Which BBE Sonic Maximizer should I buy?

[beachjammer]

Hey guys,
I'm currently using a MXR 6 band EQ in the loop of my Mesa Express with really good results. I think that I could get better results out of BBE unit but I just don't know which would be the best model for what I want. It doesn't have to be a stereo unit but I don't want one of the stomp boxes either. Which unit do you all think is the best?

[jdr94]

from what i've read Mesa's dont do well with bbe sonic maximizers, but i use a 362 with my crate shockwave. its a stereo unit, but my head only has a mono fx loop so i run one side thru the loop and my vocal mic thru the second channel. try a search in the forum for bbe and mesa you should find some good info.

[levantin]

422A. Ask Bill.

[SEAN RAF]

I use the Sonic Stomp with my 6505+, couldn't use the amp without it, brings it to life. I've tried the BBE with a Cobra and a Dual Rec...awful.

[chrisolson]

422A. Ask Bill.

And he'll tell you "...but it's discontinued. Look on eBay. Fugger."

[levantin]

Actually there should be some threads about BBE's. Try searching. I seem to remember Bill ranting about how great it is with a 5150. Many times.

[beachjammer]

I remember a while back about some people saying that the really liked them with the 5150 and 6505 heads but they didn't do well with Rectifiers. In response to that, I tried the MXR 6 band EQ I'm using with the Express in the Rectifier I used to have and it sucked... bad. When I plug it into the Express though, it acts very much like the graphic EQ's on the Mark series and really brings it to life. I remember what a BBE did the the ADA setup I used to have and I'm thinking that it might do better with the Express than the EQ I'm currently using. So I thought I might try one out if I could find one but I didn't have a clue which model to even look for because there's so many! I think the one I used to have was a 422 or something like that....

[khabibissell]

You have to remember that a stock Recto has a parallel loop, meaning the signal is split and the mix knob determines how much of it is dry and how much is run through the processor. I would think you'd get poor results using EQ's, BBE's, etc... because the full signal is not passing through the unit (even with the knob on 100%), and it needs to for those type of devices to be effective.

[sandbag]

I use the 362 because you don't really need the one with 4 knobs since its just 2 362s in one basically. I run a 5150 II with the maximizer in the fx loop and it helps the sound out alot

[horns666]

And he'll tell you "...but it's discontinued. Look on eBay. Fugger."

Yep, the BEST sounding ones ever made..PERIOD!!!

They make a stereo set sound amazing. If you're only using one amp..then you have a back channel, in case one takes a dump..

You can score a 422 cheaper than the new ones which sound like processed, cock sizzle!!!

[horns666]

I had the 422a..it has the same tone as the 422. BUT there is some "automatic" bullshit , that has a annoying ass humpin' sound..get the 422!!!

But there is a bypass for that crap. But I remeber it still bled thru..

[levantin]

I had the 422a..it has the same tone as the 422. BUT there is some "automatic" bullshit , that has a annoying ass humpin' sound..get the 422!!!

But there is a bypass for that crap. But I remeber it still bled thru..

Interesting, I never noticed any bleed on mine, and it's useful to A/B the tone sometimes.

[Inazone]

I use the 362NR, with NR being noise reduction. The 362 is more of a general-purpose maximizer than guitar-specific, but I find the NR portion to be great for taming high-end hiss. I run my BBE after an EQ to further tweak the tone in my recording rig.

[minh80]

I've been hearing a lot about the BBE stomp maximizer working well with the 6505's. What are your guy's settings on it?

[krimson]

I have a 5150 and a Triple Rec. I have used my 422a with my 5150 and have gotten great results but with the Triple Rec it totally sucks. Even if I bypass the 422 it still sounds like crap, I have to literally remove it from the loop whenever I connect my rack to the Mesa.