Excite Audio have released a multi effect plugin - suitable as a general all rounder for your mix.
If you are in the market for a plugin which will be a great all rounder for all areas of your mix, then look no further than our Excite Audio Lifeline Expanse review. We take a look at this plugin and see how it helps boost your mix, no matter what track it gets added to.
Contents
Installation
A simple installation was experienced with this plugin and is available for Mac and PC in a multitude of format including VST, VST3 and AU. The plugin appeared after a quick scan and was ready to use. The installation includes the various plugin presets, 325 in the full version and 100 in the Lite version.
What is Lifeline Expanse used for?
The Excite Audio Lifeline Expanse can be used on pretty much any area of your mix. The producers of the plugin state that this plugin is an extensive and intuitive multi-effect that breathes life into any sound by adding character, space and width.
I have to agree with them, the effects on offer are varied. Depending on the area of the plugin you tweak will have an effect on the output and what to place this on the mix.
What features does Lifeline Expanse have?
A quick overview on its features during our Lifeline Expanse review showed us it had:
- 5 Effects Modules
- 20 Unique Algorithms
- Multiband functionality
- Rearrangeable Modular workflow
- Resizeable UI
- Zero Latency
The device offers emulation of different speakers which include Cabinet – which will be of interest for you guitar gurus out there and monitors, which will emulate studio monitor setups.
Could this be a way of listening back to a mix via a buss containing this plugin – maybe that is one to ponder for future use as an alternative to finding a good studio monitoring solution.
Testing Emulation in our Lifeline Expanse review
We took a look at the emulation offerings within this VST plugin. We’ve tried and tested a number of tape emulation plugins in the past and with the Dirt section of the plugin it is possible to apply effect.
The Tube, Tape, Rectify and Fuzz algorithms instantly add distortion, saturation, aggressive harmonics and noise to any sound you want. Using the Drive, Smooth and Tone controls, the intensity or smoothness of each effect can be easily dialled in to suit any context.
How much is Excite Audio Lifeline Expanse?
The product costs £59 from Plugin Boutique and will get you virtual cash on later purchases too. It offers a light version of the plugin also at a lower cost. Between the two though, for the added features that the full version gives means that it is worth spending the £20 difference on.
What is the difference between Lifeline Expanse and Lifeline Expanse Lite?
The two Excite Audio products are very similar however the Full version has additional features, presets and functionality compared to the lite. The table below shows the comparison between the two.
| Feature | Full Version | Lite Version |
|---|---|---|
| 5 Effects Modules | Yes | Yes |
| 20 Algorithms | Yes | Yes |
| Drag & Drop Workflow | Yes | Yes |
| Resizable UI | Yes | Yes |
| Zero Latency | Yes | Yes |
| Global Controls | Yes | Yes |
| Main Page Controls | Yes | Yes |
| Number of Presets | 325 | 100 |
| Number of Speakers | 8 | 4 |
| Gain Multiband Functionality | Yes | |
| Effect Multiband Functionality | Yes | |
| Close / Room Mix Placement | Yes | |
| Re-Amp Advanced Controls – Drive / Bass Through | Yes | |
| Dirt Advanced Controls – Smooth / Dynamics | Yes | |
| Format Advanced Controls – Smooth / Noise | Yes | |
| Width Advanced Controls – Bass Mono / Balance | Yes | |
| Space Advanced Controls – Size / Predelay / Width / Duck | Yes | |
| Phase Correlation Meter | Yes |
Conclusion
We really liked this plugin for the simple fact that it has so much versatility for the price. It offers a unique set of character for each of the elements which can be used individually or in unison with each other. Either way this plugin will complement your mix and take them to the next level.
