Aphex Aural Exciter Type B

The Aphex Aural Exciter Type B, introduced in the late 1970s, added clarity and brightness to recordings by synthesizing and enhancing high-frequency harmonics. Unlike EQ, it generated new content, often making tracks sound more "alive" without increasing level.

Plugin Emulations

How It Works

  • Splits signal and applies dynamic high-frequency synthesis
  • Blend control for adjusting original vs. processed signal
  • Enhances perceived detail, presence, and clarity

Legacy & Evolution

Originally used as a rental-only unit for mastering, the Exciter became a permanent fixture in studios and radio production. Its sonic fingerprint influenced everything from vocals to drums, and it's still used today — both in hardware and digital plugin form.

Key Specs

  • Release Year: ~1978
  • Processing Type: Harmonic enhancement
  • Controls: Tune, Mix, Drive
  • Inputs/Outputs: Line level (balanced/unbalanced)
  • Form Factor: Half-rack