Aphex 204 Aural Exciter and Optical Big Bottom (New Design 2011)

Purchased from a german on-line shop after reading about it, for some 500€. I was looking for a sound processor capable of making a fat bass tone without losing the attack and without blowing the speakers.
I play an Ibanez BTB700 on Gallien-Krueger RB700 380+50W amp and 4x10"+horn GK cabinet + a self-built 4x4" Bose midrange.

And it really works ! The combination of "optical low end" and "aural exciter" gives a creamy fat sound Mr Jah Wobble would dream about, with sleek tone and crystal-clear attack. In addition it has 2 channels, so it could also be used with any stereo equipment or with bi-amping.
Especially together with drums and noisy guitarists the bass rumbles like a mammooth but doesn't get muddy and undefined.

A little cheap finish, but that really doesn't matter given the excellent acoustic performance.

Easy controls, everything is essential. No gadgets. Finish is a bit cheap but it doesn't matter.

If you're thinking of buying an 8x10" Ampeg-like monster or some 18" speakers for low fat bottom - which is expensive and extremely heavy & bulky to carry around, you should perhaps try the Aphex 204 first ...you'll be surprised what kind of clean PHAT it pulls out of your bass amp & speakers ! Only thing, put the amp controls pretty flat, cause if you already boost the low end and put the Aphex on top of that your Amp won't like it very much.

This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com