Expander
The purpose of the Expander is to control the dynamic range of the Output below a set Threshold Level.
You can specify the maximum attenuation applied by adjusting the Depth setting. You can also set the proportion ( Input to Output) of attenuation that is applied to the Input by adjusting the Ratio. The Ratio allows adjustments from 1 (1:1 - unity with the Input) to 100 (100:1 - very close to the Threshold Level).
Properties
Tip: For additional properties not listed, refer to the Properties Panel help topic for more information.
Expander Properties
Side Chain Input
Provides one Side Chain input per Channel. The Side Chain allows you to filter a signal before using it to control the dynamic range of the unfiltered Inputs.
In Gain is always applied to the Side Chain input signal, regardless of the state of Bypass.
Note: If you select Side Chain Input = Yes, and don't use the Side Chain Inputs, you will not have any expansion control.
Detector Time
Sets one of three pre-set times, or enables the Detector Time control in the Control Panel. If one of the three pre-set times is chosen, the control is not available in the Control Panel.
Adjusts the time constant that determines the rate of change of the Detector level in response to changes in the Input signal. This adjustment is to prevent changes (spikes, low frequency signals) in the Input from causing unwanted, momentary output. A fast Detector Time may result in an Output that rapidly fluctuates.
Bypass Gain Meter
When set to Active, the Applied Gain meter is active regardless of the state of the Bypass button. This means you can adjust the Expander in Bypass mode.
When set to Inactive, the Applied Gain meter is inactive to indicate that the component is in Bypass mode.
Channels
Type
Sets the type of Channel available for Inputs and Outputs.
Count
Sets the number of Channels for Multi-channel.
Controls
Response Panel and Detector
In Gain (dB)
The Input Gain adds to the level of the Input source.
Detector (dB)
Graphically and numerically displays the RMS level of the Input.
Response Panel
Graphically represents the Gain Calculations for the Channel having the highest Input RMS level.
X axis represents the Input
Y axis represents the Output
The red dot represents the Output Level. Below the Threshold Level the Output is equal to the Input, above the Threshold level it is adjusted by the Compressor.
Bypass
Bypasses the Compressor functionality.
Applied Gain (dB)
Graphically and numerically displays the amount of Gain applied to the Channel with the highest RMS Input level. The same amount of Gain, calculated based on the highest Channel, is applied to all other channels that are above the Threshold Level regardless of their relation to the Target Level.
Graphically the meter starts in the middle, displaying attenuation in red going down from center, and gain in green going up from center.
Out Gain (dB)
Controls the output level.
Gain Calculation
Threshold Level (dBFS)
Sets the point from which the attenuation is calculated based on the Ratio setting. This is where the Expander starts working. Assuming only one Input, a level below the Threshold Level is attenuated, anything above the Threshold Level is not attenuated.
Example
If the:
- Threshold Level is -15 dB
- Ratio is 2.5
- Input level is -25 dB
Then the Adjusted Output is:
(((Input Level - Threshold Level) * Ratio) + Threshold Level) = Output Level
((-25 dB - (-15 dB) * 2.5) + (-15 dB)) = -40 dB
Ratio ( n:1)
The ratio between the Input and the Output as measured from the Threshold Level.
The closer the Ratio is to 100, the closer the Output will be to the Threshold Level.
Depth (dB)
The maximum amount of attenuation that can be applied.
Soft Knee (dB)
Provides a smooth transition for the Output during the transition from above the Threshold Level to the expanded Output, below the Threshold Level.
The Soft Knee begins adding attenuation before the Threshold Level as the Input decreases then continues to increase attenuation until the Input level decreases by the amount set by the Soft Knee. At that point, the Soft Knee has no effect.
Time Constants
Attack Time (seconds)
Sets the time it takes for the output amplitude to rise to 63% of the specified Ratio of the input amplitude once the Threshold Level is exceeded.
Release Time (seconds)
Sets the time it takes for the output to fall to 63% of the level set by the Depth control after the Detector level drops below the Threshold Level.
Detector Time (seconds)
Available only when Detector Time Property is set to Use Control.
Sets the time it takes for the Detector level to reach 63% of a change in the input signal. This adjustment is to prevent changes (spikes, low frequency signals) in the input from causing unwanted, momentary output.
Control Pins
The available Control Pins depend on settings in Properties.
|
Pin Name |
Value |
String |
Position |
Pins Available |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Applied Gain |
-20 to 20 |
-20 dB to 20 dB |
0.000 to 1.00 |
Output |
|
Attack Time |
.0001 to 60 |
0.100 ms to 100 ms |
0.000 to 1.00 |
Input / Output |
|
Bypass |
0 1 |
active bypass |
0 1 |
Input / Output |
|
Depth |
0 to 60 |
0 dB to 60 dB |
0.000 to 1.00 |
Input / Output |
|
Detector Level |
-100 to 20 |
-100 dB to 20 dB |
0.000 to 1.00 |
Output |
|
Detector Time |
.0001 to 60 |
0.100 ms to 100 ms |
0.000 to 1.00 |
Input / Output |
|
Input Gain |
-20.0 to 20.0 |
-20.0 dB to 20.0 dB |
0.000 to 1.00 |
Input / Output |
|
Output Gain |
-20.0 to 20.0 |
-20.0 dB to 20.0 dB |
0.000 to 1.00 |
Input / Output |
|
Ratio |
1.00 to 100 |
1.00 to 100 |
0.000 to 1.00 |
Input / Output |
|
Release Time |
0.01 to 10 |
10.0 ms to 10 s |
0.000 to 1.00 |
Input / Output |
|
Soft Knee |
0.00 to 24.0 |
0 dB to 24 dB |
0.000 to 1.00 |
Input / Output |
|
Threshold Level |
-60 to 20 |
-60 dB to 20 dB |
0.000 to 1.00 |
Input / Output |
