QuestionI have a Alpine 9851 running a large 5 channel Alpine amp that is then driving a sub and component set. I also have a smaller amp running my rear 6.5's.
On my unit when I get to level 23 out of 35 on my head unit the sound goes dull. Highs are dramitically reduces and the sound goes hollow. Always at the same point.
The only way I can prevent this is to turn off the "BBE" setting which is very similar to the loudness button on older units. I have mine set to one out of three because it really enhances the music in most cases. If I turn off this setting I do not get the hollow sound at level 23. But the music quality suffers. To combat this I have turned up my amp very high to make the level 23 very close to the highest output my ears can take. I have played around with the gains and also removed the sub and rear speakers from the equation with no change.
Any ideas?
AnswerThe original BBE Sonic Maximizer™ was a renowned, rack-mounted, professional dynamic enhancer that (if set correctly) can enhance reproduced and live sound (a good one will have at least two variable control knobs for tuning its parameters), but at higher levels of volume, it cannot accomplish this and the result is this 'hollowness'.
Of course, those BBE modules are difficult to have sound similar across many different CD's, as they are about restoring losses in the mix itself which are very particular to the sound engineers in charge of the recording.. adding to the paradox. EG.. Just when you get it set nice for one tune or cd, it is not so great at another tune, cd, ect.
As such, I still see no reason for them in most peoples reproduction situations. I had a dedicated component one in my competition system back in 1993 (for a few weeks) and found that it was much more suited for a middle-of-the-road system or less (if you know what I mean). :/ Basically, they are not designed (and are actually quite counter-productive) for a high output, dynamic system.
I would suggest not using BBE (at all, if possible) and redo the gain structure of the system without it. If it sounds great at 23 it can sound just as great at 30, it is just a more tedious task to perform. IMHO, the gain tuning is most of the fun when chasing dynamics and accuracy for a given system (and easily the most rewarding). Be warned, tuning a complex systems' gains (to optimum) can take as long as the entire install itself did. You should be able to get in the ball park (with 4-6 channels) in 45 minutes to an hour.
This advice should get you back to what you sound like you are after.
If you need specifics on how I would set it up for the restructure, please re-email telling me so, and choose Private Question.
Sincerely,
Jerry Mael
