LOGIC PRO X - Expanders

In this episode, Jono is investigating Expanders. If this is a new kind of processor for you, think about Expansion as being the opposite of Compression. Whereas Compression is designed to limit the dynamic range of a sound above a Threshold point, Expanders increase volume at a Threhold point, reducing the dynamics of sounds below that line. Jono will take you on a parameter tour of Logic's Expander before applying its capabilities to two beat loops in a track. As you'll discover, Expanders are great if you're looking for an alternative way to apply a form of transient design, clearing out mix space by promoting important 'hits', whilst reducing the level of less important ones.
00:00 Intro
00:40 What is the difference between Compression and Expansion?
01:23 What are Expanders useful for?
02:16 The problems with the track
02:58 Expander parameter overview
05:03 Tweaking settings during playback
05:50 Understanding how Expanders can provide transient design
07:14 Applying the Expander to loop 2
09:26 A/Bing the original mix with the Expanders

[@jatsajatsa]

Don't think I've encountered a better teacher (of any subject) on YT. Thank you!

[@jonobuchananmusic]

Wow, those are very kind words. Much appreciated!

[@fallenleaf24]

you are not wrong. The simplistic clarity is wonderful!

[@SavoryShredZ]

Awesome! I came here to understand expanders more deeply, for mixing speech with a lot of BG noise in the gaps between phrases. But the potential for musical application with this is inspiring!

[@jonobuchananmusic]

Thanks so much. Greatly appreciated!

[@jenniferlaynemusic]

Fascinating. Automating the ratio... ⭐ Thank you, Jono Buchanan!

[@jonobuchananmusic]

Not at all, thank YOU! (As always)

[@JohnLynagh]

Another really interesting concept. It would be cool to see a bounce in place version of one of the tracks v's the original to see how the expander alters the transient. I imagine it is louder (and pointyer :) ) in the areas where the attack and release have been configured. I must give this a go. Thanks Jono.

[@jonobuchananmusic]

Hi John. Absolutely - that would be a useful test. Let me know how you get on. Thanks as always.

[@BarthF]

Thank you, Jono, a very informative video!

[@jonobuchananmusic]

You’re most welcome. Thanks!

[@rockerfromthebackstreets]

Gr8 mate, never used an expander will experiment, compressors about my limits, but getting there. Noticed loops have plugins attached like reverb etc also create buss’s, I try removing these if I use them to get the dry signal un affected by processors, thats if I use loops.

[@jonobuchananmusic]

Yes, it can be annoying if Logic content loads with chains of FX but they can be quite inspiring too. Enjoy the Expander!

[@Aaryanparmar255]

Hii Sir.. reallly very useful video...I hv leant many tricks from u so far...God bless u alwayZzzzzz...!!! Much love from India...!!

[@jonobuchananmusic]

You're very welcome. Glad to hear the videos are providing some useful tips.

[@KOZGERFWAD]

Thank you, JB!!

[@jonobuchananmusic]

You're welcome!

[@redguitar6062]

Hi Jono. I find when playing my SSS Strat in front of the computer that I get a lot of low-level noise and I use a combination of a noise gate and an expander to try to get it out of the way. Tends to dull the sound though.

[@jonobuchananmusic]

Sorry to hear you're having that issue. Do things improve with less proximity?

[@redguitar6062]

@@jonobuchananmusic It's a Strat with all single coils 🤣🤣🤣 I just though I'd share this novel/desparate way to use an expander.

[@rockerfromthebackstreets]

Are you going through an inter-faze

[@redguitar6062]

@@rockerfromthebackstreets Yep. Scarlett 18i8 3rd Gen

[@rockerfromthebackstreets]

@@redguitar6062 check you have the 48volt off, check your input to your Strat is sound a good tight connection, check inside your leads, I use a Boss suppressor and various guitars a Strat being one single coils, to me the noise is before it enters the PC or lap top, noise gates will not erase this, hope this helps.

[@morsymusic]

Had no idea expander did this! I been using SPL D-Verb & XLN Drum Shaper to achieve this.

[@jonobuchananmusic]

I bet that combination achieves some amazing results. Expanders are often overlooked but they’re incredibly useful.

[@andrew6889-p5c]

Great. Thank you.

[@jonobuchananmusic]

Thanks as always, Andrew.

[@Waldo_Ilowiecki]

Thanks my master.

[@Bittamin]

We love and appreciate Jono, but I don’t know if he loves and appreciates that title 😂

[@jonobuchananmusic]

Bittamin is right. These are kind words, but that's not a word I'd use to describe myself. I'm delighted to hear that the videos are proving helpful but I'm not a Jedi (yet)!

[@Waldo_Ilowiecki]

@@jonobuchananmusic For me you are Yoda :) Thanks to you I came out of the darkness of amateurism and thanks to your videos my work has entered a higher level. Your videos are excellent, very creative, precise and consistent. I watch them all. They are a treasure of knowledge.