Sun Valley, Calif., Feb. 01, 2001 -- Aphex Systems, which this year celebrates 26 action-packed years in the pro-audio industry, will focus on high-tech solutions for the sound contracting and live-performance industries at the upcoming NSCA EXP 2001, Booth #1210. The annual trade show, to be held this year at the Orange County Center, FL, will provide a unique opportunity to view practical demonstrations of the following systems:

The Aural Exciter Model 104 Type C2 with Big Bottom which, by extending the harmonics of an audio signal, restores the natural brightness, clarity, and presence that may have been lost during analog conversions or imperfect audio equipment. Applications include background music, public-address systems, sound reinforcement and audio recording.

"Since its introduction in 1975," comments Aphex president Marvin Caesar, "the Aphex Aural Exciter has been used on thousands of hit albums and successful musical tours, as well as providing enhanced intelligibility for installed sound systems. All too often, reproduced sound is audibly different from the original live sound because of loss in harmonic detail, often sounding dull and lifeless." The patented audio process recreates missing harmonics without generating significant changes in the actual signal level, yet dramatically increases the intelligibility of speech.

A recent AES paper by Joseph Chalupper of the Institute of Human-Machine Communications, Technical University of Munich, has now determined that the patented Aural Exciter process enhances speech intelligibility. As Chalupper concludes in his academic article: "The Aural Exciter corresponds to sharpness and can be regarded as a 'Sharpness Maximizer'." Chalupper reports an increase in intelligibility of 11% for single words in noise; 18% for sentences in noise; 12% in reverberant fields; and improved sound quality.

"There has always been a certain amount of controversy surrounding our Aural Exciter," Caesar concludes. "This recent AES paper should help quell the doubts of those who still have trouble believing their own ears, or the ears of their customers. Our licensees, including Yamaha, Gentner Engineering, Bogen, Mackenzie Labs and Emu, have recognized the benefits of the Aural Exciter; this paper will further help their efforts."

The Model 1788 Remote Controlled Microphone Pre-amplifier, which contains eight preamps in 2RU space and enables gain control close to the mic source. Stand-out features include continuously variable input gain without clicks or glitches using audio DACs in a patented circuit; adjustable maximum output level of +27 dBu; and MicLim, a limiter (patent-pending design) located on the output of the microphone, before the pre-amp. The Model 1788 can be controlled by either MIDI Commands or RS-232/422 serial ports; up to 16 units (128 channels) can be operated via a single control line.

"We will also demonstrate the sonic effects of conventional microphone splitters," Marvin Caesar continues. "As is well known, a microphone connected simultaneously to several loads will result in high-frequency attenuation, loss of transient response and a loss of sonic 'detail.' Our Model 1788 presents a single load to the microphone source and provides multiple simultaneous outputs for front-of-house, on-stage monitors and live recording. Also, since these outputs are at line level, cable runs can be significantly longer than those from a microphone-level source with no sonic degradation. We consider that the Model 1788 offers significant advantages over conventional splitter setups specified by sound contractors and system designers."

The Model 120A Servo-Balanced Distribution Amplifier, a high-performance audio DA with a single high-impedance input and four low-impedance outputs, all of which are electronically servo-balanced. Each output features an individual amplifier (+25 dBm output level into 600 ohms) and level control for maximum versatility and isolation. The unit's sturdy steel chassis may be used stand-alone or rack mounted, singly or in pairs.

Founded in 1975, Aphex Systems is a leading developer and innovator of signal-processing, dynamics control and analog-to-digital conversion systems designed for a wide cross section of professional end users around the world. For more information call +1/818.767-2929 or visit our internet web site at www.aphex.com.

Aphex Systems, Ltd., 11068 Randall Street Sun Valley, CA 91352, USA


Source: Aphex Systems
Web: www.aphex.com