Aphex 4b / API 4b Lunchboxes

[SecretAgent]

Hi all! New recruit on LBH :D

I have been offered an Aphex 4b lunchbox for very little money and have a few questions to ask.

I'm not able to find much info on the Aphex. My main concern is obviously the power supply to the cards. Will this box play nicely with all new cards??

My idea is to (eventually) have 2pres & 2comp for tracking in my home studio. I'm pretty set on A-Designs P1s as my pre and maybe Purple Actions or 525s (but they will come later).

I am not too bothered about the lack of phantom power as i use dynamics anyway but just want to know the Aphex will work! (or if I would be better off searching on for an API 4b).

Any input is much appreciated!

[SecretAgent]

On further inspection there seem to be some slight differences in the 15 pin configuration of the Aphex from the API slots.

On the API (so also the spec on all 500 series cards I am guessing)

Pin 7 - Input Low
Pin 8 - Input Low

On the Aphex

Pin 7 - Post-out
Pin 8 - Ground

Are these easily rectified? :confused:
My question of power supply still stands also.

[LunchBoxHero]

Hi, Denyle on this forum has been very helpful regarding the Aphex 4B.

I also use an Aphex 4b with a pair of Eisen Eq's and a pair of the Aphex BB compressors - no transformers in there :(

They are all playing fine together :) but I can't say for sure any other experience with other modules as I have only had them a couple of months.



The Aphex 4B-1 Brochure lists the following specs:

Self-Powered for 155-230v
DC Supply - Regulated +/- 16v @ 500mA
Power Requirements - 155-230 V.A.C. 25 Watts
Size 5.75" x 11" x 7.75" (Excluding Knobs)

There may be others here who have actually measured and can comment on the quality of the build and the power the lunchbox itself provides. Mine works great.



Good luck!

[LunchBoxHero]

On further inspection there seem to be some slight differences in the 15 pin configuration of the Aphex from the API slots.

On the API (so also the spec on all 500 series cards I am guessing)

Pin 7 - Input Low
Pin 8 - Input Low

On the Aphex

Pin 7 - Post-out
Pin 8 - Ground

Are these easily rectified? :confused:
My question of power supply still stands also.


Not sure about the "input low" but the following api pinout seems to indicate the ground is OK on pin 8 as it is listed too.

Others more qualified need to weigh in on the pin 7 compatibility, but mine seems to be working OK.

[Denyle]

Ignore pin 7, it's not important.
Pin 8, if it's grounded in the 4b-1, will unbalance the input. Makes sense since the Aphex modules have unbalanced inputs. Probably not the best solution for preamps. Besides, didn't the 4b-1 only have 1/4" jacks for audio.

[SecretAgent]

Thanks for clearing that up Denyle.

I didn't realize the jack inputs were unbalanced :eek:
Bit of a shame because I thought I might get away with a cheap 4slot to start the ball rolling!

Ahh well I'll go hunting for a 6slot API then.

[LunchBoxHero]

Ignore pin 7, it's not important.
Pin 8, if it's grounded in the 4b-1, will unbalance the input. Makes sense since the Aphex modules have unbalanced inputs. Probably not the best solution for preamps. Besides, didn't the 4b-1 only have 1/4" jacks for audio.


My 4B-1 has TT points also. Could they provide a balanced connection if the module supported it?

I agree with Denyle that the 4B-1 may not be your best choice... you are better off with a P/S that can provide phantom for pre-amps if you need it, and of course you can always use those two extra slots for more stuff :D.

There is not a big physical size difference between the 4B-1 and the API 6B (the width of two modules).

[Denyle]

My 4B-1 has TT points also. Could they provide a balanced connection if the module supported it?



I think if pins 7,8 find a ground, it's unbalanced. Most manufacturers connect pins 7,8 on the pcb. I suppose you could cut the trace and jumper pin 8 to the r of the trs, assuming the jacks are trs. Honestly, I'd just use it for EQ & comp duty and leave it alone. Most of API's have unbalanced inputs anyway.

And remember, this is all assuming that pin 8 in the 4b-1 is grounded. Someone might want to test that assumption with a DMM. EDIT: I just had another thought. Pin 8 is definitely grounded on Aphex modules by a copper trace to pin 5. Perhaps that was done because pin 8 is NOT grounded inside the lunchbox.