New Music Gear Monday: PSP DRC Dynamic Range Controller Plugin

Over the years many mixers often went to the long out-of-production dbx 118 dynamic range expander to add a little more snap to their drum tracks using its expansion mode. While we’re all used to using compression, expansion a process frequently ignored, but is equally as useful once you get the hang of it. The new PSP DRC Dynamic Range Controller plugin is a reimagining of the old 118 and does its same expansion process, only it’s way more flexible.

It’s All In The Modes

While the DRC contains some familiar controls like Threshold, Attack, Release, Mix and Output, its true versatility is built around its Mode and Ratio controls.

The large Ratio control in the center offers compression as you turn it to the left, and expansion as you turn it to the right. Simple downward compression is the most common compression type and the one we’re most used to, where the processor attenuates signals that go above the threshold. Expansion, on the other hand, is where the  processor attenuates attenuates signals that go below the threshold.

There’s a lot more to this than meets the eye as a result of the DRC’s Mode control, which has three positions – Below, Linear, and Above.

Above refers to processing signals detected to be above the threshold level, just like what happens with a typical compressor.

Below refers to processing signals detected below the threshold level, as in a typical expander. When you turn the Ratio control to the left, the signals that are below threshold are attenuated. When you turn it to the right to expansion, it brings up the signal below threshold, which can be very useful when trying to even out things like ghost notes.

Linear refers to processing across the entire dynamic range, treating the Threshold level as a reference point with 0dB of gain. Signals below the threshold point are boosted and signals above the threshold are attenuated, which could work well on a bass where you want the level to remain solid throughout the song.

There are lots of other tweaks that you can do with the DRC, like Sidechain EQ, Saturation and detector variations with the Type switch, but the modes are definitely where the uniqueness of the plugin lies.

The PSP DRC is available for just $69 until June 4th, when its price will return to $99. Yes, there’s a 30 day free trial. You can find out more about it here, or watch the informative video below for more details.