Near Mint Aphex 661 Expressor Tube Compressor High-End Studio Quality!

Near mint condition! Fully tested & cleaned. This is a multi-patented high-end tube compressor/limiter & high frequency expander that's true high-end world class studio quality, mastering lab quality, broadcast quality, stadium concert quality. Its made in the USA & is NOT to be compared to anything else near this price range! My father was an Aphex manufacturer's representative for decades, I grew-up with Aphex in my life, knew the owner & engineers since I was about 12, I was an Aphex rep for 9 years, & have owned & used their gear since I was about 15, I'm now in my late 40s. Amazing company, quality, & circuitry. As a side note, although this unit can be used on countless applications, bass guitarists swear by this model, just read the reviews online like on Gearslutz. I have several of them & just don't need so many, so I'm selling this one. See my 5 star feedback. :)
 
The latest innovations in audio compression. The Aphex 661 Expressor Compressor/Limiter is a totally new type of compressor incorporating vacuum tube technology with the latest innovations in audio compression. It features Tubessence, Easyrider, and High Frequency Expander patented circuits for compression that is both warm and full-sounding without the high heat, bulk, short life, fragility, and sonic variability found in traditional tube designs. You also get automatic attack and release times that eliminate any guesswork in your settings.
 
FEATURES
- Tubessence, Easyrider, and High Frequency Expander patented circuits
- Compression that is both warm and full-sounding
- Automatic attack and release times eliminates guesswork
- High Frequency Expander circuit adds life and air to your comopressed signals without fear of background noise pumping
- Spectral Phase Refractor restores clarity and punch to your tracks
 
The UNIQUE 661 CIRCUITRY
Tubessence is a true tube circuitwhich provides that "vintage" tube sound without high the heat, bulk, short life, fragility, and sonic variability found in traditional tube designs.
 
Easyrider is an Automatic mode that actually works, consisting of the Wave dependent Compressor (WDC) circuit which takes the guesswork out of compressing individual instruments and vocals especially in live mixes. WDC automatically adjusts attack and release times according to the complexity of the program material. Its No-Knee compression curve makes the transition into compression virtually invisible.
 
In the Manual mode, the Model 661 provides the full complement of compressor adjustments such as Ratio, Attack, and Release, for maximum flexibility. Express yourself and get those "punch", "slap", "fat", "pump", and "squeeze" sounds fast and clean.
 
The 661 includes the patented High Frequency Expander (HFX) which decompresses high frequencies, with user-adjustable ratio and corner frequency. Add "life" and "air" to your compressed signals without fear of background noise pumping.
 
The Spectral Phase Refractor restores clarity and punch to your tracks. Bass frequencies are more defined with more apparent power. Higher frequencies also seem to gain more detail and presence.
 
Use the Model 661 to control dynamics for mixdowns, protect your sound system's loudspeakers from transients and distortion or shape the sound of individual instruments and vocals. Compress dynamic levels without fear of reducing frequency response. Whatever type of dynamics control you're looking for, it can be done with the Model 661 Tube Compressor / Limiter Expressor.
 
Tip from Aphex:
The tube is in the output stage and that its qualities are best evoked by really cranking the output and they've got a point. When the output level is running around +10 VU or above, the sound quality definitely changes: rounder and a little thicker or fatter. Measured harmonic distortion, at +20 VU (just below clipping), shows the second harmonic about 45 dB down, the third harmonic 65 dB down and 4th and 5th harmonics dropping off to -90 dB.
 
APPLICATIONS
- Music Production: Improve the sound on individual instruments, vocals and mixes
- Sound Reinforcement: A roadable tube compressor/limiter in only one rack space
- Broadcast & Post Production: A great vocal processor and a powerful studio tool
- Studios: Improve the sound of digital recorders and workstations
- Musicians: The ultimate compressor for the professional guitar, bass, keyboard instrument rig
 
Features
- Auto or full Manual operation. In Auto mode, compression parameters constantly change for best sound
- A true tube circuit (Tubessence) in the output stage for a "warm", "live" and "full" sound
- HFX allows the use of high compression ratios without the loss of high frequencies
- SPR increases the apparent bass energy level, without amplitude equalization or bass boost
- Use Sidechain Access sends jacks for creative processing (de-essing and ducking)
- Stereo, dual mono or master/ slave operation for total flexibility
 
SPECIFICATIONS
Function: Compressor/limiter and high frequency expander
Number of Channels: Single
Inputs:
1 x XLR
1 x 1/4" TRS phone
1 x 1/4" TS phone Return
1 x 1/4" TS phone Link
Outputs:
1 x XLR
1 x 1/4" TRS phone
1 x 1/4" TS phone Send
Maximum Input Level: +25dBu, +4dBu nominal level
Compression Threshold: -30dB to +20dB, variable
Compression Ratio: Auto: 1.1:1 to 6:1, Easyrider no-knee compression curve
Manual: 1:1 to 30:1
Attack Time   Auto: Program dependent
Manual: 0.05 to 100 mSec
Release Time   Auto: Program dependent
Manual: 0.04 to 4 S
Gate Threshold: Not applicable
Gate Rate: Not applicable
Maximum Output Level: +22dBu, balanced
Make-up Gain: -12dB to +10dB
Frequency Response: 2Hz to 110kHz, +/-0.5dB
Dynamic Range: 94dB
Noise   Hum and noise: -83dBu, no gain reduction
Dimensions (WxDxH): 19" x 10 1/8" x 1 3/4"
Weight: 5.5 lbs
Specialties: A LINK input provides two methods of linking the VCA control of two 661's - Stereo Link or Master/Slave