gweb said:
Anyone know what the difference is between a BBE Sonic Maximizer and an Aphex 204? Couldn't you achieve the same or better results with a good quality 31 band EQ if you're preamp is lacking something? I've heard different opinions about putting stuff like this in your rig. Also read that a modded preamp shouldn't even need anything extra for tone enhancement. I've been considering getting a BBE or an Aphex but just interested in some more opinions.
Greg
Aphex 204/Exciter Vs. BBE 882i Sonic Maximizer
It is first important to understand the very different functions of both products. The Sonic Maximizer tries to solve a problem called ?Envelope Distortion.? This has to do with the time and amplitude relationship between the fundamental frequency and the harmonic components of the fundamental. The Sonic Maximizer attempts to ?time align? the fundamental and harmonic frequencies. What most users don?t understand is that this process is achieved by simply turning the processor on with both the Lo Contour and Process knobs set to zero! By turning the knobs up the user is simply boosting the processed low and hi frequencies along with any noise on the signal just like an EQ. If the high frequencies are boosted too high the unit actually compresses the signal, which completely destroys the perception of the time aligning process. At best, the user ends up with a boomy, crispy sound with boosted noise, a diminished stereo field and a boosted output level.
The Aphex 204/Exciter is made to improve the sound quality of high and low frequencies without adding to the overall output gain. The Aural Exciter brings out detail, clarity and imaging in the high frequencies, while the Optical Big Bottom adds deep, powerful, low-frequency punch and tighter articulation.
One of the reasons that the 204/Exciter works so well is that the input signal is sent directly to the output, while a tap from the input signal is processed and mixed back with the main signal. The user always has control over how much of the processed signal is added to the output.
Understanding the functions of the Aphex 204/Exciter
The Aural Exciter allows the user to select a high pass filter frequency between 800Hz and 6kHz. This is the function of the ?Tune? knob. Even harmonics are generated according to input transient frequencies above the high pass filter setting. The ?Harmonics? knob controls how much harmonic content is generated. The ?Mix? knob allows the user to set the amount of processed signal that is mixed back with the main input signal.
The Optical Big Bottom works in a similar, but different way, in that the input signal is sent directly to the output, while a tap from the input signal is processed and mixed back with the main signal. The Optical Big Bottom allows the user to select a low pass filter frequency between 50Hz and 190Hz. This is the function of the ?Tune? knob. Frequencies below the low pass filter setting are compressed. The ?Drive? knob controls the amount of optical compression on the signal. The ?Mix? knob allows the user to set the amount of compressed signal that is mixed back with the main input signal.
These simple parameters allow the user to truly sculpt the sound of any program material. The processing of the 204/Exciter undeniably improves the listening experience of any source! DJs can get the loud, tight bass that the dance floor requires. Bands can give their audiences the clean, detailed sound that they deserve. Preachers and Presenters can be sure that their message will get across with the added intelligibility created. All of this with hardly any gain added to the over all output signal.
The 204/Exciter also has a +4/-10 switch allowing it to be used properly with all analog gear on the market. DJ products, A/V products, professional studio equipment, professional Front of House equipment, etc.