BBE 822A - Page 5

Applications
Various applications of the BBE process include:
Recording Studios
The BBE 822A is designed for use in professional studios to restore liveness, clarity, and improve the transient response
of individual tracks or entire two channel mixes. The patented BBE process works especially well on digital drum machines,
on synthesized brass patches and on vocals where extreme equalization would cause stridency and distortion at peak
levels. The BBE 822A works as a playback processor when inserted between the tape track output and the console
line input. Conversely, when recording with the BBE 822A the output of the console feeds directly to the input of the
BBE 822A. The BBE 822A’s output then feeds the tape recorder’s input. The BBE 822A saves poorly recorded or over¬
compressed tape tracks and brightens low-level instruments without bringing up a lot of noise in the process. Figure
1 shows the BBE 822A in a typical recording studio application where the recording buss output to the tape track is
interrupted and the BBE 822A inserted.
Live Concert Systems
The BBE 822A adds much needed clarity to the monitor mix without shrillness. The two independent channels are
ideal for two monitor mixes when one mix requires more processing level than the other.
Figure 2A shows the BBE 822A in a typical concert sound system where channel A of the BBE 822A is used for the
main house mix feed and channel B is used for the monitor mix feed when two different amounts or processing are re¬
quired along with the two different mixes. The BBE 822A should be placed before any house graphic equalizers. All
pink noise checks should be made with the BBE unit switched “out” to obtain the desired house curve. The BBE process
can then be dialed in to suit the music production. Extreme console equalization normally used during live performance
may be reduced due to the dynamic enhancement effect of the BBE 822A.
The BBE 822A may be inserted in many places within the console's signal path to achieve specialized results. In the
case of non-VCA sub-groups, the BBE 822A is inserted between “buss out” and “sub-group fader in” for the application
of the BBE process to a whole group of drum microphones, for example.
Figure 2B shows the BBE process being used on only one microphone source. The BBE 822A is then inserted in
the normal “insert send and receive” points exactly like a limiter or equalizer is patched.
If the P.A. mixer does not have “insert points” or if the mixer is a powered type unit without any way of interrupting
the signal path before the power amplifier then the BBE 411 for a Hi-Z microphone should be used. The BBE 411 accepts
low levels from microphones, etc. and interfaces directly to the P.A. mixer.
Audio Cartridge/Cassotte Copies
Since the BBE technology is a single stage process without the need for encoding and decoding, the stereo BBE 822A
is inserted between the master two-track and the audio cartridge or cassette recorder for crisper punchier copies. Figure
3 shows the BBE 822A in real time cartridge or cassette copy mode.
In the case of high-speed cassette duplication, the BBE process must be applied when the equalized cassette master
dub is made at the mastering studio. See Mastering.
Mastering
The BBE 822A is used in the mastering of vinyl record, audio cassettes and digital compact discs to dramatically in¬
crease the clarity of the program material. Mastering engineers generally use much less equalization when the BBE 822A
is used. Once again, the BBE 822A is inserted between the master tape reproducer and the mastering console.
Industrial
The BBE 822A greatly improves intelligibility in speech or music programs by improving transient playback response.
This makes the BBE 822A a natural for public address, intercom or wide area dispersion of pre-recorded music or voice
announcements over an existing old and dull loudspeaker system. Figure 4 shows the BBE 822A inserted between the
telephone matching adapter and the auxiliary input to the public address intercom amplifier. Since the BBE 822A is a
line level operated device, plugging a microphone directly into the unit will not work. If the existing P.A. amplifier has
no provision for auxiliary input, then the BBE 411 unit should be used. The BBE 411 unit accepts a microphone directly
and then interfaces with an existing P.A. amplifier without costly on-site modifications.
Broadcast
The BBE 822A is perfect for “on the air” audio enhancement when inserted after the studio mixing console before
the final peak limiters.
Figure 5 shows a typical BBE 822A installation at the broadcast station. Usually a separate BBE 822A would be in¬
tegrated into each engineer’s booth adjacent to the mixing console. The BBE 822A reduces the high and mid frequency
smear for clearer, less strident high end and more distinct mid range. The BBE 822A is also used in the production of
music and commercial tape cartridges to make cleaner and crisper copies.
Movie Theater
The BBE process brings film and sound tracks which feature a wide range of special effects to dramatic life. It also
adds sparkle and intelligibility to dull and mussy optical film sound. Both music and dialogue take on a fresh, bright character
when processed through the BBE 822A.
Figure 6 shows the BBE 822A in a typical movie theater application inserted after the Dolby Surround Processor ™
directly in front of the theater’s speaker power amplifiers. A four channel theater requires two BBE 822As while six chan¬
nel houses require three BBE 822As. The “set and forget” adjustments on the BBE 822A mean the theater operator
does not need to rely on the projectionist for proper BBE operation.