Aphex 204 Aural Exciter and Big Bottom Featuring the new Optical Big Bottom® for enhanced low-end response; two independent channels; internal power supply; XLR and 1/4" I/O; and improved overall sound quality and flexibility, the 204 markedly increases the presence & clarity of almost any audio signal. Unlike an EQ or other brightness enhancers, Aphex' process recreates missing harmonics without generating significant changes in the actual signal level. It extends high frequencins and enhances the stereo image, resulting in a greater perceived loudness without the introduction of noise due to increased gain. The new Big Bottom process provides deeper, more powerful bass performance without adding more power amps or speakers, and with little or no increase in peak output. The 204 is ideal for a everything from sound recording/mixing & broadcast/production to streaming audio, sound reinforcement, home theater, clubs, and more.
THE AURAL EXCITER SAFELY ADDS EXCITEMENT
The Aural Exciter adds dynamically related harmonics to the signal at very low levels and these harmonics add little, if any, level to the signal. Because of the intelligence in the Aural Exciter side chain, the effect is useful over an extremely wide input dynamic range.
DYNAMIC EQ ADDS MORE LEVEL FOR THE SAME AMOUNT OF ENHANCEMENT
Dynamic EQ boosts a part of the frequency spectrum when the
input is above a threshold. If the input is already high, the additional equalization can result in overloading the amplifier, speakers or both.
BIG BOTTOM VS. OTHER BASS ENHANCERS
A speaker’s excursion increases with low frequency peaks. If those peaks are increased by a Dynamic EQ and/or a Subharmonic Synthesizer the speaker, at the very least, will fatigue more quickly. This will also increase the danger of the speaker jumping the gap or literally coming apart.
Big Bottom adds little or no peak energy to the signal. Instead, it adds density (persistence of a low peak-to-average ratio). This additional bass density adds presence and punch, even in less than powerful playback systems.
Dynamic EQ boosts a part of the frequency spectrum when the input is above a threshold. If the input is already high the additional equalization can result in overloading the amplifier, the speakers or both.
Subharmonic Synthesizers synthesize bass where none existed before by generating a signal component an octave below the lowest frequency present. The result requires much more amplifier power and extreme woofer excursions to reproduce. Result - DANGER!
Benefits
AURAL EXCITER
- Increased Presence and Clarity
- Restores Natural Brightness
- Greater Perceived Loudness
- Improved Detail and Intelligibility
BIG BOTTOM
- Deeper, More Resonant Bass
- Little or No Increase in Peak Output
- Tighter Bass Articulation
- Extended Low Frequencies
THE MODEL 204 dramatically enhances live, recorded, broadcast and webcast sound. The patented Aural Exciter enhances detail, clarity and imaging. It has even been scientifically proven to increase intelligibility. It pulls a vocal or an instrument up out of a mix. It punches
up an entire mix, even in a noisy or reverberant environment.
The new Optical Big Bottom, adds low-end punch with deeper, more powerful bass. This enhanced bass can be packed into your tracks without overloading the recorder and into your PA system without adding more amps or speakers.
You cannot achieve these improvements with any other processing regardless of price. There are many "enhancers" on the market, but none can match the effectiveness and musicality of the patented processes in the Model 204.
INTERESTING FACTS
- Introduced in 1975, the Aural Exciter originally rented for $30 per recorded minute
- The standard of the industry with over one million channels sold
- Used in thousands of recordings and broadcasts, clubs, concerts, stadiums, DJ rigs, MI rigs, restaurants, airports and houses of worship
- Licensed by major manufacturers for assistive listening systems, Web audio, telephony, PA systems, home entertainment and car stereo
- Aural Exciter and Big Bottom are single ended circuits– no decoding is required
FEATURES
- Two independent, low noise channels
- Adjustable Tune, Harmonics and Mix Controls on Aural Exciter
- Adjustable Drive, Tune and Mix Controls on Big Bottom
- Switchable -10dBV/+4dBu operating level
- Balanced XLR and 1/4" I/O
- Internal Power Supply
FOR RECORDING, MIXING AND MASTERING
The Aural Exciter restores the subtle nuances that are often damaged in the recording process. Its patented Transient Discriminate Harmonics Generator determines which parts of the signal need harmonic enhancement while other “enhancers” do not have this intelligence, making their effect much less musical. The effect creates more space around each element of the mix and greater overall
dimensionality. Additionally, the Big Bottom gives more and deeper bass without overloading the recording medium. Also, record your stereo masters, CDs, and car tapes through the Model 204 - they will sound better no matter what the source or where you play them back, this even applies to heavily bit rate reduced audio sources such as MP3 files.
FOR LIVE SOUND - TOURING PA & MONITORS, FIXED INSTALLATIONS, DJ RIGS
The Model 204 will improve the performance of just about any sound system. It will extend the apparent response at both ends of the spectrum and will increase the width and uniformity of high frequency dispersion. The "dead spots" are filled in without “hyping” the high end. The Big Bottom increases low frequency density - greater loudness with no increase in peaks. This process, unlike multiband compression, does not change the impact of the bass. All this without adding more amps or speakers!
FOR BROADCASTING & WEBCASTING
Broadcasting and webcasting have limited frequency response and dynamic range. The Aural Exciter and Big Bottom extend high and low frequencies without eating up headroom or causing more limiter action. Broadcasts are louder and more present. Webcasts are cleaner and more natural sounding. The effects are noticeable even on tiny computer speakers.
FOR MUSICAL INSTRUMENT AMPLIFICATION
The Model 204 improves the detail and articulation of your amplified instrument. The Aural Exciter extends the highs by restoring the natural overtones that are often lost
in miking and amplification. Big Bottom extends the lows for bass instruments. These enhancements can help you punch through in a noisy or reverberant room and make your current rig "big enough" for much larger rooms.