Type X

Type X from AudioThing is a faithful emulation of the dbx Model 1BX, a vintage dynamic range expander from the hi-fi golden age. Instead of compressing, it widens the gap between quiet and loud passages, adding punch, presence, and expressive contrast to any track. The original was built to restore dynamics to compressed sources like tape and broadcast, but Type X adds modern flexibility: a sidechain input with high-pass and low-pass filters lets you control exactly what triggers expansion, while adjustable internal attack and release times offer deeper shaping beyond the fixed hardware response. A true RMS detector tracks average energy for authentic behavior. Use it on drums, vocals, or full mixes to inject life and depth, or on sampled loops to reclaim lost dynamics. Ideal for hobby producers seeking characterful, vintage-flavored enhancement in FL Studio, Ableton, or Logic.