KuSh Audio Clariphonic Reviews

4.9/5.0 based on 4 customer reviews

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Customer Reviews

John Heller
from Eugene, Oregon
May 20, 2013Music Background:
Musician/Audio engineer

Clariphonic perfection

Pure audio witchery! I installed this at the end of my mix bus. (Porticico II MPE>Dangeous Music BAX EQ> Clariphonic) I was hoping for some shimmer and the end of the processing and I got the shimmer and whole lot more! This is amazing how it helps define all the sonic's in the mix. Highly recommended. Not a subtle device....you WILL here what it does. It has moved into being one of my can't live without items for the studio.

James Louey
from
January 15, 2013Music Background:
Recording Engineer, Producer, Drummer, Bassist

The Magic Equaliser

I do my own mixing and mastering. I already have a solid work horse - GML- 9500 and a super modern 50K capable Chartered Oak PEQ1 so buying another mastering equaliser seemed excessive.

I was skeptical at first when I was told about the Clariphonic by a respectable producer friend. I did some research and checked out all the demos and reviews. I liked what I heard and decided to check it out.

I have been using it for over a month now. I must say I am still experimenting with the settings. The results I was able to get has been astounding to say the least. I have a rough idea how each setting does but I still see myself playing with different settings each time to see what comes up. I am holding back the temptation to add too much as this is addictive stuff.

I use it in conjunction with my other EQ units as I think the Clariphonic is more of a finishing touch than a corrective one.

The final verdict: The Clariphonic has opened up sonic qualities that may be impossible to achieve by traditional equaliser units. I can't quantify this scientifically but I do like the end results.

Davey in Cinci
from Cincinnati Ohio
July 4, 2012Music Background:
Hobbyist

Truly Unique EQ

The Kush Clariphonic provides the kind of '3D audio spectacles' experience that we all yearn for. It needs to be used with care (the effect is smooth, transparent, and you find yourself wanting to add 'just that bit more'), but when dialed in right, it lends a sheen and 'finished' quality that I haven't got with any other EQ. The most surprising thing is how it appears to 'de-mudd' the mids even though you are affecting the spectral balance way higher than that. A really unique product - not your 'swiss army' EQ by any means (it only offers boost, and only on your 'highs'), but a wonderful addition to your arsenal.

J. lewis
from Baltimore, MD
March 28, 2011Music Background:
Arranger, keyboard collector/programmer, pro musician, Bass player, engineering and mixing, production, and live sound.

A good deal of quality sound manipulation

After owning this EQ for a few weeks, it does provide access to a number of alternative sound shaping tools that will liven up a mix without destroying the intent and integrity of the source material. I have a massive passive right next to the Kush, and while the Kush won't be usurping it as my go-to piece (not that the Kush is marketed or intended to do so) it will provide another take on the final shaping of the source - and is built with an attention to quality and detail that allows it to hang as well as a piece 1/4 of the price of the Manley, Summit, and Great River pieces I use regularly.

In use: The only way I've found to achieve my goals with the Kush has been to literally randomly turn knobs and rely on my ears, as opposed to my normal operating procedure of, at least, knowing what knob I wantto grab and knowing exactly what I should expect (not that, in the grand scheme, using your ears is the ONLY way to get a quality end product no matter if you have the top of the top end, unlimited amount of gear...) The Kush, therefore, is truly a device you can use blindfolded.

Re: Kush themselves/support... I spoke at length multiple times with one of their reps, and if his enthusiasm and knowledge are indicative of the rest of the company, you shouldn't have any disappointments on that front... As (I was told) the first person to order one of these from sweetwater, my sales rep (Mark Magdich) went above and beyond to check this piece out, give me constructive feedback, and follow up after the sale. Big plusses on both the company and the dealer,

I have yet to find anything that sounds "bad.". Technically, the sonics are quiet, clean, and what you would expect in this price range (and frankly, beyond) and the tool adds character that wouldn't be as easily achieved using what I would say are "typical" means when working in the box on a DAW.

So - to end... If you a) already have invested in a pristine front end b) already have the key outboard pieces you prefer use to liven up, color up, warm up, and c) need another tool, or would like another "sound" that will help you to rid yourself of that "mixed totally in the box" sound that can be tough to avoid if you aren't careful, this box gives you some nice additional shaping options. I'm not disappointed with the result for the investment.