The Expander reduces the output level in relation to the input level for signals below the set threshold. This is useful to enhance the dynamic range or reduce the noise in quiet passages.
The display on the left shows the expansion curve. You can adjust the Threshold and Ratio values by dragging the handles on the curve. The input (IN) and output (Out) meters indicate the level before and after the expansion. The Gain Reduction (GR) meter indicates the current attenuation of the level.
- Threshold
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Allows you to set the threshold. Sounds below the Threshold are reduced in gain. Sounds above the Threshold remain unaffected.
- Ratio
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Allows you to set the amount of gain reduction for sounds below the threshold. The higher the Ratio, the more the output is lowered. For example, if the Ratio value is set to 2:1 and the amplitude of the sound is 4 dB below the Threshold, the output is lowered by 2 dB. If the amplitude is 8 dB below the Threshold, the output is lowered by 4 dB.
- Soft Knee
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If this button is deactivated, signals above the Threshold are compressed instantly based on the set Ratio.
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If this button is activated, the onset of the expansion is more gradual, producing a less drastic result.
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- Attack
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Determines how fast the Expander reduces the gain when the sound falls below the set threshold. The longer the attack time, the longer it takes to reduce the gain.
- Hold
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Sets the time period during which the expansion is applied after the sound falls below the set Threshold.
- Release
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Determines how fast the Expander effect raises the gain after the sound exceeds the set Threshold. The longer the Release time, the longer it takes to raise the gain.
NoteThis parameter is not available when the Auto Release button is activated.
- Auto Release
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Allows you to set the Release time automatically. The Expander analyzes the input sound continuously to find the optimal setting.
- Peak/RMS
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Determines whether the input signal is analyzed based on Peak or RMS values or a mixture of both. With a setting of 0%, the effect uses Peak sensing only, and at 100%, RMS sensing only. Peak means that the effect senses the peak level of the sound. RMS means that it senses the average power of the sound. Peak sensing responds faster than RMS sensing. Typically, Peak sensing is used for transient sounds and RMS sensing for sustained sounds.
- Live
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If this button is activated, the look-ahead feature of the effect is disengaged. Look-ahead results in more accurate processing, but adds a certain amount of latency as a trade-off. If Live mode is activated, there is no latency, which is better for live processing.