Buchla and Friends 2025: Black Corporation Expander MK2 is a new rackmount programmable stereo hybrid multi-FX processor.
Before Superbooth 2023, Black Corporation, the makers of the Deckard’s Dream or ISE-NIN synths, introduced the EXPANDER MK2, a rackmount stereo multi-FX processor. There hasn’t been an update on the development of this new device for a long time, but I have news from LA.
Black Corporation showcases a working version of the Expander MK2 at the Buchla and Friends 2025 event, not in grey but in classic black.
Black Corporation Expander MK2
Expander MK2 is a tabletop or 6U rackmount stereo effects processor that combines analog and digital effects technology. The new Black Corporation product’s hands-on interface is a highlight.
Unlike many multi-FX, the interface is packed with knobs, sliders, and buttons that give you a very synth-like playing experience. There is also a menu with a display for extra in-depth settings.
Flexible analog and digital effects routable in serial or parallel are at its core, making it a hybrid device. On the top left, you have two distinct delays in both analog and digital flavors.
The first is a PCM42 delay with the advantage of a modern CPU and expanded memory. Black Corporation uses the original discrete 12-bit ADC/DACs, optical compressors, and filters to make it as authentic as possible.
On the analog side, it hosts a BBD circuit that gives you a warm, rich vintage delay with up to 820ms delay time. Plus, both delays offer panning controls. Next to it is the reverb section. BC partnered with MERIS to create a fully tweakable recreation of the 224 digital reverb with room, plate, and hall models for this work.
On top, it hosts a complete 2-channel spring reverb, with each channel getting its own dedicated 17” tank, EQ, and digital pre-delay section.
Analog Meets Digital
Below is the modulation effect section, which includes a powerful modulator and two distinct flavor types of chorus and phaser. The modulator is intriguing because it also hosts not one but two ring modulators: a quadrant multiplier ring modulator for modern sounds and a vintage-style harmonically rich ring modulator based on transformer and diode circuitry.
One step further, you can experience the chorus section with two separate BBD chorus lines with their own rate and depth controls, including the famous 4-button Roland-style 3rd-Dimension chorus.
The phaser has two versions: a Krautrock-friendly optical phaser and a fully analog OTA-based 12-stage phaser for a warmer psychedelic phaser effect.
Also, onboard is a flexible resonator in the insert section and routes in the outboard effects. It is either an EQ, resonant filter or modulated resonance/pan effect. You can patch it before or after the insert. There are lowpass, bandpass, and highpass filter bands, plus resonance on the bandpass filter.
Two more effects: Black Corporation Expander Mk2 also features an overdrive section based on the Korg Nu-Tube microtube technology, which delivers the results of triode vacuum tubes.
Black Corporation Expander MK2 also features an incredibly flexible routing and summing matrix for custom signal chains. On top of that, you can introduce low-frequency modulation with its multi-wave LFO that gives your effects some life and unpredictability.
Connectivity
.According to Black Corporation, the Expander Mk2 is suitable for synthesizers, guitarists, studios, and more. The I/O range has been adapted for this versatile application. It offers both balanced line and Hi-Z inputs, stereo and dual-mono inputs on the backside.
Stereo send and return work both with individual 1/4” (6.35mm) jacks and DB25 connector, and you’ll find USB and DIN MIDI (in/out/thru) plus expression and switch pedal sockets. The developers promise you can even configure EXPANDER MK2 as a 4-channel processor by using the insert send/returns.
First Impression
The Expander MK2 is a massive multi-FX monster with great analog and digital effects. The number of hands-on control options is hard to beat. Unfortunately, the device is way out of my budget. Otherwise, it would be very tempting. Sound demos are available on the official website.
Black Corporation Expander MK2 is available now for pre-order for $4999 with a $1499 pre-order deposit. Availability is TBA.
More information here: Black Corporation
TE side-hustle?