Model 661 The Model 661 is a totally new type of compressor incorporating vacuum tube technology with the latest innovations in audio compression. This single channel compressor/limiter is loaded with features, consolidating for the first time in one rack space, three Aphex patented circuits; Tubessence®, Easyrider® and High Frequency Expander®.. Aphex 661 Expressor Tube Compressor / Limiter. Review by George Shilling. A friend of mine has a theory that any audio equipment is guaranteed to be good if it is American and has an 'X' in its name. Well, Lexicon, dbx and MXR all satisfy the criteria, but perhaps less common in recording studios are units by Aphex.
My signal chain for vox is simple, Blue Kiwi mic > Aphex 661 > Apogee Duet > Logic X. To really let loose with a vocal performance you obviously need something inline before the Duet. That Apogee has pretty damn good mic pre's, so I spent the money on the 661 thinking it was the closest in quality I could afford.. The latest Aphex innovation is Tubessence, a low‑voltage valve‑based circuit that employs an ingenious solid‑state feedback circuit to make the valve behave and sound as though it is being run at several hundred volts. Tubessence has been included in a whole range of products, including the 661 Expressor reviewed here. Front Panel Tour
