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Bus EXCITER-104

Ultimate sonic presence

Bus EXCITER-104 reinvents the classic audio signal enhancer. With a dual module architecture, simple-to-use workflow and authentic design - beef up your kicks, add vocal presence and bring your mix to life.

Bus EXCITER-104

Increase presence
maintain output

Add subtle brightness to your percussion, bring out the best in a vocal or drive a kick even deeper without the added gain or noise.

Merging classical aural excitement with modern sound enhancement techniques that target both low and high frequency ranges: Bus EXCITER-104 is an ally for any mixdown, where small tweaks lead to marked improvements, allowing you to add energy and harmonic content with ease.

Dual-module dynamics

Distinctly affect low and high frequencies with separate controls for unmatched precision. Localise Bus EXCITER-104 to one frequency or explore both ranges with the output equalizer.

Enhance the fundamentals

From deep, impactful bass to shimmering hi-hats, enhance the fundamental tones of your mix. Bus EXCITER-104 is designed to enrich those elements of a track that can’t be ignored.

Adapt to any track

Use on bus channels or individual inserts — perfect for kicks, bass, vocals, synths, guitars and full drum kits. Bus EXCITER-104 can boost your overall mix or work its magic on key instruments and voices.

Subtle tweaks, major shifts

Simple adjustments lead to dramatic improvements, ensuring professional results effortlessly. With Bus EXCITER-104’s intuitive layout and powerful presets, you don’t need to go far to get the most out of your mix.

Elevated
sound

Whether tweaking a home studio project or mixing a major label release, the Bus EXCITER-104 is your secret weapon for impressive, polished sound.

Overview

Bus EXCITER-104

1

Visualizer

The audio spectrum visualizer allows users to visually see the frequencies selected by the Bass and Exciter modules and observe how the processing effect adds spectral content. A color grading from light red to purple is used to clearly represent the relative spread of the two frequency areas.

2

Big Bass

Big bass dynamically shapes the bass response in the 20Hz to 200Hz range, increasing the perception of low frequencies without boosting the maximum peak output. Find the sweet spot depending on the source signal by observing the LED response. The LED should pulse on bass peaks. When it does, the drive of the unit is set correctly. Use the mix knob to adjust the amount of the processed signal that is added to the original signal.

3

Exciter

The Exciter extends the high frequencies which results in a greater perceived loudness without an introduction of noise into the audio path. This is unlike EQs and other brightness enhancers that simply boost high frequencies.Adjust harmonics to control the texture and detail of the processed signal, which compared to the original hardware is now available as a continuous range.

4

Output Equalizer

Easily tweak the output level of each frequency shelf, for that little extra bass or tapered hi-hat shimmer.

5

Output

A simple master gain output for the effect which lets you blend between the dry and wet signal and find that perfect balance for your desired sound.

Overview

Bus EXCITER-104

1

Visualizer

The audio spectrum visualizer allows users to visually see the frequencies selected by the Bass and Exciter modules and observe how the processing effect adds spectral content. A color grading from light red to purple is used to clearly represent the relative spread of the two frequency areas.

2

Big Bass

Big bass dynamically shapes the bass response in the 20Hz to 200Hz range, increasing the perception of low frequencies without boosting the maximum peak output. Find the sweet spot depending on the source signal by observing the LED response. The LED should pulse on bass peaks. When it does, the drive of the unit is set correctly. Use the mix knob to adjust the amount of the processed signal that is added to the original signal.

3

Exciter

The Exciter extends the high frequencies which results in a greater perceived loudness without an introduction of noise into the audio path. This is unlike EQs and other brightness enhancers that simply boost high frequencies.Adjust harmonics to control the texture and detail of the processed signal, which compared to the original hardware is now available as a continuous range.

4

Output Equalizer

Easily tweak the output level of each frequency shelf, for that little extra bass or tapered hi-hat shimmer.

5

Output

A simple master gain output for the effect which lets you blend between the dry and wet signal and find that perfect balance for your desired sound.

Overview

Bus EXCITER-104

1

Visualizer

The audio spectrum visualizer allows users to visually see the frequencies selected by the Bass and Exciter modules and observe how the processing effect adds spectral content. A color grading from light red to purple is used to clearly represent the relative spread of the two frequency areas.

2

Big Bass

Big bass dynamically shapes the bass response in the 20Hz to 200Hz range, increasing the perception of low frequencies without boosting the maximum peak output. Find the sweet spot depending on the source signal by observing the LED response. The LED should pulse on bass peaks. When it does, the drive of the unit is set correctly. Use the mix knob to adjust the amount of the processed signal that is added to the original signal.

3

Exciter

The Exciter extends the high frequencies which results in a greater perceived loudness without an introduction of noise into the audio path. This is unlike EQs and other brightness enhancers that simply boost high frequencies.Adjust harmonics to control the texture and detail of the processed signal, which compared to the original hardware is now available as a continuous range.

4

Output Equalizer

Easily tweak the output level of each frequency shelf, for that little extra bass or tapered hi-hat shimmer.

5

Output

A simple master gain output for the effect which lets you blend between the dry and wet signal and find that perfect balance for your desired sound.

1

2

3

4

5

A legacy
of audio presence

Inspired by the legendary Type C2-104 Aphex Aural Exciter, the Bus EXCITER-104 is part of a lineage of sought-after outboard gear.

Since its inception in 1975, the Aphex Aural Exciter has been a game-changer in restoring and enhancing sound. Engineered to address the harmonic loss found in tape recording methods, the Aural Exciter could be relied on for adding detail and presence to instruments, vocals and bass while crucially maintaining the signal volume.

The Beginning: Model 602 & Type B

“Aphex Systems began its journey in the realm of professional audio equipment with the introduction of their first exciter, the Model 602, in the mid-1970s. This model was notable for its use of tube technology, which was a standard in high-fidelity audio equipment at the time.

As the 1980s rolled in, Aphex recognized the potential and benefits of solid-state technology, offering more reliability, consistency, and efficiency compared to their tube counterparts. This led to the development and release of the Type B exciter, a pivotal product in Aphex’s lineup. With a more user-friendly, it allowed for greater control over the audio enhancement process.

Continued evolution and innovation

After exploring more complex designs with the Type III, Aphex returned to simplicity with the Type C2-104 Aural Exciter in the early 90’s. This model introduced the "big bottom" feature, allowing control over both low-end harmonics and the presence of the mid and top end frequencies. It was consequently well-received for its balance of simplicity and effectiveness, catering to both seasoned professionals and those new to audio enhancement technology.

The Type C2-104 been used on iconic albums like Fleetwood Mac\'s "Rumors" and countless Neil Diamond hits. A legacy that continues today with modern emulations bringing studio-quality audio enhancement to your workflow as well as dynamic visualization that goes beyond the original hardware.

Instant
results

A handful of presets showcasing Bus EXCITER-104’s sonic potential, taken from its library of gratifying presets - from vocal clarity to hard-hitting kick drum power.

DI Bass Enhancer

Add some life to your D.I. bass, both in the low end and fretboard transients. Adjust the mix amounts for more or less intensity.

Vocal Clarity

Add this to a pad or a vocal that lacks luster and needs a bit of love in the high frequencies.

Full Drum Exciter

Big Bass and Exciter combo made to add body to your kick-snare-hat groove. This preset also brings out the kick transient nicely.

Metal Guitar

Brings controlled aggression to your heavy metal guitars. The excitement is focused on the mid range, avoiding harshness while making your riffs fatter.

Warm Pultec Boost

Enjoy the mythical Pultec cut / boost with its warm harmonics. This example adds Exciter as well to boost the hi hats.

Kick Deepener

Increase the Wet Mix to add some low end.

Included in
FX collection

Effects you'll actually use

This effect is part of FX Collection, a suite of essential audio effect plugins empowering musicians, producers, and artists to get creative with their production. From iconic recording gear modeled with breathtaking accuracy, to cutting-edge contemporary effects, the collection includes the most fought-after studio tools, rare guitar pedals, modern mix enhancers, and beyond. Elevate your production and add color to your mix like never before.

The features
you need

DAW ready

However you use these plugins; for the amazing tone of their reverb, for the gritty preamps, or for their incredible sound design abilities, you'll be safe in the knowledge that they are fully compatible with your setup. These plugins work with all major DAWs, and on both Windows and MacOS.

ASC

Arturia Software Center lets you download, organize, and update all of your Arturia software titles in one place, as well as manage all of your licenses across multiple devices. Keep it simple.

Resizable GUI

Whether you want the full visual immersion of our classic effects emulations, or to save precious screen real estate, the interfaces for all of your Arturia plugins can be resized to a scale that suits you.

Real-time control

Every parameter in every FX Collection plugin can be mapped to your favorite MIDI controller for instant, hands-on control of your mix. Sweep a filter, crank a preamp, or warp your modulation on the fly.

Resizable GUI

Every plugin in FX Collection comes with built-in tutorials, guiding you step-by-step through the crucial parameters, adjustments, and mixing hacks to get the most out of your sound. The tutorial panel also explains the controls you’re using in real-time - so you’ll never miss a tweak.

Preset browser

FX Collection’s streamlined preset browser lets you filter, organize, and save your favorite presets for instant recall. Search by instrument type, genre, production technique, and much more - so you can quickly find the tweak you need and save valuable creative time!

TAE® Powered

The exclusive analog modeling technology that makes our emulations indistinguishable from the originals.

By accurately mimicking the characteristics of analog oscillators, filters, and soft clipping, we can provide astonishing component-accurate detail and authentic analog charm in equal measure.

Gallery

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Main Features

The ultimate sonic presence unit, recreating the classic audio signal enhancer.

Two Modules: Big Bass and Exciter, are designed to beef up the lows and bring presence to the mids and highs.

  • Big Bass is designed to beef up the lows

  • Exciter brings presence to the mids and highs.

Advanced Features: Shape the tonal quality and stereo image of both processors with included advanced features per module.

Large Signal Visualizer: Understand how the signal is being affected with a large signal visualizer.

Solo/Mute Buttons: Easily hear the difference and the specific signal you are adding with solo and mute buttons.

20 Quality Presets: Designed to help with various source material, from vocals and guitars to kicks and bass.

Two Engine Quality Modes: Balance sound quality and CPU usage with Studio and Render modes.

All manufacturer and product names mentioned on this page are trademarks of their respective owners, which are in no way associated or affiliated with Arturia. The trademarks of other manufacturers are used solely to identify the products of those manufacturers whose features and sound were studied during the development. All names of equipment, inventors, and manufacturers have been included for illustrative and educational purposes only, and do not suggest any affiliation or endorsement by any equipment inventor or manufacturer.