BBE 882i Sonic Maximizer

BBE's sonic maximizers are a set of processors that optimize a sound signal specifically for being sent through a set of speakers. PA speakers are designed for purposes of projecting a sound source - they differ substantially in sound quality, but as a whole, projection is their primary goal. By their nature, a signal going through a set of speakers suffers some ills as it comes out, deadening the sound and making the whole thing a bit muddy. One of the primary culprits in this sad state of affairs is the nefarious frequency-dependent phase shifting - a delay in sound reproduction between different frequencies. Inductance in the voice coil of a speaker causes the impedance to rise as the frequency does. This results in high frequencies taking longer to hit the listener's ear than low frequencies. This is a real killer when it comes to the attack (articulation) of numerous instruments, like guitar, piano, or bass, and especially for percussive instruments, which live or die by their attack. A sound system suffering from this sounds muffled or muddy.

Fret not, though - BBE's Sonic Maximizer was designed for precisely this purpose. Their processing consists primarily of two steps:

-The Sonic Maximizer adds delay times to lower frequencies on a curve, designed to counteract the natural phase delay between the bass and treble. This ensures that the whole signal reaches people at once, brightening the tone and giving the signal all the livelihood of what's happening on stage.

-Additionally, full-range speakers often reproduce lowest and highest frequencies at a lower efficiency than all the stuff in the middle. This is more or less an accepted fact of most PA speakers - systems often come with high and low frequency boost switches to alleviate this issue. However, BBE's Sonic Maximizer series augment these frequencies intelligently and in conjunction with their delay curve, offering a solid, full-range signal in a single box!

The BBE 822i is BBE's flagship Sonic Maximizer rack processor. This system features +23 dB of output headroom and balanced inputs and outputs (XLR and TRS). Its compatibility with balanced signals is the key to getting the absolute most out of your sonic maximizer and your PA system.

The 882i unit features dual-mono operation with balanced XLR inputs and outputs. It is designed for applications requiring low noise, high headroom and +4dBu input levels.

The BBE 882i was designed to offer far greater strength under demanding applications such as sound reinforcement and touring.

It features a 1/4 in. thick extruded aluminum faceplate anchored to the chassis via hex head bolts, and it also benefits from improved graphics which are easier to read in poorly lit environments. In addition, new knurled, aluminum knobs have been incorporated for ease of control and a more positive feel, often critical to musicians, live sound mixers and DJs making fine adjustments mid-performance.

Both models employ 1% metal film resistors and military spec PCBs with extra thick traces. Further optimizing signal flow, all pots, switches and jacks mount directly to the PC boards of these units, which also feature the extremely quiet, proprietary Sonic Maximizer op amp, designed by BBE.

Applications
Professional recording studios

Pro and semi-pro sound reinforcement

Multitrack studios

Cassette copies

Nightclub sound systems

Broadcast transmission

Features
+4dBu balanced line (1/4" tip-ring-sleeve and XLR inputs and outputs)

+23dBu headroom

Active balanced outputs

Hardwire bypass

Bypass switch for comparison of processed to unprocessed signal

Technical Info

Process Mode: Program controlled

Bypass Mode: 10Hz to 50kHz, +/- 0.5dBu, 0dBu input

Signal to Noise Ratio: 115dB Process IN

THD, Process mode: less than 0.025% 20-20kHz

Bypass mode: less than 0.002% 20-20kHz

Maximum Output: +23dBu (may vary due to control settings)

Input Impedance: 14.7K Ohms, balanced 1/4" stereo phone jack or XLR jack. Pin #2 is the hot or "+" signal.

Output Impedance: 600 Ohms, balanced 1/4" stereo phone jack or XLR jack. Pin #2 is the hot or "+" signal.

Sensitivity: -45dBu for maximum process

Maximum Process: +12dBu boost at 5kHz, 0dBu input

Lo Contour: +12dBu adjustment at 50Hz, 0dBu input

BBE's 882i is a 2-channel Sonic Maximizer with balanced TRS and XLR I/O.