Interesting new BBE Pedals

[Steve C]

http://www.bbesound.com/

[j0shua]

very interesting !

[nelson]

I have heard good things about the sonic maximizer rack unit, but what exactly does it do?

[Sam]

It looks like a dynamics processor that pushes the general signal level (RMS) of any material to the absolute max. Or something...

[william]

The bbe rack effects fix problems with signals travelling electrically and acousticlly at diffirent speeds.  My understanding is the BBE process consists of delaying hi frequencies a touch, and ensuring their in phase with lower frequencies.  The theory states that lower frequencies travel electrically and acousticlly slower than higher frequencies.  Then, there is the EQ adjustments for increassing the low end, and hi end.  Used sparingly it can add sparkle and body to a signal.  Used in extremes it creates a really sterile scooped "metal" tone.

[Paul Perry (Frostwave)]

There is a ton of confusion about the BBE process(es), not at all helped by BBE, who don't have any desire at all to say exactly what they are doing, or when they are doing it.
But I'll say this: you can't delay an audio signal by a perceptible amount wihtout an actual delay element (BBD or digital equivalent).
Wht you CAN do, is screw with the phase, if that helps.
Other BBE stuff works by selectively adding harmonics to the top end, or by screwing with bass harmonics. Remember when they put the lawyers on Electronic Musician for their version of the exciter?
It's all a bit subtle for my taste :wink:

[AL]

You can do a patent search and find the BBE information about what the Sonic Maximizer does - or is supposed to do.  It will add some sparkle to your mix and clean things up a bit IF you need that. A good, seasoned, engineer will have no reason to use this.

I sure wouldn't waste my money on it for a guitar effect. Just build a buffer - I've had good luck cleaning up my guitar signal with the AMZ mosfet boost.

The Sonic Maximizer is supposed to separate your signal and delay the output of the frequencies to help the sound. *I think*

The circuit for the Sonic Maximizer(s) is virtually nil. The main components are their chips. Mouser used to carry these but they will not sell them to just anyone. You must be authorized by BBE.

It's an intersting effect and can be very useful. But, you could just build a buffer and get virtually the same effect - clean and sparkly.

AL

[PeterJ]

Anyone know what kind of compressor circuit they're using (for their Opto-Stomp)? Is it based on something familiar?

[Steve C]

Anyone know what kind of compressor circuit they're using (for their Opto-Stomp)? Is it based on something familiar?

Not sure, but that's the one that caught my eye.


The Sonic Maximizer is a good piece of gear.  I have a 882i that I use through my P.A. and it helps you to get good separation in your sound.  It has that little bit extra to get a nice clear sound.  You know makes a cheap sound system sound high dollar.  However I do think that it's too pricey for what it does.  It should be more around the $99 mark.

I have the old Sonic Maximizer pedal the "Stinger" and it's really good on clean.  It's not very good with distortion/overdrive.  Well FWIW.

[DiyFreaque]

Hey Paul,

But I'll say this: you can't delay an audio signal by a perceptible amount wihtout an actual delay element (BBD or digital equivalent).

This brings me to this little gem, which always makes me scratch my head:

http://web.onetel.com/~dynavector/designnote.html

320 some odd ms delay at 50 Hz.  They claim it's analog (not digital), delay, nor does it use BBD's.  Whatcha s'pose they're using - CCD's maybe?

Curious in Kansas

[Paul Perry (Frostwave)]

http://web.onetel.com/~dynavector/designnote.html
320 some odd ms delay at 50 Hz.  They claim it's analog (not digital), delay, nor does it use BBD's.  Whatcha s'pose they're using - CCD's maybe?

I think they are using BadDrugs(R), and are confusing phase shift with true signal delay. And they are using phase shift networks with the extra speakers to give a more complex response pattern in the room.
That's my guess after reading the 'explanatory' note.

[squidsquad]

According to my manual...it is delaying the mids & upper bass (*mud zone*).
Letting the high end hit your ears first...the brain perceives it as louder.
Great for bad recordings such as old tape cassettes.

[william]

According to my manual...it is delaying the mids & upper bass (*mud zone*).
Letting the high end hit your ears first...the brain perceives it as louder.
Great for bad recordings such as old tape cassettes.

Wait a second......................


You read the manual???

[squidsquad]

Uhhh....well.....you know...errrrr....wanted to see the specs...yeah... :shock:

[DiyFreaque]

Hey Paul,

Yep, the spec 324 ms @ 50 Hz shulda tipped the hand, and the mention of group delays.  

Tanks,
Scott