Adds clean, clear punch to live and recorded mixes.

Much more than a high-quality compressor/limiter, the BBE MaxCom Dual-Channel Compressor is the first signal processor of its kind to feature an onboard BBE Sonic Maximizer for enhanced clarity and definition. Both its compression and gating provide versatility and excellent sonic performance without producing undesirable processing artifacts. Includes 2 independent, full-featured compressor/limiters, with each channel having independent controls for Threshold, Compression Ratio, Attack Time, and Release Time. The stereo link allows for phase-coherent tracking of stereo signals and adjustment from the Channel One controls. Comprehensive metering is achieved via dual bar graph meters on each channel that indicate Input Level and Gain Reduction. Its intuitive design makes the BBE MaxCom easy to operate.

The BBE Process-"What it Is"

Loudspeakers have difficulty working with the electronic signals supplied by an amplifier. These difficulties cause such major phase and amplitude distortion that the sound reproduced by the speaker differs significantly from the sound produced by the original source.
In the past, these problems proved unsolvable and were thus relegated to a position of secondary importance in audio system design. However, phase and amplitude integrity is essential to accurate sound reproduction. Research shows that the information which the listener translates into the recognizable characteristics of a live performance are intimately tied into complex time and amplitude relationships between the fundamental and harmonic components of a given musical note or sound. These relationships define a sound's "sound".
When these complex relationships pass through a speaker, the proper order is lost. The higher frequencies are delayed. A lower frequency may reach the listener's ear first or perhaps simultaneously with that of a higher frequency. In some cases, the fundamental components may be so time-shifted that they reach the listener's ear ahead of some or all of the harmonic components.
This change in the phase and amplitude relationship on the harmonic and fundamental frequencies is technically called "envelope distortion." The listener perceives this loss of sound integrity in the reproduced sound as "muddy" and "smeared." In the extreme, it can become difficult to tell the difference between musical instruments, for example, an oboe and a clarinet.
BBE Sound, Inc. conducted extensive studies of numerous speaker systems over a ten year period. With this knowledge, it became possible to identify the characteristics of an ideal speaker and to distill the corrections necessary to return the fundamental and harmonic frequency structures to their correct order. While there are differences among various speaker designs in the magnitude of their correction, the overall pattern of correction needed is remarkably consistent.
The BBE Process is so unique that 42 patents have been awarded by the U.S. Patent Office.

BBE MaxCom Dual-Channel Compressor Features:

• 2 channel compressor/expander unit with gate function
• BBE Sonic Maximizer adds clarity and definition
• Auto mode for easy setup
• Dual bar-graph meters for input level and gain reduction
• Stereo link for phase-coherent stereo compression
• Dynamically controlled, program adaptive gate for noiseless and seamless operation
• Peak limiter to protect from clipping
• Inputs and Outputs via balance XLR or unbalanced 1/4" jacks
• Key in and out via 1/4" TRS

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BBE MaxCom Dual-Channel Compressor Specifications:

• Frequency response: 20Hz-20kHz
• THD.: Less than .05%
• S/N ratio: More than 94dB
• Threshold: -40dBu to +20dBu
• Compression ratio: 1:1 to 11:1
• Attack time: 0.1-200ms
• Gate threshold: Off to +10dBu

BBE MaxCom Dual-Channel Compressor

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Average of 6 User Ratings

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Love it!

Posted by Calirecorder from Califronia on Oct 12, 2009

Experience w/product: I have heard about it

Reviewer's Background: Pro engineer, semi-pro musician

Reviewer's Play Style: blues, rock, ambient

Let me start by saying, i absolutely hate compressors!! but i love everything BBE, and gave this one a try. First thing, i originally used the MaxCom for vocals on channel 1, and channel 2, was a "do everything Di"... basically just ran my preamps/effects 1 and 2 into this, using the gate to cut noise, using the limiter to brickwall the sound from damaging the next device, then the maximizer to bring back what all the gear/wires/ect had taken from the original source material (vocals, bass, or acoustic guitar). This is just one use of MANY this thing can do.

I also used it as the last device in a jam session to protect the mains, cut noise, and add clarity. I have also used it on drum overheads with great success (i recomend getting a few of these, so you can gate each pad, compress each mic differently, then maximize if needed, for drums)

Lastly, this is waht i use it for now. I had some huge issues with bass (lower) frequencies coming out of my guitar amp BEFORE the mids and highs. Research tought me that my effects processor, and amp try to "fix" low frequencies, (long story), but in the end, the MaxCom solved the issue in less then 10 minutes. I run the 4 cable method with my guitar rig (actually the 5 cable method, since its stereo), basically the MAxcom is used as the LAST device into the amps effects loop, used to gate any noize the maximizer might add (if any), then i use the limiter function to protect my AMp, then set the maximizer at about noon (both channels, both nobs) and its pretty much going to stay in my guitar rack, and i will get another one soon.

Finally, this is one heck of a product, i recommend you read the PDF before buying, you won't believe how many uses this has, and i haven't even explain how i used the side-chain!

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Most Impressive

Posted by ThunderFingers from Kansas on Apr 15, 2009

Experience w/product: I own it

Reviewer's Background: Experienced Dude

Reviewer's Play Style: Rock

This this is great. I've used mine in my bass rig... right out of my dual outputs from my Ampeg bass preamp into the MaxCom, then into a PLX 1602 with a cab on each channel. Wicked. I've also used it in the main inserts of my mixing board for live gigs. Amazing. It does add a bit of a whiney noise when the BBE is activated. You only notice it when nothing is being played (if you leave the gate off). The added punch and definition makes up for it bigtime, and the gate can be adjusted to kill that little problem.

I want a second one to dedicate to the PA rack so I can leave the other one in my bass rig.

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get this

Posted by paesano from fort hood, texas on Apr 29, 2008

Experience w/product: I own it

Reviewer's Background: active musician

Reviewer's Play Style: metal

I've heard good and bad reviews on this compressor. Here goes another good one. I played my rig without it and it was dry and uninspiring. I turned the channel on and the change is drastic to say the least. It adds punch without sounding processed, the gate works just as well as my boss ns-2 and the sidechain will be useful for our live gigs and recording. All the good reviews for this compressor are right on the money and the low price makes buying this an easy decision. get this now!!!

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Unlock your tone!

Posted by gr8fulhiker from Denver, PA on Apr 4, 2008

Experience w/product: I own it

Reviewer's Background: daily offender

Reviewer's Play Style: Funk, Fusion, Rock, Groove

I’m running the MaxCom in the effects loop of my bass rig and it has done wonders for my sound. It’s easy to set up the compressor to give my bass a more refined sound while still preserving the dynamics of my playing. The sonic maximizer is fantastic. It doesn’t add tone – it unlocks it. It’s like hearing your instrument again for the first time and it can rekindle your love for an old tired axe. Kind of like being married for years and coming home to your wife waiting for you in a French maid outfit. It’ll give you a new outlook on what you had all along. It might just help you put off buying that new axe until next year’s tax return too. In my rig I’m running both channels in series, using the first channel for compression only and the second for the maximizer only. This lets me dial in the compression independently and then open up the sound afterwards with the maximizer. This also makes it easier to A/B the sound between dry, compression only, maximizer, only or both. This, along with the input/output meters provides a great tool for learning how to set up a compressor without butchering your sound. So, if you’re looking for a cheap thrill, buy a cheap multi-effects pedal. If you want a solid, long term improvement to your tone and overall sound, buy a MaxCom.

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I give it * * * *

Posted by Qball8910 from NY on Apr 17, 2006

Experience w/product: I own it

Reviewer's Background: audio engineer and musician

Reviewer's Play Style: rock

For the price the unit rocks. The gate sounds great. This has all the functions you could ask for from a compressor unit. Would be nice though if the atack and release time could be longer allowing this unit to be able to be used as a leveler, but that is not what this unit is intended for. There are 2 meters per channel for measuring incomig signal and gain reduction which help alot. To top it off the sonic maximizers on each channel make things sound only that much better. I will be buy another in the future and highly recomend this unit to others. This item should cost much more but shhhhh....... dont let BBE know that.

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BBE MaxCom Dual-Channel Compressor

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