expander recommendations?

[vtone]

I'm in the market for a decent expander-- does anyone own one that they would recommend?

hardware recommendations only please!

[absrec]

This is something that interests me as well.

Now, when you say "expander", do you mean a dynamic range expander or a gate/expander?

A friend of mine came across a dBX 118 dynamic range expander the other day. I don't if it's expanding any dynamic range, but it sure did sound wicked on a paralell drum buss. I also only heard it over the phone. Seems like a cool box from the way he described it.

My dBX 160X(s) also have expansion ratios on them that seem to do what my friend's 118 was doing (or something like it).

Anyway, hope this helps.
-Aaron

[tINY]

I tried out a Safe sound Audio P1 at the show. The espander tuning was phenominal - I'd definately have a listen to that unit.



-tINY

[The Alamo]

Originally Posted by absrec

A friend of mine came across a dBX 118 dynamic range expander the other day. I don't if it's expanding any dynamic range, but it sure did sound wicked on a paralell drum buss. I also only heard it over the phone. Seems like a cool box from the way he described it.

My dBX 160X(s) also have expansion ratios on them that seem to do what my friend's 118 was doing (or something like it).

Love the 118 and 119 as well. Totally unlike your day-to-day expander though. First of all it's not a pro unit; but I really dig it as a 'crusher': it has one knob where you dial in the amount of compression or expansion you want. (on a side note: anyone knows someone who services those? most dbx 'pro' techs don't as it's not a 'pro' unit).
But if you want your typical downward expander/gate, I'd go with:
SSL expander - I like 'em on drums, not always on snare top and snare side (on snare bottom I often do though). Sometimes bass (keyed by something else).
Drawmer DS201 - mono rooms (not in general of course, but if I want it expanded, triggered by something else), snare tops and sides.
I don't like the DS501 AT ALL: I tried to like it, embrace it as one of our own, hug it and surround it with TLC, but all I could do was kick it down the stairs and cast a spell over it for it never to return. It looks appealing, more elaborate than a 201, but I couldn't get it to do anything that I can with either the SSL or 201.
I know of a bunch of people (and studios) having the Aphex in their racks...Don't know them well enough to say anything half-decent about those.
I've used some API expanders a few times, which I really dug as well...don't recall the number...not very versatile but cool on some drums...some 200 series model...
Anyway, you'd probably want one with key inputs, adjustable filter section and variable hysteria ( )...I'd be perfectly happy with a combo platter of DS201 & SSL's.

[Jim Williams]

Don't buy a toy, buy a machine. The Aphex 612/622 are the best expanders out there. Lowest THD and noise, the most adjustment range. Love my 612 as it does many things.

Jim Williams
Audio Upgrades

[vtone]

thanks for the tips!

I checked out the safe sound audio p1-- has too many unnecessary features for my needs. I'd be interested to hear how it sounds though.

couldn't find any info about a hardware ssl expander, just the waves ssl channel...?

the aphex and dbx gates are worth looking into.

drawmer mx40 also looks cool-- four channels of expansion

I'll check out the other suggestions when I have a bit more time.

all great recommendations, thanks