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Aphex 1402 Bass Guitar Exciter

Discussion in 'Effects [BG]' started by redneck2wild, Jul 18, 2003.

  1. Jul 18, 2003 #1
    redneck2wild

    redneck2wild

    Nov 27, 2002
    Memphis, TN
    Does anyone have the Aphex 1402 Bass Guitar Exciter Pedal?

    Has anyone tried it in a Live gig situation?
    How does it compare to the Aphex rack units?
    Does it have decent headroom?
    How long do the batteries last?
     
  2. Jul 18, 2003 #2
    Eric Moesle

    Eric Moesle Supporting Member

    Sep 21, 2001
    Columbus OH
    I've had one for about two months, using it live, its mounted in my pedalboard using the pedalboard power, so I can't comment on battery life.

    I had the rackmount version several years ago. Sounds pretty much the same to me. Very subtle, and overdoing it makes the sound uneven. It won't make an explosive difference in your tone, but it can sweeten up your top end a tiny tad, as well as swell your low end just a bit.

    Personally, I just kick the effect in when I slap, it adds just a little embellishment for that. I wouldn't use it all the time. YMMV.

    One thing I don't like about the design is the active/passive button on the side, its too aggressive with the amount of cut for active basses, and even though I use active basses, I leave it set for passive. Also, the button is too easy to be depressed by accident, and I have to check it every time I unpack my pedalboard as a cord sometimes depresses it in transit.
     
  3. Jul 18, 2003 #3
    phillm47

    phillm47

    Sep 7, 2001
    Fort Wayne, Indiana - USA
    I have not used the rack mount unit. Other than that I agree with "everything" Eric Moesle said about this unit.

    It also seemed that at settings above minimum the mids got robbed somewhat. The input/output jack construction and unit-side push buttons seemed a little cheesey.

    I've been putting one of these units through the paces for over a week. I returned mine today on my lunch break. I'm not impressed for $140.00 plus tax. :meh:
     
  4. Jul 20, 2003 #4
    redneck2wild

    redneck2wild

    Nov 27, 2002
    Memphis, TN
    After reading reviews in different magazines, I wanted to try one. Since I didn't get very many responses here, I decided I would look for one at a local music store. Most places had not even heard of the product but I did find one store that had them.
    After trying the Bass Xciter on several basses, I was impressed. It does better on passive basses than active though. The larger the rig you play through, the more you hear (and feel) the low end.
    I heard very little difference in the lows running through a small combo. The lows were considerably louder running through a 4x10. It also added some sustain on the low end.
    The Aural Exciter did not seem to help if the instrument had dead strings unless I was slapping. If the treble on the instrument was turned down, it did not help either - it apparently does not add the harmonics if none are present to begin with. But bright basses became much more alive with Aural Exciter.
    I purchased one and brought it home and I am trying additional tests now. Initially, the Pedal sounds better than an older model Aphex rack unit I had (but it is several years old). It does take time to find the best sound by adjusting the Hi Tune and the Lo Tune. Each bass I tried required different settings.