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However, BBE fails to go into detail on what exactly the product does to fix this outside of generalizations such as their description of the problem above, and what to expect when using the products. Many perceive no difference in tone unless dialing up the low contour and process controls, which reduce relative midrange frequencies and make guitars more difficult to hear in a mix. So what's actually going on? [http://jvmforum.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=15&t=6146 Here is an excellent analysis of the ''Sonic Maximizer's'' circuit on jvmforum.com.]
''Essentially, BBE's claims about what their device does are true''. There is phase shifting that varies on frequency from 20 - 20,000 hZ Hz and group delay that gets progressively larger - ~2.4 ms at 40 hZ Hz to ~0.4 ms at 400 hZHz. These are fixed values - they are not changed by the variable low contour or process controls, and they are no dynamically reactive to the nature of the input signal. ''However, I have yet to read a single post or find a single audio clip where any of this makes a perceivable difference to the listener.'' The only audible changes that are noticed are when the unit has "low contour" or "process" set off of 0 (fully counter-clockwise). And in that case it is simple EQ - and one that is always increasing the volume of bass and treble, making the tone sound more "hi-fi" or modern, which is usually unnecessary or detrimental to a guitar tone.
'''Bottom line: A BBE ''Sonic Maxmimizer'' is likely no more influential to your guitar tone than a simple EQ with bass and treble controls. While BBE's claims about what its product is doing are true, they are impercievable, at least for guitar applications.'''
Furthermore, the ''Sonic Maximizer'' is not the only device that performs similar phase shifting or group delay. Thus, it may be "overcompensating" or "undercompensating"; and there is no way to adjust this. Even if there was, you would have to analyze every piece of your signal chain to know the "correct" value; and BBE would have to provide the technical details of how their product works for you to dial it in. It seems they are instead content to keep the device shrouded in mystique and hype, perhaps hoping to fool gullible customers who don't take the time to really test their claims into believing they are improving their tone.
I have personally owned the ''Sonic Stomp'' pedal, and I found it to be useless for guitar applications. For reference, the Low Contour control's EQ is centered around 50 hZ Hz and the Process's around 5 khZkHz.
== Peavey 5150 Block Letter (Mk 1) vs. Later Models ==