Aphex Project Channel Microphone Preamp

I don't know what Aphex was thinking. They HAD a perfect preamp in the Aphex 230. For no good reason, they replaced the 230 with the hideous Master Channel. THEN they bring out THIS Mic Pre, which does almost everything the Master Channel does for 1/3 the price, and is so much easier to control and get "right". Analog and digital outputs (Digi Out is RCA-style SPDIF - not AES) works with internal clock but synchs beautifully with external word-clock generator, sounds great, seamless compressor. Now, APHEX quality is available to a whole new group of users. Beware, the sound and quality and support of APHEX line of products is addictive. And this pre is a gateway drug. One of the best bargains in this class of preamps.

This under-rated little channel strip really packs a punch.The preamp is very clean.The compressor - with just one control - has a very musical sound, without changing the frequency response of the source too much. It's aggressive in controlling levels, but in a good way. It's just what you need to prevent clipping into a DAW. It's almost like a combined compressor/limiter.The Exciter/Big Bottom section as a substitute for an EQ section is brilliant! It brings in Top and Bottom as you need it. All you have to do is get your mid-range frequency level to work, then bring in the upper/lower accents as needed. I've never needed it on vocals. But for drum machines or synths it's perfect to expand the clarity and depth that's typically missing.The fact that it has no digital output is actually good, because it means they put more into the other functions. And I would rather run the analog signal into a high quality converter, than sacrifice with a cheaper converter inside a channel strip.For the new lower price, this thing is a bargain.I've compared it to the Presonus RC-500, Studio Channel, ART Voice Channel, and it beat them all.I even had the higher model "The Channel" by Aphex and found it not as good as this little beauty.Bravo, Aphex!