Aphex CX-1 Comp/Expander 1 ADR Vocal Stressor EQ/Comp/Limiter 1 GML PEQ EQ 2 Stereo Sontec PEQ EQ 2 Stereo NTI EQ3 EQ 1 Stereo Gates Sta Level Compressor 1 Mono DBX 902 DeEsser 2 160x Compressor 2 160 Compressor 4 Empirical Labs Distressor EL8 Compressor 2 Mono Distressor Compressor 2 Mono EL8X Eventide Omnipressor Compressor 1. Product Attributes: brand=aphex, model=cx-1, sku=900283, types=rack compressor. APHEX CX-1 Rack Compressor Description Cx 1 Aphex Compressor Expander Gate For Api. I'm selling an APHEX CX-1 compressor expander. I accept Paypal and cash at pickup. Overseas shipping may be available through global program. The Aphex CX500 is a 500-series gate and compressor module based on the highly popular CX1 compressor/gate rackmount unit. The Aphex CX500 features the same Logic Assisted gate and EasyRider automatic compressor technologies.
Description
Aphex carved a niche in the signal processing market, first with the Aural Exciter, then with a series of superb compressor / leveller units such as the Dominator. They are all super-transparent units with no discernible 'sound'. They use proprietary Aphex algorithms to determine attack & release times and to hold gain reduction when required. Aphex units were popular in American broadcast setups and many sat in racks for a decade or more controlling levels to the transmitter. They are beautifully-made with substantial front panels & steel cases, balanced XLR inputs & outputs and very high quality circuitry
The Studio Dominator 700 is a multiband unit with adjustable high and low frequency bands, each with switchable crossover frequencies. These bands control the contribution each makes to the gain reduction so the low end can be prevented from pumping the signal or excess high-frequencies can be pulled back without affecting the main signal adversely. These controls can, of course be misused creatively…
The equaliser affects the sidechain only, not the main signal, so the compressor can be made more (or less) sensitive in specific frequency bands. It can take a little time to get your head around multiband compression, and controls can be counter-intuitive, but the results are remarkable
The low and high bands can be used to drive compression as required. Used on a loop, pushing the higher frequencies makes the snare drum drive the compression and, by changing the release time and using TEC, this will make the snare snap more – or less, pushing it back in the mix. Release time is the key here. Setting release is confusing at first because the control operates in the opposite sense to most compressors with the fastest release time fully clockwise. The Dominator is definitely a tool to be setup using your ears, not by looking at the front panel
The Dominator has a peak limiter function with zero overshoot. This allows a maximum output level to be set. The output won't go over that level, so it's suitable for mastering, in-ear monitoring feeds & etc. Aphex achieves this without the gross clipping typical of low-end compressors that use diode clippers. It also has a switchable TEC 'Transient Enhancer Control' which is an Aphex tweak designed to allow transients to be less affected by the limiting process
The front panel controls are
- Drive
- Process (off / on)
- LF EQ (+/- 6)
- LF crossover frequency (80 / 160 Hz)
- HF EQ (+/- 6)
- HF crossover frequency (1700 / 4500 Hz)
- Release Time
- Stereo tracking (off / on)
- Output ceiling switch
- Range (low / hi)
- TEC (off / on)
- Gain Reduction metering
Aphex Cx 1 Compressor Expander Tool
- Drive
- Process (off / on)
- LF EQ (+/- 6)
- LF crossover frequency (80 / 160 Hz)
- HF EQ (+/- 6)
- HF crossover frequency (1700 / 4500 Hz)
- Release Time
- Stereo tracking (off / on)
- Output ceiling switch
- Range (low / hi)
- TEC (off / on)
- Gain Reduction metering
Aphex Cx 1 Compressor Expander Tool
I've used other Aphex models like the Dominator 720 & Compellor but this is the first model 700 I've come across. It has the typical Aphex ability to alter dynamics without changing the quality of the signal. It's a remarkable trick – one that takes me by surprise every time. It reminds me of the SPL Transient Designer in its ability to suppress or accentuate dynamics but it's capable of much more
I like compressors with an obvious 'sound' that leave big footprints all over the signal. The Dominator leaves a footprint alright, but does it without mangling the original signal. For sitting a loop in a track, or making it poke out, this is a great tool. Because it's a stereo unit it's ideal for stems & stereo sources or as a stereo bus limiter
Aphex Cx 1 Compressor Expander Cylinder
As a tool to control absolute peaks, the Studio Dominator is one of the best units around. It manages to sound clean & clear even when driven into heavy limiting or past the output ceiling level. This is what it was designed to do – limit cleanly with no overshoot. But the fact that it's great at changing dynamics of a drum bus, loop or stem means it has far more uses than just peak limiting
Photos are of a Dominator Model 720 and will be replaced by photos of the Model 700
