What is expander in audio?

Expanders are used to “un-do” compression in some circuits (companding). More commonly, expanders are used for noise reduction. In this application (downward expansion), a threshold is set at a level below desired audio signals, but above the noise floor.

What is the difference between an expander and a compressor?

An expander is essentially the opposite of a compressor. It’s used to increase the dynamic range of a signal, drawing the loud and quiet parts further apart. Since expanders are so similar to compressors, their controls are usually the same. The only differences are how those controls behave.

What is the difference between an expander and a gate?

Expanders and noise gates work like compressors and limiters in reverse. An expander increases the dynamic range of a signal by lowering the level of audio material that is below a set threshold. If an extreme ratio setting is chosen (such as negative infinite) then the effect is a noise gate.

How does an expander work in an audio system?

They are pretty much the opposite of compressors working by turning down the volume when the signal level falls below the threshold and turning the volume back up when the signal level goes above the threshold. Expanding is useful when you want to increase the dynamic range of the audio.

What’s the difference between the noise gate and the expander?

Audio Expander This device is very similar to the gate. The only major difference is that instead of muting the signal once it falls below the threshold, the expanderstill lets some signal through but at a lower level, resulting in a signal of lower volume.

Are there any free expander plugins for VST?

ATKSideChainExpander is a free expander VST, VST3, Audio Unit plugin developed by Matthieu Brucher. Compatible OS (s): Windows 64b, macOS. ATKSideChainExpander is a stereo expander with a side chain stereo input. It can work in left/right or middle/side mode. http://www.audio-tk.com/.

When do you need to use an expander?

Expanding is useful when you want to increase the dynamic range of the audio. For example, when you have a noisy recording and want to reduce the volume of the quieter parts so you don’t notice the noise as much.