Patching Aural Exciter w/ Allen & Heath ZED 14

[bellbrass]

Hello all, I'm a newbie here...and mostly a newbie to home recording. I know my way around the simple stuff, but I'm trying to learn patching effects.
I have a new Aphex Exciter, and I would like to know how to get it patched into an Allen & Heath ZED-14. Can I only patch one channel at a time (since the Aphex is a two-channel unit), or is it possible for me to be able to run all 6 channels through the Aphex for a stereo effect? Also, what patch cables do I need? I currently only have 1/4" mono male-to-male. Thanks in advance, and hope to learn a lot here.

 

[Bobbsy]

If you want to use the Aural Exciter on more than one channel at the same time, then the Aux sends on your mixer are the tool to use. Use the Aux to send the sound from as many channels as you want to the exciter then bring the exciter output back into the mixer via a spare input, probably one of the line level stereo ones.

If you want a mix of "dry" and "excited" use the post fade Aux(es) and balance between the two sounds using the faders. If you want just the "wet" feed' use the pre fade auxes, keep the channel faders down, and bring up only the channel(s) carrying the Aphex return.

FYI, the Aural exciter isn't exactly a stereo unit, just two channel mono. However, if you want a different effect on alternate channels, use two auxes and two returns.

As for cables, the Aux outs on the A&H are quarter inch jack and the inputs/outputs on the Aphex are jack and XLR paralleled so your existing cables should get you going

 

[bellbrass]

Thanks a lot for the info.

I'm not sure how to use the AUX sends. My mixer has AUX 1 - 4 out, and each input channel has AUX pots. I don't know how to route them to the input of a channel of the Exciter, Also, I don't know where to plug the output of the Exciter - "insert", or something else? Thanks for dealing with a newbie.

 

[bellbrass]

I think I figured it out - I use the AUX pots on each channel to set the level that I want routed to one of the 4 AUX outputs. I then route the output of the Exciter back to the L/M and R input on the effects channel. I can fool with the pans to try to get a stereo effect, since the Exciter is basically two-channel mono. Sound correct?

 

[Bobbsy]

Sounds good.

Just for the record though, you're not limited to which channel you bring the Exciter back in on. You can use any line level input(s) on the mixer--and there are also dedicated Aux returns (knobs on the Master section). I prefer to use actual channels if I have them spare since faders give easier control but it's whatever works for you.

 

[bellbrass]

Sounds good.

Just for the record though, you're not limited to which channel you bring the Exciter back in on. You can use any line level input(s) on the mixer--and there are also dedicated Aux returns (knobs on the Master section). I prefer to use actual channels if I have them spare since faders give easier control but it's whatever works for you.

Thanks again - I guess I'm still learning how to use AUX sends / returns. I will fool around with it today and see if it works. The key is still getting stereo imaging while trying to do all of this. I will check back in later with my results!