BBE Sonic Maximizer BBE 802 - Manual (Page 5)

Applications
Various applications of the BBE™ process include:
Recording Studios
The BBE 802 is designed for use in professional studios to restore liveness, clarity, and improve the transient response of
individual tracks or entire two channel mixes. The patented BBE'“ process works especially well on digital drum machines,
on synthesized brass patches and on vocals where extreme equalization would cause stridency and distortion at peak
levels. The BBE 802 works as a playback processor when inserted between the tape track output and the console line
input. Conversely, when recording with the BBE 802, the output of the console feeds directly to the input of the BBE 802.
The BBE 802’s output then feeds the tape recorder’s input. The BBE 802 saves poorly recorded or overcompressed tape
tracks and brightens low-level instruments without bringing up a lot of noise in the process. Figure 1 shows the BBE 802 in a
typical recording studio application where the recording buss output to the tape track is interrupted and the BBE 802
inserted.
Live Concert Systems
The BBE 802 adds a much needed clarity to the monitor mix without shrillness. The two independent channels are ideal
for two monitor mixes when one mix requires more processing level than the other.
Figure 2 shows the BBE 802 in a typical concert sound system where channel A of the BBE 802 is used for the main
house mix feed and channel B is used for the monitor mix feed when two different amounts of processing are required
along with the two different mixes. The BBE 802 unit should be placed before any house graphic equalizers. All pink noise
checks should be made with the BBE'“ unit switched “out" to obtain the desired house curve. The BBE'" process can then
be dialed in to suit the music production. Extreme console equalization normally used during live performance may be
reduced due to the dynamic enhancement effect of the BBE 802.
The BBE 802 may be inserted in many places within the console’s signal path to achieve specialized results. In the case
of non-VCA sub-groups, the BBE 802 is inserted between “buss out” and “sub-group fader in" for the application of the
BBE'“ process to a whole group of drum microphones, for example.
If the BBE'“ process is to be used on only one microphone source, then the BBE 802 is inserted in the normal “insert
send and receive" points exactly like a limiter or equalizer is patched.
If the PA. mixer does not have “insert points" or if the mixer is a powered-type unit without any way of interrupting the
signal path before the power amplifier then the BBE 401 should be used. The BBE 401 accepts low-levels from micro­
phones, etc. and interfaces directly to the PA. mixer.
Audio Cartridge/Cassette Copies
Since the BBE'“ technology is a single-stage process without the need for encoding and decoding, the stereo BBE 802
is inserted between the master two-track and the audio cartridge or cassette recorder for crisper punchier copies. Figure 3
shows the BBE 802 in real time cartridge or cassette copy mode.
In the case of high-speed cassette duplication, the BBE'“ process must be applied when the equalized cassette master
dub is made at the mastering studio. See Mastering.
Mastering
The BBE 802 is used in the mastering of vinyl records, audio cassettes and digital compact discs to dramatically increase
the clarity of the program material. Mastering engineers generally use much less equalization when the BBE 802 is used.
Oncle again, the BBE 802 is inserted between the master tape reproducer and the mastering console.
Industrial
The BBE 802 greatly improves intelligibilty in speech or music programs by improving transient playback response. This
makes the BBE 802 a natural for public address, intercom or wide area dispersion of pre-recorded music or voice
announcements over an existing old and dull loudspeaker system. Figure 4 shows the BBE 802 inserted between the
telephone matching adapter and the auxiliary input to the public address intercom amplifier. Since the BBE 802 is a line-
level operated device, plugging a microphone directly into the unit will not work. If the existing RA. amplifier has no provision
for auxiliary input, then the BBE 401 unit should be used. The BBE 401 unit accepts a microphone directly and then
interfaces with an existing P.A. amplifier without costly on-site modifications.
Broadcast
The BBE 802 is perfect for “on the air" audio enhancement when inserted after the studio mixing console before the final
peak limiters.
Figure 5 shows a typical BBE 802 installation at the broadcast station. Usually a separate BBE 802 would be integrated
into each engineer’s booth adjacent to the mixing console. The BBE 802 reduces the high and mid frequency smear for
clearer, less strident high end and more distinct mid range. The BBE 802 is also used in the production of music and
commercial tape cartridges
to make cleaner and crisper copies.