EXR

EXR

Also known as: EXR Corporation, EXR Corp

Unclaimed

EXR Corporation was a Michigan-based audio electronics manufacturer based in Ann Arbor, active during the late 1970s and 1980s. The company specialized in psychoacoustic processors known as aural exciters — devices designed to enhance the perceived high-frequency content and presence of audio signals by mixing a small amount of harmonically processed signal back with the original. Their units b...

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EXR Corporation was a Michigan-based audio electronics manufacturer based in Ann Arbor, active during the late 1970s and 1980s. The company specialized in psychoacoustic processors known as aural exciters — devices designed to enhance the perceived high-frequency content and presence of audio signals by mixing a small amount of harmonically processed signal back with the original. Their units became cult favorites among recording engineers and project studio owners looking for an affordable alternative to the more expensive Aphex Aural Exciter, which had pioneered the category.

The brand's best-known products include the SP-1, a simple two-channel psychoacoustic exciter operated with a single knob per channel and a metering display, as well as the EX-IV rack unit and the EX-II processor. EXR also produced the Projector, an unusually large floor pedal version of their exciter circuit aimed at guitarists and bassists. The units were marketed as a way to add 'life and sparkle' to vocals, acoustic guitars, synthesizers, and full mixes.

EXR ceased operations in the 1980s following legal pressure from Aphex over patent infringement claims related to the exciter circuit. Vintage EXR units continue to circulate on the used market, where they are collected by engineers seeking the specific character of early outboard exciter processing.

EXR has 4 products cataloged on Equipboard, including Effects Processors. Their gear is featured by 1 artist, with the strongest followings in Rock and Pop. Notable users include Michael Stipe.

Artists Who Use EXR

Michael Stipe uses 1 EXR product

Michael Stipe

Singer · R.E.M.

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