Aphex CHANNEL Master Preamp & Input Processor

Complete High Performance Channel Strip

 

With more and more studios foregoing consoles in favor of recording and mixing in the computer, a clean and versatile front end input stage is indispensible. There are dozens and dozens of channel strips and similar devices to choose from, but none that come close to the Channel by way of sound, features or performance.

 

The legendary Model 230 has been re-imagined, adding a host of new features to address a greater number of workflows while retaining the sound, functionality and versatility that made it one of the most in-demand processors ever for professional audio, live sound, broadcast and post production.

 

The Channel incorporates seven powerful devices within a compact, single rack space design, including five of Aphex’s exclusive patented technologies. Together, the result is the highest possible audio quality, processing power and flexibility available.

 

The elegant front panel not only looks great, but is laid out in an intuitive, easy-to-use workflow with easy to understand labeling. Building on the foundation of the Model 230, the Channel features an instrument input, dedicated output and gain reduction metering, front panel sample rate and clock source selection, and a reference quality internal clock.

 

Applications

 

Broadcast 

The Aphex Channel is a Tube Microphone Preamp and signal processor that is an indispensable broadcast station tool. You'll find them in the production room and installed as a permanent on-air processing for pumping up voices.

 

Recording Studios

The Aphex Channel is a powerful and easy-to-use channel strip for commercial and project studios, featuring our reflected-plate amplifier tube microphone preamp design plus compression, gating, de-esser, parametric EQ, Aural Exciter, and Big Bottom bass enhancement. It is an extraordinary single rack unit that offers 7 of Aphex’s most popular tools that help you work more easily and naturally, achieving the sonic quality you want without connecting several devices.

 

Live Sound

When space is at a premium in a touring rig, and night after night reliability is essential, the rugged Aphex Channel provides all the top quality processing needed for any instrument without taking up precious rack space.

 

Features

 

Patented Reflected Plate Amplifier

(RPA) Tube Preamp

Ultra-wide bandwidth, maximum gain and headroom

Lower operating temperature than conventional tube designs for longer tube life

Each unit is individually tuned at the Aphex factory for unparalleled consistency – any two units are a matched pair

EasyRider Class A Compressor

Aphex’s patented Wave Dependent Compressor – automatically adjusts attack and release times according to program complexity

No-Knee compression curve circuitry – automatically adjusts compression ratio based on program levels

Includes Aphex’s 1001 Class A VCA, used in the Compellor and Dominator

Logic Assisted Gate

Patented gate technology designed to avoid false triggers, clicks and chattering

De-Esser

Split band universal de-esser designed to maintain presence while dramatically reducing sibilance on any voice

Big Bottom

Patented technology for deeper and more resonant bass with little or no increase in peak output

Parametric EQ

For the ability to precisely fine tune the all-important midrange between the Big Bottom and Aural Exciter.

Aural Exciter

Patented technology for increased presence and clarity with improved detail and intelligibility

 

Preliminary Specifications

 

MIC INPUT

Connector XLR-3F

Type Transformerless, NPN active balanced, tube second stage

Input Z 2k ohms nominal

Maximum Input Level (MIL) +25dBu

CMRR >70 dB @ 60 Hz

Nominal Preamp Gain 20 to 65 dB

Phantom Power +48VDC

Pad 20dB

EIN -127dBu (Input Shorted)

Tube Type 12AT7/ECC81 Dual Triode

 

OUTPUT

Connector XLR-3M and 1/4" TRS Phone Jacks

Type XLR is Impedance Balanced (may be used unbalanced); TRS is unbalanced

Out Z Balanced XLR 66 ohms

Out Z Unbalanced XLR 33 ohms; TRS 600 ohms

Nominal Level XLR +4dBu; TRS -10dBV

Maximum Output Level +25dBu Unloaded; TRS +11dBV

 

COMPRESSOR

Attack / Release Program dependent, user variable release baseline

Ratio 4:1

Threshold Fixed

Knee Medium Hard

 

GATE

Attack 0.1 millisecond

Hold / Release 300 milliseconds / 400 milliseconds

Threshold Variable -50 to +20dB

Depth Variable, 1 to 58dB

 

DE-ESSER

Attack 0.1 millisecond

Release 100 milliseconds

Threshold Variable -20 to +20dB

Ratio 5:1

Active Band 4 kHz to 20kHz Linkwitz-Riley 24 db/octave crossover

 

INSERT

Connector type - Send 1/4” TRS Phone Jack, Balanced

Connector type - Return 1/4” TRS Phone Jack, Balanced

Nominal Operating Level 0 dBu

Point of Insertion Between dynamics processing and equalizers

 

BIG BOTTOM

Frequency 50 Hz to 280 Hz

Tune Off to +12dB

 

PARAMETRIC EQ

Frequency Tune 240 Hz to 8 kHz

Peak / Dip ±12dB

Q Range 0.5 to 5

 

AURAL EXCITER

Frequency Tune 500 Hz to 5kHz

Mix Off to +12dB

 

ANALOG AUDIO

THD <.01% @ +4dBu Out

IMD <.01% @ +4dBu Out

Freq Response (Flat) 18 Hz 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 <1Vp-p to 5Vp-p

Word Clock Output BNC Jack, 75 Ohms, 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 -20dBFS Digital = +4dBu Analog

 

OTHER SPECIFICATIONS

Power requirements 90-250 VAC 50-60 Hz 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 6 lbs (2.73 kg)

Shipping Weight 9 lbs (4.1 kg)