The all new BBE D82 Sonic Maximizer

[The Cube]

I've been waiting for this a long time.

Basicly a revamped AU/VST from the old BBE Sonicmaximizer plug. oh and it's for OS X too!

Download version available anyday now, boxed version in march.

Check it out: Welcome to BBE Sound

Big Shouts

[matt thomas]

out of interest, wha have you found the (old) BBE useful for?

narco

[Smithers]

This is good news. I'm not exactly what it does but it makes stuff sound really warm. it brings out certain sonic characteristics. like i said i cant pin point it, and its not for everything, but sometime's your working on something and say to yourself "this could use a sonic maximizer". I owned a hardware version YEARS ago before i switched to digital recording, and the Plugin when I was on PPC. was wondering when they would make an updated plugin version.

[The Cube]

Originally Posted by narco

out of interest, wha have you found the (old) BBE useful for?

narco

Dude, the BBE is a sound exciter! It does miracles to sound. Imagine giving that extra spark or brightness to a sound or even more bottom end without EQing it but with much better results. this is a total must in my arsenal. Just experiment even with the factory presets on anything from drums to vocals, it does magic.

Read about exciters and you will understand the advantages of them over EQing. Magazines like SOS or Future Music or Computer Music are always raving about the BBE in every production tutorial they publish. They can't all be wrong can they? My ears certainly aren't! You just have to be careful not to overdo it though. But hey, isn't that the secret with everything else in sound production?

Read my words: when you start using a BBE, there's no going back.

Word up,

[s34nsm411]

i dont know, i used to think the sonic maximizer was cool and all, but as time went on i realized more and more that it just adds a shrill harshness that i dont find desirable

[severe]

Originally Posted by The Cube

Dude, the BBE is a sound exciter! It does miracles to sound. Imagine ginving that extra spark or brightness to a sound or even more bottom end without EQing it. Much better results. this is a total must in my arsenal. just experiment even with the factory presets on anythoing from drums to vocals, it does magic.

Read about exciters and you will understand the advantages of them over EQing. Magazines like SOS or Future Music or Computer Music are always raving about the BBE in every production tutorial they publish. They can't all be wrong can they? My ears certainly aren't! You just have to be carefull not to overdoit though. But hey, isn't that the secret with everything else in sound production?

Read my words: when you start using a BBE, there's no going back.

Word up,

I know it's early, but this one has some serious "Best Post of The Year" potential. thumbsup

[The Cube]

Originally Posted by severe

I know it's early, but this one has some serious "Best Post of The Year" potential. thumbsup

So what's so funny about what I said? The guy asked me what I saw on the old plug version, and I just told him honestly what I think about it.

Anyway if the prize for the nomination you gave me is right, just tell me where I can pick it up. dfegad

[Albert]

Originally Posted by The Cube

So what's so funny about what I said? The guy asked me what I saw on the old plug version, and I just told him honestly what I think about it.

I agree, a definite early nomination for "Best post of the year".

Basically, your post reads like advertising copy. My first response to it was that you must work for BBE, or maybe Guitar Center.

There's the dead giveaway phrases like "It does miracles to sound", "a total must in my arsenal", "it does magic".

Then we get into the real meat of it: "Magazines like SOS or Future Music or Computer Music are always raving about the BBE in every production tutorial they publish. They can't all be wrong can they?"

Then you give us a two-fer in one short sentence "But hey, isn't that the secret". A "but hey", followed by an insinuation of an "insider tip" into the secrets of the audio world.

Finally, you end up with "when you start using a BBE, there's no going back".

It all reads like an advertisement. If you really like the BBE, write why you like it in your own words, don't regurgitate what you read in an ad or review in a magazine.

I'm not knocking the BBE, I own a BBE 702 myself and an Aphex Aural Exciter.

[The Cube]

Originally Posted by Albert

I agree, a definite early nomination for "Best post of the year".

Basically, your post reads like advertising copy. My first response to it was that you must work for BBE, or maybe Guitar Center.

There's the dead giveaway phrases like "It does miracles to sound", "a total must in my arsenal", "it does magic".

Then we get into the real meat of it: "Magazines like SOS or Future Music or Computer Music are always raving about the BBE in every production tutorial they publish. They can't all be wrong can they?"

Then you give us a two-fer in one short sentence "But hey, isn't that the secret". A "but hey", followed by an insinuation of an "insider tip" into the secrets of the audio world.

Finally, you end up with "when you start using a BBE, there's no going back".

It all reads like an advertisement. If you really like the BBE, write why you like it in your own words, don't regurgitate what you read in an ad or review in a magazine.

I'm not knocking the BBE, I own a BBE 702 myself and an Aphex Aural Exciter.

Dude, the only thing I regurgitate on is people like you. Who the hell you think you are to tell me what my words should be or what they sound like to you? There is no damn magazine BBE ad that I know of that even use any of the words I used.

And more, what's wrong about baseing my opinion on what I read on credible magazines such as SOS or any of the others I stated? Better even, when all I said was based on my own experience of that plugin, so how much personal can I get in my opinion about it?

I cannot be enthusiastic or EXCITED (its about an exciter you know??) about something I truely like to use, and share it with others here when they DIRECTLY asked me about it, and I have to put up with smartasses like yourself?

You say I regurgitate from professional audio mags, I say you regurgitate from amateur psychology pocket books. In the end, I think my regurgitation is much more apropriate in this forum than yours.

If you dont like my words, then don't read them, but spare me your lessons on how to express myself. Spank your own monkey dude.

What's wrong with you people?

[severe]

I stand corrected.


...just farted into a microphone, inserted the D82 Sonic Maximizer Plugin, and: example


Miraculous.

[JMWS]

Great entertainment folks!

(Popcorn is tasting good!)

[theblue1]

I sure wish I'd had a chance for a trial download of the virtual BBE Sonic Maximizer -- because then I might have saved whatever real money my virtually unused BBE Sonic Maximizer hardware unit actually cost way back when I bought it.

Live and learn.

[The Cube]

Like i said, I see one cannot be enthusiastic how he expresses about something here. If I just said "oh its an ok plugin" then perhaps you would all have gone make some use of your time other than tell others what words they should use or worst even go farting in mics and go fetching angelic choirs samples to show how funny you are.

Oh well, let the children play.

I'll leave you here with your farts and popcorn while Im going to finish a new track using several instances of the MAGIC BBE plugin

[Dave Peck]

Originally Posted by narco

out of interest, wha have you found the (old) BBE useful for?

narco

OK, back on topic, and to answer a question - I have found that BBE processing can be useful in instances where you may otherwise consider using a HF boost to 'repair' a less-than-stellar track. For example, on a dull and lifeless sampled piano track, using BBE instead of boosting the high end can work quite well to add some clarity to the attacks. But I wouldn't reach for it as a general 'spice' because it gets nasty if overused when you don't really need it.

[The Cube]

Originally Posted by Dave Peck

OK, back on topic, and to answer a question - I have found that BBE processing can be useful in instances where you may otherwise consider using a HF boost to 'repair' a less-than-stellar track. For example, on a dull and lifeless sampled piano track, using BBE instead of boosting the high end can work quite well to add some clarity to the attacks. But I wouldn't reach for it as a general 'spice' because it gets nasty if overused when you don't really need it.

Watch out! you said a plugin could "repair" a less than a stellar track!

You will probably get also hammered cause as far as I see it a repairing plugin can only be a magic one? lol

And you also talk about its overuse, exacly what I stated in the first place about having to "be careful to not overdo it"?? You said in other words the same I did.

When I refered to "magic" or "miracles" I was refering to the precise fact that BBE can add clarity or HF content without also adding noise or hiss to the signal as a simple shelfing Hi EQ would do for example. Thats the MAGIC of it. And also BBE doesn t do its magic just on HF restoring or enhancing, it also does a similar job on other frequency ranges too. Just look at its factory presets. just try to process a simple drum loop through BBE and you'll see what kind of "miracles" I meant.

I would recommend it for sure and am looking forward for the download link of this new model to become available form their website, and see how much better it became. it seems that this new version fuses the processing features from several different BBE hardware units.

Let's wait and see.

Hope this time no one had to fart or teach me how to express myself about a plugin.

ciao

[feck]

I used to own a BBE and used it on my guitar - did amazing things for the sound. That was 12 years ago, haven't used one since. I don't doubt that it is a useful tool. Like in so many other posts on this site, there are plenty of people who "wouldn't stoop to use it" and many who "can't live without it". Who gives a **** what others think? Make your art with the tools you see useful. If you dig it, then praise it. I don't really see the point of bashing it though. If you don't like it, then don't read the thread, and certainly don't waste the time posting negative comments in it.

[andychamp]

Originally Posted by The Cube

(...)Read my words: when you start using a BBE, there's no going back.

I aggree, these devices do have an addictive quality to them.
But as any recovering alcoholic/junkie/smoker will tell you: once you're over it, it's really better without.

[Mr Phil]

They can sound really good on kick drum for some air

[uncle duncan]

I'm glad the BBE is back in plugin form. I actually had to patch my old hardware unit in to the mix to fix an acoustic bass track recently. Like any tool, it has it's uses, but to claim it is the be-all and end-all plugin for mixing on a daily basis is akin to raving about a $200 Apex tube mic as a 'Nuemann killer'.

I hope I never have to use the BBE again, but if I do, it'll be nice to do it with a plugin.

[The Cube]

Originally Posted by uncle duncan

I'm glad the BBE is back in plugin form. I actually had to patch my old hardware unit in to the mix to fix an acoustic bass track recently. Like any tool, it has it's uses, but to claim it is the be-all and end-all plugin for mixing on a daily basis is akin to raving about a $200 Apex tube mic as a 'Nuemann killer'.

I hope I never have to use the BBE again, but if I do, it'll be nice to do it with a plugin.

I agree on what you say about the be-all and end-all issue even because the BBE is only one amongst my dozens of other plugins, including high quality ones like URS, SSL, EMI, PSP etc, but then again, I didn't say I use it on every track I do, and when I do, I try to use it with caution, only to the point I ear a gain in quality of texture or body or brightness of the original sound. If I don't ear that, I just ditch it and use something else like EQ and dynamics or wharever.

The thing is that more than often, the BBE gets me better results on particular situations than anyother much more expensive plugs or hardware. That's why I'm also very curious andd enthusiastic about this new version.

PS: sorry if my english is bad. It's not my native language

[Alndln]

I tried that plug over 4 years ago. I was so satisfied with the results I never had to use it again.

[macc]

Originally Posted by s34nsm411

i dont know, i used to think the sonic maximizer was cool and all, but as time went on i realized more and more that it just adds a shrill harshness that i dont find desirable

Absolutely the same story here. Brittle/chalky sounding process.

[The Cube]

Originally Posted by macc

Absolutely the same story here. Brittle/chalky sounding process.

If you read about what a sound exciter does you understand why it does that on HF. It is by definition an HF restorer, that was usually used in the old days to recreate the harmonic content of an audio signal which was lost during video or audio tape duplication.

Using an audio exciter to recreate the lost harmonic content, generates a sparkling audio sound. This effect is different from normal high frequency boosting which generates noise* and hiss* while improving the frequency response of the audio signal.

Despite its original role, in my own experience, the BBE if used properly can do anything from bottom end boosting to enhance the presence of all kinds of material in the mix.

Maybe you didn't give it a fair try..

Anyway, my 2 cents.

Dont like it, don't use it. It's that simple. there should be a demo of the new one, so have a go before anything else.

Peace

[severe]

Originally Posted by The Cube

If you read about what a sound exciter does you understand why it does that on HF. It is by definition an HF restorer, that was usually used in the old days to recreate the harmonic content of an audio signal which was lost during video or audio tape duplication.

Using an audio exciter to recreate the lost harmonic content, generates a sparkling audio sound. This effect is different from normal high frequency boosting which generates noise* and hiss* while improving the frequency response of the audio signal.

Despite its original role, in my own experience, the BBE if used properly can do anything from bottom end boosting to enhance the presence of all kinds of material in the mix.

Maybe you didn't give it a fair try..

Anyway, my 2 cents.

Dont like it, don't use it. It's that simple. there should be a demo of the new one, so have a go before anything else.

Peace

Couldn't leave well enough alone, could ya?

[The Cube]

Originally Posted by severe

Couldn't leave well enough alone, could ya?

Hey man you again? The only one that could leave this thread alone is you. Go piss off someone else ok?

Go make something uselful instead of bugging people in their own threads, or just open yourself a new one so that you can do what you do best which is farting in mics or wharever is that you do.

[ddageek]

sonic maximiser + Harmonic distortion! the rest is hype!

[JMc]

Like most anything else, a Sonic Maximizer can be a dangerous tool in the hands of a fool. But used sparingly and for the right reasons in the right situation, it can be indispensible. I have found that like Bryll Creem, "a little dab'll do ya". If it sounds harsh or shrill, then you're using it when you ought not to be, or are using it incorrectly. I had a much older version for many years, and sold it not too long ago, replacing it with an 882i, which has a more refined sound to it. The earlier units were a little granular sounding to me in comparison. I tried the plug in and didn't really care for it much, at least in comparison with the hardware unit.

[The Cube]

Originally Posted by JMc

Like most anything else, a Sonic Maximizer can be a dangerous tool in the hands of a fool. But used sparingly and for the right reasons in the right situation, it can be indispensible. I have found that like Bryll Creem, "a little dab'll do ya". If it sounds harsh or shrill, then you're using it when you ought not to be, or are using it incorrectly. I had a much older version for many years, and sold it not too long ago, replacing it with an 882i, which has a more refined sound to it. The earlier units were a little granular sounding to me in comparison. I tried the plug in and didn't really care for it much, at least in comparison with the hardware unit.

JMc,

this is for you, directly from their website, regarding the new version of the plug:

"The new D82 Sonic Maximizer delivers the full capabilities of BBE’s 882i and 482i hardware Sonic Maximizer processors with the convenience of digital. "

I think, specially in your case, this says it all.

Cheers

[biggator6]

Not sure if the plugin will work well for this - but I'll give away a dirty little secret.

For real heavy dirt guitars - put a BBE in the FX loop of the amp. There's no risk of being overly harsh (it's metal guitars) and it does a good job of de-muddifying.

[dhodgson]

Well, I'll post my $.02 because I've been using this plugin for as long it's been out, and that's a very long time. The D82 marks the third version of this, with Nomad Factory apparently doing the implementation for this one.

The BBE is not an exciter. It's a fairly broad low-frequency boost (around 50Hz) combined with an all-pass filter on the low end designed to delay the lows slightly in order to undo the time-smearing incurred by speaker crossovers, which delay the highs slightly. Hence, clearer transients on the bass. This is the "Lo" knob, and the basis of the BBE patent.

The "Process" knob is a fairly broad high-frequency boost (around 10K, as I recall) that rides along in some kind of VCA sidechain circuit such that a limited amount of HF 'sparkle' is added, but in a dynamics-controlled way. That's the closest thing to a definition I've read anywhere, but I'd definitely be interested in reading a circuit analysis that describes it better than this.

I used to use the BBE plugin a lot, but as time goes on I've used it more sparingly in mixes. One person wrote that it works very well in polishing up mediocre sounds, but is of limited usefulness on high-quality ones, and I think that sums things up quite well. Anyway, I'll be first in line to try the new version when it comes out - as long as it's not protected by a dongle or some such.

-djh