Type X dynamic range expander plugin interface by AudioThing

Type X: Dynamic Range Expander Plugin by AudioThing Free Download

Rated 4.8/5 on Plugin Boutique (11 ratings)

Type X is a dynamic range expander plugin by AudioThing that increases the difference between loud and soft passages in a signal. It is modeled on the dbx Model 1BX and is available for Windows, macOS and Linux.

VST3VST2AUAAXCLAPStandaloneWindowsmacOSLinux64-bit

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Free trial available from the developer

01Overview

Type X is an expander plugin that adds punch and presence by widening the gap between quiet and loud material. Instead of reducing dynamics like a compressor, it makes quiet sounds quieter while loud sounds stay loud or grow slightly louder. The developer describes it as an emulation of the dbx Model 1BX, a single-band expander introduced in 1978. Type X adds controls the original lacked, including adjustable attack and release times and a filtered sidechain.

Best for

Adding punch to mixes
Reviving compressed sources
Expanding dynamics on drums
Sidechain-driven expansion
Vintage-style dynamic shaping

Developer: AudioThing
Category: Expanders
Store: Plugin Boutique

02Key features

What you get

Dynamic range expander modeled on the dbx Model 1BX
Single-band processing with attack and release controls
Sidechain input with high-pass and low-pass filters
Gain control for independent sidechain level
Source listening to monitor the sidechain signal
Oversampling up to 16x
Brightness and Contrast controls
Resizable window and preset system with randomizer

03In depth

How Type X Shapes Dynamics and Sound

Type X applies wideband dynamic expansion. Its detector uses true RMS to follow the average energy of the signal over time. When the signal crosses a user-defined transition level, the expander applies gain changes based on the expansion ratio.

Attack and release controls set how quickly the expander responds, so you can shape the feel from fast and punchy to slower and more gradual. Brightness and Contrast controls add further tonal and dynamic shaping.

As a single-band processor, Type X treats the full frequency range as one band, which keeps the processing simple to set up.

Sidechain Filtering and Control Options

The sidechain input lets you choose between the main input and an external signal as the source of the expansion. Dedicated high-pass and low-pass filters on the sidechain let you decide which frequencies drive the effect.

The Gain control adjusts the sidechain level independently, which helps keep triggering consistent with quiet or loud material. Source listening lets you hear exactly the audio the expander is reacting to.

Type X also offers oversampling up to 16x, a resizable window and a preset system with a randomizer.

04Specs

Will it run?

Formats, systems and requirements as listed by Plugin Boutique. Missing details are left out, not guessed.

Developer	AudioThing
Type	Plugin
Category	Expander
Formats	VST3, VST2, AU, AAX, CLAP, Standalone
Operating systems	Windows, macOS, Linux
Architecture	64-bit
Free trial	Yes

05FAQ

Questions, answered

What is Type X?

Type X is a dynamic range expander plugin by AudioThing. It is a modern take on the dbx Model 1BX and increases the difference between loud and soft passages.

What formats and operating systems does Type X support?

Type X is available in VST3, VST2, AU, AAX, CLAP and Standalone formats, in 64-bit. It runs on Windows (7 to 11), macOS (10.13 to 15, universal binary) and Linux (Ubuntu 20.04 LTS).