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Description

The Aphex Aural Exciter Type C is a classic piece of studio gear that has been a staple in audio production since its inception. Known for its ability to enhance the sonic presence of recordings, this effects processor adds clarity, depth, and vibrancy to any audio mix. By introducing subtle harmonic distortion, the Aural Exciter rejuvenates dull tracks, making them sound more lively and engaging without altering the original tonal balance. Whether you're working on vocals, instruments, or complete mixes, this device offers a unique way to breathe new life into your recordings.

One of the defining characteristics of the Aphex Aural Exciter Type C is its ability to enhance perceived loudness without increasing the actual output level. This feature is particularly useful in crowded mixes where every decibel counts. Additionally, its proprietary transconductance amplifier technology ensures a warm and natural sound, distinguishing it from other processors on the market. Ideal for both amateur and professional studios, the Type C is a versatile addition to any signal processing chain, offering users an intuitive interface and reliable performance.

Key Features:

  • Enhances sonic presence and vibrancy in recordings
  • Introduces subtle harmonic distortion for added clarity
  • Increases perceived loudness without boosting actual level
  • Proprietary transconductance amplifier technology for warm sound
  • Suitable for vocals, instruments, and full mixes
  • Intuitive controls for easy operation
  • Ideal for both studio and live applications

Product specs

Brand Aphex
Model Aural Exciter Type C Model 103
Finish Aluminum
Year 1985 - 1992
Made In United States
Categories Multi-Effect

FAQs

What does the Aphex Aural Exciter Type C do for audio recordings?

The Aphex Aural Exciter Type C enhances audio by adding phase shift and synthesized harmonics, which increases clarity and presence without increasing the overall level. This makes recordings sound brighter and more detailed.

How is the Aphex Aural Exciter different from an equalizer?

Unlike an equalizer, which boosts or cuts existing frequencies, the Aphex Aural Exciter adds new harmonic content to the audio signal. This results in a brighter and more present sound that cannot be achieved with EQ alone.

Can the Aphex Aural Exciter Type C be used on vocals?

Yes, the Aphex Aural Exciter Type C is commonly used on vocals to enhance clarity and detail by adding harmonic distortion to higher frequencies, giving them more sparkle and presence.

Is the Aphex Aural Exciter Type C suitable for mixing and mastering?

The Aphex Aural Exciter Type C is often used in both mixing and mastering to enhance the brightness and presence of audio tracks, making them sound more vibrant and polished.

What type of audio applications benefit most from the Aphex Aural Exciter Type C?

The Aphex Aural Exciter Type C is particularly beneficial for audio applications requiring enhanced clarity and presence, such as vocal tracks, acoustic instruments, and overall mix processing.

Harvey Rothman

Harvey Rothman

Aphex Aural Exciter Type C Demonstration

Video thumbnail for Aphex Aural Exciter Type C Demonstration by Harvey Rothman

Aphex Aural Exciter Type C Demonstration

Harvey Rothman

Harvey Rothman

Video thumbnail for REAL 80's Aphex Exciter Type C vs Waves Aural Exciter & Audiothing Type B by Paul Third

REAL 80's Aphex Exciter Type C vs Waves Aural Exciter & Audiothing Type B

Paul Third

Paul Third

Video thumbnail for Aphex Aural Exciter TYPE C - Test - no talk by Matteo Nolli

Aphex Aural Exciter TYPE C - Test - no talk

Matteo Nolli

Matteo Nolli

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Aphex Aural Exciter Type C.

Comparisons

  • Owners note that while the Waves plugin can sound harsh, the Aphex 204 hardware version offers a more natural sound, particularly in upper bass frequencies.

    Source
  • The original hardware units were highly revered for their subtle effects, which may be hard to replicate in modern mass-produced versions, suggesting a preference for high-quality analog EQs for nuanced enhancement.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The Aphex 204 is praised for adding girth to kick drums and enhancing vocal textures through parallel processing with high-pass filtering around 250 Hz.

    Source
  • The Aphex Aural Exciter Type C is praised for enhancing pick attack on distorted guitars, offering clarity and definition by emphasizing transient details.

    Source
  • It's been highlighted that blending the DI signal with the processed track using the Aural Exciter can significantly improve articulation and bring out the pick attack.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • Users recommend working at higher sample rates, like 96k, to avoid aliasing issues with harmonic distortion plugins, which improves the sound quality of effects like the Aphex Aural Exciter.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • Owners note the hardware excels in accentuating mids and highs, making it suitable for aggressive guitar tones in metal genres without compromising the overall mix balance.

    Source

User experience

  • Users report success in using the Aural Exciter to process DI tracks before amp simulation, enhancing dynamic range and transient clarity in the final mix.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Aphex Aural Exciter Type C (MM Jul 86)

muzines.co.uk

The Aphex Aural Exciter Type C delivers a touch of psychoacoustic magic, enhancing sound clarity and stereo imaging. It's particularly effective on poor-quality tapes and older recordings, adding brightness and clarity. However, its impact varies with music genres, making dense rock tracks sound awkward, while shining on funk and sparse arrangements. It's user-friendly, with clear controls and helpful setup advice in the manual. While it can boost tape hiss, the manual offers useful tips to mitigate this. Overall, it's a valuable tool for those who record frequently, but a pricey option for the casual listener.

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4.0 out of 5

Based on 3 Reviews and 13 Ratings

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peter_kontor2

Perfect for basslines

It's always and I say always on my bass bus channel.

bobjack

Good!

This thing do what it need to do. For premaster tracks

D

Its so nice

It's soo nice on a piano or clean guitar

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Paul McCartney uses Aphex Aural Exciter Type C

Paul McCartney

Singer, Bassist

The Beatles

...
Verified via Hog Hill Mill Blog

the Aphex Aural Exciter is listed in this blog

See how Steve Harris uses Aphex Aural Exciter Type C

Steve Harris

Bassist, Composer

Iron Maiden

...
Verified via YouTube

In the YouTube video titled "Iron Maiden - Steve's Rig," at timestamp 0:58, Steve Harris's bass technician, Brent Diamond, confirms that Steve Harris utilizes the Aphex Aural Exciter Type C as the initial component in his signal chain.

See how Liam Howlett uses Aphex Aural Exciter Type C

Liam Howlett

Music Producer

The Prodigy

...
Verified via Theprodigy

listed in Liam Howlett's gear list

See how Dom & Roland uses Aphex Aural Exciter Type C

Dom & Roland

Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

0.44 CAMERA SCROLLS OVER DOMS OUTBAORD RACK

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Aphex Aural Exciter Type C, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Community setups

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