Product: Aphex 651 Expressor, Single-Channel Compressor
Price Paid: USD 230 USED
Submitted
06/09/2008
at
05:03am
by
bebopalula
Ease of Use
:
9
Fairly easy to use if you know your way around a compressor. The hard-copy operating manual is fantastic, with explanations for all the unique features, step-by-step set up, and dozens of user templates to dial in.
Sound Quality
:
9
If you're looking for transparent compression, this is the creme de la creme. Old school analog circuitry delivers clean, fast, natural compression and gain reduction. The SPR feature restores low end definition making this unit a perfect companion to any bass rig. And the HFX feature restores the high end, so there's no audible loss of the sparkle, nuances, or articulation in your playing. A twist of the ratio and attack controls will add some really usable coloration. I've used this unit to record guitars, bass, vocals and room drums, and it really shines on everything for transparent leveling and adding punch. It's now been relegated to my bass rig (Gallien-Krueger amp, Bag End cab), right where the compression gods meant it to be.
The 651 can be fairly noisy if placed in line with any other gain stages, but such is the nature of an analog compressor...
Reliability
:
10
Quite heavy unit for a 1u unit... but it's because it's been made in the USA with quality parts. Heavy duty casing and attached power cord, smooth, sensitive knobs, bright pin LED's... Aphex wasn't messing around. I'd expect it to last a lifetime.
Customer Support
:
No Opinion
Overall Rating
:
10
From vintage script logo Dyna Comps to high-end dbx's, I've tried plenty of compressors over the years, in the studio and on stage, and I believe I've finally found my bass sound a soul mate in the 651. And because It's such a champ in other applications as well, it's now on my short list of must-have compressors. Never heard a comp so transparent and musical as this Aphex. Worth every penny and then some.
