Aphex Expands 500 Series with Five New Modules – EQ, Compressor, and Mic Pres
The 500 modules just keep on coming.
The latest choices in the compact format come from Aphex, which has expanded their own 500 offerings in a big way. Previously consisting of just the EX•BB 500 Aural Exciter/Big Bottom module, the Aphex 500 Series has sprouted to six models, including the J PRE 500 Mic Pre ($749); EQF 500 Parametric Equalizer ($629); DUAL RPA 500 Mic Pre ($999); A PRE 500 Mic Pre ($629); and the COMP 500 Optical Compressor ($629).
UPDATE ON FEBRUARY 5, 2013: These units have become available and are now shipping.
There are now six ways to go Aphex in your 500 rack.
Here’s the Aphex take on their newest modules, which are available now:
“The J PRE 500 mic pre is inspired by the flagship Aphex 1788A remote controlled preamp. They both have the same Jensen JT11K8 nickel input Transformer and Aphex patented Mic Limiter technology. Designed to provide no-compromise audio quality in the convenient 500 series format, the J PRE 500 also features a Jensen JT-11DL nickel output-balancing transformer.
The EQF 500 reissue is a modern take on the classic Aphex EQF-2 500 series three-band equalizer, originally introduced in the 1980s. With a Jensen output balancing transformer and 25Hz to 20kHz operation, the EQF 500 is extremely versatile and will make any program material shine while being punchy and quiet.
The DUAL RPA 500 mic pre is a two-channel solid state/tube hybrid preamp. The solid-state front end provides a fast transient response while the tube back end provides warmth and punch. The DUAL RPA 500 also has the Aphex patented Mic Limiter technology for “no second take” recording.
The A PRE 500 mic pre is inspired by the popular Aphex 188 eight-channel preamp. They both use a custom designed Aphex input Transformer. Like the 188, the A PRE 500 also features a Jensen JT-11DL nickel output balancing transformer. The A PRE 500 is extremely clear sounding yet musical.
The new COMP 500 module is an optical compressor. It features an electronically balanced input and uses a Jensen JT-11DL nickel output balancing transformer. The optocoupler was specified to be as fast as possible and, is produced exclusively for Aphex. The OC-500 features stereo linking, and provides all the transparency of an optical compressor with the flexibility to get aggressive compression when needed.
The EX•BB 500 is a mono, 500 Series module version of the popular Aphex Aural Exciter and Optical Big Bottom processors. Each processor has a dedicated, lighted enable button.”
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