What version BBE should I purchase for my rack?

[vklobucar]

I had an older BBE a few years ago. If I recall correctly it was a 322 and I must admit that I really liked the punch and added clarity that it gave everything in my rack.

I am looking to purchase another and have noticed many newer models like the 462 and 482. Are there any noted advantages to a particular model?

Thanks!

[zeegler]

Re: What version BBE should I purchase for my rack?

I have done a direct comparison test with a 422, 422A, and a 462, and you know what I came up with? They all sound identical!!!! There are however a few features that are exclusive to certain models. My 422 has indexed pots, so the knobs click from setting to setting. I think that's better than freeturning knobs. Plus, my 422 has a footswitch jack, so I can bypass it with a footswitch if I want. I can't remember what the other models have in the way of features, or lack thereof.

[siggy14]

Re: What version BBE should I purchase for my rack?

I have the 482 which bypass and here are the specs

http://www.bbesound.com/products/maxim/482.asp

[horns666]

Re: What version BBE should I purchase for my rack?

Zeegs???

The 422 and the 422a sound identical..

but the 422/422a and the 462 is two different animals..

the 462 is all harsh "sizzle" to me...well to anyone with a ...with two..."ears".. [img]/images/graemlins/tongue.gif[/img]

[zeegler]

Re: What version BBE should I purchase for my rack?

Maybe the one you tried was broken Bill. [img]/images/graemlins/poke.gif[/img] [img]/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img]
I'va actually tried a couple of the 462s because 2 of my friends just bought them. I played through them with the same rig as I use my 422 with, and they seriously sounded identical. I suppose using a different rig might bring out subtle differences.

[skarhead]

Re: What version BBE should I purchase for my rack?

i've a 401 (one of the first ones ever made afaik ) - will there be a big difference between this and the newer models (422 / 422a) - i'm talking especially about the difference in highs ?

[Cleveland Metal]

Re: What version BBE should I purchase for my rack?

Buy a 422/ 422A, it is the one for guitar for sure.

I have 401, and yes there is a difference between it andthe 422.


"Maybe the one you tried was broken Bill."

Hehe, if you can't hear the difference between a 422/422A and the 462, then your ears are broken, hahaha... There is a big difference. I've owned them all...

462 is MUCH better for PA work. The 422 is MUCH better for guitar racks.

[Cleveland Metal]

Re: What version BBE should I purchase for my rack?

[ QUOTE ]
i've a 401 (one of the first ones ever made afaik ) - will there be a big difference between this and the newer models (422 / 422a) - i'm talking especially about the difference in highs ?

[/ QUOTE ]

Seems that the newer the model, the more sizzley they have become. After the 422's they got so sizzley on guitar I hated them.

I sorta look at the BBEs as tone coffins anymore, and recommend them mostly for 5150s, as they seem to have a magicall relationship with them, haha... Otherwise, not impressed anymore.

Keep the 401 around, I won't sell mine, it is sort of an interesting piece and you never hardly see them. I believe the 422 series sounds better, and has nicer sounding highs. The 422 is definitely quieter. I think they got the software dialed in nicely on the 442 series for guitar usage.

I use a Furman PQ3 parametric to tighten up my rig, give it punch, edge and for general tone sculpting. Yep, they're old, sorta noisy, but they truly rock. I own other parametrics (TC 1140 etc) but there is something very cool about the Furman I love. And the BBEs sit on a shelf in the basement.

[Twisteramps]

Re: What version BBE should I purchase for my rack?

"Tone Coffin" [img]/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img] I love that term.

Pete

[Cleveland Metal]

Re: What version BBE should I purchase for my rack?

You should, I stole it from YOU! Hehehe...

[Twisteramps]

Re: What version BBE should I purchase for my rack?

Heheh, I was thinking I stole it from you at some point. We can share it. I told a guy at GC who was trying to sell me a mode four that it was a tone coffin... I thought he was going to follow me out in the parking lot [img]/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

Pete

[Cleveland Metal]

Re: What version BBE should I purchase for my rack?

Well, you only spoke the truth [img]/images/graemlins/toast.gif[/img] [img]/images/graemlins/notworthy.gif[/img]

[Zerberus]

Re: What version BBE should I purchase for my rack?

Another vote for the new 482 here, sounds more "refined" than the 462 to my ears. Most people should be just fine with a 462, though [img]/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img]

About the sizzliness, I find the highs "clearer" on the newer models, again, I find that it sounds more refined... but not to the point of lifelessness...

Bill Z: If I remember correctly, the difference between the 462 and the 422 was only in the jacks, the 462s had 1/4"s while the 422 only had RCA and XLR... Weren´t they supposed to otherwise be the same processor??... Never tried a 422 myself, but I think that was the reason, too.

[StukaJU87]

Re: What version BBE should I purchase for my rack?

Just picked up a 422 on EBAY for $65 shipped. I'll give it a whirl on my 5150 and see what the hubbub is all about.

[Cleveland Metal]

Re: What version BBE should I purchase for my rack?

462 is a different sounding unit that the 422.. Maybe different software I believe is to blame.