Aphex 230 Master Voice Channel Processor

Tom Greenlee

Anyone know anything from personal experience about this piece of gear? It has simply incredible reviews all over the place. I would like to know from someone who has used one, how useful it is in the VO industry. It insinuates that it's great for everyone, but more directly advertises how good it is for people who have weak voices, being able to give them the big or larger than life sound. I don't need that particular aspect of it, but it is supposed to be all around outstanding. Anyone?

Scott Paxton · Posted: Wed Jan 23, 2008, 00:40 (GMT) Post subject:

I upgrade to the Aphex 230 from a vintage Valley 400 mic processor. I really like the aural exciter and big bottom on the 230. The logic gate is great. I don't use the compressor, but the tube amp gives my mic a nice warm sound. I am using it with a Shure SM-7B

I would recommend it. It was worth stashing all my pennies to purchase.

Lance Blair · Posted: Wed Jan 23, 2008, 02:28 (GMT) Post subject:

I really liked what I heard of Scott's Aphex on the SM7b. Much better than most voice channels for that price, or over!

Emmett Andrews · Posted: Wed Jan 23, 2008, 20:49 (GMT) Post subject:

Here's a differing opinion...Only messed with one once. I thought the preamp was harsh, I thought the gate was to "gatey" sounding and I thought the compression was very "radio" sounding, as opposed to natural.

I am, of course, judging based on the price range, not to something like a 286A. I also did not hear it on a dynamic, which may make a huge difference in regards to the preamp sound.

The AirCorp 500PH and 500TV are in a similar price range, and I find them to be much more natural and clean sounding. There's also the Focusrite Voicemaster Pro, which is my processor of choice, but it certainly has its share of problems.

Emmett

Jacob Keebler · Posted: Thu Jan 24, 2008, 07:29 (GMT) Post subject:

Emmet - I'd love to hear what 'gatey' sounds like.

Also, I like the Focusrite.
Cheers,
-J

Emmett Andrews · Posted: Thu Jan 24, 2008, 09:48 (GMT) Post subject:

By "gatey" I mean that something is set too steep or too fast for my taste. I understand the design of the Logic stuff, which is made not to release until the compressor finishes its duties...To help avoid noise rushups. But it sounds heavy-handed to me and more like a gate than an expander. IMO, the opposite is true of the Symetrix 528E. For my taste, it's too gentle and is prone to noise rushups.

I'm also very pickey about my expansion. I find it revolting if I can hear it at all. The expander on the Focusrite box was one of the big selling points for me because it can really be dialed in nicely. That, and the fact that the processing sounds natural.

I'm not suggesting that anyone avoid the Aphex. It's certainly worth a listen. I just wanted to offer a differing opinion. The nice thing about processors is that they can be returned, unlike most mics.

Do look into the AirCorp stuff though. It's different, but it's definitely cool. Very, very neutral and natural. It offers control without having much of a "sound". I know a VO guy who absolutely swears by them. Not enough knobs for me, but I'm a geek!

Emmett

Bill Campbell · Posted: Thu Jan 24, 2008, 14:37 (GMT) Post subject:

In a rack, just to the right of me, sits an AirCorp 500PH, a Symetrix 528, and a DBX286A. I'm a real tinkererer, and for my taste and voice, the DBX286A works best...or nothing at all.

The 286 can really be dialed in using the Drive and Density controls, and if used very lightly, the Expander and De-eser
can be useful.

I think custom compression/expansion settings in Adobe Audition
are the best for very clean, unobtrusive processing for commercial and narration work.

Brian Hart · Posted: Thu Jan 24, 2008, 16:57 (GMT) Post subject:

One of my favorite imaging guys uses the AirCorp 500TV. Swears it's his secret weapon.

Bill Campbell · Posted: Thu Jan 24, 2008, 17:15 (GMT) Post subject:

Hey Brian!

The AirCorp is great for radio announcer mics and thick
imaging. It does take some of the character and nuance out of a good mic, though.

The compression ratio is fixed at 4:1, a little stout for commercial work.

I still use it once in awhile. Wanna buy a used one?

Brian Hart · Posted: Thu Jan 24, 2008, 17:33 (GMT) Post subject:

Hey Bill!

Nah, I'm good for a while. Working on building a house and a studio. I'm tempted though.

Doug Parks · Posted: Thu Jan 24, 2008, 22:45 (GMT) Post subject:

I like my Aphex 230. I've been experimenting with the EQ; my recordings were a little too bassy and and needed a boost in medium-highs. I don't find the gate to be a problem, of course I don't have it set to the point where it might become one.

Don Randall · Posted: Thu Jan 24, 2008, 23:03 (GMT) Post subject: