Aphex 204 Aural Exciter and Big Bottom
No longer available at zZounds

zZounds Gear Experts Say...
2 independent, low noise channels. Switchable operating level.
Overview
The 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:
2 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 in. I/O
Internal Power Supply
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
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… read more 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 multi-band 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 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 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.
About Aphex Systems
Founded in 1975, Aphex Systems is a leading developer and innovator of signal-processing, dynamics control and analog-to-digital conversion systems designed for a wide cross section of professional end users around the world. read less
Features:
2 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 in. I/O
Internal Power Supply
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
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… read more 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 multi-band 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 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 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.
About Aphex Systems
Founded in 1975, Aphex Systems is a leading developer and innovator of signal-processing, dynamics control and analog-to-digital conversion systems designed for a wide cross section of professional end users around the world. read less
Specs
Audio
Frequency Response: 10Hz - 38KHz (+ 0.5dB)
Dynamic Range: 120dB
Hum and Noise (unweighted 22Hz-22kHz): -93dBu
Crosstalk (10Hz-22kHz): -79dB
THD (10Hz-22kHz @max.output): .0003%
IMD (10Hz-22kHz @max.output): .0007%
Other Specifications
Power Requirements: 90-250VAC 50-60Hz, 12w
Dimensions: 19 W x 1.75 H x 8.25 D in.
(482.6mm x 44.5mm x 209.6mm)
Net Weight (Rackmounted): 6lbs (2.73kg)
Shipping Weight: 9lbs. (4.1kg)
Nominal Operating Level +4dBu [ -10dBv (-7.8dBu)]
Input:
Connector: XLR-3F and TRS 1/4 in.phone jacks [same]
Type: Transformerless, active balanced [same]
Balanced: 40Kohms [40K ohms]
Unbalanced: 20Kohms [20K ohms]
Maximum Level: +27dBu [+12.5dBV (+14.8dBu)]
CMRR: >40dB [same]
Output:
Connector: XLR-3M and TRS 1/4 in.phone jacks [same]
Type: Active balanced (may be used unbalanced) [same]
Balanced: 112 ohms [same]
Unbalanced: 56 ohms [same]
Maximum Level: +27dBu Unloaded, +25dBu into 600 ohms [+12.5dBV (+14.8dBu)]
Frequency Response: 10Hz - 38KHz (+ 0.5dB)
Dynamic Range: 120dB
Hum and Noise (unweighted 22Hz-22kHz): -93dBu
Crosstalk (10Hz-22kHz): -79dB
THD (10Hz-22kHz @max.output): .0003%
IMD (10Hz-22kHz @max.output): .0007%
Other Specifications
Power Requirements: 90-250VAC 50-60Hz, 12w
Dimensions: 19 W x 1.75 H x 8.25 D in.
(482.6mm x 44.5mm x 209.6mm)
Net Weight (Rackmounted): 6lbs (2.73kg)
Shipping Weight: 9lbs. (4.1kg)
Nominal Operating Level +4dBu [ -10dBv (-7.8dBu)]
Input:
Connector: XLR-3F and TRS 1/4 in.phone jacks [same]
Type: Transformerless, active balanced [same]
Balanced: 40Kohms [40K ohms]
Unbalanced: 20Kohms [20K ohms]
Maximum Level: +27dBu [+12.5dBV (+14.8dBu)]
CMRR: >40dB [same]
Output:
Connector: XLR-3M and TRS 1/4 in.phone jacks [same]
Type: Active balanced (may be used unbalanced) [same]
Balanced: 112 ohms [same]
Unbalanced: 56 ohms [same]
Maximum Level: +27dBu Unloaded, +25dBu into 600 ohms [+12.5dBV (+14.8dBu)]
Reviews
Reviewers gave this product an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.
(28 ratings)
Submitted September 29, 2006 by a customer from yahoo.com
"Great unit!"
Verified Customer
zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
Sound
I kept hearing about this thing and wanted to try it out. I found a used one and picked it up. I ran it through a simple PA rig (Peavey 684 Mixer-amp and 2 Yamaha CM12V's) and was amazed. I hooked up my MiniDisk player and got what I thought was a decent sound with the 204 bypassed. When I kicked it in I had the levels turned down to gradually bring in the effect. I started to think I wasted my money because the effect was so subtle. When I went back to A/B the effect I was totally blown away! When I went back to the sound I thought was good before the 204, it sounded like I had cotton stuffed in my ears! The unit makes even the smallest PA sound HUGE! And it is ever so subtle. Once it is gone, though, you know it's missing! I will be buying another one of these to put in my larger PA rack and one more for my bass rig! Great unit!!
Features
This unit is well made and features pro connectivity.
Ease of Use
This is a good unit, but like most good processors, experimentation is the key. Invest some time to learn all that this thing can do.
Quality
Well built and is all pro.
Value
This is the single best way to improve your sound. Try it!
Manufacturer Support
Never had to deal with them.
Musical Background:
Active musician
Musical Style:
Rock, Blues, County, etc.
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No longer available at zZounds
In most cases, a product is unavailable because it has been discontinued by the manufacturer