Channel

Master preamp & input processor
 
  • Patented RPA tube preamp
  • EasyRider® Class A automatic compressor
  • Patented logic-assisted gate
  • Universal de-esser
  • Patented Aphex Aural Exciter® and Big Bottom® processors
  • S/PDIF and AES/EBU digital outputs

Complete High Performance Channel Strip

With more and more studios foregoing consoles in favor of recording and mixing "in the box", a clean and versatile front end input stage is indispensible. There are dozens and dozens of channel strips and similar devices to choose from, but none that come close to the Channel in terms of sound, features or performance.

Our legendary Model 230 has been re-imagined as the Channel, adding a host of new features to address a greater number of workflows while retaining the sound, functionality and versatility that made the 230 one of the most in-demand processors ever for professional audio, live sound, broadcast and post production.

Channel incorporates seven powerful devices within a compact, single rack space design, including five of Aphex's exclusive patented technologies. The result is the highest possible audio quality, processing power and flexibility.

The elegant front panel not only looks great, but is laid out in an intuitive, easy-to-use workflow with easy to understand labeling. Building on the foundation of the Model 230, the Channel features an instrument input, dedicated output and gain reduction metering, front panel sample rate and clock source selection; and a reference quality internal clock.

Applications

Broadcast - Channel is a tube microphone preamp and signal processor that is an indispensable broadcast station tool. You'll find them in the production room and installed as permanent on-air processing for pumping up voices.

Recording Studios - Channel is a powerful and easy-to-use channel strip for commercial and project studios, featuring our reflected-plate amplifier tube microphone preamp design plus compression, gating, de-esser, parametric EQ, Aural Exciter and Big Bottom bass enhancement.

Live Sound - When space is at a premium in a touring rig, and night after night reliability is essential, the rugged Channel provides all the top quality processing needed for any instrument without taking up precious rack space.

Features

  • Patented Reflected Plate Amplifier (RPA) Tube Preamp
    • Ultra-wide bandwidth, maximum gain and headroom
    • Lower operating temperature than conventional tube designs for longer tube life
    • Individually tuned at the Aphex factory for unparalleled consistency: any two units are a matched pair
  • EasyRider Class A Compressor
    • Aphex's patented Wave Dependent Compressor automatically adjusts attack and release times according to program complexity
    • No-Knee compression curve circuitry automatically adjusts compression ratio based on program levels
    • Includes Aphex's 1001 Class A Voltage Controlled Attenuator, used in the Compellor and Dominator
  • Logic Assisted Gate: Patented gate technology designed to avoid false triggers, clicks and chattering
  • De-Esser: Split band universal de-esser designed to maintain presence while dramatically reducing sibilance on any voice
  • Aural Exciter: Patented technology for increased presence and clarity with improved detail and intelligibility
  • Big Bottom: Patented technology for deeper and more resonant bass with little or no increase in peak output
  • Parametric EQ: For the ability to precisely fine tune the all-important midrange between the Big Bottom and Aural Exciter

Mic Input

Connector XLR-3F
Type Transformerless, NPN active balanced, tube second stage
Input Z 2k ? nominal
Maximum Input Level (MIL) +25dBu
CMRR >70 dB @ 60 Hz
Nominal Preamp Gain 20 to 65 dB
Phantom Power +48VDC
Pad 20dB
EIN -127dBu (input shorted)
Tube Type 12AT7/ECC81 Dual Triode

Output

Connector XLR-3M and 1/4" TRS phone jacks
Type XLR is Impedance Balanced (may be used unbalanced)
TRS is unbalanced
Out Z Balanced XLR 66 ?
Out Z Unbalanced XLR 33 ?
TRS 600 ?
Nominal Level XLR +4dBu
TRS -10dBV
Maximum Output Level +25dBu Unloaded
TRS +11dBV

Compressor

Attack / Release Program dependent, user variable release baseline
Ratio 4:1
Threshold Fixed
Knee Medium hard

Gate

Attack 0.1 millisecond
Hold / Release 300 milliseconds / 400 milliseconds
Threshold -50 to +20dB (variable)
Depth 1 to 58dB (variable)

De-Esser

Attack 0.1 millisecond
Release 100 milliseconds
Threshold Variable -20 to +20dB
Ratio 5:1
Active Band 4 kHz to 20kHz Linkwitz-Riley 24 db/octave crossover

Insert

Connector Type - Send 1/4" TRS phone jack (balanced)
Connector Type - Return 1/4" TRS phone jack (balanced)
Nominal Operating Level 0 dBu
Point of Insertion Between dynamics processing and equalizers

Big Bottom

Frequency 50 Hz to 280 Hz
Tune Off to +12dB

Parametric EQ

Frequency Tune 240 Hz to 8 kHz
Peak / Dip ±12dB
Q Range 0.5 to 5

Aural Exciter

Frequency Tune 500 Hz to 5kHz
Mix Off to +12dB

Analog Audio

THD <.01% @ +4dBu Out
IMD <.01% @ +4dBu Out
Freq Response (Flat) 18 Hz to 24kHz ±1dB

Digital Audio

Internal Sample Rates 44.1KHz, 48KHz, 88.2KHz, 96KHz
External Sample Rates Automatically syncs to any Word Clock between 32KHz and 96KHz
Resolution 24 bits
Word Clock Input BNC jack, High Z, Captures
Word Clock Output BNC jack, 75 ?, 5Vp-p
Dynamic Range Digital dynamic range greater than analog front end
Noise Dither Dithered by analog preamp noise floor. Equivalent to 16-bit digital audio dither.
Level Equivalency -20dBFS Digital = +4dBu Analog

Other Specifications

Power Requirements 90-250 VAC 50-60 Hz 12W
Dimensions 19"W x 1.75"H x 8.25" D 1 Rack U (482.6mm x 44.5mm x 209.6mm)
Depth Behind Front Panel 7.5" (190.5mm)
Net Weight 6 lbs (2.73 kg)
Shipping Weight 9 lbs (4.1 kg)

All specifications are subject to change without notice.

Owner's Manual

Quick Start Guide