Is the Aphex "Project Channel" legit?

[BroSlinger]

There is a huge discount/instant rebate on them right now that seems too good to be true.

It's like $180 right now marked down from $400 street.

It's a class A, transformerless preamp with an opto compressor, an aural exciter, and a big bottom processor.

[Loop Bizkit]

Yup. They're badass. Lots of headroom on the pre before clipping, super clean (not like a WA12, good but totally completely different. More like no tone, just volume on the pre....great for clean stuff you don't want changed going into the DAW)

The big bottom circuit is kinda neat. Same subharmonic idea as the old Peavey Kosmos, but better. I like it on fingerpicked acoustic stuff.

The comp, as all photocell/optos are, is slow, but musical. Won't always catch a snap, snare, or bass click, but it's good at hugging a vocal, or strum.

Aphex is discontinuing these, as well as a few of their 500 modules, and the USB 500 series rack, so we got SICK blowout deals, hence the price. They're focusing on their more popular products, and trimming the fat in their line.

[Ruiner]

do i buy this and jump into the world of rack mounts or stick to UAD2's?

[BroSlinger]

Yup. They're badass. Lots of headroom on the pre before clipping, super clean (not like a WA12, good but totally completely different. More like no tone, just volume on the pre....great for clean stuff you don't want changed going into the DAW)

The big bottom circuit is kinda neat. Same subharmonic idea as the old Peavey Kosmos, but better. I like it on fingerpicked acoustic stuff.

The comp, as all photocell/optos are, is slow, but musical. Won't always catch a snap, snare, or bass click, but it's good at hugging a vocal, or strum.

Aphex is discontinuing these, as well as a few of their 500 modules, and the USB 500 series rack, so we got SICK blowout deals, hence the price. They're focusing on their more popular products, and trimming the fat in their line.

Thanks for the info, dude. I was also looking at the USB 500. That thing looks very cool. COuld be a cool entrance to 500 series stuff for me.

[Devin]

Well, it LOOKS really cool

[BroSlinger]

Still haven't decided. Might pass it up.

Any other opinion ions. ??

Can it hang with $500 preamps? Does it sound like a true systems? Does the comp make it worth it?

Should I buy 2?????

[ajaxlepinski]

I consider a preamp, a compressor and an exciter, THE "must have" processors before you hit the digital realm. (and a 10+ band graphic EQ)

The Project Channel looks like a nice, all-in-one that includes all three processors at a great price.
I would definitely get it if I wasn't already invested in my 500 series, 3 space rack: Heritage Audio 73jr Preamp, a Really Nice Compressor and, when I have some spare cash, there's an empty slot for a Aphex EX BB exciter.

The Project Channel is not as flexible as having a separate preamp, compressor and exciter but, it's conveniently laid out and easy to use. Two thumbs up!

[BroSlinger]

I consider a preamp, a compressor and an exciter, THE "must have" processors before you hit the digital realm. (and a 10+ band graphic EQ)

The Project Channel looks like a nice, all-in-one that includes all three processors at a great price.
I would definitely get it if I wasn't already invested in my 500 series, 3 space rack: Heritage Audio 73jr Preamp, a Really Nice Compressor and, when I have some spare cash, there's an empty slot for a Aphex EX BB exciter.

The Project Channel is not as flexible as having a separate preamp, compressor and exciter but, it's conveniently laid out and easy to use. Two thumbs up!

That's the thing. I already have a pair of warm wa-12 preamps. A rane preamp. A cad opto comp, etc.