hmmm is it true that a bbe sonic maximizer is a must with rack gear or an ada mp1 for the 80s hair metal / rock sound?
I wouldn't say it's a "must-have" thing. Of course, things like this are purely subjective so YMMV.
My experience with it was really a love/hate one. Meaning that at first, I loved it. But as time went on, I was liking it less and less....to the point where I hated it and ditched it because was hearing how "artificial" it was making my rig sound didn't sound so good.
But again, it's subjective. A friend of mine ran one in the loop of his Marshall tube head and absolutely loved it. I can say that if you try it and find it isn't for you, there's a pretty good chance you will be able to sell it without taking much of a loss.