Familiar with Aphex Acoustic Xciter?

[bloozguy]

Played thru a warm larger system a few weeks ago...and can't get over how great my acoustic sound was. Hard to appreciate the thinner sound I have on my own coffeehouse size sound set up.

I've been looking at direct boxes, various eq's...and have read a number of reviews now on the Acoustic Xciter by Aphex...

comments have raved the boost in lows. Some talked about highs previously being too thin or too bright with lows boosted, but that unit is like someone taking a pillow off their amp or system.

Wondering if anyone has one...would recommend it, or knows something before I buy one. $149 is not way over the line...

My main suspicion is that if this unit does as the advertiser's purport it does...there would be no need for me to invest in something like the BOSS AD-5 at $221...(the APHEX also acts as a DI box), nor would I need a separate EQ pedal. Should be able to tweak lows, mids and highs to eliminate an EQ...right???

Here's an advertiser's link- http://www.8thstreet.com/product.asp?ProductCode=6536&Category=Guitar_Effects

Using Sonar 2 and Ozone...don't imagine the Aphex would necessarily contribute much to recording...

thanks...

bloozguy

 

[MannaZen]

I have the electric guitar version of that box. Without a doubt its one of the most important peices of my setup. Takes your tone and fills in the thin spots. Adds alot of warmth to it also.

When Im not using it on my guitar rig I use it as a DI for recording my bass. I go Bass-Aphex-mixer then into my PC. I get some amazing tone out of the bass with it.

Its a great tool!

 

[satchanzaza]

I haven't used the Aphex, but I just tried something with my V-amp2 I thought may be of interest.

I ran my acoustic through it on some "clean" settings, using a DeArmond 260 pickup and the sound just blew me away! Of course I couldn't resist trying some "distortion" settings - they surprised me as well.

This (V-amp2) is probably the best $140 I've spent on guitar/gear.

 

[gilwe]

Does wonders to your sound in a very interesting way... hard to explain. You have to try it !

 

[mikeh]

I use the BBE 462 (which I think is much like the Aphex) in my guitar chain (both for electric and accoustic) it really helps to fill out and round out the sound (or bring more focus to the higher or lower frequncies) which ever use I choose.

I originally got the BBE to help with mixes - but I quickly decided after several discussions - (here and elsewhere) that useing an exciter for mixing was an excuse for poor recording.

I then saw a guitaist use the BBE in a live rig, (he had great sound) and he felt it really helped his sound - It now is an important part of my guitar signal path.

 

[TexRoadkill]

All these recomendations for Aphex's and BBE's... I would only use those as a last resort and even then would probably find a better solution.

Played thru a warm larger system a few weeks ago...and can't get over how great my acoustic sound was. Hard to appreciate the thinner sound I have on my own coffeehouse size sound set up.

It would seem the obvious difference was the PA system. Why would you expect an Exciter to replace $1000's worth of PA gear?

 

[Paj]

There's a review in the August '03 issue of Guitar Player magazine and I believe you can read it on-line at their website.

Paj
8^)

 

[bloozguy]

Re: Re: Familiar with Aphex Acoustic Xciter?

It would seem the obvious difference was the PA system. Why would you expect an Exciter to replace $1000's worth of PA gear?

of course your question is a logically sound one.

It reminds me a bit of my wife reading thru ads and telling me what a great deal something is. Gee...they are selling this house for $20,000 less. Hhhmmm...let me see. Oh, that house is normally $225,000 but now is $205,000. I'll go right out and put some cash down on that deal!

Yes...living in that house would be nice. Renting the farmhouse we are...living in any house we could afford at this time would be nice.

Yes....and I've played on larger stages, such as at blues festivals, but can't afford to take those systems home with me either.

No...absolutely, my question was not meant to insult the value of a very good PA system. Actually...that wasn't my question.

I have to work with what I presently have and can afford. The secret is out...at 49 years of age, I'm not going to Nashville anytime soon, won't be the next big star. Ssshhh...don't tell anyone. Just an old has been that still loves to play, write and perform. If I can improve what I have...even remotely, then such is all I can ask for at this time.

thanks...

Larry