Customer Reviews

BBE MAX-X2 2 Way Stereo Crossover with Full Featured Sonic Maximizer

5 star:		(0)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The three star overall rating (***) primarily reflects the limited range of the crossover frequency, the mild filter slope of 12db, unbalanced connections and less than useful product information. Sub ratings include ***** for sound quality and **** for build quality because the printed crossover points (frequency) on channel 1 are not aligned precisely with the channel 2 crossover points (i.e., if Channel 1's frequency point is selected as 120hz, the knob is in the 9 o'clock position but the 9 o'clock position on channel 2 implies somewhere around 105-110 hz. I just assume that the left and right channels should be in the same clock position as each other and just guess as to what the actual crossover point is.) I have had no performance or sound quality issues whatsoever.

-The unit being reviewed is a black faced unit purchased in late 2009. All the information available at the time indicated that it would be red. The change of color didn't bother me but the unclear description about the color and a couple of other things did. For example, the manual describes the inputs as XLR and unbalanced 1/4" nowhere did I see information that the XLR connections were UNBALANCED or balanced, output is only unbalanced 1/4". Also, It was not clear from the available information what the range of crossover points is. Read on.

-Pro's: Excellent sound quality, very useful sonic maximizer effect, satisfactory build quality and a choice of XLR or TRS inputs.

-Con's: 12db/Octave slope, unbalanced in and out connections (My view, primarily based on the RANE publication I found when researching the power supply for my RANE DC-24 compressors, is that unbalanced connections do not belong in pro level equipment and can be incompatible with some balanced equipment, sometimes resulting in hum or grounding issues (if interested, read the Rane publication here[...]) , limited crossover range (most compression drivers need a minimum of 1.5k-3.5k), Made in China

-I purchased this unit primarily because I was curious about the BBE SM effect and secondly because it had a blowout price of $80 and came with a sonic maximizer software plugin CD. I had originally intended to use it for crossing over a full range Horn/Midbass speaker system at 2.4k but couldn't use it for that application because this unit can only cross between 80hz and 1khz, NOT 250HZ TO 6KHZ LIKE IT SAYS in the owners manual! If you care, and you should, see [...] To be fair, the face plate indicates the correct range of the crossover points on my unit. The available product information was conflicting and while I couldn't use it for the primary reason I purchased it, I found that it works very well for typical full range cabinets when running subs, i.e., xover points between 80hz and 200hz.

-The Max-x2 sounds very good. Very transparent with no perceived loss of dynamics. I now use it to run 4 EV1503ER's driven by a Carvin HD1800 and 2 Carvin TRX218's also with Carvin HD1800's crossed over at about 90-100hz.

-At 12db/octave, the slope is too mild but the crossover points seem to transitions smoothly. I prefer the 24db slope on my Rane AC-22.

-The Sonic Maximizer section is impressive and makes a noticeable improvement to the clarity and detail of the sound. I use it sparingly since it is easy to turn the effect up to much which seems to give the sound a rubbery finish. My personal opinion is that there is no reason to buy this unit if you already have a Sonic Maximizer in your output signal path.

-Would I buy again? I think a sonic maximizer is worth the price for a PA system and I have also found that it is useful for recording, for both the SM and the crossover. My next PA crossover will be a digital multi function unit which provides equalization, crossover network, compression, limiting, feedback kill, and sonic analysis. The digital units are the next logical step because they provide a complete speaker management solution. I also need a 24db slope. I will likely purchase a BBE 4882 or 882 with any new crossover. If you are committed to analog crossovers and don't need a steeper slope or higher crossover frequency, this unit will not disappoint.

Kevania