BBE 482i Stereo Sonic Maximizer The BBE 482i is best fix for sound systems or recordings that lack punch, tightness and clarity!
The 482i will bring crispness and depth to systems that are sonically dead, without adding artificially created harmonics of any type by simply realigning frequencies and performing phase correction. The BBE II process gives your overall mix better dynamics, focus and individual voices and/or instruments sound remarkably more intelligible and crisp. An improved S/N ratio and better noise specs make it a great way to add definition and clarity to your home theatre or recording system, guitar rig, or pa system. RCA and 1/4 inch I/O (unbalanced).
The 482 is perfect for semi-pro applications not requiring balanced jacks. With true dual-mono operation, the 482 is two independent SONIC MAXIMIZER signal processors in one chassis.
Applications
- Pro and semi-pro sound reinforcement
- Multitrack studios
- Mobile DJ systems
- Cassette copies
- Nightclub sound systems
- Instrument racks for guitar, bass and keyboards
Features
- 2 channels of process for stereo or separate mono mixes
- 5 segment LED output meters
- +18dBu headroom
- RCA and 1/4 inch inputs and outputs
- Hardwire bypass
- Bypass switch for comparison of processed to unprocessed signal
In the professional music world, famous musicians perform with BBE Sonic Maximizer signal processors for the most dynamic and exciting audio quality possible. From small nighclubs clubs to huge international tours, today's music professionals depend on BBE High Definition Sound technology to allow their full creativity and musical expression to reach the ears of their audiences. BBE High Definition Sound technology continues to evolve, taking the fidelity of both live and recorded sound to new heights of clarity, definition and sheer musicality.
In the consumer electronics world, many of the most well-known manufacturers such as Sony, Aiwa, Alpine, Pioneer and many others have embraced BBE High Definition Sound technology as the next leap forward in audio fidelity. These manufacturers are working to bring the audio quality of the professional music world to your everyday lifestyle. More and more products featuring BBE technology reach the consumer electronic market every year, including hi-fi systems, televisions, mobile electronics, telephones, computers and personal audio. Not since the introduction of the Compact Disc has the consumer electronic world experienced such a technological breakthrough in audio fidelity.
BBE Sound continues to improve and refine BBE High Definition Sound technology for both the professional audio and consumer electronic markets, as well as developing next-generation audio improvement technologies. These next-generation technologies, such such as Mach III Bass processing and ViVa, are already making their debuts in consumer electronics products from major manufacturers, and BBE looks forward to bringing you more information about these exciting new technologies in the near future.
FAQ from BBE
Which model is right for my application?
We offer several models, though for most applications there is not one right model to use. It's more a matter of your budget, and in some cases, space limitations. For example, in a guitar rack system, our model 482 is the most popular because:
1) Guitar racks are generally unbalanced systems (-10dBu), and
2) Each channel can be adjusted separately, such that a user could use one channel for a signal going to the amp and another going to a mixing board in a live situation
3) The 482 has the best sound sound quality, better than the the 362 (or 362NR).
However, if a guitarist is on a limited budget, then the lower priced ganged-control 362 unit will be fine. Or, if there is no room for rack equipment at all, then the 264 will be the only option, though the sound quality is not quite as good as the 362 and substantially less than the 482.
The point is that for a given application, a user can generally choose from several BBE models, and in some cases any BBE model will work. Your BBE dealer can help you reach a decision taking prices and features into account.
Do BBE Sonic Maximizer processors create any harmonics like exciter and enhancer effects units?
No. BBE technology does not work like exciter and enhancer effects. Typcially, exciter effects are associated with creating artificial harmonics through small amounts of overdrive in the high frequency band. This can prove useful in some recording studio situations, particularly in remastering older analog tapes. However, in today's recording and playback audio environments, there is no need to artifically simulate high freqencies lost through degradation of the original source tapes.
Enhancers are generally associated with equalization, however there are some products which attempt to combine exciter and enhancer effects with the result being harsh and fatiguing to the ear with no actual improvement in clarity and definition. Generally, enhancer products are marketed to appear as though they are more sohpisticated than multiband or parametric equalizer units, however, this is seldom true.
BBE is totally different than exciter and enhancer effects units. BBE High Definition Sound technology is not an effect, but restructures the signal in such a way which allows speakers to more correctly and faithfully reproduce the signal. The best analogy for BBE technology is like eyeglasses for your audio system.
I know the 482 and 882 have the new BBE 4th Generation Processing chip, but what is the difference between the older 462 and 862 models?
The 4th Generation Processing chip offers greater warmth, with a more naturally detailed midrange. We view this as a significant step forward in our patented technology. The earlier 3rd Generation BBE technology is still available in our current 362 series and 264 compact models. We currently do not have plans to introduce this 4th Generation technology into models below the 482 and 882, as the added cost and complexity of this technology are not yet possible at lower price points.
I have an older model BBE, and I was wondering if I should upgrade.
This is a very subjective question, and instinctively a manufacturer's response is to say yes. However, if you have a 462 or 862, then that generation of our technology is still up-to-date, in that either of those discontinued models offers higher performance than any of the current 362 series models and much better than the compact 264 model.
However, if you need the best sound quality available, then it is well worth upgrading your 462 or 862 to the latest 482 or 882. For example, touring sound companies serving major artists must have the best, most modern equipment. Mobile DJs need the best sound quality to remain competitive. However, these desires should be offset against the user's budget.
If you have a much older model, such as 402, 802 or similar generation from about '86 - '89, then the latest versions offer a large improvement in sound quality and specification. These '02 models are now 3 generations old, and their ability to process low level signals, or signals with a wide dynamic range, is not nearly as good as the current BBE models. Owners of these early units should seriously consider upgrading to a current model.
I heard that BBE can not fix some older models. Is this true, and if so, which models can not be fixed?
The core of all BBE signal processors from back is the BBE processing chip(s). When a BBE signal processor fails, the part most likely in need of replacing is the BBE processing chip. Two channel models with independent controls for each channel require two BBE processing chips.
While we have done our best to maintain stocks of earlier generation BBE processing chips, supplies eventually do run out. However, these models affected are so far behind the current level of BBE technology that it is impractical to spend money on repairing such older units. For example, it would be difficult to find a replacement CPU for a 286 PC computer from the late '80s, and even if the parts were available, processing technology has evolved so far that it doesn't make economic sense to repair such an old unit.
Discontinued Sonic Maximizer models using BBE processing chips that are no longer available are: 822, 802, 402, 202, 2002.
Discontinued Sonic Maximizer models which use BBE processing chips that are still available are: 862, 462, 822A, 422A, 422, 411, 401, 1002.