Channel
instruction Manual
Page 4
POWER INDICATION
The Aphex logo above the power switch glows yellow during the
tube preamp’s warmup time and green when the unit is ready.
LOW NOISE MIC PRE
The Channel works with all professional microphones. The clean
and stable 48V phantom supply is suitable for even the most
expensive microphones. The 12dB/octave low cut filter starts at
70Hz to effectively reduce wind blast without diminishing voice
body. Included is a selectable phase rotator following the principles
of the Spectral Phase Refractor (SPR) circuit. The main bebefit of
the Phase Rotator is that by making certain voice waveforms more
symetrical, the compressors action becomes more efficient. This
allows for a more optimized output level.
COMPRESSOR
The Channel includes a special version of Aphex’s patented
Easyrider™ Compressor which has proven to be outstanding. It is
very simple to use with only two controls: Gain/Drive and Release.
To get deeper compression, turn up more Gain. To manage the
density and loudness, work with Release. Faster is louder and
denser. Slower is more natural and open. Note that turnring up
the Gain/Drive to get more compression alters the overall gain
structure through the device such that the output may need com-
pensating adjustment.
LOGIC ASSISTED GATE™
Once triggered, even by a microscopic transient, the signal pro-
gresses fully through the attack, hold, and release sequence.
This virtually eliminates the chatter experienced with other gate
products. The attenuation depth and gating threshold are user
1.0 Controls and Indicators
adjustable to allow for varying requirements. The attack, hold,
and release timing are internally set to function optimally on voice
waveforms.
DE-ESSER
Using a split-band technique with Linkwitz-Riley crossovers, the
voice remains bright and sharp, never losing presence while de-
essing. The de-ess threshold control lets you chose the essing level
that you want.
EQUALIZATION BLOCK
A fully parametric equalizer band is provided along with the popu-
lar Aphex Big Bottom and Aural Exciter. These features increase
power, punch and intelligibility without adding noise or an increase
in output level. As a real plus, they are also very easy to adjust.
REAR INSERT JACK
Allows you to insert any kind of line level audio equipment into
the signal path between the Channel’s dynamics processing and
the equalizer section. The operating level at this jack is 0dBu. You
should set up your inserted outboard gear accordingly.
METERS
Meters are provided for peak output level (relevant to both analog
and digital headroom at 0dB = max before clip) and the com-
pressor’s gain reduction. The output level bar graph will move
upwards indicating level, and the gain reduction bar graph will
move downwards indicating gain reduction.
GAIN/DRIVE
Adjusts
preamp gain
and drive into
the compres-
sor.
Lo Cut
Switches on
the 70Hz Low
Cut filter.
Invert
Polarity
When
pressed,
inverts the
polarity
(phase) of the
mic input.
Phase Rota-
tor
Enables the
Spectral
Phase
Refractor
to improve
speech sym-
metry.
Compressor
Turns on the
Easyrider
compressor
circuit.
RELEASE
Controls the
density of
compres-
sion. Slow
for natural
leveling and
fast for more
loudness.
GATING
Shows when
the gate
is closed
or closing.
When the
light is off,
the gate is
fully open.
GATE THRESHOLD
When the sound is higher than this
level, the gate opens up instantly. No
“chattering” thanks to the patented
Logic Assisted Gate.
CLIP/MUTE
Flashes yellow when the
preamp is muted by the
cough switch. Flashes red
indicating clipping.
PAD
When pressed,
turns on the 20dB
input pad.
48V
When pressed,
turns on the
microphone phan-
tom 48V power
IINSTRU-
MENT INPUT
Allows con-
nection of
a guitar or
bass.
Aphex Channel
