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Elysia Xpressor 500-Series Stereo Compressor — image 1

Elysia Audio

Elysia Xpressor 500-Series Stereo Compressor

Incredibly powerful and versatile stereo compressor from Elysia Audio shrunk down to a double-wide 500 series module.

UPC 04251203700037

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Elysia Xpressor 500-Series Stereo Compressor Current Elysia Xpressor Stereo Compressor View

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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.

Watch & listen

Elysia Xpressor 500 pt. 4 - Full Mix

Also in this recording Miktek CV3 Large Diaphragm Multi-Pattern Matched Pair Phoenix Audio DRS8 mk2 Microphone Preamp Lynx Aurora 16 I/O D/A and A/D Converter

The Elysia Xpressor 500 is an incredibly powerful and versatile stereo compressor from Elysia Audio shrunk down to a double-wide 500 series module. 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. In the final video of our Elysia Xpressor series, SoundPure Recording Engineer, Allen Palmer, brings all the previously recorded tracks (Electric, Acoustic, and Vocals) and compresses them one more time for a final mix. If you like what you hear check out this gear at SoundPure.com or give us a call anytime at 919.682.5552. Thanks for watching!

Elysia Xpressor 500 Compressor pt 3 - Electric Guitar

Also in this recording Miktek CV3 Large Diaphragm Multi-Pattern Matched Pair Lynx Aurora 16 I/O D/A and A/D Converter Phoenix Audio DRS8 mk2 Microphone Preamp

The Elysia Xpressor 500 is an incredibly powerful and versatile stereo compressor from Elysia Audio shrunk down to a double-wide 500 series module. In the third video of our Elysia Xpressor series, SoundPure Recording Engineer, Allen Palmer, shows how the Xpressor handles electric guitar. If you like what you hear check out this gear at SoundPure.com or give us a call anytime at 919.682.5552. Thanks for watching!

Elysia Xpressor 500 Compressor pt. 2 - Vocals

Also in this recording Miktek CV3 Large Diaphragm Multi-Pattern Matched Pair Phoenix Audio DRS8 mk2 Microphone Preamp Lynx Aurora 16 I/O D/A and A/D Converter

The Elysia Xpressor 500 is an extremely versatile stereo compressor. Stereo buss compression, processing single signals, approaching dynamics in creative ways – the xpressor 500 shines in many different applications. In this video, SoundPure Recording Engineer, Allen Palmer, continues our Elysia video series with Vocals. If you like what you hear check out this gear at SoundPure.com or give us a call anytime at 919.682.5552. Thanks for watching!

Elysia Xpressor 500 Compressor pt. 1 - Acoustic Guitar

Also in this recording Miktek CV3 Large Diaphragm Multi-Pattern Matched Pair Phoenix Audio DRS8 mk2 Microphone Preamp Lynx Aurora 16 I/O D/A and A/D Converter

The Elysia Xpressor 500 is an extremely versatile stereo compressor. Stereo buss compression, processing single signals, approaching dynamics in creative ways – the xpressor 500 shines in many different applications. In this video, SoundPure Recording Engineer, Allen Palmer, starts off our Elysia video series with Acoustic Guitar. If you like what you hear check out this gear at SoundPure.com or give us a call anytime at 919.682.5552. Thanks for watching!

xpressor 500 in action

In six short chapters, this video shows the great flexibility and the special functions of our discrete class-A stereo compressor for 500 series rack frames. We hope you enjoy it!

xpressor in action

Also in this recording Elysia Xpressor Stereo Compressor

The 19" version of the xpressor presents its great sound and flexibility in 8 short chapters.For even more examples, please make sure to watch the 500 series version video of the xpressor as well...We hope you'll enjoy i... Read more

xpressor workout part 2

Also in this recording Elysia Xpressor Stereo Compressor

Lots of nice xpressor compression examples are waiting for you...

xpressor workout part 1

Also in this recording Elysia Xpressor Stereo Compressor

But what does the xpressor do?Enjoy Tom's take at it, and make sure to watch part 2 as well...

sidechain compression tutorial

Also in this recording Elysia Mpressor - Compressor Plugin Elysia Xpressor Stereo Compressor

Sidechain compression... what can we use it for? This tutorial shows some of the most favored sidechain tips and tricks, both in hardware and software: Groove compression, ducking and frequency dependent compression. Mak... Read more

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

User Manual Download

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Elysia Xpressor 500 pt. 4 - Full Mix

Elysia Xpressor 500 Compressor pt 3 - Electric Guitar

Elysia Xpressor 500 Compressor pt. 2 - Vocals

Elysia Xpressor 500 Compressor pt. 1 - Acoustic Guitar

xpressor 500 in action

xpressor in action

xpressor workout part 2

xpressor workout part 1

sidechain compression tutorial

Auto Fast

Parallel Compression

Free 3-Year Warranty

Returns

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Come hear it in our control rooms.