Aphex Exciter - Manual (Page 19)

Page 19
Owner’s Manual
Another situation is acoustic music performances such as folk or bluegrass. In this instance there is no problem
with a high stage level. However, you have instruments that by nature have a low acoustical output that require
high amounts of gain to reproduce them through PA and stage monitor systems. In this situation, you’re typically
on the edge of feedback especially as the number of mics increase.
In both of these examples your are trying to get more gain out of the stage monitors than the limiting factor of
feedback will allow. The Aural Exciter will give you a perceived increase in volume without putting your system into
feedback. Put an Aural Exciter in line when the system is stable yet close to the point of feedback. The Aural Exciter
may be the most viable option under these conditions.
There are two types of monitor systems in use. The simplest and least expensive method is a foldback monitor
system. Only one console is used for mixing both the “front of house” P.A. and the stage monitors. To use a Exciter
in a foldback monitor system, patch directly into the Exciter from the line level monitor output on the console. The
Exciter should always come before equalization and then on to the amplifier and speakers.
The other method is known as on-stage monitor mixing. In this scenario, a separate mixing console is placed on
stage to mix the stage monitors. This is prevalent in larger, more sophisticated performance settings where there is
typically many monitor mixes. Since we are dealing with a separate console, in most cases you’ll have a choice of
using a buss insert or patching “in-line”.
5.9 GUITAR, BASS & KEYBOARD RIGS
The sampling rates of digital devices such as synthesizers, drum machines, samplers etc. limit the instruments
bandwidth and resolution. They have no high end beyond a fixed point and can sound lifeless. Use of the Aural
Exciter dramatically improves their overall sound by creating additional overtones, literally doubling the band-
width.
Any instrument, such as a guitar, processed through the Aural Exciter circuit gives the instrument its own sonic
identity without raising the volume of the instrument in the mix. Musicians can include the Exciter into their instru-
ment rigs and process the sound they want before it reaches the sound mixer.
5.10 NIGHTCLUBS AND DISCOS
The Exciter is great for smaller sound systems with a limited dynamic range and frequency response. You’ll be sur-
prised how much more bottom end you’ll have without adding more speakers and amplifiers. No matter how good
the sound system is, adding the Exciter will improve clarity and intelligibility without increasing levels.
Big Bottom inexpensively increases the bass capacity of any sound system. It is as though you’ve added subwoofers
to the system. If you already have subwoofers you’ll think the number of subs in the system was increased.
It’s also important to remember that when EQ’s are introduced into the playback system they can cause ear fatigue
and speaker damage. The overuse of EQ in nightclub and disco applications is commonplace. Use the Aural Exciter
in place of an EQ in these applications and music seems louder and clearer, even at low levels, saving both your
ears and speakers from harm.
Operation & Applications