One of the more exciting things from SuperBooth was the sequel to Black Corporation’s Expander Effects Processor.
The Expander mk2 is a programmable multi-effects processor taking up 6U of rack mount action and features both analog and digital technology. With line and HI-Z inputs, the Expander mk2 can be employed by music producers, synthesizer users, guitarists, bassists, and live musicians. The stereo and dual-mono routings offer a range of connections, with each channel having its own distinct effects chain. The routing matrix array of LED tact switches lets you create a variety of effects chains, from sending a single source to multiple effects in parallel, to cascading them in series.
Black Corporation Expander mk2
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One knob per function approach
The Expander mk2’s interface takes a knob per function approach, and you can save and recall all your settings as presets, with complete MIDI CC functionality, foot switch, and expression pedal inputs adding even more control possibilities. Let’s dive into the effect themselves:
Delay: The delay section is MIDI syncable, offering both digital and analog options. The digital delay is based on the PCM42, with the same discrete 12-bit ADC/DACs, optical compressor, and filters as the original. Guidance from Gary Hall, the engineer behind the original unit, has resulted in a sound that BC claims is very close to the original, with the added benefit of a modern CPU and expanded memory. The analog delay, using analog BBD circuitry, asserts to offer a warmer tone with up to 820 milliseconds of delay time. Both delays feature panning controls for added spatial motion.
Reverb: As on the delay, Expander mk2 features both digital and analog options. The digital reverb is based on the lush and spacious 224, faithfully recreated by the wizards at Meris. The spring reverb uses two 17″ tanks (one for each channel) each equipped with an EQ and digital pre-delay section.
Modulator: The modulator is a ring modulator section with enhanced functionality. The first being a quadrant multiplier ring modulator for clean, modern silicon chip-based sounds, and the second, a vintage-style, harmonically rich transformer and diode based ring. The modulator also includes a reference oscillator with an attack and release envelope controlling its pitch, similar to the CS-80.
Chorus: The chorus section features two distinct BBD chorus lines, with manual controls for speed and depth, to add subtle stereo widening or intense, turbulent animation. For fans of the classic four-button chorus, those presets are in there as well.
Phaser: The phaser section includes an analog OTA-based 12-stage phaser circuit for warm, psychedelic phaser effects, as well as an optical phaser to get a classic Krautrock sound.
Insert / Resonator: The Insert / Resonator section allows you to patch in outboard effects into any part of the effects chain. The resonator component can be used as a subtle EQ to sculpt the tone or can be modulated by the LFO section to create animated resonant or panning effects. The insert returns and sends can occur pre or post-resonator and can also be used as an extra input and output to route multiple signals. When used in parallel, these can turn Expander mk2 into a 4-channel effects processor.
Overdrive: The overdrive section uses Korg’s Nu-Tube micro tube technology to add subtle texture and warmth to any sound, from guitars, synths, drum machines or vocals to anything in between. When pushed further, it can create screaming distortion, perfect for anyone looking to turn up the heat.
LFO: The LFO section features a multitude of LFO’s routable to nearly any destination of the other sections, adding life and movement throughout the signal path.
The connectivity on the back panel of the Expander mk2 includes balanced inputs and outputs, stereo send and return (via individual 1/4″ jacks or using a common DB25 connector), expression and switch pedals, USB, and DIN MIDI. Additionally, the front includes a HI-Z input for guitarists or any instrumentalist with quieter outputs to plug and play right away. Expander mk2’s natural wood sides can be switched out for included rack ears. While all this action sounds very enticing, it doesn’t come cheap and you’ll have to invest $1500 to secure your pre-order and add $3500 when it’s ready to ship some time in 2024.
