Plugin interface — screenshot pending
Dynamics

Expander

Steinberg

Where to get itIncluded with Cubase. It is part of that DAW, not a separate download.steinberg.net

Expander is a dynamics processor that reduces output level for signals below a set threshold, useful for enhancing dynamic range or reducing noise in quiet passages. It offers precise control over expansion behavior through threshold, ratio, soft knee, and envelope parameters, with both peak and RMS analysis modes and optional external side-chain control.

Written from the manual and checked against it. How we check

Key Features

01Threshold and Ratio controls with graphical breakpoint editing
02Soft Knee option for gradual expansion onset
03Fall time (0.1 to 100 ms) for response speed
04Hold time (0 to 2000 ms) to sustain expansion
05Rise time (10 to 1000 ms) or Auto Rise mode for release
06Analysis modes from Pure Peak to Pure RMS
07Live mode to disable look-ahead and eliminate latency
08External side-chain input support

Things to Try

  • 01Use RMS mode for material with few transients such as vocals
  • 02Use Peak mode for percussive material with a lot of transient peaks
  • 03Activate Auto Rise button to have the plug-in automatically find the best rise setting for the audio material
  • 04Activate Live mode when processing live audio to avoid the latency introduced by the look-ahead feature

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Expander by Steinberg | Plugin Library