Aphex Aural Exciter?

[frog_jr]

Hi all. True or not true? Pls. discuss.

Since its introduction in 1975, the patented Aphex Aural Exciter has been used on thousands of hit albums and successful musical tours. The Aural Exciter is a patented audio process that recreates missing harmonics without generating significant changes in the actual signal level.

Reproduced sound is audibly different than the original live sound because of the loss in harmonic detail, often sounding dull and lifeless. The Aural Exciter adds harmonics, restoring the sounds natural brightness, clarity and presence, effectively improving detail and intelligibility. Using the Aural Exciter on specific instruments and /or in the final mix brings life back to the recording.

The Aural Exciter extends the high frequencies, unlike EQ's and other brightness enhancers which only boosts the high frequencies and often alters the overall tonal balance. The stereo image is enhanced with the Aural Exciter, resulting in a greater perceived loudness without an introduction of noise into the audio path due to increased gain. Vocals and instruments seem to stand out, without raising individual volumes in the mix.

Big Bottom circuitry dynamically shapes the bass response in the 20Hz to 120Hz range, increasing the perception of low frequencies without boosting the maximum peak output. The bass frequency response is dynamically optimized to isolate and enhance the lowest bass frequencies to provide a deeper and more resonant bass without overloading the sound system. Using the patented Big Bottom tightens the bass, allowing individual notes to be more articulated and recognizable.

[frog_jr]

Sierra Pale.

[kritikon]

There's no option for "I can't stand the things", so I didn't vote.

They pretty much do what they say they do, but personally I hate any harmonic-type enhancer. Can't stand those nasty Vitaliser things either.

[realisation]

Big Bottom sounds as good as the Renault Megane's looks. IMHO Pretty crud, sounds like a cheezy hifi's bass boost.
The enhancer is OK but don't overdo it. Its useful for bringing out harmonics where there originally wasn't any, It works by filtering distorted frequencies.

SPL Vitalizer is a wonderful enhancer, especially for bass, now theres a REAL enhancer. Fat or Tight bass? its your choice.

[Spin Boyz]

I had one. It was a pain to setup. Just go with the cheap behringer version.

[SuitcaseOfLizards]

I owned one for a while, as well as a BBE Sonic Maximizer. Destroyed many a mix with the things, it's way too easy to overdo. Thankfully, I sold 'em both when I switched from hardware to software!

If you can get one cheap, cool, but be VERY sparing with it. It's possible to take the best material and end up with some brittle-sounding crap at the end.