With the Aphex 204 Aural Exciter and Optical Big Bottom becoming harder to find and going up in price, the Behringer SX3040 can be a good alternative to enhance low end and add depth and spaciousness with harmonics on individual tracks and mixes. Rode incorporated some of these features into their RODECaster Pro and the New RODECaster Pro II, but you can add these features to your mixes and streams at an affordable price.
great guy just sold me one for $40, didn't have time to use it like he thought he would. I'm still a bit of a newb & had to learn a little more about what all i can do with it. great vid! thanks man
Glad I could help out! These are great to have around the studio...affordable and can be used on a variety of sources whether individual tracks or full mixes.👍
There are many ways to process spoken word and I thought it would be interesting to consider the SX3040 as it is usually thought of more for instruments and mixes in particular. Thanks for sharing your take on the SX3040 for vocals!
I haven't used the SX3040 before, but it sounds similar to my Aphex Exciter. My Aphex Exciter is one of the best pieces of outboard I own, and I have about 64U of outboard gear of many different types.
The 3040 has a similar flavour to my 204 but each has a somewhat different range of effect on whatever it sent through them. I use both for a subtle effect on drum recordings (kick, snare, toms) that sound a bit flat. Cheers!
The best exciter in my opinion is the first edition BBE 802. It's built like a tank, and have transformer-balanced in / outs. It also has the original Barcus Berry chips inside. It has a warm character with powerful bass and silky smooth top end with absolutely no "harshness". The 802 can't be compared to the newer BBE versions, which is crap. (Made in the PRC)
I was "Mastering" my own music in Garageband, where I used for the first time the Exciter, That was in the box, Curious how a hardware unit would benefit, I guess I just have to try it myself.
I haven't come across a plugin that does exactly what the SX3040 or the Aphex 204 hardware do. I have the Waves Aural Exiter and Izotope Neutron which also has an exciter, but the harmonics and saturation are different in both cases vs hardware. I'm not saying one is better than the other, but I have found them to impart different character on tracks and mixes. I will be doing a shootout with the Aphex 204 hardware and the SX3040 as well as a comparison of the Waves Exciter plugin. I haven't tried the Exciter with GarageBand. Thanks for mentioning it, I'll have to check it out.
Glad to share the vid. Yes, I agree. There are a number of issues with this track - not my client, only royalty free music so no issues with RUclips copyright… That said, I’m glad the audio translates well enough on YT to pick that up.
Maximum input and output are +22dBu on these, but perceived loudness can be driven way up without increasing level due to the harmonics (often called the secret weapon for loud mixes) added by this processor.
Sorry for the delayed response. I haven’t been able to find any specifics for when the changeover to V2 happened and what if any differences there are. There not being any discussion about the change makes me think it did not change the function or sound. If one is $100 less it is likely a good value.
Saludos, Askdtk. Este procesador SX3040, ¿estaría reemplanzando el uso de un ecualizador? Regards, Askdtk. Would this SX3040 processor be replacing the use of an equalizer?
Hello, the SX3040 adds harmonics to tailor sound which produces an effect perceived as adjusting stereo width/image/soundstage with some EQ-like effect, but it is not designed to adjust specific frequency ranges as with an EQ. Both an EQ and the SX3040, with the EQ connected first, can be used together to achieve a desired sound. Hope this helps out!
The SX3040 is more like the Aphex Aural Exciter and Optical Big Bottom as it has variable low and high frequency processing curves, variable harmonic saturation control, and variable mix control for blending processed and dry signal. The BBE (I am familiar with the 482i) offers a low boost at 50Hz and variable processing intensity that affects the entire frequency range and cannot be adjusted based upon frequency (the Behringer SU9920 is more like the BBE). The BBE adds gain to boost bass frequencies whereas the SX3040 and Aphex use harmonic balancing to lift perceived bass. The SX3040 and Aphex provide more customization and are more flexible for various program material, so it really depends what you are wanting to use them with. You can get even more granular control of harmonic saturation processing with the Drawmer 1976, but it it 10x the price of the SX3040. Hope this helps out.
Hello, I was hoping you could offer me some advice? I have a Scarlet 4i4 interface as well as a Behringer ub802 with the invisible Mic pres. I just picked up and El8 distressor and I will be recording extreme vocals with a rode nt1 condenser mic. I am wanting a nice mic preamp that will offer a warm full tone and nice saturation for the Peaks. What do you think would be a good mic pre for me?
I recently spent some time with the new Warm WA-MPK and was very impressed (I will be purchasing one this year). It has flexible control that I could dial in for a number of very different vocalists but the tone was always warm with saturation I found pleasing. I also think the tape saturation control is a bit overlooked on this unit. It rounds off peaks much like analog tape with just the right amount of harmonic distortion. This one is worth checking out.
@@askdrtk Thank you for taking the time to respond. I will certainly consider the Warm MPX preamp, I'm also considering the Vintech x73i as well as the Avalon VT 737. I'm sure any one of these will work nicely for my needs. Thanks again!
Thanks! I use a patchbay with TRS connectors and have been using a number of these HOSA Pro cables with REAN connectors for a long time amzn.to/3UGs6Au For XLR, I use a number of Mogami Gold Studio cables amzn.to/3gcmgI2 but I have moved to these cables from WBC amzn.to/3V1nLHU WBC uses Mogami 2534 wire and Neutrik connectors, they are more affordable than Mogami branded cables, and they perform identically to my Mogamis based on my noise floor and signal measurements. They also make TRS cables and I highly recommend WBC. I also have a number of snakes from Seismic Audio, they are affordable and not of the same quality as Mogami / WBC imo, but for permanent installation (mine are all less than 15 feet) they haven't let me down yet. Sorry of the long answer, but I hope this helps out!
Yes, it will provide the same type of effect as when used on the full mix in a DAW. It works great this way for live performance and can really help tailor your sound to the venue. You can also use it on individual instruments to tailor specific tone (more common for studio mixing) but it isn’t required.
Not one box that has a specific high frequency section, but using an EQ (parametric or pultec style) followed by a stereo image processor such as the SPL Big can offer a similar effect. You would need a 500 series rack, but a pair of MIDAS 512 EQs and an SPL Big would be a pretty effective combination covering low through high frequencies for stereo sources.
@@askdrtk Would I be able to use the SX3040 in combination with an EQ for better sound quality? And if so, would it be added before or after the EQ? Thanks for the help
I prefer the ability to blend it in parallel as an insert on individual tracks and occasionally on the 2-bus. I use Studio One with the mix control in Pipeline XT which makes it convenient.
@@askdrtk So you don't use in the Mixbus tradk... I made some experiments using it as last effects on the channel strip but probably is better to use like you do! Thanks a lot!
This is more like the Aphex 204 / Exciter with optical big bottom. It uses two sections to independently process lower and higher frequencies. While they all offer bass enhancement, the exciter section of the Aphex and SX3040 have more flexibility for live sound and for use on individual instruments like kick, snare, toms, and bass as a mixing tool. Hope this helps out!
It depends on what your priority is - mixing, general listening, etc... From a mixing perspective, in my audio tests the M40X are the neutral / accurate on your list, but don't have the increased bass response of the SRH440 for bass heavy material. I like 7506 for tracking as when it sounds good, you can be reasonably certain your recording will be useable, but I find them fatiguing for general listening. I haven't tested a set of mt5 to give you a proper opinion. For general listing some prefer the somewhat tailored sound of the K361 with very slightly reduced mids. For an all around set, I would choose the M40x for under 100 - sound is accurate / clean and build quality is very good. The one thing I will point out with the M40x is the ear cups are not as spacious as some others - some find them confining during long listening sessions.
You would need an audio interface with two line inputs and two line outputs available. I made a video showing this at the beginning with a different gear (with one channel) . Check it out here: ruclips.net/video/bbslTJU43yA/видео.html
With the Aphex 204 Aural Exciter and Optical Big Bottom becoming harder to find and going up in price, the Behringer SX3040 can be a good alternative to enhance low end and add depth and spaciousness with harmonics on individual tracks and mixes. Rode incorporated some of these features into their RODECaster Pro and the New RODECaster Pro II, but you can add these features to your mixes and streams at an affordable price.
great guy just sold me one for $40, didn't have time to use it like he thought he would. I'm still a bit of a newb & had to learn a little more about what all i can do with it. great vid! thanks man
also i was the 555'th like on the vid, neato
$40...Great Deal! Enjoy your new 3040!
Must say i surprised from the quality and the low price off course. thank you for saving my money 😁
Glad I could help out! These are great to have around the studio...affordable and can be used on a variety of sources whether individual tracks or full mixes.👍
This is exactly what I need for my final mixes lol Thanks for really reviewing this product! Will purchase one soon.
Glad the review helped out! It’s handy to have one in the rack and hard to beat for the price…lol. Cheers!
Damn the exciter i love your tracks
It is very great thing for podcast and audio. It sound like you improved your mic, or change preamp to much better...
There are many ways to process spoken word and I thought it would be interesting to consider the SX3040 as it is usually thought of more for instruments and mixes in particular. Thanks for sharing your take on the SX3040 for vocals!
I'm Sold! Thank you.
Glad to help out! These are great to have in the rack for both studio use and live shows/streams.
i love the sonic exiter i have two, one for my voice, and the other for my mastering songs..sorry for my english i dont speak
Thanks for sharing how you use them, that is great to hear!
Hi.
How you compare this one to behringer sonic ultramizer su9920. Just like to see your point of view. Thanks
Good review, and this is a good channel, thanks mister!
I haven't used the SX3040 before, but it sounds similar to my Aphex Exciter. My Aphex Exciter is one of the best pieces of outboard I own, and I have about 64U of outboard gear of many different types.
The 3040 has a similar flavour to my 204 but each has a somewhat different range of effect on whatever it sent through them. I use both for a subtle effect on drum recordings (kick, snare, toms) that sound a bit flat. Cheers!
I just ordered mine 🎉🎉🎉
Great to hear! Enjoy...👍
Thank you 🎉
The best exciter in my opinion is the first edition BBE 802. It's built like a tank, and have transformer-balanced in / outs. It also has the original Barcus Berry chips inside. It has a warm character with powerful bass and silky smooth top end with absolutely no "harshness". The 802 can't be compared to the newer BBE versions, which is crap. (Made in the PRC)
I was "Mastering" my own music in Garageband, where I used for the first time the Exciter, That was in the box, Curious how a hardware unit would benefit, I guess I just have to try it myself.
I haven't come across a plugin that does exactly what the SX3040 or the Aphex 204 hardware do. I have the Waves Aural Exiter and Izotope Neutron which also has an exciter, but the harmonics and saturation are different in both cases vs hardware. I'm not saying one is better than the other, but I have found them to impart different character on tracks and mixes. I will be doing a shootout with the Aphex 204 hardware and the SX3040 as well as a comparison of the Waves Exciter plugin. I haven't tried the Exciter with GarageBand. Thanks for mentioning it, I'll have to check it out.
Thanks for the vid.
The reverb at the end of the mix fizzles like it hasn't been correctly dithered I'm guessing that is the fault of your client.
Glad to share the vid. Yes, I agree. There are a number of issues with this track - not my client, only royalty free music so no issues with RUclips copyright… That said, I’m glad the audio translates well enough on YT to pick that up.
How about toms.. like the Aphex 204?
Can you show actual knob positions, hard to see with "chrome knobs"
Ie knob positions
Thank you
Ur a Good sales man
so i see a lot of headroom that's right?? wow sounds magic like I can push harder on limiter with that amount of headroom!!
Maximum input and output are +22dBu on these, but perceived loudness can be driven way up without increasing level due to the harmonics (often called the secret weapon for loud mixes) added by this processor.
i buy this behringer exciter but 2nd hand i notice the output of right channel is weak even @ 100 volume the audio still the same
Anybody rigged this with home Hifi? Just wondering if the signal would need attenuation going into the amp…?
Behringer Sonic Exciter SX3040V2 What is V2? Version 2. I am confused. They are at least $100 different in price.
Sorry for the delayed response. I haven’t been able to find any specifics for when the changeover to V2 happened and what if any differences there are. There not being any discussion about the change makes me think it did not change the function or sound. If one is $100 less it is likely a good value.
Thank you I just purchased the V2 from Sweetwtaer. It was $119. My Aphex 204 finally bit the dust. I have used it religiously since 2003.@@askdrtk
Saludos, Askdtk. Este procesador SX3040, ¿estaría reemplanzando el uso de un ecualizador?
Regards, Askdtk. Would this SX3040 processor be replacing the use of an equalizer?
Hello, the SX3040 adds harmonics to tailor sound which produces an effect perceived as adjusting stereo width/image/soundstage with some EQ-like effect, but it is not designed to adjust specific frequency ranges as with an EQ. Both an EQ and the SX3040, with the EQ connected first, can be used together to achieve a desired sound. Hope this helps out!
I want one. Go to buy one now. But how to I connect.
Behringer Sonic Ultramizer SU9920 2-channel whats the difference from these 2?
I have a BBE sonic maximizer, would that be an equivalent to this ?
The SX3040 is more like the Aphex Aural Exciter and Optical Big Bottom as it has variable low and high frequency processing curves, variable harmonic saturation control, and variable mix control for blending processed and dry signal. The BBE (I am familiar with the 482i) offers a low boost at 50Hz and variable processing intensity that affects the entire frequency range and cannot be adjusted based upon frequency (the Behringer SU9920 is more like the BBE). The BBE adds gain to boost bass frequencies whereas the SX3040 and Aphex use harmonic balancing to lift perceived bass. The SX3040 and Aphex provide more customization and are more flexible for various program material, so it really depends what you are wanting to use them with. You can get even more granular control of harmonic saturation processing with the Drawmer 1976, but it it 10x the price of the SX3040. Hope this helps out.
Hello, I was hoping you could offer me some advice? I have a Scarlet 4i4 interface as well as a Behringer ub802 with the invisible Mic pres. I just picked up and El8 distressor and I will be recording extreme vocals with a rode nt1 condenser mic. I am wanting a nice mic preamp that will offer a warm full tone and nice saturation for the Peaks. What do you think would be a good mic pre for me?
I recently spent some time with the new Warm WA-MPK and was very impressed (I will be purchasing one this year). It has flexible control that I could dial in for a number of very different vocalists but the tone was always warm with saturation I found pleasing. I also think the tape saturation control is a bit overlooked on this unit. It rounds off peaks much like analog tape with just the right amount of harmonic distortion. This one is worth checking out.
@@askdrtk Thank you for taking the time to respond.
I will certainly consider the Warm MPX preamp, I'm also considering the Vintech x73i as well as the Avalon VT 737.
I'm sure any one of these will work nicely for my needs.
Thanks again!
Nice one. If I may ask, what type of XLR cable did you use to connect the exciter to your interface? Amazon link will help. Thanks.
Thanks! I use a patchbay with TRS connectors and have been using a number of these HOSA Pro cables with REAN connectors for a long time amzn.to/3UGs6Au For XLR, I use a number of Mogami Gold Studio cables amzn.to/3gcmgI2 but I have moved to these cables from WBC amzn.to/3V1nLHU WBC uses Mogami 2534 wire and Neutrik connectors, they are more affordable than Mogami branded cables, and they perform identically to my Mogamis based on my noise floor and signal measurements. They also make TRS cables and I highly recommend WBC. I also have a number of snakes from Seismic Audio, they are affordable and not of the same quality as Mogami / WBC imo, but for permanent installation (mine are all less than 15 feet) they haven't let me down yet. Sorry of the long answer, but I hope this helps out!
@@askdrtk Thanks very much. Appreciated. I will get those cables you mentioned through the links.
@@askdrtk plis make a video tutor sir.. Thanks..
Definitely will be one coming...
@@askdrtk thank u sir. God bless u👍
if you are using this for a live band, will one of these units do the whole band? 4 piece, drums 1 bass, 1 guitar
Yes, it will provide the same type of effect as when used on the full mix in a DAW. It works great this way for live performance and can really help tailor your sound to the venue. You can also use it on individual instruments to tailor specific tone (more common for studio mixing) but it isn’t required.
can i install it before loudspeaker management ?
is there a processor from behringer that can boost treble that processor is for vocal and bass only
Not one box that has a specific high frequency section, but using an EQ (parametric or pultec style) followed by a stereo image processor such as the SPL Big can offer a similar effect. You would need a 500 series rack, but a pair of MIDAS 512 EQs and an SPL Big would be a pretty effective combination covering low through high frequencies for stereo sources.
Wow
Is this pretty much an Audio Control Epicenter? Thanks
The bass processor section would have a similar effect, but since the SX3040 also has the sonic exciter section it is closer to an Aphex 204.
@@askdrtk Would I be able to use the SX3040 in combination with an EQ for better sound quality? And if so, would it be added before or after the EQ? Thanks for the help
My pleasure and yes you can! I would recommend placing it after the EQ to get the best benefit from added harmonics.
@@askdrtk Is the quality of the 3040 comparable with the Aphex 204?
Hi!!! And do you use it in line or parallel? Thanks!!!
I prefer the ability to blend it in parallel as an insert on individual tracks and occasionally on the 2-bus. I use Studio One with the mix control in Pipeline XT which makes it convenient.
@@askdrtk So you don't use in the Mixbus tradk... I made some experiments using it as last effects on the channel strip but probably is better to use like you do! Thanks a lot!
Can this work for podcasting? Or is this for mastering only.
The can be used to shape spoken word for podcasting both live and prerecorded. It has two channels so it can be used for up to two participants.
@@askdrtk thank you so much! Looking to eventually pick one up.
hi, will installing it between the mixer and the power amplifier improve the audio quality as well?
Absolutely, the SX3040 is used in that application all the time. Cheers!
Is this like BBE Sonic maximizer 882?
This is more like the Aphex 204 / Exciter with optical big bottom. It uses two sections to independently process lower and higher frequencies. While they all offer bass enhancement, the exciter section of the Aphex and SX3040 have more flexibility for live sound and for use on individual instruments like kick, snare, toms, and bass as a mixing tool. Hope this helps out!
@@askdrtk Oh ok. Thanks!
I was looking for something for vocals for karaoke…
Guys somebody help me pick the best closed back headphone under 100.
Akg k361
M40x
Srh440
Yamaha mt5
Mdr 7506
Or any other options ?
It depends on what your priority is - mixing, general listening, etc... From a mixing perspective, in my audio tests the M40X are the neutral / accurate on your list, but don't have the increased bass response of the SRH440 for bass heavy material. I like 7506 for tracking as when it sounds good, you can be reasonably certain your recording will be useable, but I find them fatiguing for general listening. I haven't tested a set of mt5 to give you a proper opinion. For general listing some prefer the somewhat tailored sound of the K361 with very slightly reduced mids. For an all around set, I would choose the M40x for under 100 - sound is accurate / clean and build quality is very good. The one thing I will point out with the M40x is the ear cups are not as spacious as some others - some find them confining during long listening sessions.
@@askdrtk i am an audiophile, i only listen to music and no mixing or mastering
@@askdrtk btw can u review the new shure srh440A
OK, sounds good - they are on my list.
@@askdrtk for now 440 or m40x or k361 for listening
behringer sonic exciter sx3040 how to connect saund card
You would need an audio interface with two line inputs and two line outputs available. I made a video showing this at the beginning with a different gear (with one channel) . Check it out here: ruclips.net/video/bbslTJU43yA/видео.html
@@askdrtk tax mr
The SX3040 is nice but it is more a PA FX. To get more Bump on stage. It is not good for mixing.
Do you know any other hardware exciter?? Or are software versions better to use for mixing ??
@@jomonger-g1f definitely the BBE Sonic Maximizer Plugin !
Why are U so beautiful?