Aphex Exciter - Manual (Page 17)

Page 17
Owner’s Manual
5.5 OPTIMIZING BIG BOTTOM EFFECTS
There are two independent channels, each containing one Big Bottom circuit. Each channel may be use on com-
pletely different signals. Two identical sets of controls are provided.
The Drive control needs to be set at a point where the processor receives the optimum level required for Big
Bottom to work effectively. The Amount control adjusts the amount of Big Bottom enhancement being added to
the unmodified signal. The Frequency control sets the frequency below which the bass enhancement effects are
generated.
Next to the Drive control is a green LED indicator. When the Operating Level (+4/-10) switch on the rear panel is
set correctly and the program material has enough content to drive the Big Bottom circuit, this LED should illu-
minate on bass peaks.
5.6 RECORDING: TRACKING AND MIXING
The Aural Exciter restores presence and clarity, improving transient response of individual tracks or whole mixes.
Increased harmonic detail enables specific instruments to stand out in the mix, offering a more “live” or spacious
sound. Imaging is improved with an open “airy” quality.
Any instrument, such as a guitar, processed through the Aural Exciter circuit will have greater penetration, crisp-
ness and clarity. Specific instruments pop out in the mix, giving the instrument its own sonic identity without rais-
ing the volume of the instrument in the mix.
Using Big Bottom on bass instruments tightens the sound, allowing individual notes to be more articulated and
recognizable. Big Bottom provides more feeling, resembling a “live” sound.
In the recording studio, post production suite or similar environment, post processing of previously recorded
sound tracks can restore lost vibrancy and realism, even to the extent of saving dialog or sound effects which were
thought to be unusable. Instruments and vocals can be made to stand out in the mix without substantially increas-
ing the mix levels or using equalization.
The Aural Exciter is especially useful in creating the perception of high frequencies and greater dynamics with pre-
processing, bringing more presence and clarity to the final product.
The Exciter should be hooked up between a compressor like the Aphex 208 Easyrider Automatic Compressor and
any equalization. Use the Aural Exciter in place of equalization whenever possible, as shown below.
Operation & Applications
BIG BOTTOM EXPERIMENTING
1. Make sure the Process Switch is IN.
2. Set the Tune and Mix controls to 12:00.
3. Vary the Drive control and listen to how the bass can be made to hang over, or sustain, longer. Start by adjusting the Drive
control until the green LED just flashes on bass peaks, then advance the Drive incrementally.
4. Vary the Mix control and listen for how subtle or dramatic you can make the effect.