The Aphex Model 661 is a totally new type of compressor incorporating vacuum tube technology with the latest innovations in audio compression. This single-channel compressor/limiter is loaded with features, consolidating for the first time in one rack space, three patented Aphex circuits: Tubessence, Easyrider, and High Frequency Expander.
The UNIQUE 661 CIRCUITRY
Tubessence is a true tube circuitwhich provides that "vintage" tube sound without high the heat, bulk, short life, fragility, and sonic variability found in traditional tube designs.
Easyrider is an Automatic mode that actually works, consisting of the Wave dependent Compressor? (WDC) circuit which takes the guesswork out of compressing individual instruments and vocals especially in live mixes. WDC automatically adjusts attack and release times according to the complexity of the program material. Its No-Knee? compression curve makes the transition into compression virtually invisible.
In the Manual mode, the Model 661 provides the full complement of compressor adjustments such as Ratio, Attack, and Release, for maximum flexibility. Express yourself and get those "punch", "slap", "fat", "pump", and "squeeze" sounds fast and clean.
The 661 includes the patented High Frequency Expander (HFX) which decompresses high frequencies, with user-adjustable ratio and corner frequency. Add "life" and "air" to your compressed signals without fear of background noise pumping.
The Spectral Phase Refractor? restores clarity and punch to your tracks. Bass frequencies are more defined with more apparent power. Higher frequencies also seem to gain more detail and presence.
Use the Model 661 to control dynamics for mixdowns, protect your sound system's loudspeakers from transients and distortion or shape the sound of individual instruments and vocals. Compress dynamic levels without fear of reducing frequency response. Whatever type of dynamics control you're looking for, it can be done with the Model 661 Tube Compressor / Limiter Expressor.
APPLICATIONS
Music Production - Improve the sound on individual instruments, vocals and mixes
Sound Reinforcement - A roadable tube compressor/limiter in only one rack space
Broadcast & Post Production - A great vocal processor and a powerful studio tool
Project Studios - Improve the sound of digital recorders and workstations
Musicians - The ultimate compressor for the professional guitar, bass, keyboard instrument rig
Features
Auto or full Manual operation. In Auto mode, compression parameters constantly change for best sound
A true tube circuit (Tubessence) in the output stage for a "warm", "live" and "full" sound
HFX allows the use of high compression ratios without the loss of high frequencies
SPR increases the apparent bass energy level, without amplitude equalization or bass boost
Use Sidechain Access sends jacks for creative processing (de-essing and ducking)
Stereo, dual mono or master/ slave operation for total flexibility
Aphex Systems
Aphex is dedicated to the development of high-quality products for the professional audio, broadcast, fixed installation, touring-sound and home-recording markets. Through that dedication, Aphex has developed a number of industry-standard devices, such as the Compellor®, Dominator®, Expander/Gate? and Expressor,? plus the Model 1100 Two-Channel and Model 1788 Eight-Channel Ultra-Precision Remotely Controllable Microphone Pre-Amplifiers, and the Model 2020 Mk III Broadcast Audio Processor.
Each product contains one or more of the over 30 proprietary inventions (patented or patents pending). A key element of all the dynamics processing products is the firm's state-of-the-art Voltage Controlled Attenuator, the Aphex VCA 1001.
Used Compressors and Limiters
Audio compressors and limiters are a kind of specialist hardware used to either amplify the volume of quiet sounds or reduce the volume of loud sounds, by simply compressing the ??dynamic range? of an audio signal. Audio compression is commonly used during live concerts, broadcasts and studio recording.
Audio compressors and limiters, sometimes called a dynamic compressor, can manipulate the volume of sound by alternating the rate of compression through two basic functions ?? attack and release controls, which are also able to smooth the final effect of the audio output.
There are many different kinds of compressors and limiters available, including very basic models with just a few simple knobs for attacking and releasing, and more advanced models which provide greater versatility when it comes to attenuating audio signals.
Audio technicians place an extremely high value on compressors and limiters. An audio limiter is essential for managing the level of audio signals during recording sessions. If the volume produced by a piano for example, is not managed, the recording equipment could easily be overloaded when the pianist plays louder, impacting on the quality of the final recording. Similarly, when the pianist plays at a lower volume, audio compressors and limiters are needed to boost the volume level so that the signal remains consistent throughout.
In addition to managing signal levels, compressors and limiters can also be used to create special effects and add an extra dimension to recordings. Audio limiters are able to compress dynamic range audio signals into a much narrower range, hence why they are sometimes called a dynamic compressor. The results of such audio compression include attaining a higher source signal from low volume sound, smooth and consistent tones, an increase in some musical instruments sustain and the ability to enhance the ??punch? of certain instruments, such as guitars, bass and drums.
