Aphex Channel Master Preamp and Input Processor

Full Description

Complete Studio Channel Strip

The Aphex Channel puts world-class audio quality into your hands. Equipped with a patented Relfected Plate Amplifier (RPA) tube preamp, the Channel boasts a preamp with ultra-wide bandwidth with high gain capabilities and plenty of headroom. This is just one of the patented features that Aphex has successfully incorporated into this complete studio channel strip though, as the unit also features Aphex's Wave Dependent EasyRider Class A compressor, a logic assisted gate, split-band universal de-esser, aural exciter and bit bottom processing, and a handy parametric EQ. With such a wide feature set in a single compact rack unit, the Aphex Channel is the ultimate choice for input processing in your studio or live environment.

Huge Collection Of Patented Technology

Aphex have successfully implemented a truly astonishing list of technology into the Channel Master Preamp and Input Processor. The RPA tube preamp boasts ultra-wide bandwidth, with maximum gain and headroom, as well as operating at a lower temperature compared to conventional tube designs, enabling a much longer tube life. The tube preamps are all individually tuned at the Aphex factory to ensure unparalleled consistency, making any two units a complete matched pair. On top of this, the Channel also features Aphex's EasyRider Class A Compressor. this patented Wave Dependent compressor automatically adjusts attack and release times dependent on the program complexity. The no-knee compression curve circuitry also automatically adjusts the compression ratio based on program levels. The compressor includes Aphex's 1001 Class A Voltage Controlled Attenuator, which features in the Compellor and Dominator. Other patented technologies built into the Channel consist of a logic assisted gate to avoid false triggers, clicks and chattering, and a split-band universal de-esser for maintenance of presence whilst reducing vocal sibilance. Aural Exciter and Big Bottom technology are also featured in the unit, providing increased presence and clarity with significantly improved detail and articulation, whilst Big Bottom delivers deeper and more resonance bass with little to no increase in the peak output. Finally, is the parametric EQ, which enables you to fine-tune the crucial midrange between the Big Bottom and Aural Exciter with excellent precision.

Features

• Complete studio channel strip equipped with a patented RPA tube preamp
• EasyRider Class A Compressor with patented Aphex technology
• Patented logic-assisted gate technology to avoid false triggers, clicks, and chattering
• Split-band universal de-esser maintains presence and reduces vocal sibilance
• Industry-renowned Aural Exciter processing for articulate and clear sound enhancement
• Big Bottom technology provides deep and rich low end with more resonance without peak output increases
• Parametric EQ provides precision fine-tuning of the mid-range between the Big Bottom and Aural Exciter frequencies
• S/PDIF and AES/EBU digital outputs

Specifications

Mic Input

• Connector: XLR-3F
• Type: Transformerless, NPN Active Balanced, Tube Second Stage
• Input Z: 2k Nominal
• Maximum Input Level (MIL): +25dBu
• CMRR: Greater Than 70dB @ 60hz
• Nominal Preamp Gain: 20 to 65dB
• Phantom Power: +48VDC
• Pad: 20dB
• EIN: -127dBu (Input Shorted)
• Tube Type: 12ATZ/ECC81 Dual Triode

Output

• Connector: XLR-3M & 1/4'' TRS Jack
• Type: XLR Is Impedance Balanced (May be used unbalanced). TRS Is Unbalanced
• Out Z Balanced: XLR 66
• Out Z Unbalanced: XLR 33, TRS 600
• Nominal Level: XLR +4dBu, TRS -10dBV
• Maximum Output Level: +25dBu Unloaded, TRS +11dBV

Compressor

• Attack/Release: Program Dependent, user Variable Baseline
• Ratio: 4:1
• Threshold: Fixed
• Knee: Medium Hard

Gate

• Attack: 0.1ms
• Hold/Release: 300ms/400ms
• Threshold: -50 to +20dB (Variable)
• Depth: 1 to 58dB (Variable)

De-Esser

• Attack: 0.1ms
• Release: 100ms
• Threshold: Variable -20 to +20dB
• Ratio: 5:1
• Active Band: 4khz to 20kHz Linkwitz-Riley 24dB/Octave Crossover

Insert

• Connector Type (Send): 1/4'' TRS Jack Balanced
• Connector Type (Return): 1/4'' TRS Jack Balanced
• Nominal Operating Level: 0dBu
• Point Of Insertion: Between dynamics processing and equalizers

Big Bottom

• Frequency: 50Hz to 280Hz
• Tune: Off to +12dB

Parametric EQ

• Frequency Tune: 240Hz to 8kHz
• Peak/Dip: +/-12dB
• Q Range: 0.5 to 5

Aural Exciter

• Frequency Tune: 500Hz to 5kHz
• Mix: Off to +12dB

Analog Audio

• THD: Less Than 0.01 @ 4dBu Out
• IMD: less Than 0.01 @ 4dbU Out
• Frequency Response (Flat): 18Hz to 24kHz +/-1dB

Digital Audio

• Internal Sample Rates: 44.1kHz, 48khz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz
• External Sample Rates: Automatically syncs to any Word Clock between 32khz and 96khz
• Resolution: 24-bits
• Word Clock Input: BNC Jack, High Z, Captures
• Word Clock Output: BNC Jack, 75, 5Vp-p
• Dynamic Range: Digital dynamic range greater than analog front end
• Noise Dither: Dithered by analog preamp noise floor. Equivalent to 16-bit digital audio dither
• Level Equivalency: -2dBFS Digital = +4dBu Analog

Other

• Power Requirements: 90-250VAC 50-60Hz 12W
• Dimensions: 19'' (W) x 1.75'' (H) x 8.25'' (D) / 1 Rack U / 482.6mm x 44.5mm x 209.6mm
• Depth Behind Front Panel: 7.5'' / 190.5mm
• Net Weight: 2.73kg / 6lbs