Guys...I did a thang..just had to share..

[Wulfensteiner]

I heard rave reviews. I tried a friend's and LOVE it. I hunted. I hunted some more. I had a false start. I finally FOUND. I just purchased

I firmly believe (for reals, not like all the other GAS ) that in three days time when this baby arrives, I will have a vital piece of my tonal puzzle going forward. Can't wait to see what kind of mayhem this will unleash in front of my GK..

Any other Xciter guys around??

 

[FilterFunk]

I had one for a while. It was the only pedal I ever used that seemed to expand or widen the bass tone. It's hard to describe, but it's not like reverb, and it wasn't at all muddy or flabby. I prefer a more focused tone, but I like what the Xciter did. It's a nice tone shaper; it just wasn't my flavor.

 

[40Hz]

Own one of the early rack mount models. For awhile it was a permanent fixture in my rig. I don’t use it anywhere near as much these days.

I think it’s an interesting and useful device. But like anything it depends on the instrument, the amp, and the player whether it’s a good match.

If you’re using it and it brings something good to your sound, it’s a good match and a wise purchase.

 

[Wulfensteiner]

Own one of the early rack mount models. For awhile it was a permanent fixture in my rig. I don’t use it anywhere near as much these days.

I think it’s an interesting and useful device. But like anything it depends on the instrument, the amp, and the player whether it’s a good match.

If you’re using it and it brings something good to your sound, it’s a good match and a wise purchase.

It does great things for my sound and feel and it's going to be an always-on 'tone helper' most likely.

The one concern? It doesn't play well with my MXR Micro Amp for some reason! That said, while I love the MXR, the Xciter serves its purpose and does it...better =\

May be goodbye, Micro Amp.

 

[40Hz]

It does great things for my sound and feel and it's going to be an always-on 'tone helper' most likely.

The one concern? It doesn't play well with my MXR Micro Amp for some reason! That said, while I love the MXR, the Xciter serves its purpose and does it...better =\

May be goodbye, Micro Amp.

Well, with what the Exciter does the Micro Amp may not be necessary anymore since you're already enhancing your highs and lows - which is what most people use a drive or boost pedal for anyway. The Aphex is just more surgical about the frequencies it does it's thing on, and a bit more sophisticated in how it goes about doing it.

I was primarily using mine to clean up and enhance my lows before I found I could do the same thing (but in ways I liked more) with a high quality compressor - once I learned how to use one. Because the Big Bottom portion of the exciter is basically a compressor with a blend function and a high-pass filter in front of it. So you can duplicate that part of the device with a few more common pedals if you want to although you'd need a splitter, a HPF, a compressor and a mixer to do it. That's a lot of pedals so the Aphex is definitely less expensive and easier to use when you factor all that in. The exciter portion that works with the highs however is a different matter since it blends even order harmonics into a user selected high frequency range. And I don't know anything else on the market that does that. So in that respect, the device is quite unique.

If you're going straight into a DAW or console and not using an amp or an amp modeler, the Aphex Exciter can do a lot of nice things for your signal. If you use it live like I did back in my heavy prog rock days, it's pretty sweet with something like a Ric or a Ripper that has a lot of mids and highs to work with. With the Aphex you can put some focus on your high end while simultaneously kicking your perceived lows up a notch. That lets you cut through while still putting plenty of low bass out on the floor. So it's definitely a win-win for proggers. And I'd guess the Metalheads could find good uses for it as well. How cool is that?

Congrats on your new pedal. Rock it for all its worth.

 

[rufus.K]

eager to hear your impressions.

 

[JimmyM]

Not a fan personally, but hey, have fun.

 

[Wulfensteiner]

Well, with what the Exciter does the Micro Amp may not be necessary anymore since you're already enhancing your highs and lows - which is what most people use a drive or boost pedal for anyway. The Aphex is just more surgical about the frequencies it does it's thing on, and a bit more sophisticated in how it goes about doing it.

I was primarily using mine to clean up and enhance my lows before I found I could do the same thing (but in ways I liked more) with a high quality compressor - once I learned how to use one. Because the Big Bottom portion of the exciter is basically a compressor with a blend function and a high-pass filter in front of it. So you can duplicate that part of the device with a few more common pedals if you want to although you'd need a splitter, a HPF, a compressor and a mixer to do it. That's a lot of pedals so the Aphex is definitely less expensive and easier to use when you factor all that in. The exciter portion that works with the highs however is a different matter since it blends even order harmonics into a user selected high frequency range. And I don't know anything else on the market that does that. So in that respect, the device is quite unique.

If you're going straight into a DAW or console and not using an amp or an amp modeler, the Aphex Exciter can do a lot of nice things for your signal. If you use it live like I did back in my heavy prog rock days, it's pretty sweet with something like a Ric or a Ripper that has a lot of mids and highs to work with. With the Aphex you can put some focus on your high end while simultaneously kicking your perceived lows up a notch. That lets you cut through while still putting plenty of low bass out on the floor. So it's definitely a win-win for proggers. And I'd guess the Metalheads could find good uses for it as well. How cool is that?

Congrats on your new pedal. Rock it for all its worth.

And that subtle thing it does to the top end and the intricate high blend?? Punkers and shoegazers alike will soil their shorts if they give this pedal a chance.

I shall definitely put this thang through its paces. I haven't had a REAL play with it, but what I know of it, I am highly Xcitable!

 

[Wulfensteiner]

Not a fan personally, but hey, have fun.

And that's fine. I can also objectively name a few reasons why some wouldn't dig this thing. I also know that from short discussions, our tastes are pretty polar opposite. Strokes, folks and all that good stuff.

 

[Wulfensteiner]

eager to hear your impressions.

From the various test drives I've given this piece, I can't honestly say I have ever gotten child-like enthusiastic about a piece of gear in this way. I'm overjoyed and can't wait to dive in deeper.

 

[Indiedog]

I did the same thang.
I stumbled into a great deal on one and like its sound.
Secret Sauce.

I always liked my rack-mount Aural Exciter for the final mix. Now the bass gets its own special treatment.