Black Corporation EXPANDER MK2 tabletop effects processor
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Black Corporation Expander Mk2 · Source: Black Corporation
Black Corporation Expander Mk2 · Source: Black Corporation
Black Corporation Expander Mk2 · Source: Black Corporation
Black Corporation Expander Mk2 · Source: Black Corporation
Black Corporation Expander Mk2 · Source: Black Corporation
Black Corporation Expander Mk2 · Source: Black Corporation
Black Corporation Expander Mk2 · Source: Black Corporation
The Expander Mk2 is a stunning modular console of vintage audio effects processing that borrows from legendary places and delivers epic sounds.
Expander Mk2
This takes the original Expander effects rack that added a bit of space and modulation to the Deckard’s Dream synthesizer, and runs off with it in revolutionary directions.
The Expander Mk2 combines analogue and digital effects in a super versatile and modular multi-effects unit. It welcomes all comers with line and Hi-Z inputs with stereo and mono routing options which can also mean dual-mono, which will get very interesting. Using the rather marvellous matrix mixer your can design entire effects pathways for each channel. You can cascade in series or you can run things in parallel.
Black Corporation Expander Mk2 · Source: Black Corporation
Here’s the effects roster:
- Delay: Both digital and analogue options. They are MIDI syncable and pannable. The digital side is based on the Lexicon PCM42 with guidance from the original engineer and the advantage of better CPU and memory. The analogue uses BBD circuitry for a warm tone up to 820ms.
- Reverb: The digital reverb is based on the Lexicon 224. Meanwhile, the spring reverb uses two 17″ tanks equipped with EQ and a digital pre-delay section.
- Modulator: First, a quadrant multiplier Ring Modulator with modern chips and then a vintage-style harmonically rich transformer and diode-based one. There’s a reference oscillator with attack and release envelope to control the pitch similar to that on the Yamaha CS-80.
- Chorus: Two distinct BBD chorus lines with manual control and the classic four-button chorus presets.
- Phaser: An analogue OTA-based 12-stage phaser and an optical phaser.
- Insert/Resonator: The Insert lets you patch in external effects or use it as extra inputs and outputs. The Matrix can patch it into any part of the signal chain. The Resonator adds some subtle EQ and can be animated for extra movement.
- Overdrive: Everything from warmth and texture to screaming distortion from Korg’s Nu-Tube technology.
- LFO: A bunch of LFOs that can be routed all over the place.
On the back, you have balanced inputs and outputs, stereo send and return, inputs for expression and switch pedals, USB and MIDI. The guitar input can be found on the front along with a headphone socket.
Black Corporation Expander Mk2 · Source: Black Corporation
More than enough
It looks like Black Corporation has covered everything. You’ve pretty much got an analogue and digital version of each effect, versatile routing, massive chains or multiple layers, MIDI control, expressive control and internal modulation. The Routing and Summing Matrix allows you to quickly set up complex configurations and work the Expander Mk2 like an instrument.
Black Corporation Expander Mk2 · Source: Black Corporation
Personally, while I like that the colour follows the Deckard’s Dream, I would have liked them to follow that through to the fader caps. It comes with wooden cheeks but is also rack-mountable and is 6U tall.
The preorder price is $4,999, and Black Corporation hopes to ship early next year.
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10 responses to “Black Corporation EXPANDER MK2 tabletop effects processor”
Mighty impressive with a matching price tag!
FIVE, THOUSAND, DOLLARS! 🤣🤣🤣🤣
Maybe it’s just a good-quality machine for people who appreciate the high-end of things
Looks like a misprint. Website says $1499
No, that’s the down payment to pre-order. The price is $4,999 [he said as he wiped a tear from his eye].
I know it’s expensive but I think £1499 is pretty good for what you’re getting! For example, the Moogerfooger delay pedal (the MIDI one) sells for similar second hand(or it was the last time I looked it up)
To be fair most of the Black Corp stuff is in this price range.
Oh wait. It’s not $1499 after all, it’s $3500 with a $1499 deposit (just checked the website and read the full details). It’s as expensive as I feared! 🙂
Just checked again – it is $4999! Deposit of $1499 plus the remaining $3500 is payable at a later date…
I need this
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