it's not there
Virsonix brings us the software DX plugin version of the famous BBE 'Sonic Maximiser' rack enhancer. PC Dx, or now also available as Mac Vst format.
For the HARDWARE version I set the controls to default 12 o'clock '0' setting for both the DEFINITION & LO-CONTOUR controls....
For the VIRSONIX software version I found that at the same 12 o'clock ('5' on the Virsonix) settings it had a bit MORE bass/'Lo-Contour' than the hardware version & a tad less 'definition/process'...
So I set the Virsonix Software BBE so as to sound as close as I could to the hardware unit's sound at default, which meant rolling OFF the LO-CONTOUR control a notch to '4', and slightly increasing the PROCESS (Definition) to about '6'...
So this is how the Virsonix Software BBE was set for this comparison recording test...
I did this to make both files have the same overall TONE because obviously adding more LO-CONTOUR makes it more 'bass-y' and adding more PROCESS (definition) makes the sound more 'trebley' as well as 'defined' the more you increase it....
Anyways, that was the test... what's the conclusions!!?....
CONCLUSIONS A - B ???
VERY pleasantly surprised.... in a word.. EXCELLENT!!! - I actualy found the software processor to have MORE a bit more range than the hardware version although this doesn't necessarily equate to 'better', as you CANNOT overdo these BBE type processors (or any 'enhancer' type processor) without the sound becoming a mess...
Overall the Virsonix Software BBE is spot-on!! - Once you get used to the old BBE you'll know & learn your favourite 'sweet spot' for the controls and tend to leave it that way with slight adjustment to suit but generaly they sound best when set nominaly.. the additional travel of the controls would be best used for special effects such as monsterous sub-bass enhancement etc....
So... at last!.. I can have my beloved BBE maximiser on my mixes without having to process thru a rack and putting the mix into the analog domain!! -
IS IT WORTH BUYING??
Well now... this processor doesn't have lot's of bells & whistles.. it only has two controls!! (plus a make-up gain)... Some might see that as being something not to spend money on, but it is SUCH useful little processor... it'll add real definition & thump to your mixes...
The difference is staggering when you play your final mix that you thought sounded 'great' thru the BBE... then switch it out... Doh!!.. the mix just sounds dull & flat without it!!... I'd say 100% that the BBE process is the most useful of all the processors of this 'enhancer' type for dancemusic & clubsounds - it's great to tighten up drums & other loops lifted from old vinyl or tapes, to add earth-shattering bass-end to your junglist/garage or drum & bass sounds etc, or just to spruce up old tired mixes!!... It add's extra punch & definition as well as a more defined crispy top-end... A great little unit, and the Virsonix Software BBE is as close as you'd want... in fact i don't think anyone could tell which was software & which was hardware in a direct A/B comparison!!...
So... You can see for yourself!!... I've added the full-blown stereo .wav file to this page so you can download and listen to the difference yourselves...There's also a hi-fi mp3 file added now too!
The attached demonstration file starts with a section recorded WITHOUT the BBE process added.. straight from the tape... Then after the small 2 second gap comes the BBE 322 Hardware processed version of the same section of tape.... then after the next small 2 second gap comes the Virsonix BBE software processed version of the same section of tape... take a listen and see!!... it's spot-on & as good as the real hardware, but... cheaper!!... (oooh!.. we love that word 'cheaper' at Dancetech!!)
All in all it's a great little plugin that'll really tweak-up your mixes like no other... It's a must-have for all dance music creators - 10/10 !!
here's the test .wav stereo file - it's a big file d/l at 8mb, but it shows 100% the pure A-B for any pro users who want to hear a direct full-on wav comparison...
I've also now added a hi-fi (256kb/sec 44.1 stereo) .mp3 file which you can grab from the 'AUDIO DEMO' speaker-icon link below - (stream or d/load according to connection)...
TEST FILE - 8MB, 44.1 STEREO .WAV
The file was prepared in Wavelab - The first audio segment is untreated, the second is through the BBB 322 hardware, the 3rd is Virsonix software BBE - enjoy!
update - Now the BBE plugin comes as a Mac format VST effect too.
I've been using the BBE Maximizer for a few months. The results are dramatic for sure. It's easy to overdo it and easy to max out your levels, so have your cursor near the gain knob. It's easy to use and definately adds bass punch and overall presence to a mix. I don't have the original hardware unit it's modeled after so it was reassuring for me to read the review. I downloaded it from cakewalk.com when they were running an introductory special on it :) I have come to trust Cakewalk and their recommendations. It uses a fair amount of processing power but not too much. Less than your standard reverb for sure. I've had the BBE Maximizer plugged into 3 or 4 tracks at a time along with a few other fx plugins and everything still runs smoothly in Sonar. I'm using a PIII 850 with 512 RAM and a 7200 rpm 36 gb hd. At the end of the day it's nice to fire the BBE up and without much futzing with it, hear my mix go from sounding descent to sounding like it's being played in a club. But buyer beware, as original reviewer says..."play your final mix that you thought sounded 'great' thru the BBE... then switch it out... Doh!!.. the mix just sounds dull & flat without it!!" Not a bad complaint to have to deal with is it? :)
wow!.. that good eh!!!! :)
Censoring now, are we ?
it's the best way to masterize
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