Expressor
TM
with
T u b e s s e n c e
®
Model 661
SPECIFICATIONS
NOMINAL OPERATING LEVEL
(user selectable on back)
INPUT
Connector:
Type:
Impedance:
Nominal Level:
Maximum Level:
CMRR (typical):
Balanced
Unbalanced
+4dBu
3-pin XLR female and
TRS 1/4” phone jack
Transformerless, servobalanced, RFI filtered
20K
Ω
10K
Ω
+4dBu
+25dBu
>90dB/100Hz; >70dB/1kHz;
>50dB/20kHz
OUTPUT
Connector:
Type:
Impedance:
Nominal Level:
Maximum Level:
3-pin XLR male and
TRS 1/4” phone jack
Transformerless, differential servo- balanced
(may be used unbalanced)
Balanced 65
Ω
Unbalanced 65
Ω
+4dBu
Balanced
Unbalanced
+22dBu
+20dBu
AUDIO
Frequency Response:
Dynamic Range
Hum and Noise (No G.R.):
± 0.5dB 2Hz- 110kHz
94dB
-83dBu
(unweighted 10Hz-22kHz)
Crosstalk (10Hz-22kHz @ max output) -80dB
THD @ maximum output
THD @ nominal output +6dB
.6%
.15%
IMD @ maximum output
IMD @ nominal output +6dB
.5%
.25%
COMPRESSION PARAMETERS
Threshold: Auto
Ratio:
Manual
Auto
Attack Time:
Manual
Auto
Manual
Release Time: Auto
Manual
Input Control Range:
Output Control Range:
Variable: -30dB to +20dB same
The Easyrider No-Knee™ Compression Curve starts at 1.1:1 and ends at 6:1
Starts at 1:1 and ends at 30:1
Program (Waveform) Dependent
.05 to 100ms
Program (Waveform) Dependent
.04 to 4s
40dB
30dB
-10dBV same
20K
Ω
10K
Ω
-10dBV (-7.8dBu)
+13dBV (+15.2dBu) same same same same same same
-95dBV same same same same same same same
-10dBV (-7.8dBu)
+8dBV (+10.2dBu)
+8dBV (+10.2dBu)
CONTROLS, FUNCTION SWITCHES AND METERING
Controls: Input; Threshold, Output, Ratio, Attack, Release, HFX Ratio, Frequency (HFX)
Switches: Process In/Bypass; SPR; Slow/Fast; Auto/Manual, Soft Knee,
Low Cut, Input/Output (meter select), Unlink, Link, Slave, Power
Meters: Audio Level (Input and Output), Gain Reduction
OTHER SPECIFICATIONS
AC Input:
Power Requirements:
Power Input (maximum):
Dimensions:
Net Weights:
Shipping Weight:
IEC standard receptacle with voltage selector, fuse and filter.
100-120-220-240 VAC, 50-60 Hz
20 watts
19” W x 1.75“ H x 10.125” overall depth, depth behind front panel: 9.25”
Unit mounts in standard 19” rack, using 1 RU of vertical space.
5.5 lbs.
9 lbs.
11068 Randall Street • Sun Valley, CA 91352 • (818) 767-2929 • (818) 767-2641
Aphex is proudly American... 100% owned, engineered and manufactured in the U.S.A. Aphex is a registered trademark of Aphex Systems Ltd.
Aphex is constantly striving to maintain the highest professional standards. As a result of these efforts, modification may be made from time to time to existing products without prior notice. Specifications and apperance may differ from those listed or shown. This product is protected by U.S. patents 5115471,
5450034, 5483600.
Tube Compressor/Limiter
Expressor
®
/Easyrider
®
withTubessence
Model 661
®
The Model 661 is a totally new type of compressor incorporating vacuum tube technology with the latest innovations in audio compression. This single channel compressor/limiter is loaded with features, consolidating for the first time in one rack space, three Aphex patented circuits; Tubessence ® , Easyrider ® and High Frequency Expander ® .
Tubessence is a true tube circuit which provides that “vintage” tube sound without, high heat, bulk, short life, fragility and sonic variability found in traditional tube designs.
Easyrider is an Auto mode that actually works, consisting of the Wave Dependent Compressor™ (WDC) circuit which takes the guess work out of compressing individual instruments and vocals especially in live mixes. WDC automatically adjusts attack and release times according to the complexity of the program material. It’s No-Knee™ compression curve makes the transition into compression virtually invisible.
In the Manual mode, the Model 661 provides the full compliment of compressor adjustments, such as Ratio, Attack and Release, for maximum flexibility. Express yourself and get those “punch”, “slap”, “fat”, “pump”, and “squeeze” sounds fast and clean.
The 661 includes the patented High Frequency Expander ® (HFX) which decompresses high frequencies, with useradjustable ratio and corner frequency. Add “life” and “air” to your compressed signals without fear of background noise pumping.
The Spectral Phase Refractor™ (SPR) restores clarity and punch to your tracks. Bass frequencies are more defined with more apparent power. Higher frequencies also seem to gain more detail and presence.
Use the Model 661 to control dynamics for mixdowns, protect your sound system’s loudspeakers from transients and distortion or shape the sound of individual instruments and vocals. Compress dynamic levels without fear of reducing frequency response. What ever type of dynamics control you’re looking for, it can be done with the Model
661 Tube Compressor/Limiter Expressor ® .
FEATURES
• Auto or full Manual operation. In Auto mode, compression parameters constantly change for best sound.
• A true tube circuit (Tubessence) in the output stage for a “warm”, “live” and “full” sound.
• HFX allows the use of high compression ratios without the loss of high frequencies.
• SPR increases apparent bass energy level, without amplitude equalization or bass boost.
• Use Sidechain Access jacks for creative processing (de-essing and ducking).
• Stereo, dual mono or master/slave operation for total flexiblity.
APPLICATIONS
Music Production - Improve the sound on individual instruments, vocals and mixes.
Sound Reinforcement - A roadable tube compressor/limiter in only one rack space.
Broadcast & Post Production - A great vocal processor and a powerful studio tool.
Project Studios - Improve the sound of digital recorders and workstations.
Musicians - The ultimate compressor for the professional guitar, bass, keyboard instrument rig.
Tube Compressor/Limiter
Expressor
®
/Easyrider
®
withTubessence
®
Model 661
BACK PANEL
AC 100/120/220/240V 50/60HZ 20 WATTS
FUSE: 100/120V=0.375A 220/240V=0.25A (250V SLOW BLOW)
SERIAL #
CHASSIS
GROUND
MODEL 661
EXPRESSOR TM
MADE IN USA
APHEX SYSTEMS LTD.
SUN VALLEY, CA
U.S. PATENT NO. 5115471
OTHER PATENTS
ISSUED OR PENDING
L I ST ED
59887
®
COMMERCIAL
AUDIO EQUIPMENT
1
FRONT PANEL
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
ATTENTION: RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE
NE PAS OUVRIR
TO PREVENT FIRE OR SHOCK HAZARD, DO NOT EXPOSE
THIS DEVICE TO RAIN OR MOISTURE. DO NOT REMOVE
THE COVER. NO USER SERVICABLE PARTS INSIDE.
REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED PERSONNELONLY.
ATTENTION: AFIN D'EVITER DES CHOCS ELECTRIQUES,
N'ENLEVEZ PAS LE COUVERCLE. IL N'Y A AUCUNE
PIECES D'ENTRETIEN A L'INTERIEUR. REFEREZ LES
REPARATIONS A UNE PERSONNE QUALIFIEE.
2
LINK
TIP/SLEEVE
UNBALANCED
3
SIDECHAIN ACCESS
TIP/SLEEVE - UNBALANCED
RETURN SEND
7
1/4"
SLEEVE
TIP
RING
GROUND
POS
NEG
XLR
PIN 1
PIN 2
PIN 3
6
OUTPUT
MAIN AUDIO
OP
LEVEL
+4
-10
4
INPUT
5
1
PROCESS
IN SPR
BYPASS
2
BACK PANEL
1. VOLTAGE SELECTION AND FUSE
AC line power is supplied to the unit via an integral receptacle/fuse holder on the rear panel which meets all of the international safety certification requirements and also doubles as a radio frequency line filter.
2. LINK provides two different methods of linking the
VCA control between two 661’s: Stereo Link and
Master/Slave. To link two 661’s, insert a 1/4” TS cable into the LINK jack on both units.
3. SIDECHAIN ACCESS provides a 1/4” TS jack to send the output of the 661 into an external processing device and a return 1/4” TS jack for returning the output of an external processing device into the 661.
4. The OPERATING LEVEL Switch on the rear panel selects the nominal operating level to either +4dBu or -
10dBV. This switch sets the dynamic range of the 661’s circuitry to best match you standard operating level, and also sets the 0dB calibration of the front panel
AUDIO LEVEL Meter to equal the reference level selected.
5. Two servo balanced INPUT Connectors are provided, choose either a 3-pin XLR female connector or a
1/4” TRS phone jack.
6. Two servo balanced OUTPUT Connectors are provided, choose either a 3-pin XLR male connector or a
1/4” TRS phone jack.
7. A WIRING TABLE is printed on the back panel for assistance in the proper wiring of connectors.
INPUT
-2
0
+2
-4
-6
-8
-10 dB
+10
+8
+4
+6
THRESHOLD
-9
-7
-5
-12 0
-17 +3
-25
-30 dB
+20
+9
-6
OUTPUT
-3
0
+3
+6
-10 +10
-11
-12 dB
+18
+14
E a s y r i d e r TM
AUTO
SLOW
FAST
3 4 5 A1 A/M M1
FRONT PANEL
(1-14 Active in Auto and Manual Modes)
1. The PROCESS IN / BYPASS Switch operates a bypass relay (indicated by a yellow LED) that connects the Main Audio input directly to the Output, completely bypassing the 661. PROCESS IN (indicated by a red
LED) engages the 661 circuitry.
2. The SPR Switch controls the Spectral Phase
Refractor circuit. SPR can reverse the effect of accumulated low frequency time delays caused by audio passing through too many electronic stages.
3. The INPUT Control sets the amount of gain in the
661’s input stage.
4. The THRESHOLD Control sets the level above which input signals will be processed by the 661’s gain control circuitry in a manner defined by the settings of the various AUTO or MANUAL controls.
5. The OUTPUT Control sets the amount of gain in the
661’s output stage, restoring level lost by compression
(make-up gain).
6. The LOW CUT Switch inserts a 6dB per octave low cut filter with an 80Hz corner frequency into the sidechain. This is most useful when using the 661 (two in stereo link mode) to process a stereo mix-down of base predominate material.
7. HIGH FREQUENCY EXPANDER (HFX) is a form of dynamic equalization that boosts high frequencies when gain reduction occurs. The HFX RATIO Control sets the amount of equalization (6 dB per octave shelving) for the amount of Gain Reduction. At 1:1 there is 1 dB of High Frequency Expansion (or boost) for every
1dB of Gain Reduction.
MANUAL
SOFT
KNEE
2.5
2
1.3
1.0
3
RATIO
4
5
30
6
7
10
ATTACK
10
20
30
5
1
.5
.05
100 mSEC
80
40
60 .06
.1
RELEASE
.16
.22
.4
1
3
2
.05
.04
SEC
4
SIDECHAIN
LOW
CUT
.3
HFX RATIO
.4
.5
.6
.7
.2
.8
FREQUENCY(kHz)
6.4
8
10
4.6
14
3.2
16
.1
OFF 1.0
.9
2.4
2 20
18
HIGH FREQUENCY EXPANDER
-30 -24 -18 -12 -6 0 +3 +6 +9 +12 CLIP
AUDIO LEVEL
GAIN REDUCTION
30 24 20 16 13 10 8 6 4 2
INPUT
OUTPUT UNLINK LINK SLAVE POWER
EXPRESSOR
TM with
T u b e s s e n c e ®
M2 M3 M4 6 7 8 9
8. The FREQUENCY Control lets you set the (HFX) corner frequency of the shelving EQ anywhere between
2 kHz to 20 kHz.
9. The AUDIO LEVEL Meter monitors the Input and
Output level depending on the position of the switch below the meters. A red CLIP LED at the right of the meter indicates clipping.
10. The GAIN REDUCTION Meter shows the amount of compression in 2dB steps with a maximum of 30dB.
11. UNLINK must be engaged for normal operation of one 661. Depressing LINK or SLAVE when using only one 661 will cause the unit to malfunction.
12. LINK is engaged when two 661’s are used in stereo. Both 661’s must have the LINK switch engaged.
13. SLAVE is used when two 661’s are being configured for a master/slave operation. Only the unit acting as a SLAVE should have the SLAVE switch engaged.
The master unit needs to be in LINK.
14. The LED at the top of the POWER SWITCH illuminates when the unit is powered.
11 12 13 10 14
A/M The AUTO / MANUAL Mode switch determines if the 661’s primary control parameters will be manually adjusted by the user or automatically adjusted by the
661. In the AUTO (Easyrider) Mode the Fast / Slow switch is active while Soft Knee, Ratio, Attack and
Release are defeated. In the MANUAL Mode, Soft
Knee, Ratio, Attack and Release are active, while the
Fast / Slow switch is defeated
AUTO MODE
A1 When in the AUTO Mode the attack and release characteristics of the Easyrider circuit are automatically adjusted based upon the waveform of the input. The SLOW/ FAST switch selects between two ranges of the automatic release circuit.
MANUAL MODE
M1 The SOFT KNEE Switch in the OFF position results in a transition at threshold that is of the abrupt Hard Knee type. In the ON position (indicated by red LED), signals are processed more gradually and the transition is less noticeable
M2 The RATIO Control determines the amount of change in output level for a given change in input level above threshold. This is expressed as a ratio: relative input versus output. The range of this control is
1:1 to 30:1.
M3 The ATTACK Control adjusts the time in which the 661 will reduce the gain after an increase in input over threshold. The range of the control is .05 to
100 ms.
M4 The RELEASE Control adjusts how long it takes the 661 to release gain reduction after a decrease in input level. The range of this control is .04 to 4 seconds.
