2 WAY STEREO 3 WAY MONO CROSSOVER OWNERS MANUAL

SAFETY RELATED SYMBOLS

protective grounding wire or disconnect the wiring of protective grounding terminal. Operating Conditions The symbol is used to indicate that some hazardous live terminals are involved within this apparatus, even under the normal operating conditions. The symbol is used in the service documentation to indicate that a specific component shall be only replaced by the component specified in that documentation for safety reasons. Protective grounding terminal. Alternating current /voltage. Hazardous live terminal. ON: Denotes the apparatus is turned on. OFF: Denotes the apparatus is turned off, because it uses the single pole switch, be sure to unplug the AC power to prevent any electric shock before you proceed with your service. WARNING: Describes precautions that should be observed to prevent the danger of injury or death to the user. CAUTION: Describes precautions that should be observed to prevent danger of the apparatus. WARNING Power Supply Ensures the source voltage matches the voltage of the power supply before turning ON the apparatus. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time. External Connection The external wiring connected to the output hazardous live terminals requires installation by an instructed person, or the use of ready-made leads or cords. Do not Remove any Cover There are maybe some areas with high voltages inside, to reduce the risk of electric shock, do not remove any cover if the power supply is connected. The cover should be removed by qualified personnel only. No user serviceable parts inside. Fuse To prevent a fire, make sure to use fuses with specified standard (current, voltage, type). Do not use a different fuse or short circuit the fuse holder. Before replacing the fuse, turn OFF the apparatus and disconnect the power source. Protective Grounding Make sure to connect the protective grounding to prevent any electric shock before turning ON the apparatus. Never cut off the internal or external This apparatus shall not be exposed to dripping or splashing and that no objects filled with liquids, such as vases, shall be placed on this apparatus. To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this apparatus to rain or moisture. Do not use this apparatus near water. Install in accordance with the manufacturers instructions. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat. Do not block any ventilation openings. No naked flame sources, such as lighted candles, should be placed on the apparatus. IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS Read these instructions. Heed all warnings. Follow all instructions. Keep these instructions. Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer. Power Cord and Plug Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding type plug. A polarized plug has two blades with one wider than the other. A grounding type plug has two blades and a third grounding prong. The wide blade or the third prong are provided for your safety. If the provided plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet. Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at the plug, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus. Cleaning When the apparatus needs a cleaning, you can blow off dust from the apparatus with a blower or clean with a rag etc. Dont use solvents such as benzol, alcohol, or other fluids with very strong volatility and flammability for cleaning the apparatus body. Clean only with a dry cloth. Servicing Refer all servicing to qualified personnel. To reduce the risk of electric shock, do not perform any servicing other than that contained in the operating instructions unless you are qualified to do so. Servicing is required when the apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as the power supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.

CONTENTS

SPECIFICATIONS iii Service iii Warranty iii INTRODUCTION 1 Getting Started 1 READ BEFORE USING 1 FEATURE LIST 1 Inputs & Outputs 1 SONIC MAXIMIZER 1 Clip LED 2 Range x1 & x10 2 Phase Inversion 2 Mode switch 2 Max-X3 FRONT Panel 3 Max-X3 Rear Panel 4 Max-X3 Connection Examples 5 Max-X3 2-way stereo operation 5 Max-X3 3-way mono operation 6 Connection cables 7

SPECIFICATIONS

SPECIFICATIONS CROSSOVER TYPE Mono 3 way/Stereo 2 way FILTER TYPE Linkwitz/Riley 24dB/octave CROSSOVER FREQUENCY Max-X3 LOW-MID Range 1 80Hz-1KHz MID-HIGH Range 10 800Hz-10KHz INPUTS: TYPE Balanced XLR and Unbalanced 1/4 IMPEDANCE 100KOhms IMPEDANCE 600 Ohms
OUTPUTS: TYPE Balanced XLR and Unbalanced 1/4 HUM & NOISE AV=0dB, fc=800Hz LOW SECTION (OUTPUT@0dB) -106dBu HIGH SECTION (OUTPUT@0dB) -97dBu S/N RATIO 118dB POWER SUPPLY see label on the apparatus DIMENSIONS 483mm(W) 194.5(D) 44mm(H) /19.01(W) 7.66(D) 1.73(H) WEIGHT 2.5Kg (5.51lb) Service We recommend that if at all possible, a BBE Max-X3 which requires service be sent to our facility in Huntington Beach, California. We request that a RETURN AUTHORIZATION be issued by the dealer from whom you purchased the unit. If this is not possible, call BBE Sound, Inc. directly at (714) 897-6766, extension 116 to obtain a RETURN AUTHORIZATION. Include a copy of the bill of sale with the unit when it is shipped to BBE Sound, Inc. so that the service can be expedited. As the repair turnaround time is minimal, we request that the unit be sent to BBE Sound, Inc. We also need to add reliability data to our files so that future revisions may be undertaken, if necessary, to improve the product. If unit has been purchased outside the US, please contact your national distributor. Warranty Warranty registration of the unit to BBE Sound, Inc. is not necessary. It is strongly recommended that you retain a copy of the bill of sale for future reference. IT IS THE SOLE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE END USER TO PROVIDE THE BILL OF SALE OR OTHER MEANS OF PROOF OF PURCHASE TO VALIDATE THE WARRANTY IF WARRANTY SERVICE IS REQUESTED. The BBE Max-X3 is warranted against defects in material and workmanship for a period of two (2) years from date of purchase from BBE Sound Inc. or from an authorized dealer. During this period, we will repair units free of charge providing that they are shipped prepaid to BBE Sound, Inc., 5381 Production Drive, Huntington Beach, CA 92649. We will pay return UPS shipping charges within the USA. All charges related to non-UPS shipping, including customs clearance, will be billed. The warranty will be honored for the longer of either 90 days from the date of any service or the remainder of the original 2 year factory warranty. This warranty will be considered null and void by BBE Sound, Inc. if any of the following is found: 1. The equipment has been physically damaged. 2. The equipment shows signs of abuse. 3. The equipment has been electrically damaged by improper connection or attempted repair by the customer or a third party. 4. The equipment has been modified without authorization. 5. The bill of sale indicates that the purchase date of the equipment is not within the warranty period. All non-warranty repairs are warranted for a period of 90 days from the date of service. BBE Sound, Inc. is NOT LIABLE FOR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES. Should the unit fail to operate for any reason, our sole obligation is to repair it as described above. DO NOT RETURN ANY PRODUCT TO THE ABOVE ADDRESS WITHOUT INSTRUCTIONS AND AUTHORIZATION ISSUED BY THE ABOVE LOCATION.

Getting started

INTRODUCTION
Congratulations and thank you for your purchase of the BBE Max-X3. You have acquired an extremely efficient and universal stereo crossover with an integral BBE Sonic Maximizer.

Getting Started

READ BEFORE USING Before starting to use the crossover in your sound system there is some information you should know and procedures you should follow. The Max-X3 is a fourth order Linkwitz-Riley electronic crossover. These units can be used both in stereo and mono modes allowing the following configurations: Stereo mode 2-way Mono mode 3-way
Stereo and mono modes can be easily set by pushing the rear panel switch and connecting inputs and outputs properly.
FEATURE LIST Single rack unit (1U) Robust and compact design Phase inversion switches Servo-balanced XLR inputs/outputs. 1/4TRS input/outputs for any combination of balanced and unbalanced operation State-variable Linkwitz/Riley 24dB/Octave filters Switchable Constant Directivity horn equalization circuit for use with horns requiring a high frequency boost Clip LED indicators Mute switches Designed for the most precise control Top audio performance with high slew rate circuity Over 115dB dynamic range Manufactured Under ISO9001 Certified management system Inputs & Outputs All inputs and outputs are floating and balanced when connected via a tip, ring, sleeve 1/4 connector to other floating and balanced equipment. Any combination of balanced and unbalanced operation is permitted (see also Connection Cables). SONIC MAXIMIZER Loudspeakers have difficulty working with the electronic signals supplied by an amplifier. These difficulties cause such major phase and amplitude distortion that the sound reproduced by speaker differs significantly from the sound produced by the original source. In the past, these problems proved unsolvable and were thus delegated to a position of secondary importance in audio system design. However, phase and amplitude integrity is essential to accurate sound reproduction. Research shows that the information which the listener translates into the recognizable characteristics of a live performance are intimately tied into complex time and amplitude relationships between the fundamental and harmonic components of a given musical note or sound. These relationships define a sounds sound. When these complex relationships pass through a speaker, the proper order is lost. The higher frequencies are delayed. A lower frequency may reach the listeners ear first or perhaps simultaneously with that of a higher frequency. In some cases, the fundamental components may be so time-shifted that they reach the listeners ear ahead of some or all of the harmonic components.

This change in the phase and amplitude relationship on the harmonic and fundamental frequencies is technically called envelope distortion. The listener perceives this loss of sound integrity in the reproduced sound as muddy and smeared. In the extreme, it can become difficult to tell the difference between musical instruments, for example, an oboe and a clarinet. BBE Sound, Inc. conducted extensive studies of numerous speaker systems over a ten year period. With this knowledge, it became possible to identify the characteristics of an ideal speaker and to distill the corrections necessary to return the fundamental and harmonic frequency structures to their correct order. While there are differences among various speaker designs in the magnitude of their correction, the overall pattern of correction needed is remarkably consistent. Clip LED This LED will light when output capability is being exceeded with clipping distortion. Occasional flickering of the Clip LED is acceptable, but if it remains on continuously you should turn down the level control or reduce the output level of the preceding component to avoid audible distortion. Range x1 & x10 This switch sets the range of crossover frequencies. OFF : Frequency x1 = 80Hz -1KHz ON : Frequency x10 = 800Hz -10KHz
CAUTION: to prevent transients and possible equipment damage, never change the frequency range switch from the x1 position to the x 10 (or vice versa) while passing signal.
Phase Inversion These phase inversion switches reverse the audio signals phase by 180. Normally, you wont need this switch, however, in some cases, it might be necessary. For example, the inversion of the pins of the XLR connector may be necessary to alter the audio phase to compensate for phase cancellation. Mode switch This switch sets the operational mode of this unit. When it is pressed, this unit is in the state of mono application, you can operate it as a 3-way mono crossover (High/Mid/Low). Otherwise, this unit is in the state of stereo application, you can operate it as a 2-way stereo crossover (High/Low).

front panel

Max-X3 FRONT Panel

2-way Stereo Mode

23 Ch1 BBE Process Control Ch1 BBE Lo Contour Control Ch1 BBE switch Ch1 Input Level Ch1 LOW & Ch1 HIGH Clip LEDs Ch1 LOW Gain Ch1 LOW Mute Ch1 LOW-HIGH Crossover Frequency Ch1 LOW-HIGH Crossover Range Ch1 HIGH Gain Ch1 HIGH Mute Ch2 BBE Process Control Ch2 BBE Lo Contour Control Ch2 BBE switch Ch2 Input Level Ch2 LOW & Ch1 HIGH Clip LEDs Ch2 LOW Gain Ch2 LOW Mute Ch2 LOW-HIGH Crossover Frequency Ch2 LOW-HIGH Crossover Range Ch2 HIGH Gain Ch2 HIGH Mute Power switch

3-way Mono Mode

BBE Process Control BBE Lo Contour Control BBE switch Input Level Low & Mid Clip LEDs LOW Gain LOW Mute LOW-MID Crossover Frequency LOW-MID Crossover Range (not used) (not used) (not used) (not used) (not used) (not used) HIGH Clip LED MID Gain MID Mute MID-HIGH Crossover Frequency MID-HIGH Crossover Range HIGH Gain HIGH Mute

rear panel

Max-X3 Rear Panel

2W-STEREO

AC INPUT FUSE
95-120V /210-240V 60-50Hz Rated power consumption 10w

HIGH OUT 2

BALANCED UNBALANCED

LOW OUT 2

STEREO MONO

CHANNEL 2 IN

HIGH OUT 1

LOW OUT 1

CHANNEL 1 IN

HIGH PHASE

CD BOOST MODE

CD BOOST

210-240V T100mAL 250VAC 95-120V 200mA 250VAC Replace fuse with correct type only

MADE IN CHINA

3W-MONO

HIGH OUT MONO

MID OUT MONO

LOW OUT MONO

MONO INPUT
13 Ch2 HIGH Output (Linked XLR-M & Jack) Ch2 HIGH Phase Inversion Ch2 LOW Output (Linked XLR-M & Jack) Ch2 Constant Directivity Boost Switch Out - 2-way Stereo Mode Ch2 Line Input (Linked XLR-F & Jack) Ch1 HIGH Output (Linked XLR-M & Jack) Ch1 HIGH Phase Inversion Ch1 LOW Output (Linked XLR-M & Jack) Ch1 Constant Directivity Boost Ch1 Line Input (Linked XLR-F & Jack) Power Cord Fuse Holder
HIGH Output (Linked XLR-M & Jack) HIGH phase inversion MID Output (Linked XLR-M & Jack) (not used) Switch In - 3-way Mono Mode (not used) (not used) MID Phase Inversion LOW Output (Linked XLR-M & Jack) Constant Directivity Boost Line Input (Linked XLR-F & Jack)

INSTALLATION

Max-X3 Connection Examples
Max-X3 2-way stereo operation 1. Set Mode switch to stereo Mode. 2. Plug the Left line-in to INPUT 1 and the Right line-in to INPUT 2. 3. Connect the LOW OUT 1 to the Left input of the Low frequency amplifier, and the LOW OUT 2 to the Right input of Low frequency amplifier. 4. Connect the HIGH OUT 1 to the Left input of the High frequency amplifier, and the HIGH OUT 2 to the Right input of High frequency amplifier. 5. Set the XOVER FREQ 1 and XOVER FREQ 2.
Max-X3 3-way mono operation Rear Panel 1. Set Mode switch to Mono mode. 2. Plug the line-in into INPUT 1. 3. Connect LOW OUT 1 to the Low frequency amplifier. 4. Connect LOW OUT 2 to the Midrange frequency amplifier. 5. Connect HIGH OUT 2 to the High frequency amplifier. NOTE: Do not connect anything into INPUT 2. Do not connect anything from HIGH OUT 1. (The inputs/outputs are automatically normalled when unplugged). Front Panel 1. BBE 1 BBE main control 2. INPUT 1 main input level control 3. Low Gain 1 Low frequency amplifier level control 4. XOVER FREQ 1 set to x1 - LOW-MID Crossover control 5. high gain 1 set to 0 and Mute 6. INPUT 2 set to 0 7. LOW Gain 2 Mid frequency amplifier level control 8. XOVER FREQ 2 set to x10 - MID-HIGH Crossover control 9. HIGH Gain High frequency amplifier level control

installation

Connection cables
In this chapter youll find the wiring diagrams for the connectors to be used with your crossover. Take care of the connector cable. Always holding them by the connectors and avoiding knots and twists when coiling them: this gives the advantage of increasing their life and reliability, which is always to your advantage. Periodically check that your cables are in good condition, that they are correctly wired and that all their contact are perfectly efficient: a great number of problems (faulty contacts, ground hum , discharges, etc.) are caused entirely by using unsuitable or faulty cables
XLR Male Jack unbalanced link
XLR Female Jack unbalanced link

Balanced XLR-M

Balanced XLR-F

Balanced 1/4 Plug

5381 Production Drive Huntington Beach, CA 92649 714-897-6766 FAX 714-896-0736 www.bbesound.com
covered by U.S. Patent 5,736,897 and other U.S. and foreign patents pending. BBE is the registered trademark of BBE Sound, Inc.

rev 3: 9.08.2010

P RO F ESS I ON A L
All the sound youve never heard

BBE Sonic Maximizer

What it is and what it does.
When we listen to live music, all of the highs and lows reach our ears in the same relationship to each other as when they were created by the instruments. If this same live music were to be recorded and played back through a loudspeaker system, the loudspeaker would introduce frequency-dependent phase shifting. The inductance of the speakers voice coil creates a stronger impedance as the signals frequency increases, resulting in a time delay. Consequently, frequency components with large negative phase shifts (high frequencies) arrive at the listeners ear later than signals undergoing small phase shifts (low frequencies). The resultant signal is distorted in the time domain to the listeners ear. Audio material containing sharp transients (e.g., percussive and plucked sounds such as drums, guitar, piano and harpsichord, etc.) suffers the most from this phenomenon, making it seem unfocused, or mushy. In order to address these problems inherent in basic loudspeaker design, BBE Sound, Inc. has developed a circuit that has two primary functions. The first adjusts the phase relationships
of the low, mid and high frequencies. Since a loudspeakers natural tendency is to add progressively longer delay times to higher frequencies, BBE sound technology adds progressively longer delay times to lower frequencies. This creates a kind of mirror curve to the time delay curve created by the speaker, neutralizing its phase distortion. The second major element in BBEs sound technology is the augmentation of the higher and lower frequencies. Loudspeakers tend to be less efficient in their extreme treble and bass ranges. Most sound-reproducing systems include a circuit for boosting high and low frequencies, showing an accepted awareness of the loudspeakers efficiency problem. The BBE system, however, provides a dynamic, program-driven augmentation which combines with the phase compensation feature to restore the brilliance and clarity of the original live sound. The result is, as one professional journal phrased it, The most hearable advance in audio technology since high fidelity itself!

Envelope Distortion

LIVE Original live sound before amplification. First part of transient shown.
BBE OFF Same sound as reproduced by an audio system. Note initial transient lost (envelope distortion).
BBE ON Same sound reproduced with BBE processing: corrects distortion; corrects phase delay.

Sonic Maximizers

The 882i is a dual-mono Sonic Maximizer that features our fourth generation processing engine and perfectly suited for any studio, PA system, guitar/bass rig or any application that requires balanced connectivity. Features include: A fullfunction Sonic Maximizer, +23dB of output headroom, balanced or unbalanced I/O, 115dB signal to noise ratio and Hard-wire bypass.
Frequency repsonse Process mode: program controlled Bypass mode: 10Hz to 50kHz, 0.5dBu, 0dBu input Signal to noise ratio 115dB Total harmonic distortion (THD) Process mode: less than 0.025% 20-20kHz Bypass mode: less than 0.002% 20-20kHz Maximum output +23dBu Input impedance 14.7K Ohms Output impedance 600 Ohms Sensitivity -45dBu for maximum process Maximum process +12dBu boost at 5kHz Lo Contour +12dBu adjustment at 50Hz, 0dBu input
The 482i is a dual-mono Sonic Maximizer that features our fourth generation processing engine and perfectly suited for any semi-pro studio, PA system guitar/bass rig or unbalanced/-10dB input headroom signal path. Features include: A fullfunction Sonic Maximizer, +18dB of output headroom, unbalanced "/RCA I/Os, 112dB signal to noise ratio and Hard-wire bypass.
Frequency repsonse Process mode: program controlled Bypass mode: 10Hz to 50kHz, 0.5dBu, 10dBu input Signal to noise ratio 112dB Total harmonic distortion (THD) Process mode: less than 0.025% 20-20kHz Bypass mode: less than 0.002% 20-20kHz Maximum output +21dBu Input impedance 47K Ohms Output impedance 1K Ohms Sensitivity -45dBu for maximum process Maximum process +12dBu boost at 5kHz Lo Contour +12dBu adjustment at 50Hz

382iSW

Now with 4th-generation processing. Features include: Sub Woofer Control with a variable low-pass filter (30-120Hz), full-function Sonic Maximizer, unbalanced "/RCA I/ Os, 108dB signal to noise ratio and Hard-wire bypass.
Frequency repsonse Process mode: program controlled Bypass mode: 5Hz to 30kHz Signal to noise ratio 108dBu process in 120dBu process out Total harmonic distortion (THD) Process mode: less than 0.1% at 1kHz Maximum output +16dBu Input impedance 47K Ohms Nominal input level -10dBu Output impedance 1K Ohms Nominal output level +16dBu Low-pass filter range 30-120Hz (variable)
The 382iSW combines a full-featured Sonic Maximizer engine with an independent variable subwoofer low-pass filter output. Applications for this versatile unit include: mobile DJ rigs, nightclubs/theaters, studios and PA systems.
Now with 4th-generation processing. Features include: A full-function Sonic Maximizer, +16dB of output headroom, unbalanced "/RCA I/ Os, 108dB signal to noise ratio and Hard-wire bypass.
Frequency repsonse Process mode: program controlled Bypass mode: 5Hz to 30kHz Signal to noise ratio 108dBu process in 120dBu process out Total harmonic distortion (THD) Process mode: less than 0.1% at 1kHz Maximum output +16dBu Input impedance 47K Ohms Nominal input level -10dBu Output impedance 1K Ohms Nominal output level +16dBu
The 382i series delivers all the sound improving benefits of a Sonic Maximizer with the convenience of ganged-stereo operation, perfectly suited for any unbalanced studio, PA system or guitar/bass rig application.

Compressors/Crossovers

MaxCom
The MaxCom is a professional and easy to use Dual channel Compressor/Limiter/ Gate and Sonic Maximizer that provides live or pre-recorded material with clean, distortion free compression. Whether the goal is to control vocals, a stereo mix or just dial in hard limiting to protect your speakers, the MaxCom will accomplish your needs with the reliability and sonic excellence that professionals count on. Features include: A full-function fourth-generation Sonic Maximizer, world-class THAT Corporation VCAs, balanced or unbalanced I/O, dual bar-graph meters for each channel to indicate Input Level and Gain Reduction and a Key in and out via " TRS.

Frequency repsonse 20 to 20,000Hz Signal to noise ratio More than 94dB Total harmonic distortion (THD) Less than 0.05% Threshold -40dBu to +20dBu Compression ratio 1:1 to 11:1 Attack time 0.1 to 200 msec Gate threshold Off to +10dBu

Max-X3

The Max-X3 is a professional 2-way stereo/3-way mono crossover and Sonic Maximizer, which offers a variety of options for any live sound application. The Max-X3 employs state-variable 4th-order Linkwitz-Riley filters to minimize phase inaccuracies in the crossover region, which is critical for the accurate summing of each driver in a speaker stack. Features include: 2-way stereo/3-way mono crossover, full-function fourth-generation Sonic Maximizer, Linkwitz-Riley filters (24dB per octave), Servo-balanced XLR inputs, " inputs/outputs, Low-cut subsonic filters for low frequency driver protection, phase inversion switching and over a 115 dB dynamic range.
Crossover type Stereo 2-way/mono 3-way Crossover frequency Low-mid range 1: 80Hz to 1kHz Mid-high range 10: 800Hz to 10kHz Filter type Linkwitz/Riley 24dB/octave Inputs Type: balanced XLR and unbalanced " Impedance: 100kOhms Outputs Type: balanced XLR and unbalanced " Impedance: 600 Ohms Hum and noise Low section (output @ 0dB): -106dBu High section (output @ 0dB): -97dBu Signal to noise ratio 118dB

Graphic Equalizers

EQA-231
The BBE EQA-231 is a professional dual 31band graphic equalizer. ideal for use in live sound rigs and installed setups such as studio, stage, DJ and sound contracting. The EQA-231 utilizes Constant-Q filters (constant bandwidth) this means that the bandwidth of each individual filter has a perfect balance between being narrow enough to prevent unwanted interaction between filters, yet wide enough to deliver exactly the type of correction curve for the ultimate in precision equalizing.
Constant-Q filters Variable low-cut filter from 10Hz to 250Hz (12dB/octave) Variable high-cut filter from 3kHz to 40Hz (12dB/octave) True hardwire bypass Balanced XLR or TRS input/output connections Clip indicator Line voltage switchable between 115 and 230 VAC operations

EQA-215

The BBE EQA-215 is a professional dual 15band graphic equalizer. ideal for use in live sound rigs and installed setups such as studio, stage, DJ and sound contracting. The EQA-215 utilizes Constant-Q filters (constant bandwidth) this means that the bandwidth of each individual filter has a perfect balance between being narrow enough to prevent unwanted interaction between filters, yet wide enough to deliver exactly the type of correction curve for the ultimate in precision equalizing.

Constant-Q filters True hardwire bypass Balanced XLR or TRS input/output connections Clip indicator Line voltage switchable between 115 and 230 VAC operations
Transients are enhanced, becoming more tactile, more present. Nuances in the high and low end are intensified; there is an added fullness and clarity. Stereo-program becomes more three dimensional, more spacious. Dense textures become more penetrable, with a more palpable space around each discrete instrument. This is powerful stuff. Maybe its voodoo? Home Studio Recording magazine
S p e a k e r M a n a geme n t
The DS48 loudspeaker management system features 4 inputs and 8 outputs with 10 configuration templates. Choice of operating and crossover modes includes: 4 x 2-way; 2 x 3-way + 2 aux; 2 x 4-way; 1 x 5-way + 3 aux, mono dist., stereo dist.; LCRS w/mono subs; 4 x 4 processor; and muted/flat startup. Some of BBEs DS48 features include high performance limiters on each output, providing complete control over attack, release and threshold parameters, variable high and low pass filters and your choice of 6dB, 12dB,18dB, 24dB, 48dB Butterworth, Linkwitz-Riley or Bessel frequency response curve. Independent control of each high and low pass filter allows asymmetric crossover bands to be created. The DS48 can also be controlled from a PC via the DS24s RS232 connection with the included software. Along with XLR input/output connectors, DS48 comes complete with selectable line voltages between 90 and 250 VAC operations.
24-bit AD/DA, 48k sampling rate Internal 32-bit DSP processing Parametric EQ provides -40dB to +6dB of gain with frequency, gain and bandwidth adjustment Full limiter for each output 7ms delay per output RS-232 computer control
The DS26 loudspeaker management system features 2 inputs and 6 outputs, and has a 5-band parametric equalizer for each output. Outputs all feature crossover filters, 5-band parametric equalizer, selectable high and low shelving filters, fully featured limiter and delay. Full metering is provided for inputs and outputs, with mute and access buttons allowing quick set up and gain adjustment. Other features included a choice of 12, 18 or 24dB/octave roll-off, and Butterworth, Bessel or Linkwitz-Riley responses. Independent control of each high and low pass filter allows asymmetric crossover bands to be created. The DS26 can also be controlled from a PC via the DS24s RS232 connection. Along with XLR input/output connectors, DS26 comes complete with selectable line voltages between 90 and 250 VAC operations.

As close as weve seen to a magic black box, the BBE Sonic Maximizer is probably the most cost-effective improvement you can add to your rig. Its a top contender for the Biggest Bang for the Buck award. Guitar Player

DI Solutions

DI-400
The DI-400 is a high-quality professional-grade fourchannel active DIbox for touring sound applications and recording studios. It has a major advantage over other high-end rack-mounted DIs on the market, with built-in Sonic Maximizer processor, on each channel, which employs the BBE 4th-generation processing engine just like the 482i and 882i Sonic Maximizer models. The DI-400 yields excellent results with active or passive bass guitars, keyboards, and both acoustic and electric guitars. The DI-400 is an excellent choice for transferring any musical instrument signal direct to a mixing console. An active direct box, its design is completely transformerless. Nothing to color your sound, its transparency is the DI-400s greatest attribute allowing the free expression of your instruments voice unfettered. The four-channel design, with rear inputs as well as front inputs, allows it to be permanently wired and rack-mounted in a touring rig or recording studio effects rack.
Frequency response @ line out Process mode: program controlled Bypass mode: 10Hz to 50kHz (1dB) Signal to noise ratio (per channel) BBE out: 118dB power supply (115dB 9v battery) BBE in (@10): 115dB power supply (112dB 9v battery) Total harmonic distortion (THD) BBE out: less than 0.005% at -10dBu input (20 to 20kHz) BBE in: 0.05% (20 to 20kHz) Noise BBE out: -105dBu BBE in (@0): -94dBu BBE in (@10): -85dBu Input impedance instrument: 1M Ohms line: 12k Ohms Output impedance xlr: 600 Ohms line: 1k Ohms (* 0dBu=0.775Vrms)

DI-100x

The DI-100x is a high-quality professional-grade active DI box designed primarily for recording applications, it was designed without compromise with paramount importance placed on maintaining the highest sonic integrity. Its major advantage over other high-end DI boxes on the market is its built-in Sonic Maximizer processor which employs the BBE 4th-generation processing enginejust like the 482i and 882i Sonic Maximizer models. Some of the DI-100xs features include: a full function BBE Sonic Maximizer; 15dB pad switch; ground lift switch; recessed switches to reduce the opportunities for damage; no-slip full bottom pad to stop slippage and prevent ground contamination through chassis to chassis contact; and a full 5-year warranty.
Frequency response @ line out Process mode: program controlled Bypass mode: 10Hz to 50kHz (1dB) Signal to noise ratio (per channel) BBE out: 118dB power supply (115dB 9v battery) BBE in (@10): 115dB power supply (112dB 9v battery) Total harmonic distortion (THD) BBE out: less than 0.005% at -10dBu input (20 to 20kHz) BBE in: 0.05% (20 to 20kHz) Noise BBE out: -105dBu BBE in (@0): -94dBu BBE in (@10): -85dBu Input impedance Instrument: 1M Ohms Line: 12k Ohms Output impedance XLR: 600 Ohms Line: 1k Ohms (* 0dBu=0.775Vrms) Power requirements DC inlet: +9 VDC min. 200ma Battery: 9 VDC 15 hour life

DI-1000

The DI-1000 is perfect for the recording studios and has no sonic equal in any other direct box currently available. The DI-1000 can operate as either a passive impedance matching device via the Jensen JT-DB-EP transformer, or as an active DI where the Sonic Maximizer circuit can be engaged with the signal still balanced at its output by the Jensen transformer. Some of the DI-1000s features include: a full function BBE Sonic Maximizer; Jensen JT-DB-EPC transformer; purely passive or completely active operation; switchable 0/15dB/30dB pad switch; ground lift switch; internal pure-silver wiring; recessed switches to reduce the opportunities for damage; no-slip full bottom pad to stop slippage and prevent ground contamination through chassis to chassis contact; and a full 5-year warranty.
Frequency response @ XLR balanced out Process mode: program controlled Bypass mode: 5Hz to 30kHz (1dB) Signal to noise ratio BBE out: 123dB power supply (118dB 9v battery) BBE in (@10): 118dB power supply (113dB 9v battery) Total harmonic distortion (THD) BBE out: less than 0.02% at -10dBu input (20 to 20kHz) BBE in: 0.1% at -10dBu input (20 to 20kHz) Noise Passive: -115dBu Active (BBE in @0): -110dBu Active (BBE in @10): -105dBu Input impedance Instrument: 1M Ohms Line: 12k Ohms Output impedance XLR: 600 Ohms Line: 1k Ohms Phase deviation Passive: less than 1 @ 20Hz, 0 @ 1kHz Active (BBE out): less than 11 @ 20Hz, 0 @ 1kHz (* 0dBu=0.775Vrms) Power requirements DC inlet: +9 VDC min. 200ma Battery: 9 VDC 15 hour life

Magnum D.I.

The Magnum D.I. is a professional active direct box housed in a rugged, ergonomic 14-gauge steel chassis, military-grade PCB, 2-way selectable pad (0dB/-20dB), ground lift, and can be powered by +48v Phantom power.
" input (unbalanced) thru (unbalanced) +48v Phantom power status LED 2-way input pad selector (0dB/-20dB) XLR output (balanced) Ground lift switch

Bench Press

Vintage Compressor The Bench Press is a vintage compressor that was patterned after the long discontinued Ross compressor. The heart of the Bench Press is fueled by a NOS CA3080 OTA (Operational Transconductance Amplifier) and 1% metal film resistors for better fidelity and features an Attack control to offer players more flexibility than the original.

Boosta Grande

Stomp Boxes
Boutique doesnt mean expensive.
Transparent clean boost The Boosta Grande is a transparent clean boost that is designed to produce up to 20dB of clean gain and benefit the player needing more volume or gain without changing their tone.
BBE stompboxes are not only 100% analog and designed in the USA, they are engineered and manufactured to specifically alleviate issues of reliability and inconsistency normally associated with vintage and homegrown manufactured effect pedals. Our pedals combine a boutique-style vibe with worldclass engineering, low tolerance/high quality components, true hardwire bypass switching and a five year warranty, all at a price that every musician can afford.

Crusher

High gain distortion The Crusher is a high gain distortion with a passive 3-band EQ (bass, mid and treble) that provides the player with a wide range of distortion effectsfrom a mild crunch to over-the-top, in your face distortion.
Features True Hard-wire bypass switching Road-worthy aluminum chassis High grade components Blue LED status indicator Easy access 9-volt battery compartment Non-slip rubber bottom Five year warranty

Free Fuzz

Seventies silicon transistor fuzz The Free Fuzz was patterned after a rare and sought-after silicon transistor fuzz pedal made famous by players like Jimi Hendrix in the late 60s. The Free Fuzz provides a wide range of creamy, dynamic fuzz effects with an almost endless amount of sustain for soloing and chunky rhythms.

Green Screamer

Vintage overdrive The Green Screamer is a vintage overdrive capable of producing a wide dynamic range of smooth and warm overdrive tones associated with vintage tube amps.

B B E S t o m p B o x es

Mind Bender
Dual-mode vibrato/chorus The Mind Bender is a dual-mode vibrato/ chorus that utilizes a BBD (Bucket Brigade Delay) circuit and produces a wide range of lush vibrato/chorus and rotating speaker effects.

Tremor

Dual-mode analog tremolo The Tremor is a dual-mode tremolo that utilizes an optical circuit to create a wide range of warm pulsating sounds normally associated with the vibrato effect of vintage tube amps. The Tremor offers the flexibility of two independent speed controls that are foot switchable to enable a player to select between a slow and a fast tremolo at the stomp of a switch.

Opto Stomp

Optical compressor The Opto Stomp is a transparent optical compressor that provides players with a wide range of soft-knee compression effects, reminiscent of the best vintage optical-element compressors made in the 60s. Perfect for use with bass and acoustic instruments.

Two Timer

Dual-mode analog delay The Two Timer was inspired by the long discontinued DM-2 Delay, which was known for its warm, haunting reverb and tape-like echoes. The Two Timer offers two independent delay times foot switchable via the time 1/time 2 mode switch. This makes it possible to have one delay set up for a short slapback rhythm sound while another is set to a longer delay for solos.

Sonic Stomp

Sonic Maximizer The Sonic Stomp is a stompbox version of our ever-popular Sonic Maximizer. The Sonic Stomp was carefully designed to deliver the same sonic improvement as our rack-mounted 482i Sonic Maximizer, adding clarity, definition and punch to any instrument.

Sixties wah-wah The Wah is based on a 1967 Class A circuit design that featured a unique Halo inductor. BBE has re-engineered and customtuned the Halo inductor and potentiometer to re-create the expressive tones made famous by players like Eric Clapton and Jimi Hendrix. In addition, weve added a harmony control to help fine-tune the Wahs Q/ peak response, and handwired all components are for the ultimate in vintage authenticity.

Soul Vibe

Sixties rotary speaker simulator The Soul Vibe is a vibe/rotary speaker simulator known for its chewy phase-like textures made popular in the late 60s and early 70s by such players as Jimi Hendrix, David Gilmour and Robin Trower.

Supa-Charger

Universal power supply The Supa-Charger is a high performance universal pedal power supply that features: a custom wound zero hum toroidal transformer; eight outputs that are isolated, regulated and filtered; and a selectable input mains switch to accommodate 110-220 voltages, enabling the Supa-Charger to be used worldwide.
I n s t r u me n t P r e a m p s

Acoustimax

BBE is at the forefront of audio technology which allows amplified music to sound more natural, and the latest generation of BBE High Definition Sound technology is a vital element to the new Acoustimax acoustic preamp. In the four years since BBE last offered its award-winning 386 acoustic preamp, BBEs design and engineering team studied the serious acoustic players needs for both recording and sound reinforcement. The result is Acoustimax, a foot-pedal-style (or stompbox-style) acoustic preamp which raises the bar for amplified acoustic instrument sound quality. Acoustimax is packed with features including three band, recording-console quality eq with a sweepable mid -range band, low frequency notch filter, phase reversal, ground lift, line level out, dedicated tuner out and TRS effects loop, even a pre/post switchable-balanced DI output with pad. Other features include hardwire bypass, non-slip rubber bottom and the included 12v power supply.
Frequency response 50Hz to 20kHz Treble 12dB @ 10kHz Mid 12dB @ 400kHz to 2.5kHz Bass 12dB @ 60kHz Notch 0 to -12dB @ 70Hz to 250kHz BBE Lo Contour: +15dB @ 50Hz Process: +15dB @ 10kHz Maximum output +10dBu @ instrument jack Noise Instrument jack: -98dBv (unity gain) Line out: -88dBv (+10dB gain) Total harmonic distortion (THD) 0.05% @ 1kHz Impedances Input: 2.2M Ohm Tuner out: 2k Ohm Line out: 1k Ohm Instrument out: 2k Ohm XLR out: 600 Ohm (* 0dBu=0.775Vrms) Power requirements DC inlet +12 VAC min. 200ma

The BMAX is a high quality bass preamp/ processor with applications both in the recording studio and on the road in demanding live applications. The BMAX has the warmth and dynamic range usually found in all-tube designs and delivers the punch and clarity of the best tube preamplifiers. At the heart of the BMAX is a class A/B front-end, the input of which emulates the loading effect that the input of classic-design tube preamp would present to the bass pickups, and one of the key aspects in the warmth and punch of tube preamps. The DI section is pure and clean with electronically- balanced output. 1% metal film resistors, military-spec PC board complete the no-compromise design of the BMAX.
Frequency response @ line out 15Hz to 30kHz 3dB Signal to noise ratio 100dB @ unity Total harmonic distortion (THD) Less than 0.02% Maximum output +22dBu Noise -77dBu @ unity gain, eq flat Input impedance Balanced XLR: 600 Ohms, pin #2 hot or + Unbalanced ": 1k Ohms Output impedance Balanced XLR: 600 Ohms, pin #2 hot or + Unbalanced ": 1k Ohms Interactive EQ Treble (boost only): 18dB @ 6kHz Mid (cut only): 12dB @ 300Hz Bass (boost only): 16dB @ 40Hz Bright switch +8dB @ 5kHz, eq flat Para-mids 12dB from 250Hz to 1kHz (* 0dBu=0.775mVrms)

BMAX-T

The BMAX-T is a high quality tube bass preamp/processor with applications both in the recording studio and on the road in demanding live applications. At the heart of the BMAX-T is a class A, DC regulated tube preamp section which follows in the tradition of the classic tube preamp designs of the 50s and 60s. The BMAX-T features a high voltage (300V) tube front end with hand-picked Groove Tubes 12AX7 tube, providing all of the pre-amp gain and passive interactive tone control. The high-end DI section is transformer-balanced with a genuine Jensen transformer for the ultimate in warmth and presence. 1% metal film resistors, military-spec PC board and custom-made toroidal power transformer complete the no-compromise design of the BMAX-T.
Frequency response @ line out 15Hz to 30kHz 3dB Signal to noise ratio 100dB @ unity Total harmonic distortion (THD) Tube section: 1% Post-tube section: less than 0.02% Maximum output +22dBu Noise -77dBu @ unity gain, eq flat Input impedance Passive: 1M Ohm Active: 100k Ohms Output impedance Balanced XLR: 600 Ohms, pin #2 hot or + Unbalanced : 1k Ohms Interactive EQ Treble (boost only): 15dB @ 6kHz Mid (cut only): 15dB @ 300Hz Bass (boost only): 15dB @ 40Hz Bright switch +10dB @ 10kHz, eq flat Para-mids 12dB from 250Hz to 1kHz (* 0dBu=0.775mVrms)

S o ft w a re

Sonic Sweet
BBE Sound, creators of the Sonic Maximizer and a leading manufacturer of professional and musical audio electronics, introduce the Sonic Sweet. The Sonic Sweet consists of three professional and easy to use Dynamics, Enhancement and Audio Enhancement plug-ins necessary for every facet of digital audio production. Whether youre tracking, editing, mixing or mastering, the BBE Sonic Sweet will give your projects a professional touch. Sonic Sweet supports sample rates up to 192kHz and is compatible with all AU, RTAS and VST host applications including ProTools, Logic, Cubase, Cakewalk and Digital Performer for Mac OS X, Windows 7, Vista and XP.
Operating system Windows XP Windows Vista 32/64-bit Windows 7 32/64-bit Mac OS X (10.4, 10.5 or later) Plug-in format Audio Unit RTAS/AS-Pro Tools 7 software or later VST 2.4 Sample rates Up to 192kHz sample rates supported

Stomp Ware

Stomp Ware is a suite of eight plugins modeled from our very own line of boutique analog stomp boxes. The suite consists of our Free Fuzz (70 fuzz), Green Screamer (vintage overdrive), Mind Bender (vibrato/chorus), Opto Stomp (optical compressor), Sonic Stomp (Sonic Maximizer), Soul Vibe (60 rotary speaker simulator), Tremor (vintage tremolo) and Two Timer (analog delay) to warm up every facet of digital audio production. Stomp Ware supports sample rates up to 192kHz and is compatible with all AU, RT AS and VST host applications including ProTools, Logic, Cubase, Cakewalk and Digital Performer for Mac OS X, Windows 7, Vista and XP.

The BBE Technology

Founded in 1985, BBE Sound, Inc. develops advanced audio enhancement technologies for not only the music and professional audio markets, but is also a global leader in high definition audio enhancement technologies for the Consumer Electronics marketplace. Manufacturers such as Panasonic, Clarion, Philips, Cowon, Sony, Hitachi, LG and many others proudly feature BBE technologies in products such as televisions, MP3 players, telephones, automobiles, and more. Look for the BBE Sound logo on all your Consumer Electronics products. It is the indicator of superior sound quality. I heard better dynamics and cleaner sound. restores a proper stereo imaging and separation. 15-20% increase in apparent openness and separation. the results were excellent. Stereophile
BBE Sound, Inc. 5381 Production Drive, Huntington Beach, CA 92649 Tel: 714 897-6766 Fax: 714 895-6728 www.bbesound.com
Recycled with 25% post-cosumer waste.