Originally Posted by: LordathestringsThe opposite of compressions is...

wait for it...

expansion!

This is a device that increases the dynamic range. Most noise-reduction systems use compression/expansion in their encode/decode functions.

I don't know of any stomp-box expanders.

Maybe you could "expand" on this a bit as the last time I used an expander (i.e. a downwards expander in a noise gate) it did not increase dynamic range, but shut signal out as the signal level dropped off !! It was incorporated into one of these (I know it is a Behringer, don't laugh).

This has nothing to do with expanding the dynamics of your signal !

This is very different to "sonic exciters" which you can get as rack mounted units (like this ) or stomp boxes (like this ). These units will synthesize specific frequencies that are absent "on input" and are also very different from the filter sets (i.e. active or passive EQ) that cancel (or boost) frequencies that are all ready there. This has the result of "expanding" your dynamic range and can very quickly lead to ear fatigue !

(personally I think they are a pile of poo !!)