sonic maximizers ?

**snakeoi8u2** · 02-04-2012

what exactly is a sonic maximizer? what application would you use it(live or studio or both). do you use it on individual tracks or the entire mix?

**moresound** · 02-04-2012

Sometimes you can use it in the studio or live for instance - channel one can be used on the kick to bring out the low or click of the drum and the channel two can be used to bring out the crack of the snare. YMMV.

The sonic maximizer is an off shoot of the famous Aural Exciter, LQQK HERE ,that in it's early years fetched $30. a minute in the studio!

**Farview** · 02-04-2012

It's a tool to fix a problem that shouldn't really happen anymore. It's usually pretty hard to end up with a dull digital recording. Back in the olden days, when you were using analog tape and wearing it out playing it over and over trying to get the vocal take just right, you would end up with something that was really dull sounding because the tape would get worn out after a number of passes. The exciter was designed to put some of that brightness back. Some people over-used it and ended up with a thin, bordering on harsh sound, like on a Boston album.

With digital, that's no longer an issue. Even though, you can get into situations where it might do you some good, the best bet is to always get the right sound at the source.

**Massive Master** · 02-04-2012

what application would you use it(live or studio or both).

Outdoor gigs, it's nice to hold notes from blowing away. General live work, nice to keep cases from rolling away. Studio work, it's excellent for holding doors open a certain amount.

Otherwise, I'm with Jay.

If you know exactly what you're looking for, they're not completely useless - A bass with old strings for instance (although unquestionably, new strings would be superior). But they're easily one of the easiest ways to take something that needed "a little sumthin'" and screwing it up completely.

**moresound** · 02-04-2012

You all forgot to mention -- boat anchor! But it's a light unit so you would have to only use it on a calm lake.

**hawg427** · 02-04-2012

OK, just received my AT-4040 condenser the other day and wanted to do a test recording recording, When I had my acoustic guitar set up I started playing and here's when I'm stumped. I could hear my breathing in the headphones. Now I know the AT4040 will pickup a fly in the room but I just can't deem to stop breathing for 3 min. LOL The Gain is set to approx. 3/4 on the dial. Guitar is in the standard position. Could someone let me in on what I'm doing wrong as a newb. Thanks.

**moresound** · 02-04-2012

If your recording at a level that is appropriate and you are happy that it's not clipping Just try to breath slowly and through your nose.

**Farview** · 02-05-2012

You can also position the mic so that it points down a little (away from your face) If you can get your breathing more towards the back of the mic, you will be fine.

Also, sit up straight. If you are hunched over the guitar, that puts your breathing right next to the mic.

Try playing a little louder, that will make your breathing quieter in comparison.

I've only ever really had this problem with asthmatics and people with really cheap, quiet guitars.

**MOFO Pro** · 02-06-2012

Originally Posted by hawg427

Could someone let me in on what I'm doing wrong as a newb.

Quit smoking... talk about a hijack

**rayc** · 02-06-2012

Put the aural exciter in your mouth and breathe around it!
The BBE SonicMaximiser is a much maligned tool - simply because it is a VERY poorly used tool greatly over hyped. It ought to be used very sparingly and very occasionally: John gave an example of a when.
If thrown over the stereo bus of a mix and is sounds like it's made everything wonderful you need to wait a day & listen again to realize it doesn't OR you really need to reteach your ears to listen.