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Sound Pure's Take
I’ve never been one to lightly throw out the “L” word, so you can trust that when I say this I truly, sincerely mean it with 100% of my being - I've fallen in love with the Elysia Xpressor.
So what exactly is it about this 500 series 2-channel dynamics processor that’s convinced me to utter such a powerful 4 letter word? Well, for starters you have a wet/dry mix knob, a feature I’m surprised more compressors don’t include despite the incredible versatility it provides. You’ve got a “warmth” button to quickly add some extra analog tone to your signal (great for beefing up your drum bus or vocal tracks) as well as a selectable side chain filter to help ensure you’re not getting any mix bus pumping from your heavy-hitting kick. But what really separates this compressor from the rest of the two-channel dynamics processors out there is the incredible power and control that comes from the greater than infinity (negative) ratios and the “GRL” or Gain Reduction Limiter knob. That’s right, negative ratios, meaning the output volume actually gets pulled below your threshold any time the incoming audio exceeds your set threshold. While this naturally lends itself to create some pretty aggressive sounds, setting the GRL knob to restrict the amount of compression to just a few dBs can result in some very usable sounds within even a more traditional, less effect-heavy mix.
I’ve been using the Xpressor on drum bus pretty extensively (I’d love to try it on other sources, but I’ve only got one and I just can’t pull it off my drum bus!). Sonically the Xpressor covers a HUGE range of characters - it can be a very smooth, transparent bus compressor used to bring up your RMS level without any standard compression artifacts (with ratios as low as 1.2, the Xpressor can definitely do subtle if that’s what you’re after). It can also get incredibly punchy and heavy hitting, just check what it does to the drum track in Elysia’s demo video - it does not disappoint.
The Xpressor really does redefine what a stereo dynamics processor is capable of. And given it’s incredibly affordable price tag, I wouldn’t be surprised to see more engineers retiring their $2.5k range 19” stereo compressors to move towards the more compact 500 series format for their stereo compression needs - especially if future 500 series designers follow in Elysia’s footsteps by creating processors that not only match the sonic qualities and capabilities of 19” rack pieces, but push multiple steps ahead to offer truly unique features not found anywhere else.
From Elysia Audio
The xpressor 500 is an extremely versatile stereo compressor available in API's 500 series format. With its many unique features taken from our flagship products, you not only get great compression, but an amount of control on processing which is hardly ever experienced elsewhere.
No matter if you want to set and forget or plunge deep into the secrets of compression, the xpressor 500 is for you. Its discrete audio path running in constant class-A mode provides a superior audio quality which combines a clear and open sound with a good lot of punch.
Stereo buss compression, processing single signals, approaching dynamics in creative ways – the xpressor 500 shines in many different applications. Best of elysia? You got it!
• Discrete Class-A Topology
Pristine audio quality.
• Auto Fast Attack
Perfect attack in any situation.
• Switchable Release Characteristic
Smooth or crisp – the choice is yours.
• Warm Mode
Transparency? Saturation? Both!
• Parallel Compression
Mixing direct and compressed signals.
• Sidechain Filter
Frequency selective compression.
• Gain Reduction Limiter
Ultimate control on the compression process.
• Made in Germany
High grade components, solid aluminum knobs.
- Discrete Class-A Topology
- As a true elysia specialty, the audio path of the xpressor 500 is completely based on discrete circuitry and does not use any integrated circuits at all.
Auto Fast
- Inspired by its big brothers
- the switchable semi automation for a perfect attack on the basis of the value set by the user.
Log Release
This alternative characteristic of the release curve follows a logarithmic course instead of the standard linear progress and results in a very gentle kind of compression.
- Negative Ratios
- The characteristic curve bends and goes back down! Heavy pumping, backward sounds, etc. – perfect for very cool compression effects.
Parallel Compression
- Available directly on the unit
- the direct and the compressed signal can be blended in any desired relation by simply turning the mix controller.
- Sidechain Filter
- A tunable low cut filter in the sidechain of the xpressor 500 avoids overcompression and pumping when there is a lot of low end energy in the mix.
- Gain Reduction Limiter
- This novel limiter is not placed in the audio path as usually, but restricts the control voltage of the compressor instead.
- Warm Mode
- The xpressor 500 offers a second switchable sound flavor by altering its frequency spectrum, harmonics and transient response.
Analog Dynamic LED Meter
The gain reduction meter modulates its LEDs in their brightness in order to show the action of the compressor in an analog way: fast and with smooth transitions.
- Stepped Potentiometers
- All potentiometers in the xpressor 500 have 41 steps which are a great help for recalling your previous sessions fast and precisely.
- Technical Data
- If you are interested in learning more about typical measurements and technical specifications of the xpressor 500, this is the right place to check.
Manuals & documents
Free 3-Year Warranty
Sound Pure stands behind our products. Free three-year warranty on this item. Coverage exclusions live in Terms & Conditions, Section 27.
Level of support and expertise that simply isn't available at big-box megastores. Read the warranty →
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