SM500 Sonic Maximizer 500 Series Module

The BBE SM500 Sonic Maximizer is a modular single-channel signal processor designed to be used specifically with 500 series rack made by many manufacturers today. It provides processing for a mono channel, brightening, clarifying, and adding fullness to the sound. Features include +23dBu headroom and a bypass switch for comparison of processed to unprocessed signals.

The SM500 uses the same processing engine as our celebrated 882i model, and the same process that has enhanced recordings for recording engineers and producers from Ryan Hewitt (Avett Brothers, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Flogging Molly) to Ed Cherney (Rolling Stones, Bonnie Raitt) to Tony Visconti (T. Rex, David Bowie, Alejandro Escoveda).

Throughout the world, there’s barely a studio, sound engineer or record producer that doesn’t own some version of BBE’s Sonic Maximizer.

Shouldn’t it be part of your legacy too?

• Full-function, +4 balanced Sonic Maximizer
• Same Sonic Maximizer engine as the 882i
• +23dB of output headroom
• 118dB signal to noise ratio
• Fits any 500-compatible rack
• Specifications
• Frequency response: 5Hz to 30kHz +/-0.5dBu, -10dBu input
• Total harmonic distortion (THD): less than 0.1% at -10dBu input, 20-20kHz
• Maximum output: +20dBu (may vary due to control settings)
• Input impedance: 47k Ohms balanced XLR
• Output impedance: 600 Ohms balanced XLR
• Sensitivity: -45dBu for maximum process

Designed and Engineered in USA
Reviews

"I like what I heard. Listening on a variety of loudspeakers: JBL, KRK, Meyer, Tannoy, Yamaha and a few lesser known names I discovered that the BBE Process provided a nice punch to older recordings without being brittle or shrill. The LF contour emphasized the bottom end, without adding undue boominess"Mix"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"As close as we've seen to a magic black box, the BBE Sonic Maximizer is probably the most cost-effective improvement you can add to your rig. It's a top contender for the "Biggest Bang for the Buck" award."Guitar Player"BBE's effect ...on old jazz and rock material was capable of transformations. No one but a pedant could call the result contrary to hi-fi principles. Without BBE processing, the sound was amorphous and two-dimensional ... with BBE, the energy leapt from the loudspeakers!"Audiophile- Condition: 100% new in factory box