Xfer Records release a free update to their Dimension Expander spatial expanding plugin.
As someone who lives in an 18m² apartment, I’m very attuned to the expansion of space.
See also: BPB Dirty Filter Is A FREE Distortion VST/AU PluginAnd when you’re looking to do that in the audio world, Xfer Records’ Dimension Expander is one of the go-to places.
Dimension Expander is directly based on Massive’s effect of the same name. The story goes that someone from Xfer found the source code in a Reaktor module and recreated the effect, putting it for free on their store.
So that’s cool – Dimension Expander isn’t a typical stereo widener but instead emulates the classic late 80s effect – think The Cure – in particular, think the Boss Dimension C.
So, what’s new in this stereo expander plugin? Well, mostly just the interface. But it’s a cool interface!
Dimension Expander features its own name horizontally at the top of the plugin, in case you forget what you’re using – below that is the HUGE “Size” knob that – and you’ll have to trust me on this – controls the size.
On the left and right are the “Power” and “Mix” knobs, respectively – that’s it.
That’s pretty much what the original plugin offered, but it also had the additional benefit of featuring a rooster on its interface, so that’s a noticeable downgrade.
Aside from that, it’s the classic plugin you know and love – I joke about its simplicity, but it might be one of its biggest strengths.
Xfer Records have created some of the most useful stuff in music production – OTT, LFO Tool, Cthulhu, and what might be the most popular and widely-used modern synth – Serum.
So despite its minimalistic look, you’re in good hands.
Alright, but how does it sound?
Dimension Expander creates four chorus parts with extended delay times and then slightly phases two of them, so they’re out of sync.
It’s a delightfully full and robust sound that you’ve no doubt heard before, even you didn’t know what it was.
It’s great on snares, synths, guitar parts, whatever – there’s a reason this sound has stuck around.
Just make sure you bring back the rooster next time, Xfer.
More info: Xfer Records Dimension Expander (free VST/AU plugin for Windows and macOS)
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16 Comments
Tomislav Zlatic
onThanks to BPB reader Christian H for the info about the Dimension Expander update!
bmovie
onReally nice to see all those old favorites gets a reboot lately: this one, the TAL’s freebies, Variety Of Sounds, maybe even Shortcircuit! Good days :)
Numanoid
onShortcircuit getting a GUI update would be FANTASTIC! It is my go-to-sample player still. I think it was made by those Swedish guys who made Surge (and also contributed to Bitwig) so it is not impossible
bmovie
onThey are working on it, but it will take some time:
https://www.kvraudio.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=560292
Tomislav Zlatic
onOh, looking forward to that! ShortCircuit 1 was such a great sampler.
Wing Yee
onAgreed. I’m still using both SC1+2 bridged.
MRG
onDoesn’t taste like chicken anymore. But still has a nice taste.
apparenthorizon
onye i miss the chicken in gui :[
rex roll
onI love the cock in the old GUI.:(
MRG
onMmm, not familiar with the concept of “quote mining”, are we? ;)
T Bhanu Yeja
onIs This plugin Available in 32bit Version ? It is not working for me ;(
Shell Raiser
onHmmm, the new release seems to be only for 64bit, none the less you can use the old version, you’ll find it on archive.org.
Shell raiser
onSorry for the wrong info, in l the installer does show 32bit vst
Febbs!
onThis year is the year of reboots and reskins of old plugins that we love.
Christian H
onThe new version 1.23 file size (Windows x64) is much larger but surprisingly it runs slightly lighter than the old version. For those who prefer, the DLL file can be extracted from the install file and copied to the VST folder.
Trex Themm
onGUI is really sick. Sure Serum 2.0 is coming very soon.