Message 4/5
Date: 16-Jun-02 @ 09:58 PM -
RE: eqs vs eciters
I don't use exciters, but I do use an enhancer (SPL Vitalizer) which to my ears, is much better. Doesn't sound harsh, sounds smooth and airy in the top end with clarity in the mids. The mid-range is crucial. The Vitalizer basically adds an equalised and phase-shifted side-chain to the material you put through it, which is as good as you can get in terms of 'natural' sounding processing. Clever unit, a very subtle sound compared to the obvious 'fizz' of an exciter.
The term 'exciter' is often used to describe enhancers as well, but strictly speaking 'exciter' is an Aphex process (synthesis of high-freq distortion) and 'enhancer' pretty much covers everything else (SPL, BBE, Joemeek etc.) which use combinations of dynamic equalisation and phase-shifting/cancellation.
Not that exciters are bad things - if I wanted to make single parts stick out in a mix I'd consider an exciter (prefer valve distortion for this though) but I really only use my Vitalizer on complete mixes when the mix calls for it. There is a school of thought that says 'you should do it all in the mix' but if there's a unit I can strap across the mix to make it sound great with a couple of knob twirls, I'm gonna use it! I like an easy life