2005 NAMM Show: Aphex Systems showed their new Model 230 Master Voice Channel at the Winter NAMM show. Combining several of the company’s proprietary technologies in preamplification, dynamics processing, psychoacoustics and more, the Model 230 Master Voice Channel is now shipping to Aphex dealers with a suggested retail price of $799.

“The Model 230 provides solutions that no other processing channel can offer,” says Marvin Caesar, Aphex President. “It will allow broadcast or voiceover talent to work more easily and naturally, achieving a vocal quality that’s more present, open and controlled. In music recording studios and live sound rigs, the Model 230 offers singers a huge variety of ways to bring out the best in their vocal characteristics. The 230 has all the Aphex tools that provide that ‘bigger-than-life’ sound.”

Aphex’ Model 230 is an analog, single-channel preamplifier and voice processor. Its comprehensive features include RPA tube preamplification, Easyrider compression, Logic Assisted gating, split band de-essing, parametric EQ, and Aphex’ Aural Exciter and Big Bottom psychacoustic effects, all in a single space, rackmountable package. The Model 230 implements an XLR mic input and +4dBu output, a 1/4″ TRS –10dBV output, 1/4″ TRS send and receive insert, AES3, S/PDIF and Optical digital outputs up to 96kHz, plus word clock I/O on BNCs. Another convenient feature on the Model 230 is a simple to implement contact closure to ground Cough switch on a mono 1/4″ connector.

Applications for the Model 230 include broadcast, ADR, installed sound, music recording and live sound reinforcement.

The Model 230’s preamplifier section incorporates Aphex’ proprietary Reflected Plate Amplifier tube circuit, 20dB pad, switchable 48V phantom power, and Phase Rotator and Polarity inversion. Compression is handled with Aphex’ Easyrider auto-compression circuit, with an adjustable release control. The Logic Assisted gate allows for adjustment of threshold and depth, and the de-esser offers a separate threshold control. The Model 230’s parametric EQ is optimized around human voice frequencies (240Hz — 4500Hz), and allows for attenuation or boosting of the frequency range 12dB. A bandwidth control allows for a Q from .5 to 5 octaves.

Aphex’ patented Aural Exciter and Big Bottom, longtime favorites for voice processing, are included in the Model 230, each offering individual tune and mix controls. A master output level rounds out the well-designed front panel. In addition to its analog input, analog output and myriad of digital outputs included standard with the Model 230, the processor also offers a post-compressor send and return. The digital outputs provide up to 96kHz sampling rates. A word clock input and output allow the Model 230 to be digitally locked with other equipment. For on-air applications, the Model 230 also includes an input that responds to a cough switch.

For more information, visit the Aphex site.