Aphex Aural Exciter?

[Bob L]

Avid is running a limited time offer on the Aphex Exciter/Big Bottom bundle. It's $99 presently.

I'm interested, but can't find a word about it on the YouTubes or anywhere on the Google.

Waves' version is featured prominently on both sources and I've watched and read most of that. Their version is modeled on a tube model.

Anybody have any knowledge to drop on the Avid Aphex Bundle?

[albee1952]

My 2 cents(and I own it)...it should be a $29 plugin

[64GTOBOY]

Seconded. I wouldn't mind hearing the big bottom in action. I liked the actual hardware sound back in the day. I didn't even know there was a plugin. I have the Waves version and it works fine to me.

[Bob L]

Originally Posted by albee1952

My 2 cents(and I own it)...it should be a $29 plugin

Thanks for responding.

Hmmm. Is that because -
1) You don't find this category of processing generally useful.
2) The plugs don't function properly. CPU hogs/too tweaky/crashy, etc.
3) No plugs should cost more than $29.
4) The Waves Exciter can be had for $29 and these are no better.

I appreciate your experience as an owner and user(?). As is noted in this thread, there are no demos, no other way to evaluate them other than anecdotally.

[amagras]

If you can get the Waves version for $29 then it would be like paying $70 for big bottom alone.

[TNM]

hmm// avid page says it only works up till el capitan? Surely this can't be right for an aax 64?

downloading the installer in hoped that it allows some demo time... never heard these before but always wanted to try them but price was prohibitive

[TNM]

No demo time at all and the 1 month rental which should be free demo time is 50% total cost of the plugin bundle.. WTF!

They should at least offer the rental price as a discount at purchase time. Can't find a single video of these plugins on youtube either

[WorldStudios]

I use the exciter and have been using it on literally every mix/master I have done the past 15 years or so, since I got it. The waves one I never used on a full mix. Waves is way too pointy and does one frequency only. The Apex has tons of control and a 10-20 percent mix on my masters brings out a little sparkle and freshness that my customers like and expect. It works in AAX 64 native and DSP with the very latest ProTools on the latest supported MacOs. I run it that way. Buy with confidence!

[JFreak]

I used to use it on TDM but kind of forgot it when I transitioned to native.

Now that they put out this awesome deal I bought it without thinking. Kind of said it isn't included in the Avid Complete bundle, but I understand it because of the extra license fees included (not avid algo either).

I wouldn't use it on master anymore, but instead have an aux which I blend in.

[Bob L]

Originally Posted by WorldStudios

I use the exciter and have been using it on literally every mix/master I have done the past 15 years or so, since I got it. The waves one I never used on a full mix. Waves is way too pointy and does one frequency only. The Apex has tons of control and a 10-20 percent mix on my masters brings out a little sparkle and freshness that my customers like and expect. It works in AAX 64 native and DSP with the very latest ProTools on the latest supported MacOs. I run it that way. Buy with confidence!

Thanks for sharing, Johan!

I fear you have contributed to my burgeoning "plugaholicism". That's right, if there isn't a word for something, I'm not afraid to make one up!