Back in the 90s when I started all of the older engineers use to call the BBE units "A Poor Man's Pultec". I still use them on Toms to get a hyper realistic sound that beats any drum trigger samples I have ever heard. Sometimes on Vocals if I need them to shine in a way that EQ can't make happen.
How are you still liking the BBE on toms?! That’s exactly what I’m scouring the internet for.. opinions on use for toms. I heard good things about Aphex products so I wanted to see what else was being used in the same vein. ✌️
@@jamisonfrench So the BBE Sonic Maximizer is Passive EQ like a Pultec, the Aphex Aural Exciter and Big Bottom is different it is a harmonic exciter. Both will work. I still use mine all the time. Behringer has cloned the BBE & Aphex units and they are the only ones you can buy new today. Behringer Sonic Exciter SX3040 V2 is the Aphex Unit, and Behringer Sonic Ultramizer SU9920 is the BBE unit. I have the originals and I picked the clones up about 2 years ago from sweetwater after calling to get an Aphex replacement unit when an old Aphex unit I had died. I paid like $100 each for them and for that price you could pick them up try them and know if you like them and if not send it back to Sweetwater. These units sound exactly like the originals. I know a lot of people don't care for behringer but the Aphex units aren't being made anymore, and BBE units are out of stock at most places. So to answer your question, Yes I still use the BBE as well as the Aphex and I picked up the clones since the originals are impossible to find new. Cheers!!
So my buddy worked for BBE in the 1980s and he got me one of these units the 822 with the XLR and quarter-inch inputs and outputs. Supposedly the way it works is it delays the bass frequencies about 50 ms and so it allows them to arrive a little bit later in time and it does something with the phase too. I was working as a producer and I brought this into the studio and I was working with the engineer that I really respected we were using 2 inch tape and we put them it on all the background vocals during mix down. I remember asking the engineer well what do you think? And he said it sounds great and I said what does it sound like to your ears and he said “it sounds like a high end EQ“. Yes you can get them cheap and they work great on synth bass kick drums and personally I like to run my audio through some electronics it adds something to the sound instead of staying entirely in the box. I still have mine and use it after 30 years. Thanks for reviewing this!
Have one! Got mine for 12 pounds ... used less then 3 times on the last 10 years. Pay attention when he engages this device , your pan opens. Very noticeable when he plays bass or kick drum, suddenly you get this fake stereo spread. Phase issues all over the place! But very cool unit for Super wide gtr and Keys;)
But the bass drum as well as the bass seems to move a bit to the right? And it seems that it makes a stereo signal of its source (what is unwanted)? I was thinking about to use one for my home studio - best in the mixbus chain maybe (I'm doing analog summing to tape) . . . Now I'm a bit concerned, that it makes more phase problems than wanted. Can you dispel my doubts?
Yeah, the aural exciter was a bit harsher, which was a good thing for certain uses. The BBE is relatively smoothby comparison.... if I remember correctly! Haven’t had one of those aural exciters in a long time!
I have both, they are different.. and if you use them together you got bad results, both are working on phase and harmonics.. I prefer to use bbe in the final mix and aphex on certain instruments like guitars or bass.
It hits specific frequencies for adding the loudness effect. I believe it strikes the lows at 50hz and overall should be used very slightly as it is very responsive. He emphasizes the fact that you need good converters on your sound card, if not, you'll end up using it unproperly like the comment made by @tronque...
@@kiosko33hz Well, if it works for me I might for you too. (I think you could use some maximiser to ease up your shitty attitude.) FYI: I use it in DJ-mixes when I need to play an (old) mp3 that simply doesn't exist ín good quality. That way I can make it fit better with more better quality/recent digital files. And because I'm a nice guy I'll let you in on a tip: >> Put the bbe on just before the drop.
th-cam.com/video/K7irhEwMtV8/w-d-xo.html This guy demos the low contour with a sine wave and oscilloscope, it offsets the phase of the bass to be just slightly behind and the knob controls how much. I assume the definition knob moves the trebles slightly forward. It's meant to simulate the spacing of sound sources in a natural room, but being reckless with it would obviously cause destructive interference, which is why they say to be careful using it.
Finally a proper demo of a Sonic Maximizer, and by one of my favorite channels no less! These units pop up routinely on Craigslist and the like, but nobody ever really puts them through their paces to show how they can be used.
I had an AIWA portable cassette player which had a BBE options switch, from memory being OFF, 1 and 2. It was unbelievable what it did for the audio and when I found out about the phenomena that it was attempting to correct, it was so interesting and made sense why it sounded so much better. Unpleasant phase shifting causing phase distortion by transducers, being corrected before getting to those transducers, was such an interesting and novel approach reducing phase distortion. Ironically, measuring distortion coming out of an amp but before getting to the transducers, when BBE is used, meant that it showed that BBE was *_creating_* a lot of distortion. Although that is technically true, it does not take into consideration the fact that that distortion was expressly intended to cancel the opposite distortion that the transducers can create. I think BBE is too often misunderstood and blamed for adding distortion, when the intent is to actually cancel the inherent distortion which comes with the use of voice coil based speakers and headphones.
Although I can't prove it, I feel like using the SM with my DJ gear has extended the life of my speakers...the signal comes out so clean! Great vid bro!
Been using Sonic Maximizers from BBE for over 20 years. Never used it for processing recordings....alternatively the sonic maximizer functions best as a output or playback device. Sonic maximizers control the time it takes for targeted frequencies to reach your ears from the speaker. A sonic maximizer can double the value of your stereo this way, by fine tuning your speakers and environment.
So, the amplitude job is done automatically in this piece? Release and recover and optimization are all pre-set here? Or is there no such thing as universal terms in a hardware maximizer?
I tried to track down an 822 but haven't been successful. There are other models out there such as the older 462, newer 882i, etc... I can't find much information on the differences though. Do you have any insight?
And yet most of the people diss this unit as garbage eq for cheap people and to use it as boat anchor. It's in my studio form few years and I cannot live without it. My secret weapon. Whenever I show difference to my guests that it makes they are blown away. It's like hearing stereo for the first time.
Listening to this with my Beyerdynamic T1 studio headphone, yes I can hear this very loud and clear ;-) But would play more with the 'definition' button !!
I have been using one of these or that one in particular when it came on the market and what's so good about it is you can use it for everything. I use mine at live performances so the people in the middle of the venue in here my bass guitar as well as I can on stage believe it or not. Also great and recording mixing and mastering if needed on any instrument. Just because someone doesn't know how to use a piece of equipment doesn't mean it's a bad piece of equipment. For god sakes it does all the work for you for knobs controls high and low don't worry about what the chips are doing inside to make it sound better just know that it is.
They are amazing on acoustic guitars as long as you don’t go above 1 o’clock on the settings. Less is more with these. I’ve used these for network broadcast television sound in the US since the 80s.
Nice vid thanks. Does anyone know Is there a difference between this black version and the xs silver one? How does this compare to the alesis 3630? I want to crunch up my house drums. I’m using a digital Allen Heath zed desk and drums are coming from Isla instruments s2400. Thanks
Been using the BBE since 1988 in my rack... makes the sound 103% better... great sound. Found out that Skid Row uses it in their guitar rigs and then it exploded... most everyone had used it. great vid.
Nothing says amateur like a BBE strapped across the mix bus. They have their uses. This isn’t one of them, unless you’re running analog tape with no NR.
Just so you know, those aren't going for a "couple hundreds pounds" on eBay... they're still being made and are going for about 300$ cad!!! Not even kidding. They make them with red faces now for some reason. As a matter of fact, there are a couple different models, and I just got my hands on the lowest one for... 100$ cad. Yes yes I'm serious :O No low or high control - only levels and bypass switch - but you can put it right before the PA in a sound system if it won't do for studio use. I will pair this with my Sound Device USB pre 2 for pristine conversion of my master bus. Simplify your summing mixing job : two channels, two knobs, baby! Cheers!
Yes, it's a typical "soundgoodizer"! BUT many producers are warning about these kinds of products. Same goes for the more popular Aphex Aural Exciter. They seem like they are working magic, but of course they aren't. I'm not saying they cannot be used or be usefull, but when demonstrated like this, without showing the possible negative effects it can or will have on the end product, people most likely get very dissapointed after purchasing these kinds of "machines". It's an awesome demonstration, doctor. But can you also tell or better show, what happens when overused? Which certainly will happen to most enthusiasts? Using it on a vocal track or a bass track and later on use it on the master? What will happen then with the phase/audio allignment and won't the sound of the device become dominant over the music? Most gear, if not all, that is being used to give their sound to the source material, takes you further from the actual source and often also from the musical intention of the source. Again, not to be negative, really liking your channel :)
It's a great unit for DJ ing ! If you own proper equipment and speakers that can hold the bass enhance, then you're in for a great party. Makes it all rounder without having to turn the volume.
I planned on getting this but can't seem to find one at the moment. However I found a 362 and a 482. Which one would be a better choice? Or should I just hold off until I find a 822a?
hmm...Why does the unit sound completely different when you adjust the Lo Contour and hit bypass or not not touch it and play your unprocessed Signal. Is the bypass button making the recording sound bad on purpose lol?
Hi Jorge. It's a great question. You should NEVER record out of any BBE unit. They should be the last processor in your chain and into your soundcard or external mixer.
The BBE has been on my master bus for the last 25 years. Can't live without it.
Niiiice!!!
Which model ?
Back in the 90s when I started all of the older engineers use to call the BBE units "A Poor Man's Pultec". I still use them on Toms to get a hyper realistic sound that beats any drum trigger samples I have ever heard. Sometimes on Vocals if I need them to shine in a way that EQ can't make happen.
How are you still liking the BBE on toms?! That’s exactly what I’m scouring the internet for.. opinions on use for toms. I heard good things about Aphex products so I wanted to see what else was being used in the same vein. ✌️
@@jamisonfrench So the BBE Sonic Maximizer is Passive EQ like a Pultec, the Aphex Aural Exciter and Big Bottom is different it is a harmonic exciter. Both will work. I still use mine all the time. Behringer has cloned the BBE & Aphex units and they are the only ones you can buy new today. Behringer Sonic Exciter SX3040 V2 is the Aphex Unit, and Behringer Sonic Ultramizer SU9920 is the BBE unit. I have the originals and I picked the clones up about 2 years ago from sweetwater after calling to get an Aphex replacement unit when an old Aphex unit I had died. I paid like $100 each for them and for that price you could pick them up try them and know if you like them and if not send it back to Sweetwater. These units sound exactly like the originals. I know a lot of people don't care for behringer but the Aphex units aren't being made anymore, and BBE units are out of stock at most places. So to answer your question, Yes I still use the BBE as well as the Aphex and I picked up the clones since the originals are impossible to find new. Cheers!!
All Aiwa had them in the 90s up to 2000. It was an amazing trick!
just got one used today for 50$ works great.... I use it for vocals into my ham radio gear and it adds that needed clear top end
So my buddy worked for BBE in the 1980s and he got me one of these units the 822 with the XLR and quarter-inch inputs and outputs. Supposedly the way it works is it delays the bass frequencies about 50 ms and so it allows them to arrive a little bit later in time and it does something with the phase too.
I was working as a producer and I brought this into the studio and I was working with the engineer that I really respected we were using 2 inch tape and we put them it on all the background vocals during mix down. I remember asking the engineer well what do you think? And he said it sounds great and I said what does it sound like to your ears and he said “it sounds like a high end EQ“.
Yes you can get them cheap and they work great on synth bass kick drums and personally I like to run my audio through some electronics it adds something to the sound instead of staying entirely in the box. I still have mine and use it after 30 years. Thanks for reviewing this!
Well said !
Those things have been in production since the 80’s.
Do you have any videos demonstrating how the prism can be connected to DAW
I've just got the Behringer SU9920 which is their version and it does wonders on bass sounds and drums
Can made a video with the Apex aural Exciter with big bottom. That was a great processor to live shows
The best exciter to this day !
@@kiosko33hz today with every one pandemia and sale everything I all the time I search of something put on sale one.
Isn't this just a parametric equalizer? Trying to understand the difference.. From what i gather it's just an EQ with a low and high freq adjustment.
Have one! Got mine for 12 pounds ... used less then 3 times on the last 10 years.
Pay attention when he engages this device , your pan opens. Very noticeable when he plays bass or kick drum, suddenly you get this fake stereo spread. Phase issues all over the place! But very cool unit for Super wide gtr and Keys;)
A lot of units render fake stereo spread, but this one enhances the low signal in a way others don't, except of course the Aphex exciter.
Definitely going to add it for vocals
But the bass drum as well as the bass seems to move a bit to the right? And it seems that it makes a stereo signal of its source (what is unwanted)? I was thinking about to use one for my home studio - best in the mixbus chain maybe (I'm doing analog summing to tape) . . . Now I'm a bit concerned, that it makes more phase problems than wanted. Can you dispel my doubts?
nice... like. just a bit like the aphex aural exciter. but easier to use. it don't changes the level much when you boosting. right?
Yeah, the aural exciter was a bit harsher, which was a good thing for certain uses. The BBE is relatively smoothby comparison.... if I remember correctly! Haven’t had one of those aural exciters in a long time!
I have both, they are different.. and if you use them together you got bad results, both are working on phase and harmonics..
I prefer to use bbe in the final mix and aphex on certain instruments like guitars or bass.
Hellouuuu... What do you think about BEHRINGER SX3040 ???
What makes this differnt from just using a good hardware eq?
It’s just a fancy loudness button. But personally, I use it for shitty mp3 files. Works a charm!
@@tronque What a shiity way of using this unit !
It hits specific frequencies for adding the loudness effect. I believe it strikes the lows at 50hz and overall should be used very slightly as it is very responsive. He emphasizes the fact that you need good converters on your sound card, if not, you'll end up using it unproperly like the comment made by @tronque...
@@kiosko33hz Well, if it works for me I might for you too. (I think you could use some maximiser to ease up your shitty attitude.) FYI: I use it in DJ-mixes when I need to play an (old) mp3 that simply doesn't exist ín good quality. That way I can make it fit better with more better quality/recent digital files.
And because I'm a nice guy I'll let you in on a tip:
>> Put the bbe on just before the drop.
th-cam.com/video/K7irhEwMtV8/w-d-xo.html This guy demos the low contour with a sine wave and oscilloscope, it offsets the phase of the bass to be just slightly behind and the knob controls how much. I assume the definition knob moves the trebles slightly forward. It's meant to simulate the spacing of sound sources in a natural room, but being reckless with it would obviously cause destructive interference, which is why they say to be careful using it.
How does the BBE 882i match up to the 822a
Whats the diffence wih the BBE 822i ?
What do you think about the BBE plugin ?
is it more than a Low and High Shelf?? like adding harmonics too?
This unit doesn't add harmonics, compared to other BBE.
nice lods
What does this thing do
👍😍👍TOP👍😍👍
I personnally prefer the Aphex Aural Exciter :)
The Godfather of all exciters !
Im trying to connect this to my 18i8 focusrite interface..anyone can help me how to run this?
Supposedly it's allpass filters and an eq
there is no special about that effects a good EQ can do that more better
dont hear any special magic
Don't listen to it on your phone.......
I do, loud and clear
night and day, my dude (and I've been VERY skeptical of these "processors" before this A/B)
Finally a proper demo of a Sonic Maximizer, and by one of my favorite channels no less! These units pop up routinely on Craigslist and the like, but nobody ever really puts them through their paces to show how they can be used.
BBEs can really clean up! So can a BBW.
Wow! The difference in the vocal was amazing!
FINALLY! Someone using a music clip that's great music. Tell me more about the band. And I love the Maximizer.
I had an AIWA portable cassette player which had a BBE options switch, from memory being OFF, 1 and 2.
It was unbelievable what it did for the audio and when I found out about the phenomena that it was attempting to correct, it was so interesting and made sense why it sounded so much better. Unpleasant phase shifting causing phase distortion by transducers, being corrected before getting to those transducers, was such an interesting and novel approach reducing phase distortion.
Ironically, measuring distortion coming out of an amp but before getting to the transducers, when BBE is used, meant that it showed that BBE was *_creating_* a lot of distortion. Although that is technically true, it does not take into consideration the fact that that distortion was expressly intended to cancel the opposite distortion that the transducers can create.
I think BBE is too often misunderstood and blamed for adding distortion, when the intent is to actually cancel the inherent distortion which comes with the use of voice coil based speakers and headphones.
Although I can't prove it, I feel like using the SM with my DJ gear has extended the life of my speakers...the signal comes out so clean! Great vid bro!
my favorite processor, couldnt do music without it!
ive been wanting to get one since 1998. LOL.
I just got a huge smile on my face as soon as he started to turn up the Lo-contour that first time. It's like magic!
Been using Sonic Maximizers from BBE for over 20 years. Never used it for processing recordings....alternatively the sonic maximizer functions best as a output or playback device. Sonic maximizers control the time it takes for targeted frequencies to reach your ears from the speaker. A sonic maximizer can double the value of your stereo this way, by fine tuning your speakers and environment.
So, the amplitude job is done automatically in this piece? Release and recover and optimization are all pre-set here? Or is there no such thing as universal terms in a hardware maximizer?
I tried to track down an 822 but haven't been successful. There are other models out there such as the older 462, newer 882i, etc... I can't find much information on the differences though. Do you have any insight?
Sounds crispy-clear!
HAH...I JUST GOT ONE AT A PAWN SHOP FOR 30 DOLLARS......I HAD ONE BACK IN THE LATE 80S, EARLY 90S AND LOVED IT......
doctor mix! it would be really cool to know your experiences and career path in the music industry over the years, that would make a great video!
And yet most of the people diss this unit as garbage eq for cheap people and to use it as boat anchor. It's in my studio form few years and I cannot live without it. My secret weapon. Whenever I show difference to my guests that it makes they are blown away. It's like hearing stereo for the first time.
It looks like this model has stepped pots? Apart from that is there any difference between the 822a and the 482i that i have?
Can you please show how you have the prism and BBE connected together with your DAW?
Does anyone know pls ?
I play heavy guitar and this thing is like taking a blanket of your cabinet....and they are cheap!# get it!
Love my maximizers though like you said I haven't used them in a while. Maybe it's time to get them out of the closet.
very nice indeed, the low end went from flat to warm and round.
I have been waiting for this video! Now I know what to expect from the BBE Sonic Maximizer.
Sounds like a graphic eq.
Listening to this with my Beyerdynamic T1 studio headphone, yes I can hear this very loud and clear ;-)
But would play more with the 'definition' button !!
or you could just use an equalizer.
I found one at a thrift store for 10 bucks then years later got a red one with a compressor built in it for 50 bucks!
Is there any massive difference quality and sound wise from the 882i?
Not sure, it’s probably more advanced, but I haven’t tried it
Better anti aliasing and advanced technology.
Great, it sound just like Bass and Treble control on my amplifier 🤣
I have been using one of these or that one in particular when it came on the market and what's so good about it is you can use it for everything. I use mine at live performances so the people in the middle of the venue in here my bass guitar as well as I can on stage believe it or not. Also great and recording mixing and mastering if needed on any instrument. Just because someone doesn't know how to use a piece of equipment doesn't mean it's a bad piece of equipment. For god sakes it does all the work for you for knobs controls high and low don't worry about what the chips are doing inside to make it sound better just know that it is.
They are amazing on acoustic guitars as long as you don’t go above 1 o’clock on the settings. Less is more with these. I’ve used these for network broadcast television sound in the US since the 80s.
Nice vid thanks. Does anyone know Is there a difference between this black version and the xs silver one? How does this compare to the alesis 3630? I want to crunch up my house drums. I’m using a digital Allen Heath zed desk and drums are coming from Isla instruments s2400. Thanks
Been using the BBE since 1988 in my rack... makes the sound 103% better... great sound. Found out that Skid Row uses it in their guitar rigs and then it exploded... most everyone had used it.
great vid.
Nice thing
Very Nice Claudio, this piece is MONEY!
Nothing says amateur like a BBE strapped across the mix bus. They have their uses. This isn’t one of them, unless you’re running analog tape with no NR.
What's the difference between a maximazer and an exciter?
Damn that damn module....that beat is awesome!!!!
Im a true Lady and do have talent my dream is getting into a good solid band ❤
Have you ever used a Hughes SDS sound retrieval system?
Im ready for a miracle whip me in a 💗😎✌️good band
Just so you know, those aren't going for a "couple hundreds pounds" on eBay... they're still being made and are going for about 300$ cad!!! Not even kidding. They make them with red faces now for some reason. As a matter of fact, there are a couple different models, and I just got my hands on the lowest one for... 100$ cad. Yes yes I'm serious :O No low or high control - only levels and bypass switch - but you can put it right before the PA in a sound system if it won't do for studio use. I will pair this with my Sound Device USB pre 2 for pristine conversion of my master bus. Simplify your summing mixing job : two channels, two knobs, baby! Cheers!
Yes, it's a typical "soundgoodizer"! BUT many producers are warning about these kinds of products. Same goes for the more popular Aphex Aural Exciter. They seem like they are working magic, but of course they aren't. I'm not saying they cannot be used or be usefull, but when demonstrated like this, without showing the possible negative effects it can or will have on the end product, people most likely get very dissapointed after purchasing these kinds of "machines".
It's an awesome demonstration, doctor. But can you also tell or better show, what happens when overused? Which certainly will happen to most enthusiasts?
Using it on a vocal track or a bass track and later on use it on the master? What will happen then with the phase/audio allignment and won't the sound of the device become dominant over the music? Most gear, if not all, that is being used to give their sound to the source material, takes you further from the actual source and often also from the musical intention of the source.
Again, not to be negative, really liking your channel :)
Could you link any site that details the negatives associated with these units?
The everlasting list of hits having used this unit would convince a deaf guy! Like any processor, it's how to use it that counts.
I hate those face microphones
Ben bu cihazı heryerde arıyorum bulamıyorum yardımcı olabilirmisiniz
How’s the software compare to hardware?
I've used the software, but it doesn't have this model of BBE units.
how would this work with listening to vinyls?
It's great, and cheap! older units work as well.
@@marcos.a.r.4515 ok thank you!
It's a great unit for DJ ing ! If you own proper equipment and speakers that can hold the bass enhance, then you're in for a great party. Makes it all rounder without having to turn the volume.
@@kiosko33hz thank you so much!
I planned on getting this but can't seem to find one at the moment. However I found a 362 and a 482. Which one would be a better choice? Or should I just hold off until I find a 822a?
There's a lot of people hating on bbe. But I still have a couple of the 482i and a dbx crossover/bbe effect.
BBE... I used in Tascam 668.
Was awesome.
I dusted it off for Ableton... And It STILL makes the mix twice as good.
I'm so glad I dusted it off.
I worked there for a few years in Huntington beach in the early 90s. Just seeing if they still have any use in today's audiophiles.
Anybody know how it compares to 422a model?
Nice 👍
good tips
Use it to even enhance my audiophile stereo system. Better than adding a subwoofer.
1:44 It sounds more like heavydiscobillyromantictrap to me 🤔
Doctor Mix you finally cut your hair and got you a cap, now you look like a hip hop guy, ha ha lol, just joking...
BBE Sonic Maximizer is a side-chain treble expander. It dynamically boosts the treble band based on the signal input level.
Hi... one question... where to puz this thimg in the mastering chain🤔
Great video Doc!
really been waiting for a new gear you to demonstrate...u really do great videos....keep it coming brother really luv them....
Thanks!
hmm...Why does the unit sound completely different when you adjust the Lo Contour and hit bypass or not not touch it and play your unprocessed Signal. Is the bypass button making the recording sound bad on purpose lol?
Supe Bypass turns off the effect lol
Supe Yeah, I have one and always joke w my friends that it’s “snake oil”. When u engage it it’s really bypass and vice versa. Hahahaha
It is better for power amplifier because it has no tone control.
Listening on Beyer DT770 pro 250ohm. Great review, demo and music! Thank you.
Using two, 822a and 422a perfect for voice and music radio broadcast.
I just bought a used bbe 462 . Haven't tried it yet but is it good for anything?
Sounds like you're picking up a bit of an English accent.
What's the piece of music you are using at the start? Love it
I want one but can’t find one 😭😭😭
Bro please do a recreation on oh butterfly from ilayaraja
never mins the bbe, the song is great/ prefer an EQ
I have the BBE Maxcom and it works great.
my little and ignorant question is if i use this in my home studio should i record de output of the bbe ?? or this is just to live sound
Hi Jorge. It's a great question. You should NEVER record out of any BBE unit. They should be the last processor in your chain and into your soundcard or external mixer.