The Aural Exciter: A Magical Audio Enhancer?

By this point, we’ve gone over just about all of the most common tools in the engineer’s toolkit: EQ, compression, automation, reverb, the list goes on. But there are still some lesser known mixing techniques out there, some of which can make a huge impact on a mix. Here we’ll explore one of these such tools: the aural exciter.

What is an aural exciter?

The original exciter was developed by Aphex Electronics in the 1970s. It can be hard to classify exciters because they do more than just one thing. Primarily, an aural exciter acts as a distortion effect. In addition to distorting audio, however, an exciter also shifts phase and adds synthesized harmonics to specific frequency bands. In a way, then, the exciter also acts as an equalizer, but for more specific scenarios. All of this modulation results in increased brightness and presence to mix elements or the entire mix.

While some still use the original Aphex Aural Exciter today, other forms of exciters now exist as well. Perhaps the most commonly used exciter today is the Waves Aphex Vintage Aural Exciter plugin. This digital plugin looks and acts identically as the analog system developed decades ago.

How exciting are they?

What makes exciters so surprisingly useful is their ability to clarify mix elements, specifically those with higher frequencies. One might think intuitively that any kind of distortion would do the exact opposite of clarifying. On the contrary, small amounts of distortion actually help certain frequencies cut through. As such, aural exciters are especially useful for bringing vocals to the front of a mix. Exciters can do more than just clarify high frequencies, though. With the proper implementation, an exciter can deepen bass tones, making them appear louder without increasing their amplitude.

Just like with any effect, exciters work even better when paired with other mixing techniques. Most commonly, aural exciters are used in conjunction with compressors. This pairing allows higher frequencies to shine through while not overpowering the rest of the mix. The compressor brings the punch while the exciter brings out the presence.

Don’t get too excited

Aural exciters can certainly enhance the presence and clarity of a song, but with great excitement comes great responsibility. As with any effect or technique, one runs the risk of overdoing it. Mixing with EQ can get most mix elements where you want them without resorting to using an aural exciter. Still, exciters might add that little push to further clarify your mix. Finding the right balance may prove difficult. If you overcook the exciter, you won’t run the risk of overbearing gain, but you will run the risk of sharpening the mix to an uncomfortable degree.

Conclusion

Adding an aural exciter to your mixing arsenal can make a big difference in your production. While they can’t do everything, proper implementation of aural exciters can bring vocals up front, add depth to bass frequencies, and add overall clarity, brightness, and presence to your mixes. Exciting, indeed.