Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

I used to have one & loved it. I used it as a preamp for a QSX RMX 2450 to power a Basson 4 x 10 cabinet. I always had the compressor & sonic maximizer on. I didn't really use the eq section that much. The only reason I got rid of it was because I downsized that massive rig. 225 lbs was too much to lug around.

Examples of a 4003 being played through it can be heard at http://www.myspace.com/bridgeworkmusic.

The bass is a blend of the direct of of the BBE BMax and the Basson miced with a Sennheiser MD421.

I use one at our rehearsal location (because the drummer nearly has his own Guitar Center in his house, so why move my junk every time?). It's running through a QSC 1450, 4x10cab and a 1x15 cab. The only difference between this setup and my rig is this Bmax versus my RBI. And I hate the thing compared to the RBI. Maybe once every few weeks is not really ample time to experiment with it and it's my own silly problems with the thing. But I even once drug my own rig there (less cabinets) and hooked up to his cabs with more success in the tone I liked.

I'm sure it can be a fine preamp, I've just never had much luck with it. And I'm too impatient to futz around long with something to get the sound I want. You may have infinitely better luck than I.

Scott, if you want something like the BBE Bmax preamp, get the original that it was modeled after, an Alembic F1-X.

One step backwards.........the source I bought the BBE from called me about an hour ago and said they were temporarily out of stock.

I got him to refund my money, and now I'm back looking for a second preamp. I definately will take your comments into consideration. The only reason I went with BBE was for something different than a Sansamp. The RBI was actually my first thought. Maybe I'll go that route......

If the next source can have a "no questions asked" return policy, by all means, give the BBE a try. It may just fit the bill for what you're trying. Don't let my crusty old ways impede a good idea.

cheyenne wrote:Any comments on these? I just picked one up to pair up with my Sansamp RPM and Carvin DCM 1500 power amp.

The plan is as follows:

neck pup > Sansamp RPM set to a dirty sound > Carvin DCM 1500 > Ampeg B15 cab.

Bridge pup > RBI set to a clean treble tone > Carvin DCM 1500 > Carvin 210 cab.

The DCM will provide 500 watts a side into 4 ohms.

Looking forward to some serious experimentation.

Spent two days looking locally, wound up ordering a Sansamp RBI for my #2 preamp. I should have everything up and running by next weekend.

Cool, bring it to RIO!!! Uh, er...never mind!

jps wrote:Cool, bring it to RIO!!! Uh, er...never mind!

FInd your reset button, Jeff.

johnallg wrote:

jps wrote:Cool, bring it to RIO!!! Uh, er...never mind!

FInd your reset button, Jeff.

Shari keeps pushing it but I am still not as young as when she first met me.

jps wrote:

johnallg wrote:

jps wrote:Cool, bring it to RIO!!! Uh, er...never mind!

FInd your reset button, Jeff.

Shari keeps pushing it but I am still not as young as when she first met me.

I got the RBI. Sent it back the same day. I just dont get along with the RBI.

Got me a BBE Bmax.

Im pleasantly surprised. . Once I understood that the Bass and Treble are pretty much boost only, and the Mid is primarily a mid cut control, I got a nice ballsy tone with very little effort. I didnt really have much time to mess with the "para-mid section, but Im sure it fills the gap with the Mid cut knob..

The "sonic maximizer" leaves a little to be desired ... I'm assuming its kindof a low boost or something. Thats the only thing that didnt really impress me much, if you dial in alot you pick up some hiss. the single knob compressor is nice.

If the EQ works like those on vintage Fender amps and Alembic preamps then 2-10-2 (bass-mid-treble) would be close to flat response.

cheyenne wrote:Once I understood that the Bass and Treble are pretty much boost only, and the Mid is primarily a mid cut control, I got a nice ballsy tone with very little effort.

Good to know that. Maybe I'll have better luck at a next rehearsal with my drummer's bass rig knowing that. Thank you for passing it on.