Housed in a mains powered, 1U rack case, the BBE 462 is a true two‑channel device with just two controls per channel. Both phono and unbalanced jack connections are provided for signal connection and the system has sufficient headroom to work with either ‑10dBV or +4dBu signals. Each channel is equipped with a simple LED metering system which monitors the output level of the unit, and the Bypass button operates on both channels simultaneously.

Unlike the early Aphex units and similar enhancers, there is no need to set up a Drive level; once the unit has been patched in (ideally via insert points), the BBE's Process control is used to add brightness and clarity while the Lo Contour control allows for either bass enhancement or bass cut in the 50Hz region of the spectrum. In its center position, the Lo Contour control contributes nothing to the sound, boost only being applied as it is advanced clockwise from this position. Anti‑clockwise of center, the control acts as a bass cut. As long as the level meters stay below the clipping level, all that's required is to adjust the control until the sound is 'right'.