BBE 482i Sonic Maximizer

by BBE Sound

Product Features

• 2 channels of BBE for stereo or separate dual mono mixes
• RCA and1/4" inputs and outputs
• Hardwire Bypass Switching
• +18dBu headroom
• 5 segment LED output meters
• Hardwire Bypass Switching, +18dBu headroom

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 19 x 5.8 x 1.8 inches ; 5 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 7 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• Shipping Advisory: This item must be shipped separately from other items in your order. Additional shipping charges will not apply.
• ASIN: B0002FDKIW
• Item model number: 482i
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,731 in Musical Instruments (See Top 100 in Musical Instruments)
  • #1 in Musical Instruments > Recording Equipment > Signal Processors > Effects Processors > Exciters & Enhancers

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

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.

Technical Specifications

• 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

Product Description

The BBE 482i Sonic Maximizer is the most popular of the BBE line of SONIC MAXIMIZERS™. With the patented BBE Process, music has a great "live presence". Unlike some "exciter" devices which add artificial harmonics to the signal, BBE adds nothing artificial but instead restructures it to faithfully allow all the detail and nuance to be heard. Highs frequencies are clear, naturally brilliant and finely detailed. Lows are tight, well defined and harmonically rich. Electric and acoustic guitars have sparkle, clarity and definition. BBE brings out the harmonic complexity so each note of a chord becomes more distinct. Electric & acoustic basses take on a rich, earthy "CD" sound. BBE yields extremely tight, punchy bottom end without sacrificing the presence, clarity and bite on the top end. Keyboards and synthesizers take on new realism. Percussive and plucked sounds are clear and sharp; chords are rich and full-textured with each note in the chord retaining its integrity. Vocals cut through the amplified instruments so you’re no longer "buried in the mix". Sound contractors know that vocal intelligibility is paramount to a successful PA installation and client satisfaction. No other audio processor brings natural clarity and crisp definition to the spoken word like BBE does. That's why BBE Sonic Maximizer processors can be found installed in PA systems ranging from the massive network in New York's JFK airport to the thousands of houses of worship around the world. Recording studios use BBE on individual tracks, mixdown, and of course in mastering. Mixes with BBE are fresh and sparkly, restoring instrument clarity and vocal intelligibility without appreciably adding level. BBE improves effect processing by expanding the spatial dimension of stereo reverb and chorus. Whether in an individual instrument rack or across a full mix, BBE makes a dramatic improvement in the quality of effects and neutralizes their tendency to muffle instrument and vocal characteristics.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Maximized Music, November 9, 2006

By 

Bill Wood (Marion IA USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: BBE 482i Sonic Maximizer (Electronics)

The manufacturer states that this unit improves phase and amplitude integrity of the final signal which we call Sound. I can say that in my professional studio there is a Presence or Naturalness in the final product which was absent before. I am happy with this device.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars music junkie, July 17, 2009

By 

Anthony J. Presley (Greenfield Indiana) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: BBE 482i Sonic Maximizer (Electronics)

I added this piece of equipment between my receiver & power amp & WOW what a sound difference hardly any distortion & not near the amount of volume needed any more. Go out & get one A++++

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars bbe sonic maximizer sound improvement, February 18, 2009

By 

mustang man "rb" (nc usa) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: BBE 482i Sonic Maximizer (Electronics)

the sonic max used on my bass guitar amp,was run in thru my effects loop.notice a diffinite clarity in the sound of my bass notes,with a bit of punch.can dail in more treble or bass on the max,only want to dail in just enough ,punch ,a bit like a eq.would suggest using a compessor limitor also .the model i got has two channels ,only using one ,rack mounted into my bass rig.this would be good for vocals and other instruments.