Aphex Exciter Rack Mount Exciter Processor

I have this item in my system for a while now - maybe 6 months at least and it was a nice addition - its easy to use because of the Knobs - unlike sliders on a EQ - which i also have in my system also - you can use the Exciter alone without an EQ - i just had the EQ already and figured i leave it there - its still helpful - all depends on your style and type of music - speakers etc,with my current speakers - and the room i have them - i needed to address mids and highs - and tone down the low end some - tigthen the bass - which the Exicter did nicely - and its easy to experiment - i have called the company at first just to get an idea of the adjustments - and connections - since i am using a AVR pre outs - this is a home audio system - they were very nice and helpful and once i adjusted it as they advised - i noticed a huge difference with the process on and with out it - i have since changed the settings - since i had to factor in my EQ etc, -i had for some time used my system with just the exciter to test it out for a few months - No EQ in the mix - and was pleased with it - worth it - looks nice in my Rack - feels sturdy - the knobs feel sturdy - they are plastic knobs but dont feel Cheap - i have had no issues or problems with it - i have my system connected with all 1/4 connectors - with the EB tech line level to even out the signal since i have using a AVR - the EQ - QSC Amp - and Exciter are all pro audio - and use the line level to even out the signal with the AVR pre outs - everything works great - no Hum etc, -i would recommend if you are looking to adjust the sound to your liking - nothing is going to be just right for everyone - this is why some processing needs to be done - in my case - it has made a nice improvement for a small amount and easy to use - build quality is nice -Update on Review - i have since taken the EQ out of the mix and the Exciter alone works much better !!! i would recommend using only the Exciter in your home system - -

So far it's a keeper. It gives my voice a timbre that I like and could not get with just a mixer. I run a Shure SM7B into a Yamaha MG 10xu and then into the Aphex exciter which then goes into my line in on my Mac Mini...I hate USB, as I am doing screen casting with a web cam and USB taxes the cpu.

The best audio equipment purchase I've made so far.I purchased it for my home audio setup. This unit is not known outside of the professional recording and broadcasting industry although APHEX sold 1 million (!) units since thy started in the 70's.It works by keeping the original signal and then adding selected harmonics and adding bass sustain to the signal at a selectable rate. It is not increasing the overall signal level as much as you would get by using EQ. Besides that it does things EQ can't do like working with transients, adding selectable even order harmonics, utilizing signal phase, etc.Now about the sound - now you can get lush deep bass and then add sparkling highs to at the amount you like. You can start from original and dial it all the way up. There are "most used zone" marks on all the dials so it is easy to get started from scratch.Yes, you can get ADJUSTABLE tube sound on steroids - from 0 impact to max.When APHEX gets bypassed your first reaction is: "Something is missing... Turn it back on". It's that good. And addictive.After I tested the unit I went and ordered 2 more units the very next day so I can have it on the rest of the home theater channels. That says a lot.Here are my favorite settings:Big B...m section: Drive - 50%; Freq - 50Hz (lowest); Amount - 50%Aural Exciter section: Freq - 5kHz (highest); Harmonics - 10 (max); Amount - 60%I was curious about how APHEX affects the signal levels and how that compares to regular EQ as far as getting similar sound timbre.Regular EQ needed the following settings to get similar sound:Low Shelf PEQ: Freq = 50 Hz; Gain = 16dB; Q = 0.7High Shelf PEQ: Freq = 10000 Hz; Gain = 8dB; Q = 0.7Here are the signal levels APHEX is adding when running at the settings above and compared to EQ levels needed to match the sound:20Hz - APHEX adds = 1dB; EQ matching needs = 15dB;24Hz - APHEX adds = 3dB; EQ matching needs = 15dB;28Hz - APHEX adds = 5dB; EQ matching needs = 14dB;32Hz - APHEX adds = 6dB; EQ matching needs = 13dB;40Hz - APHEX adds = 7dB; EQ matching needs = 11dB;50Hz - APHEX adds = 7dB; EQ matching needs = 8dB;70Hz - APHEX adds = 4dB; EQ matching needs = 4dB;80Hz - APHEX adds = 3dB; EQ matching needs = 3dB;100Hz - APHEX adds = 2dB; EQ matching needs = 2dB;140Hz - APHEX adds = 1dB; EQ matching needs = 1dB;200Hz - APHEX adds = 0dB; EQ matching needs = 0dB;When using APHEX the system will SOUND 7dB LOUDER for the same power/ driver capability on signals below 50Hz to 28Hz by changing signal dynamics by increasing the sustain (duration) on bass notes for sense of increase in bass output. The "Aural Exciter" section adds selected even order harmonics after analyzing the signal transients above the "exciter" selected frequency.The "Aural Exciter" section complements the "Big B...m" section really well. It's like adding a sprinkle of salt to a dish so the sweetness can get accentuated.Highly recommended to anyone in search of the ultimate sound nirvana. It does it for me.

I've seen it on my friend's system and he showed me the difference between with the processor on and off. It really amazes me how the sound comes thru the speakers very clear and loud. He tested it on a pair of QSC K10's and with the processor, there's no need for a sub if you're doing a venue of 100 people or less. Those speakers bump were bumpin at high volumes that it didn't even clip at all. After I seen and heard my friend's demonstration, I purchased one for myself and I'm very satisfied with it. I would recommend this processor to any DJ/PA-technician.

A little goes a long way but sometimes a little extra is all it takes to make a live mix really pop. With high quality stuff you 'shouldn't need' a processor like this - but some rooms suck and you have to pull out all the stops.

This is the soul of the sound you have been looking for your entire career as a musician! The big bottom coupled with the 'air' adds that breath of life into everything you hear! Add new life to old recordings Or tweak your existing guitar/bass rig to add that 'chug' and cab resonance without needing the cab!If you have digital effects or cannot use a full sized amp- this IS the product you need to get the sound you're looking for.I know it's not cheap for most people, but do you want to spend the next 8-10 years searching for the tone that the Aphex Exciter provides? You wont regret having this unit in your signal-chain. 10 out of 10 would buy again if mine stopped working.

I cant believe it took me so long to write this review. I must apologize. This device is, and always will be, a great tool for most analog/digital audio systems. Its been working great for me for a very long time. I highly recommend.