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  • Aphex Punch Factory

    This is just a reprinted version of the article that was printed for the Aphex draw. Even though the draw is done, the info included here is still good stuff.

    APHEX PUNCH FACTORY optical compressor pedal.



    The Punch Factory takes Aphex's legendary optical technology - normally only found in expensive rack-mounted studio gear - and puts it at your feet and into your live performance. It's truly the most transparent, uncolored compression you can find at any price.

    Punch Factory levels out volume peaks and dips, maintaining a consistent level within your mix. Quiet passages no longer get lost, and louder passages don't overpower. All without the pumping, "breathing" artifacts commonly found in most compressor pedals. The new Punch Factory has something that most other optical compressors don't have: a Ratio Control. This allows changing the amount of compression without overtly affecting the level.

    If you're familiar with the sound of a high-quality studio compressor, you'll know what to expect from the Punch Factory. If you're used to the typical, highly colored sound of most compressor pedals, Punch Factory will be a welcome surprise. It's truly the best sounding compressor you'll never hear.

    Aphex Optical Element
    The optical element used in the Punch Factory is engineered by Aphex to provide unique characteristics that are ideal for musical instrument compression - no other optical compressor sounds this good because Aphex doesn't settle for off-the-shelf, conventional optical elements.

    Benefits for Your Tone
    When used well, a proper compressor will extend the sensitivity of an instrument, bringing up the tonal nuances that contain the sensuality of your music. That goes just as well for basses as guitars. Your music will be more consistent, filling the volume envelope more fatly, making the track stand out better in a mix. Similarly, in live music, you will fill better and your playing will be more apparent among the band.

    Sustain
    Typically, compression gathers more sustain. When you play, you hear the notes last longer because the compressor keeps raising the level automatically until it runs out of gain. Every time you hit a chord or note, the compressor "attacks" on the sound envelope and reduces its volume, then the volume "releases" back up as the sound dies out.

    Punch
    Conventional compressors attack at different rates. Too fast an attack will suck the life out of your music while too slow loses effectiveness. The Aphex Punch Factory has a complex attack characteristic that adapts to the sound, letting it emerge enhanced, or subtly exaggerated. This creates Punch, aiding the articulation of the sound and creating a lush and full sound.

    Extra info from the User's Manual...



    Compressors - What They Do

    The basic idea is that a wide range of input levels is automatically “compressed” into a smaller range of output levels. After compression, sounds that were low in volume are higher in volume and sounds that were high in volume are made lower in volume. This results in more consistent volume levels that sit “just right” in a mix without some parts being too loud with other parts too soft.

    Punch and Sustain

    When a compressor reduces the volume of a loud sound, it does so in way that is unique to each type of compressor. The time it takes for this volume reduction to occur is called “attack”. An attack that is too fast can change the natural character of an instrument while too slow can lose the benefits of compression. The Punch Factory’s interactive attack adapts to your playing, controlling volume without changing character and enhancing punch while retaining articulation. Typically, compression creates more sustain by raising the level as a note decays. This is more or less apparent, depending on the style of playing.

    Optical Compression

    There are many ways to create a circuit that controls the gain reduction of a compressor. Each method has its own characteristics and all have produced popular compressors over the years. One of the most popular types is the optical compressor.

    An optical compressor is created from the combination of a light sensitive resistor called a photocell, and a light source such as a small bulb or LED. Devices called optocouplers combine a photocell and light source inside a light-proof package. The photocell increases its resistance when input level increases the intensity of the light - that increased resistance provides the compression.

    While attack is the time it takes for compression to occur, “release” is the time it takes for the signal to return to normal. Photocells have a characteristic called “memory” that makes such a compressor interactive. When just a few brief attacks have been experienced, the photocell recovers quite fast, bringing back the level more quickly. However, after repeated and constant attacking, the photocell builds up a memory of the light pulses and recovers more gradually. This helps to smooth out the compression and preserve the character of the sound.

    The optocoupler used in the Punch Factory is designed especially for audio and is produced exclusively for Aphex. It has special characteristics unusually well suited to musical instrument compression, making the Punch Factory unique in the world of compression.


    Visit the Aphex Website for more info on their products.
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