Channel
instruction Manual
Page 10
Using the Channel
3.9 USING THE LOGIC ASSISTED GATE
If you’ve worked with gates before, you probably
know how frustrating they can be. Finding the
threshold and attack setting that doesn’t clip the first
sound and still reliably gates out the noise is usu-
ally difficult. Aphex’s Logic Assisted Gate solves all
that for you very simply. The Channel’s gate trigger
is absolutely positive because it’s independent from
the energy content of the sound peak. The slightest
tickling of the threshold by the soundwave triggers
a chain reaction that forces the gate’s attack-hold-
release sequences to perform completely and repeat-
ably. That makes finding the right threshold fast and
easy. All you need to set are the threshold and depth
of gating.
If you want complete silence between phrases, then
use the maximum depth. However, if you simply
want to bring down ambience pickup as with mul-
tiple open mics in a room, then use minimal depth.
When the gate is closed or closing (blocking), the LED
indicator is lit. When it is open (passing audio), the
LED is dark.
3.10 USING THE DE-ESSER
Certain mics are too harsh in the upper range and
some sounds tend to whistle or splatter. Conventional
de-essers simply detect the presence of any frequency
above a certain tuning point and duck the whole
signal accordingly. The Channel’s de-esser is differ-
ent. It uses split band techniques to attenuate only
the sibilance, while leaving the body of the sound
alone.
Operation of the de-esser is simple. Just set the
threshold to the point where you want the esses to
limit out. Reducing the threshold setting brings down
the level of the esses dynamically. In other words, it’s
like an automatic downward shelving equalizer. It
stays flat until the ess level gets too high and then
introduces the shelf at the level needed to limit the
sound to the threshold level. When there is de-
essing, the LED is lit.
3.11 USING THE TONE ENHANCEMENT BLOCK
Once the signal passes through the compressor, gate
and de-esser, it encounters the Big Bottom low fre-
quency enhancer, parametric peak/dip section, and
the Aural Exciter top end enhancer. The whole block
is bypassable with the BB/EQ/AX on/off pushbutton.
3.11.1 Big Bottom
Some signals have no low bottom end. In such cases,
the Big Bottom won’t synthesize a new low end for
you and it should not be used. However, voices that
contain a deep chest resonance can be augmented
by the Big Bottom.
Start by turning up the BB Amount to 12:00. Then
adjust the BB FREQ to find a frequency that lifts the
bottom. Last, reduce the BB Amount until just the
right touch of bass enhancement is felt.
3.11.2 Parametric Equalizer
This is a familiar and conventional EQ section. You
can adjust the boost/cut, frequency selection and Q.
3.11.3 Aural Exciter
Clarity, presence, and loudness can all be enhanced
by the Aural Exciter.
Start with the AX Ampount at 12:00. Next, sweep
the FREQ to find the best tonal balance. Presence is
best augmented with lower settingss. Air is added
with higher settings. Finally, readjust the AX Amount
for the right amount of brilliance. Be conservative.
Use the BB/EQ/AX on/off switch to compare the origi-
nal signal to the enhanced signal.
3.12 USING THE OUTPUT LEVEL CONTROL
Once all the processing is set, the output level may
need to be adjusted. Change the OUTPUT control
to obtain peaks that don’t go above -6dBFS on the
output meter. Check the input meter of the device the
Channels output is plugged in to. If the input device
is cliping, first turn the input devices gain control
down. If the input is still cliping, bring the OUTPUT
level of the Channel down to compensate. Be sure
that the operation level of each device is set properly
at either -10dBV or +4dBu.
3.13 CLIP/MUTE LIGHT
If the LED is flashing RED, then the internal operat-
ing level is too hot. This can only occur if the insert
return signal is too hot or if the parametric equalizer
is boosted way too much. This same LED will also
flash yellow while the Channel is in the MUTED state
activated by the COUGH SWITCH (rear panel jack).
Aphex Channel
