Aphex 204 Aural Exciter and Optical Big bottom

APHEX 204 Details ^top

The Model 204 is a professional two channel audio processor, where each channel independently has an Aphex Aural Exciter® section and an Optical Big Bottom® section. The unit therefore may be operated on a stereo pair or as completely separate channels for use in mixdown sessions — or any other audio use only limited by your imagination.

BENEFITS
Aural Exciter Big Bottom
Increased Presence and Clarity Deeper, More Resonant Bass
Restores Natural Brightness Little or No Increase in Peak Output
Greater Perceived Loudness Tighter Bass Articulation
Improved Detail and Intelligibility 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.

FEATURES
Two independent low noise channels
Adjustable Tune, Harmonics, and Mix controls on the Aural Exciter section
Adjustable Drive Level, Tune, and Mix controls on the Big Bottom section
Switchable -10 dBv / +4 dBu operating level
Balanced 3-pin and 1/4" TRS Inputs and Outputs
Internal power supply

INTERESTING FACTS
Introduced in 1975, it 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

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 and 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 and 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.

APHEX 204 Documentation ^top

Click here for Users Manual (pdf)
Click here for Color Brochure (pdf)

APHEX 204 Specs ^top

SPECIFICATIONS - Aphex Model 204 - Aural Exciter and Optical Big Bottom
AUDIO
Frequency Response 10Hz - 38 kHz (± 0.5dB)
Dynamic Range 120 dB
Hum and Noise (unweighted 22Hz-22kHz) -93 dBu
Crosstalk (10 Hz - 22kHz) -79 dB
THD (10 Hz - 22kHz at max. output) .0003%
IMD (10 Hz - 22kHz at max. output) .0007%
INPUT IF LEVEL SET TO +4 dBu IF LEVEL SET TO -10dBv (-7.8dBu)
Connector XLR-3F and 1/4" TRS Phone Jacks same
Type Transformerless, active balanced same
Balanced 40k ohms same
Unbalanced 20k ohms same
Maximum Level +27 dBu +12.5 dBV (+14.8 dBu)
CMRR >40 dB same
OUTPUT
Connector XLR-3M and 1/4" TRS Phone Jacks
Type Active balanced (may be used unbalanced)
Balanced 112 ohms
Unbalanced 56 ohms
Maximum Level +27dBu Unloaded; +25 into 600 ohms
OTHER SPECIFICATIONS
Power requirements 90-250 VAC 50-60 Hz 12W
Dimensions 19"W x 1.75"H x 8.25" D 1 Rack U (482.6mm x 44.5mm x 209.6mm)
Net Weight 6 lbs (2.73 kg)
Shipping Weight 9 lbs (4.1 kg)