BBE 482i Sonic Maximizer (Unbalanced)

Sonic Maximizer signal processor. Red faceplate.

Item: BBE482I

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    • List: $334.95
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BBE 482i Sonic Maximizer (Unbalanced) reviews

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46 People rated this product : * * * * * * * * * * 6 out of 10

 

7 People wrote reviews

Read all BBE 482i Sonic Maximizer (Unbalanced) reviews...
* * * * * * * * * * 8 out of 10

"High quality, low cost...easy to use."

Feature:
It's all pretty simple...there are two seperate channels, 2 knobs per channel and a button in the middle to switch the processing on and off(so you can hear the difference between processed and un-processed). Nothing else came with the maximizer except the manual and these little sticky things to put on the bottom of the unit, which I suppose you could use if you don't plan on putting it in a rack. The box itself seems very sturdy and probably would handle well on the road, especially after it gets in a nice sturdy rack.

Quality:
Everything on the maximizer is in perfect condition and of high quality. Seems to be very sturdy and also manages to look very cool. It's probably not as tough as a stomp box, but this thing wasn't meant to be kicked at. Put it in a quality rack and leave it there, it should last forever.

Value:
I ended up paying 155.99 at a guitar center and I must say, it was well worth it. At 199.99 it's slightly expensive and on top of that, I would go the extra mile and buy some high quality 1/4" instrument cable to connect it, but all in all it's worth the money.

Desirability:
This product is a very good looking product, very sleek and compact. I wouldn't say it's something that everyone would want because it is something I picked up just to see if I could enhance my live sound. It is not a necessary piece of equipment, but from what people have told me so far, it definately livens up my guitar rig and gets rid of the muddiness that I used to have. So if you have any problems such as muddiness or any other issues with clarity, this product is something you should really look into.

Sound:
This is a cool piece of gear. I've only had it for 1 day now, but I can already see its potential. The knobs themselves are very easy to use and their effect on the actual sound is very obvious. The only thing you will have to do is dial in a sound you like and play with the knobs a bit. The only place that you might really have to work to get a nice sound is with the effects loop of your amp(if you are using it with an amp). I am running my maximizer in the effects loop of my mesa/boogie dual rectifier and the sound changes drastically depending on the amount of the processes signal i put into the mix. Other than that, getting this thing to improve your sound should be no problem at all.

Overall:
Since I just got this thing I'm not looking for a replacement and I'm still learning how to use it. I think the only thing I would ever want to replace it for is probably a newer version sonic maximizer. From what I can tell, BBE is hard at work creating better versions of this technology, so if they make anymore breakthroughs, I might want to check it out. I can't really compare the 482i to anything else because its the only thing like it on the market. I have yet to find another product that does exactly what this one does, or even, another product that claims to be able to do it. If this thing were stolen, I'd flip out because I just bought it and spent a lot of money on it. I think I would replace it eventually, but I don't think I'd rush right out and buy another because you can do without it. This product, although it is great...it is an "extra" and not essential to a guitar rig.

Submitted: 5/13/2003

Style of Music: Pop Rock/Pop Punk...Power Pop


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* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10 zZounds has verified that this customer bought this product from us.

"Wow! What a difference !"

Feature:
All necessary features that I need.

Quality:
The quality and look are great.

Value:
Well worth the money. Probably the best one piece of equipment that we added to our sound system.

Desirability:
After using this product I would never want to be without it.

Sound:
This unit adds so much clarity and crispness to the sound. It takes out the often muddied and muffled music through our PA speakers and just tends to "wake up" the sound and make it much brighter. You can really tell a difference with the unit turned on.

Ease of Use:
Very easy to set up and use. Just start with each dial in the center position and gradually increase or decrease the dials to get the sound you desire. So easy even a caveman could use it.

Support:
Haven't had any problems so I have not dealt with the company.

Overall:
Outstanding product. i don't know how anyone could go wrong purchasing this unit.

Submitted: 5/19/2009

Style of Music: Gospel


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Read all BBE 482i Sonic Maximizer (Unbalanced) reviews...

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About This Product!
Description
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News
Have you ever wondered why music sounds better live? The wizards at the BBE company have pondered over that and have sunk gazillions into research to get an answer to that Zen-like question. Amazing as it is, they've unlocked the secret, and now we can all reap the benefits.

What those engineers discovered (and we're going to very roughly paraphrase this deep technical explanation) is that depending on the environment in which we are listening, we hear different frequencies at different times, because the sound is radiating in all directions and our brain processes these frequencies individually. Whereas, when the same music is pumped through any loudspeaker, the sounds are all coming from one place at the same time, losing that difference that allows us to perceive clarity in sound. A saxophone (or singer, or guitar, or whatever) sends sound in 360 degrees; a loudspeaker has a 12 in. (or other) window to shoot the sound out. There are other characteristics of loudspeakers that rob music of clarity as well, including the relationship of transient response in regard to phase response, but that's getting into that deep technical category. In plain terms, these guys figured out the problem, and built a box to fix it.

BBE learned which frequencies are delayed by what factor, and how to properly send this revised information through a loudspeaker. Any signal sent through a BBE processor sounds clearer, cleaner, and better. A vocal signal processed through BBE jumps out of a mix, and any acoustic instrument regains that vibrant quality that is lost in the recording process. Sending an entire mix through the thing sharpens it up in ways that defy description. "It adds sparkle" and "it makes a mix sound like a CD" are two of the most often-heard descriptions of what this miracle box does.

Who needs this box? Recording studios of any size, for starters. If there's somebody singing or speaking, you'll wonder how you survived without it. If you record any acoustic instruments as well, stop reading this and order one now. In this age of CDs, cassettes are starting to show their limits. When you put this box between your master source, and your cassette deck, it gives the venerable little cassette a sonic fighting chance. If you are a mobile or nightclub DJ, this unit will kick everything up a notch. Sound reinforcement companies, large and small, it's a no brainer how you can use it. Finally, if you have a rack as part of your rig, whether you're a keyboard, guitar, or bass player, you need this as the final stage before your signal goes out.

With the 482i model, you can get stellar sound for a very down-to-earth price. The 482i is perfect for semi-pro applications not requiring balanced jacks. (If you need balanced inputs, check out the 882.) Since it has true dual-mono operation, the 482 is 2 independent Sonic Maximizer signal processors in one chassis. Use it on a stereo signal or process 2 mono channels separately with separate controls. Rack this baby up and use it to liven up the sound of just about anything: live bands, home studios, mobile DJ systems, nightclub sound systems, individual instruments like bass, guitar, or keyboards - even your home stereo will sound like it cost twice as much through the 482i! The unit is really easy to use - basically, just hook it up and set the enhancement to your taste. Presto! - your stuff sounds completely amazing! It's really not fair to the ones who don't have the Sonic Maximizer, but somehow we think you'll live through the guilt.

Features:
2 channels of process for stereo or separate mono mixes

5-segment LED output meters

+18dBu headroom

RCA and 1/4 in. inputs and outputs

Hardwire bypass

Bypass switch for comparison of processed to unprocessed signal

Technical Info

Frequency Response:
Process Mode: Program controlled
Bypass Mode: 10Hz to 50kHz, +/- 0.5dBu, 10dBu input

Signal to Noise Ratio: 112dB Process IN

THD:
Process mode: less than 0.025% at 20-20kHz
Bypass mode: less than 0.002% at 20-20kHz

Maximum Output: +18dBu (may vary due to control settings)

Input Impedance: 47K Ohms, unbalanced 1/4" phone jack or RCA jack

Output Impedance: 1K Ohms, unbalanced 1/4" phone jack or RCA jack

Sensitivity: -45dBu for maximum process

Maximum Process: +12dBu boost at 5kHz, -10dBu input

Lo Contour: +12dBu adjustment at 50Hz, -10dBu input
Keep the mix sounding like it does live! This stereo unit has unbalanced 1/4" and RCA connections and 5-segment LED metering to maintain the fidelity and warmth of a live instrument.
  • 07/10
    Fresh from the truck!
     New, with 2 Hosa CSS410 Dual Cables (10 Foot), will ship immediately. 

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