Expander - how to set?

L

Lecchu

Inspired
How to set the CompressorBlock correctly to get a "typical" expander (typical = up to the threshold we have operation ratio = 1 = 0dB, above the threshold, we amplify the signal with a factor/ratio, eg 2x, 3dB etc).

Obviously, we have a compresor block with the Dynamics algorithm. For the parameter Dynamic greater than zero, we theoretically have an expander - but it does not work like a "typical" expander. If we look at the AX8 screen for the editing of this block (we have a gain bar that shows the current value of gain, "ontime") then at the beginning of striking the strings gain of "Dynamic" algorithm is actually above zero dB, but then drops below zero dB (weakens the sound!) - and it is -2dB, -4dB! That makes a nourishing, unnatural, shortened sustaine. So this is not a "typical, book_described" expander.

Block Gate/Expander also works more like a gate (cutting out the sustain).

Is there any other method to get a "typical" expander (to the threshold of 0db amplification, above the threshold - amplification enlarged according to the ratio)?

Best regards
L.
 
The gate/expander is a downward expander, aka soft gate, so it won’t do what you’re looking for.

The Dynamics algorithm works as an upward expander. The Gain Meter on the display doesn’t show your input volume, it shows the gain change being affected by the algo in real time (like the gain reduction meter on the Compressor).

There is no user adjustable Threshold or Ratio control for Dynamics. The Dynamics knob is the relevant control. Turn it above 0.00 and you’ll have expanded dynamics, set below and you’ll have reduced dynamics.

Set it 10 and you will definitely hear (and see) massive upward expansion happening. Place the block in front of an amp on the edge of breakup and you’ll get a crazy touch sensitive amp.
 

@philipacamaniac. This not a problem with Dynamics in CompBlock on start sound/signal (when Dynamics knob is above 0 = is "expander") - on first period gain is indeed incresed. But during sustaine of guitar signal, after few seconds gain of this "expander" start to be bellow 0 (and natural fading signal is additionally reduced = sustaine is shorted and not naturall).

Please put CompBlock in signal path, set as DynamicStyle, set Dynamics knob to for exapmle 4.
Do edit this block on Ax8 to see whats happens on small screen. There is gain bar. Hit one time strngs, wait for end of sustaine. Show whats happens on this bar - on start we see +3..+4dB, but when singnal go to end, gain decres to -4dB (and this is additinal
reduced).
This is not typical expander. Typical expander shoud have gain incres on start signal (when is above treshold) and do nothing (gain = 0dB) bellow this treshold.

Best regards
L.
 
This not a problem on start signal. When You hit strings.But when signal go to end (on end of sustaine).

Put CompBlock to signal path, set Dynamics style/type, set Dynamics knob to 4. This is "expader", correct?
Now do edit this block on AX8 to see what heppens on screen. There is small gain bar, correct? On this bar we see current gain, yes? Current gain of block/expander, not level of signal.
And now hit one time strings. On start we see gain +3dB..+4dB - ist expand. Fantasitc. But please wait few second, on end of sustaine, all time see on bar. What You see? I see -2..-4dB - it means, that this "expander" now decres signal, yes? But he should not.

Typicall epxander shoud incres signal above treshold, and do noting (gain = 0dB) when signal is above treshold.
 
Lecchu said:
This not a problem on start signal. When You hit strings.But when signal go to end (on end of sustaine).

Put CompBlock to signal path, set Dynamics style/type, set Dynamics knob to 4. This is "expader", correct?
Now do edit this block on AX8 to see what heppens on screen. There is small gain bar, correct? On this bar we see current gain, yes? Current gain of block/expander, not level of signal.
And now hit one time strings. On start we see gain +3dB..+4dB - ist expand. Fantasitc. But please wait few second, on end of sustaine, all time see on bar. What You see? I see -2..-4dB - it means, that this "expander" now decres signal, yes? But he should not.

Typicall epxander shoud incres signal above treshold, and do noting (gain = 0dB) when signal is above treshold.
Click to expand...

It's not decreasing the signal. The overall gain is reduced so that the NOMINAL level is roughly the same. When you play softly the gain is, say, -4 dB, as you play harder the gain increases ultimately reaching a maximum of +4 dB. The nominal gain is 0 dB. The dynamic range expansion is 8 dB.

tldr: it's working properly.
 
"When you play softly the gain is, say, -4 dB," - that means exactly, that signal is decreasing. -4dB means that signal is decresing about 63%

So sentence
"It's not decreasing the signal." is not valid.

Thera are no athore way to do something like "expander"?
 
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