Orange County Center,
Fla., Mar. 13, 2001 -- Aphex Systems, which this year celebrates 26 action-packed
years in the pro-audio industry, offers a wide range of high-tech solutions
for the sound contracting and live-performance industries. During the
NSCA EXP 2001, company staff was on hand to provide 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 www.aphex.com.
Aphex reports increased sales success across sound contracting, live performance and pro-audio markets. Signal-processing, dynamics control and conversion systems for pro-audio, fixed-installation and touring-sound industries.
Orange County Center, FL; Booth #1210: During the NSCA EXP 2001, which opens here today and runs thru March 10, Aphex Systems will be providing details of recent sales successes for its series of leading-edge signal-processing, dynamics control and conversion products targeted at the sound contracting, live-performance and professional audio markets, This year Aphex celebrates 26 action-packed years in the pro-audio industry, offers a wide range of high-tech solutions.
Recent system deliveries and applications include: * Model 1788 Remote-Controlled Mic Pre-amps used by Effanel Music on the recent landmark Elton John live-concert recording at Madison Square Garden, "One Night Only: The Greatest Hits Live." "The Model 1788 was perfect for this application," says Randy Ezratty, president of Effanel Music, the organization that coordinated sound for the event. "With 800-feet cable runs from the stage, we didn't want to compromise the audio quality." Several Model 1788s connected directly to a high-precision 24/96 kHz hard-disk recording system without equalization nor compression; a digital mixer was on-line to provide off-disk monitoring. Grammy-Winning record producer Phil Ramone supervised the project.
Model 1788s were used for on-stage microphones plus audience mics; a total of 80 separate line-level outputs were routed to two recording areas. "Effanel has been using the Model 1788s on a number of critical events," Ezratty concludes. "We love them. We experienced zero overloads on the Elton John recordings during both nights -- and we had very limited rehearsal and setup time for the concerts."
* Model 1788 Remote-Controlled Microphone Pre-amps are being used for New York's highly successful "Seussical: The Musical;" Sound designer Jonathan Deans reports a dramatic improvement in sound quality. The nine Model 1788s (eight on-line units plus a backup/spare) connect on-stage and orchestral microphones to an all-digital mixing console, and ensure higher-quality sound performance for this much-loved music production.
"We have used the Aphex Model 107 mic pre-amplifier on previous productions," Deans explains, "but needed a more compact solution for 'Seussical: The Musical.' Also, we have a long cable run from the stage and orchestra pit to the mixing location - it's approximately 300 feet. We positioned the Model 1788 mic pre-amplifier rack under the stage, close to the pit and wireless mic receivers." Line-levels signals connect the array of Model 1788s to the theater's all-digital Level Control Systems CueConsole/Matrix3 processor.
"I prefer to locate the pre-amps close to the mics," Deans confesses, "simply because they sound so much better that way - long, mic-level cable runs reduce transient response and color the sound. Now, we enjoy much better audio quality at these types of high-energy presentations. The difference is outstanding!"
* Model 1788 Remote-Controlled Pre-Amplifiers were used on tour last year by Pearl Jam; these high-precision systems provided simultaneous analog/digital outputs and eliminated the use of signal-degrading mic splitters. The North American leg of Pearl Jam's recent World Tour involved a major change to the band's recording and PA rig. An array of Model 1788 pre-amps replaced transformer-isolated splitters, and the routing of the low-level signals down long cable runs to pre-amps contained within front-of-house and monitor consoles. The 1788 were installed on the stage, thereby eliminating the sonic degradations caused by the traditional splitters and cable snakes.
"Pearl Jam as a band and as an organization are fanatical about audio quality," comments Brett Eliason, the band's front-of-house mixing engineer. "For example, they do not use any wireless microphones - the band is equally fanatical about capturing the energy of live performances. When the opportunity arose to experiment with a method that fulfilled both goals, they jumped on it."
"Compared to recordings made in Europe using our traditional [mic-splitter] system," Eliason concludes, "the tracks are fuller, punchier and warmer. The differences are not subtle; everyone who has listened to the new tracks has been very impressed."
* Model 1788 Remote-Controlled Mic Pre-amps were supplied to Federation Concert Hall, Tasmania; the new future home of Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra will incorporate state-of-the-art recording facilities, including digital consoles. The trio of Model 1788s are configured with the digital I/O option, and connect to a single remote controller unit.
According to Anthony Conroy, Pro-Audio Sales Manager with East Coast Audio, Aphex' local distributor, "The new Federation Concert Hall's main auditorium will seat 1,100 people, and is being developed jointly by the ABC, Australia's national broadcaster, and the Grand Chancellor Hotel chain; it forms part of an existing hotel complex." ABC-FM will be using the Model 1788s during live recordings of the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra.
"The 1788 was selected after audio engineers working on this project had been very impressed with its performance capabilities and ease of use," Conroy offers. "They had been evaluating [the system] for several weeks and asked that the Model 1788 be specified."
* The Public Broadcasting Service is using Model 2020 Series Processors to condition signals ahead of satellite uplinks; Multiband processors provide appropriate amount of conditioning and overall limiting required by this quality-conscious broadcasting service. Eight Model 2020 units are currently being used by PBS to condition TV broadcast audio signals for a quartet of national satellite-delivery distribution uplinks that offer 24-hours/7-day service to member stations, plus cable-based outlets such as DirecTV and Prime Star.
According to PBS technical staff, the Model 2020s were selected because of their versatility and ability to provide just the appropriate amount of signal processing; competitive units, they report, only offer a limited number of control options. Since PBS' philosophy - unlike major commercial TV networks - is to utilize a very light amount of overall gain leveling, plus limiting, prior to uplinking its high-caliber television programming via satellite, the engineering department prefers to customize the amount of dynamics control according to the nature of the signals being broadcast.
PHOTO CAPTION: Aphex Model 1178 Microphone Pre-amplifiers with remote controller (center)
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 www.aphex.com
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*** PRESS INFORMATION *** PRESS INFORMATION *** PRESS INFORMATION ***
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE NSCA EXPO 2001; Booth #1210 Date: March 7, 2001 For more information contact: Lea Tantoy Mel Lambert Aphex Systems Media&Marketing 818.767-2929 818.558-3924 lea@aphex.com mediapr@earthlink.net Website for media and graphics files: http://press.aphex.com
Aphex Systems: A Company Profile Celebrating 26 years as a leading developer and innovator of signal-processing, and conversion products for the pro-audio industry.
Orange County Center, FL; Booth #1210: Aphex Systems was founded in 1975 in Massachusetts by Marvin Caesar and Curt Knoppel, the inventor of the Aural Exciter. The first Aural Exciter units were available exclusively on the rental basis of $30 per minute of finished recorded time. The unit became so popular, especially in the Los Angeles music crowd, that Aphex had to move to Hollywood. Recognizing that there was a much bigger market than just the rental business, Aphex started selling the professional units, and introduced two low-cost models: Type B and Type C. The Aural Exciter circuit is now licensed by a growing list of manufacturers, including Yamaha, MacKenzie, Gentner, Emu, and Bogen. Aphex is dedicated to the development of high-quality products for the professional audio, broadcast, fixed-installation, touring-sound and home-recording markets. Through that dedication, Aphex has developed a number of industry-standard devices, such as the Compellor(r), Dominator(r), Expander/Gate(tm) and Expressor.(tm) Each product contains one or more of the over 30 proprietary inventions (patented or patents pending). A key element of all the dynamics processing products is the firm's state-of-the-art Voltage Controlled Attenuator, the Aphex VCA 1001. Another key element is Aphex' unique input and output circuitry. Using electronic servo-balancing techniques, the company's I/O stages offer all of the safety of audio transformers, but with pure sonic quality. Such circuits have made Aphex distribution amplifiers and level interfaces the "asked-for" products amongst engineers, producers and system designers that demand quality. Aphex offices, engineering laboratories, production and warehousing are located in a 16,000 square foot facility in Sun Valley, CA. All products are designed and manufactured in this facility.
Key staff includes: Marvin Caesar - company founder and President Lea Tantoy - Sales & Marketing Coordinator Donn Werrbach - Chief Engineer Wayne Fa Farr - Product Specialist Julie Garcia - Manager, Accounting and Administration
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 www.aphex.com
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