:59:58 GMT

I've always found that for a guitar rig, the best place to put a Sonic Maximizer is: eBay. PS: Thanks for recognizing on the quote spaceatl!

Re: Where to put a BBE Sonic Maximizer with 4CM

support@line6.com — Thu, 10 Jan 2013 15:57:33 GMT

I agree with ignoring the haters. There is an assumption that if it sounds like crap the way they used it it is crap.

I don't currently use one with my Line6 X3 Live but I did buy a Sonic Stomp I would like to use with it. That's what brought me to this thread.

I do use a BBE 382i in my metal setup. I play power metal. I run a Boss GX-700 into the BBE into a Marshall EL34 100/100 power amp into a pair of Marshall 1960B 4x12 cabs. It totally kicks butt. The BBE makes a huge difference.

I also use a BBE on my acoustic pedal board. I use the BBE Acoustimax preamp which has a Sonic Maximizer built in. It also makes a huge difference in my sound. I just added a BBE Opto Comp to that setup. It's the perfect compressor for my acoustic setup. It evens things out just enough while remaining effectively transparent.

Re: Where to put a BBE Sonic Maximizer with 4CM

support@line6.com — Fri, 22 Jun 2012 20:25:59 GMT

I used my BBE sonic maximizer with a guy we were recording. he had a nice Marshall half stack something, vintage reissue blah blah. He couldnblt find a good sound for whatever reason. I went in and moved the mcs around a bit, inserted the BBE and set it up and what we got on hard drive was thick and huge, sits great in the mix as well. keep smoking the crack if it makes you feel good. tell all the kids

Re: Where to put a BBE Sonic Maximizer with 4CM

support@line6.com — Fri, 22 Jun 2012 11:43:28 GMT

Thanks Jim!! I think it may have been the FX settings. It was on Line and not Stomp... Thanks for the document! Helpful as always.

I really like the drawing you did with more detail. I know how things work and understand what I am doing, but that is a great image! I shot to a friend of mine to help him understand the 4CM.

Appreciate it!

Re: Where to put a BBE Sonic Maximizer with 4CM

support@line6.com — Mon, 18 Jun 2012 20:50:40 GMT

If you haven't already seen it: try this ---> http://line6.com/support/docs/DOC-2522 May help with your levels.

Re: Where to put a BBE Sonic Maximizer with 4CM

support@line6.com — Mon, 18 Jun 2012 20:48:26 GMT

LoL! That is hilarious. I like my BBE and have used it for quite some time... Though I keep both contour and process down. It doesn't affect the sound too much, but I think it adds a little bit of depth... maybe I am on the pipe... though... apparently! When I used just a Carvin DCM poweramp it was the last before the poweramp, so I am guessing I will put in front of the amps FX return... if I even go with the 4CM. Anyone want to buy a Carvin DCM 200? Only a couple months old. Only used for 2 gigs. Perfect condition...

And actually, my biggest issue with the 4CM method is the delays/choruses are VERY faint and if I move everything in front of the FX Loop in the chain it sounds like it should. I know it is something I am doing wrong, probably with the effects in the loop level individually as I have the return maxed dB wise. I used it back in the day with an older Boss GT8 I think it was and had no issues...

Is there something that typically needs to be adjusted in each effect in the chain?

I have taken my old set list created a new one, and gone through the ones I use and disabled the amp/cab, put in a FX Loop and moved the delays, choruses and pitches after the loop and needed to max the FX Loops return level to get the amp level to be the same with the FX loop bypassed in the amp or on.

Re: Where to put a BBE Sonic Maximizer with 4CM

support@line6.com — Mon, 18 Jun 2012 18:04:05 GMT

I use mine as the last item in the chain before the signal hits the power amp. If you have a second FX loop, even better.

And pay no attention to the BBE haters. I love mine for my metal rhythm sound, adds thickness and depth to it that I could never get with an EQ.