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Table of Contents Thanks 1 Conventions 2 How to Update 3 Dynamic Processors 5 Introduction to the Dynamic Processing 6 Why a Compressor ? 7 Why an Expander ? 8 Why a De-Compressor ? 9 Why a De-Expander ? 10 Why a Limiter ? 11 Alchemist 12 The Alchemist concept 13 The Parameters 14 General Settings and Display 15 Bands Settings and Display 20 Dynamic Sections Settings and Display 26 Solera II 29 The Solera Concept 30 Dynamic Processing Parameters Detailed 32 Pure Series
The Preset Management 103 Common Specifications 106 Good to Know 107 Index a iii
1 1 Thanks 1 Thank You! Thank you for purchasing a FLUX product. FLUX offers a high-end line of audio plug-ins. Alchemist is the flagship for dynamic processing. Solera and the Pure Series are a declination of particular dynamic sections from the Alchemist. All our plug-in support AU, RTAS and VST compatible hosts for both Mac (OS X) and PC (Windows XP). A single dongle (Flux or iLok) allows to use them on all platforms.
2 2 Conventions On a screenshot every control features a number which also features into the function description title. The commentaries will appear in italic type.
3 3 How to Update Updating products To download to the latest release of our plug-ins, you need to register your product(s) Then you will be able to access the user download section by entering either the email address you entered during the registration process, or your product reference. Your product reference is it serial number if you have the Flux:: dongle key (it can be seen in the security manager application, or your iLok.com user id if you use iLok to authorize our plug-ins.
3 upgrades must be requested from Merging Technologies.
4 4 Dynamic Processors The Flux:: Dynamic Processor family features "Alchemist", "Solera", "Pure Compressor", "Pure Expander", "Pure DCompressor", "Pure DExpander" and "Pure Limiter". All the Flux dynamic processors rely on the level (peak and RMS) detection like products from other companies. But all our algorithms also use a dynamic value extracted from the input signal.
4.1 Introduction to the Dynamic 4.1 Introduction to the Dynamic Processing What is the Dynamic Processing? While mastering, mixing or recording, some uses of the dynamic processing are only utilitarian or trivial, but some are creative. Our Processors can face any situation. Without forcing a particular sound coloration, they allow to achieve results that can’t be reached with other plug-ins that just mimic usual hardware.
4.1 Introduction to the Dynamic Why a Compressor ? 4.1.1 Why a Compressor ? A compressor is designed to reduce the dynamic range of an audio signal. That means difference between the quietest and the loudest parts of the sound. This prevents the sound to disappear into a mix by the masking of surrounding louder elements. This also prevents the sound to totally cover other instruments during loud parts.
4.1 Introduction to the Dynamic Why an Expander ? 4.1.2 Why an Expander ? An expander behaves as the opposite of the compressor. The signal is toned down according to a certain ratio below the threshold instead of above this point for the compressor. The dynamic is expanded since original low levels are reduced once processed. The difference between high levels and low levels is increased. Usually the expanders are used every time a signal needs to be cleaned up from unwanted low level components.
4.1 Introduction to the Dynamic Why a De-Compressor ? 4.1.3 Why a De-Compressor ? A de-compressor behaves as the opposite of the compressor. It increases the signal level above the threshold according to the set ratio instead of reducing above this point for the compressor. It must be used to restore the dynamic of the signal. This processing is very unusual for hardware dynamic processors because of the complexity of its implementation. This processor can save a mastering session.
4.1 Introduction to the Dynamic Why a De-Expander ? 4.1.4 Why a De-Expander ? A de-expander behaves as the opposite of the expander. It increases the signal level below the threshold according to the set ratio instead of reducing below this point for the expander. It can be used to reduce the dynamic of the signal to magnify low levels. This processing is very unusual for hardware dynamic processors because of the complexity of its implementation.
4.1 Introduction to the Dynamic Why a Limiter ? 4.1.5 Why a Limiter ? A limiter is almost like a compressor set with an infinite ratio value. Since this process doesn't know nuances, most limiters generate heavy sound artefacts. Until you use it as a special effect, a limiter is supposed to be the very last stage of your audio processing chain. A limiter can dramatically increase the average audio level without damaging the perceived audio quality when using a state of the art algorithm.
4.2 Alchemist 4.2 Alchemist Alchemist is the most powerful audio processor ever designed by Flux. It can subtly improve your mix or to totally transmute the audio materials. This plug-in is a multi-band dynamic processor. Based on the acclaimed Flux dynamic processing algorithms, Alchemist features a state-of-the-art IIR cross-over with selectable slopes and variable corner frequencies.
4.2 Alchemist The Alchemist concept 4.2.1 The Alchemist concept 4 At first, the wideband signal is split into frequency bands by a slope adjustable cross-over. Each band is individually processed for dynamic. For every frequency band, every dynamic processing section, the compressor, the de-compressor, the expander and the de-expander features its own envelop generator including Angel's Share, Peak amount parameters, Hysteresis and its threshold adjustment.
4.2 Alchemist The Parameters 4.2.
4.2 Alchemist The Parameters 4.2.2.1 General Settings and Display This section manages the wide band behavior of the Alchemist plug-in. It also controls the number of band of the processing (27) and the selection of the band setting panel (22). 4 General Settings Input Gain (1) Unit: dB - Value Range: -48 / +48 - Step: 0.
4.2 Alchemist The Parameters Default Value: 0 dB Sets the gain applied to the dynamic processing input. Dry Mix (2) Default Value: -144 dB This slider controls the amount of the original signal that can be added to the processed audio. This feature is dedicated to mastering works requiring both heavy processing and subtle control. The mix is done before the output gain. Invert Phase (3) Default Value: Off When this button is engaged, the phase of the processed signal is inverted.
4.2 Alchemist The Parameters It can also be done from the main display area. Number of Band Control (27) The Minus and Plus buttons allow to specify the number of frequency bands of the Alchemist from 1 to 5. Reset Solo (21) This button disables all engaged band solo. General Display Windows: Right-Click on the selected band accesses a specific contextual menu allowing to reset band(s) or copy the band parameters to another band.
4.2 Alchemist The Parameters Band Frequency Handle (15) (18) Shift + Click enables fine trimming Right-Click changes the filter slope Double-Click resets the frequencies to the default values. Global Band Handle (17) Double-Click resets the frequencies to the default values. Ctrl + Click auto-solos the selected band. Band Activity (20) It reflects the applied gain but also take account of the gain modification introduced by the Bitter Sweet section.
4.2 Alchemist The Parameters Save replaces the selected preset by a new one under the same name featuring the current settings. If you want to keep an existing preset without your new modifications, just select an empty place into the preset list, enter a new name for this modified preset featuring the current settings and press Save. Recall (81) Once a preset is selected from the preset list it must be explicitly loaded into section A or the section B by using the recall button.
4.2 Alchemist The Parameters 4.2.2.2 Bands Settings and Display The main parameters of the band are gathered on this panel. Alt + Click temporarily unlink the control when the band is linked. 4 Band Settings Band Solo (47) Solo the selected band(s) Band Bypass (46) Bypass the selected band. Link (48) Default: Enabled By default the maximum value issued from all channels feeding the side chain is retained as source for processing.
4.2 Alchemist The Parameters Unit: dB - Value Range: -12 / +12 - Step: 0.01 Default Value: 0 dB Sets the gain applied to the dynamic processing input of the selected band. Output Gain (36) Unit: dB - Value Range: -12 / +12 - Step: 0.01 Default Value: 0 dB Sets the global gain applied to the dynamic processing output of the selected band. Bitter Sweet On/Off (37) When engaged, the Bitter Sweet processing is active.
4.2 Alchemist The Parameters Main processes using regular stereo signal scheme and it is the only available mode for multi-channels operations. Center engages internal MS encoder and processes only the Mid channel. After processing the sound is decoded back to stereo. Since the M channel usually features more enregy than the S channel, this mode allows to easily control the impact of the sound. Stereo engages internal MS encoder and processes only the Side channel.
4.2 Alchemist The Parameters Mode (51) Default Value: Solera 8 different detection modes are available: • Solera: The Attack setting also controls the integration time for RMS detection. When "Auto" is engaged for the delay value, the produced attack time is zero. • Solera Feed Backward: The Attack setting also controls the integration time for RMS detection which is done on the output of the processor. This mode disables the Delay feature.
4.2 Alchemist The Parameters maximum and the minimum release values. Release (55) Unit: ms - Value Range: 1.45ms / 10884.35 ms Default Value: 544.22 ms Sets the manual release value and the maximum release value when in Advanced Mode. Release Minimum (56) Unit: ms - Value Range: 1.45ms / 5456.99 - Step: 0.01 Default Value: 1.45 ms Sets the minimum release value when in Advanced Mode.
4.2 Alchemist The Parameters Vu-meter not peak-meter, referenced to -16 dB Fs by default, with auto scale depending of the threshold values. When the MS Width section is engaged, the M (Mid) level is displayed on the left meter. S (Side) is displayed on the right meter. Resultant Envelop (30) Vu-meter not peak-meter, referenced to -16 dB Fs by default. The scale is +/- 12 dB. This is the compression, decompression, expander and de-expander summing envelop.
4.2 Alchemist The Parameters 4.2.2.3 Dynamic Sections Settings and Display Every band features four dynamic sections working is parallel. Alt + Click temporarily unlink the control when the band is linked. Dynamic Sections Settings: 4 Peak Detection Amount (61) Unit: % - Value Range: 0 / 100 - Step: 1 Default Value: 0 % Instant peak value can be added to the RMS signal feeding the detector section, making the dynamic processing more sensitive to audio transients.
4.2 Alchemist The Parameters Allows process the audio signal independently of the sound level but regarding the signal dynamic range. It is mixed with the standard compression scheme. Take a piece of full mixed music, set the ratio to 3-4 and the compression will start working. Now set the threshold of the compressor to the maximum value, the compressor will stop working because the sound level will never reach the threshold.
4.2 Alchemist The Parameters The ratio effective value is modified by the Angel's Share amount. Infinite (69) Sets the ratio to its maximum possible value. Range (70) Unit: dB - Value Range: 0 to 48/140/24/16 (Compressor/Expander/DCompressor/DExpander) Default Value: 24/96/12/12 Sets the maximum allowed gain variation for a specific dynamic processing section.
4.3 Solera II 4.3 Solera II Solera uses one detector and four parallel envelop generators that allows four different dynamic processing also in parallel: compressor, de-compressor, expander and de-expander. The corresponding sections may be activated individually.
4.3 Solera II The Solera Concept 4.3.1 The Solera Concept The idea is extremely simple: Taking into account the signal level isn’t enough. The signal dynamic is also a part of the equation. So our dynamic processors use two different ways to analyze the signal: • The first one is a level detection based on peaks and RMS values. That's the base of the dynamic processing. • The second one generates a dynamic value. It doesn't rely any more on the signal level since it's based on the signal complexity.
4.3 Solera II The Solera Concept Like some high-end mastering compressors, Solera features a M/S (Mid/Side) encoder / decoder section. It encodes the stereo inputs by summing left and right channels to produce the Mid and the right channel from the left channel to produce the Side signal. M is now the mono component of the signal (bass drum, lead vocal, bass…). S describes the stereo component of the signal.
4.3 Solera II Dynamic Processing Parameters Detailed 4.3.2 Dynamic Processing Parameters Detailed 4 General Settings: Input Gain (1) Unit: dB - Value Range: -48 / +48 - Step: 0.01 Default Value: 0 dB Sets the gain applied to the dynamic processing input.
4.3 Solera II Dynamic Processing Parameters Detailed Default Value: -144 dB This slider controls the amount of the original signal that can be added to the processed audio. This feature is dedicated to mastering works requiring both heavy processing and subtle control. The mix is done before the output gain. Output Gain (3) Unit: dB - Value Range: -48 / +48 - Step: 0.01 Default Value: 0 dB Sets the global gain applied to the dynamic processing output.
4.3 Solera II Dynamic Processing Parameters Detailed When operating on a multi-channel bus, all channels are feeding the side chain by default, but it can be useful to prevent some channels feeding the side chain for some reasons. Note also that the external side chain (EX), when activated, disables the internal side chain.
4.3 Solera II Dynamic Processing Parameters Detailed When enabled, the delay value is linked to the attack value. Be aware that the latency introduced by this function is now equal to your attack time. Warning: The latency introduced by this function equals the Attack time plus 1.35 ms @ 48 KHz. Mode (48) Default Value: Solera 8 different detection modes are available: • Solera: The Attack setting also controls the integration time for RMS detection.
4.3 Solera II Dynamic Processing Parameters Detailed Default Value: Auto Three release modes are available for the envelop of the dynamic processing. • Manual corresponds to the value you have set. • Auto enables our specific algorithm to generate a signal dependent value to avoid typical pumping effects. • Advanced gives access to two different values for release and to the control of the velocity of the variations between the maximum and the minimum release values.
4.3 Solera II Dynamic Processing Parameters Detailed Default Value: 0 % Instant peak value can be added to the RMS signal feeding the detector section, making the dynamic processing more sensitive to audio transients. Angel's Share (23) Unit: % - Value Range: 0 / 100 - Step: 1 Default Value: 0 % This setting relaxes the ratio applied to the processor section when the detected signal dynamic raises.
4.3 Solera II Dynamic Processing Parameters Detailed The current Hysteresis Threshold value is reflected by two green lines on the Dynamic Activity display. For Compressor and DCompressor sections, the hysteresis action is effective only when the orange Dynamic Activity (18) exceeds the area between the two green lines. For Expander and DExpander sections, the hysteresis action is effective only when the orange Dynamic Activity (18) stays inside the area between the two green lines.
4.3 Solera II Dynamic Processing Parameters Detailed Activates the specific section. Compressor Section Selector (35) DCompressor Section Selector (36) Expander Section Selector (37) DExpander Section Selector (38) Dynamic Section Display Dynamic Section Activity (34) 12 dB scale 4 The gain is displayed from left to right for gain increase. The gain is displayed from right to left for gain decrease.
4.3 Solera II Dynamic Processing Parameters Detailed Level difference between in and out (17) Vu-meter not peak-meter, referenced to -16 dB Fs by default. The scale is +/- 12 dB. This is the compression, decompression, expander and de-expander summing envelop which also takes account of the input and output gains of the band. Dynamic Activity Display (18) No scale The current Hysteresis Threshold value is reflected by two green lines on the Dynamic Activity display.
4.3 Solera II Dynamic Processing Parameters Detailed settings. Note that a graphic editing is also available from the graphic curve display. Filter Type (42) Default Value: peak • 12 dB per octave high pass filter • Low shelving • Parametric • High shelving • 12 dB per octave low pass filter Are possible for every band Gain (43) Unit: dB - Value Range: -24 / +24 - Step: 0.01 Default Value: 0 Sets the gain for the selected band.
4.3 Solera II Dynamic Processing Parameters Detailed Once a preset is selected from the preset list it must be explicitly loaded into section A or the section B by using the recall button. A preset is effective only after it has been recalled. Copy A / Copy B (60) The current parameters of a section are copied to the other one. The section A or B is re-initialized with the current values and the morphing slider is parked at 100% of the corresponding section.
4.4 Pure Series II 4.
4.4 Pure Series II Pure Compressor II 4.4.1 Pure Compressor II 4 Pure Compressor is the compressor section of the Solera. A compressor must be used to automatically reduce the gain above the Threshold It uses the exclusive “Angel’s Share” and “Hysteresis” algorithms developed by FLUX. Pure Compressor produces a wide range of compressions from ultra clean subtle compressions to classic heavy pumping ones. It’s up to your artistic choices not to the technology limitations.
4.4 Pure Series II Pure Compressor II the input is reflected by a 1 dB variation at the output. Let’s apply now a 3:1 ratio. If the input signal rises above 3 dB the threshold value, the output signal rises only from 1 dB: Here is the compressor action. The input signal gain is reduced by a 3:1 ratio above the threshold point. The Knee sets how progressive is the start up of the compressor action – In other words, It smoothes the transition point between no processing and full processing.
4.4 Pure Series II Pure Compressor II Bypass (7) It's a global bypass. Channel Processing Selector (8) When operating on a multi-channel bus, all channels are processed by default, but it can be useful to remove some channels from the processing for some reasons. This selector allows to keep the unchecked channels untouched. This feature may be used if different settings are required. Several instancies of a plug-in can be used in series, each one processing a particular channel with its own settings.
4.4 Pure Series II Pure Compressor II and decode at the output. This manner, the M signal can be processed while keeping the S channel untouched. Smooth (13) Default: Enabled When engaged, the side chain is set to preserve bass frequencies from excessive processing. Removing the Smooth profile is usually a great help when trying to smash a kick drum. Time Related Settings: Delay (14) Unit: ms - Value Range: 0 to 566.
4.4 Pure Series II Pure Compressor II processor. This mode disables the Delay feature. Note also that the Feed Backward mode prevents to use the external side chain because it's the processed signal which feed the side chain. • Classic Feed Backward Medium: The integration time is 36 ms for RMS detection which is done on the output of the processor. Note also that the Feed Backward mode prevents to use the external side chain because it's the processed signal which feed the side chain.
4.4 Pure Series II Pure Compressor II • Solera > almost universal, great for vocals • Beat 1 > hi pitched rhythm material • Beat 2 > low pitched rhythm material, great for bass and bass drum • Beat 3 > high dynamic range rhythm material, great for drums tracks • Beat Average > rhythm material • Max > very versatile and reactive • Average > less sensitive to dynamic variations Depending of the audio signal the differences can be subtle or obvious. There's no rule.
4.4 Pure Series II Pure Compressor II Unit: dB - Value Range: 0 to +24 Default Value: 0 Sets the smoothness of the transmission curve for the specific dynamic processing section. The curve is smoothed around the threshold value of the dB amount set with the knee value. Peak Detection Amount (29) Unit: % - Value Range: 0 / 100 - Step: 1 Default Value: 0 % Instant peak value can be added to the RMS signal feeding the detector section, making the dynamic processing more sensitive to audio transients.
4.4 Pure Series II Pure Compressor II hysteresis) and make the compression very smooth and no more pumping… In addition with the Angel Share function, you'll be able to set a constant and very natural envelop that allows to increase low levels, low frequency and to keep important transients. Hysteresis Threshold (33) Sets the gain range of the hysteresis parameter.
4.4 Pure Series II Pure Compressor II Level difference between in and out (40) Vu-meter not peak-meter, referenced to -16 dB Fs by default. The scale is +/- 12 dB. This is the compression, decompression, expander and de-expander summing envelop which also takes account of the input and output gains of the band. Dynamic Activity Display (41) No scale The current Hysteresis Threshold value is reflected by two green lines on the Dynamic Activity display.
4.4 Pure Series II Pure Compressor II When writing automation, if this button is engaged, ONLY the morphing slider value is recorded. No other parameter is recorded. When this button is engaged, ONLY the morphing slider value is applied when reading automation. When this button is disabled, all the plug-in parameters values are recorded when writing automation. The morphing slider is ignored.
4.4 Pure Series II Pure Expander II 4.4.2 Pure Expander II 4 Pure Expander is the expander section of the Solera. An expander must be used to automatically reduce the gain below the Threshold The exclusive “Angel’s Share” algorithm developed by FLUX allows you to remove unwanted noises or reverberation without adding a processed character to your sound. Pure Expander produces a wide range of expansion process from subtle expansions to hard noise-gate.
4.4 Pure Series II Pure Expander II For a 1:1 expansion ratio, the processed signal isn’t affected by the processing: A 1 dB variation below the threshold at the input is reflected by a 1 dB variation at the output. Let’s apply now a 1:3 ratio. If the input signal falls below 1 dB the threshold value, the output signal falls from 3 dB: Here is the expander action. The input signal gain is reduced by a 3:1 ratio below the threshold point.
4.4 Pure Series II Pure Expander II The Clipper is the very last stage of the processing chain. Bypass (7) It's a global bypass. Channel Processing Selector (8) When operating on a multi-channel bus, all channels are processed by default, but it can be useful to remove some channels from the processing for some reasons. This selector allows to keep the unchecked channels untouched. This feature may be used if different settings are required.
4.4 Pure Series II Pure Expander II This configuration may be used in conjunction with the MS width section which encode the signal in MS before processing, and decode at the output. This manner, the M signal can be processed while keeping the S channel untouched. Smooth (13) Default: Enabled When engaged, the side chain is set to preserve bass frequencies from excessive processing. Time Related Settings: Delay (14) Unit: ms - Value Range: 0 to 566.
4.4 Pure Series II Pure Expander II side chain because it's the processed signal which feed the side chain. • Classic Feed Backward Medium: The integration time is 36 ms for RMS detection which is done on the output of the processor. Note also that the Feed Backward mode prevents to use the external side chain because it's the processed signal which feed the side chain. • Classic Feed Backward Slow: The integration time is 100ms for RMS detection which is done on the output of the processor.
4.4 Pure Series II Pure Expander II modes for release.The Angel'Share and Hysteresis actions also rely on the detected dynamic.
4.4 Pure Series II Pure Expander II Knee (28) Unit: dB - Value Range: 0 to +24 Default Value: 0 Sets the smoothness of the transmission curve for the specific dynamic processing section. The curve is smoothed around the threshold value of the dB amount set with the knee value.
4.4 Pure Series II Pure Expander II Display: Resulting Transfer Curve (35) Auto Scale depending of the threshold value(s) Input Level Meter (36) Vu-meter not peak-meter, referenced to -16 dB Fs by default, with auto scale depending of the threshold values. When the MS Width section is engaged, the M (Middle) level is displayed on the left meter. S (Side) is displayed on the right meter. The green index reflects the threshold value.
4.4 Pure Series II Pure Expander II Preset Management: Save (43) Save replaces the selected preset by a new one under the same name featuring the current settings. If you want to keep an existing preset without your new modifications, just select an empty place into the preset list, enter a new name for this modified preset featuring the current settings and press Save.
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4.4 Pure Series II Pure DCompressor II 4.4.3 Pure DCompressor II 4 Pure DCompressor is the de-compressor section of the Solera. A De-compressor must be used to automatically increase the peak dynamic. Pure DCompressor uses the exclusive the “Angel’s Share” and “Hysteresis” algorithms developed by FLUX. Pure DCompressor allows you to restore the original dynamic of a sound. It‘s very useful for heavily compressed signal. Pure DCompressor adds some naturalness.
4.4 Pure Series II Pure DCompressor II For a 1:1 de-compressor ratio, the processed signal isn’t affected by the processing: A 1 dB variation above the threshold at the input is reflected by a 1 dB variation at the output. Let’s apply now a 3:1 ratio. If the input signal rises above 1 dB the threshold value, the output signal rises from 3 dB: Here is the de-compressor action. The input signal gain is increased by a 3:1 ratio above the threshold point.
4.4 Pure Series II Pure DCompressor II The Clipper is the very last stage of the processing chain. Bypass (7) It's a global bypass. Channel Processing Selector (8) When operating on a multi-channel bus, all channels are processed by default, but it can be useful to remove some channels from the processing for some reasons. This selector allows to keep the unchecked channels untouched. This feature may be used if different settings are required.
4.4 Pure Series II Pure DCompressor II This configuration may be used in conjunction with the MS width section which encode the signal in MS before processing, and decode at the output. This manner, the M signal can be processed while keeping the S channel untouched. Smooth (13) Default: Enabled When engaged, the side chain is set to preserve bass frequencies from excessive processing. Time Related Settings: Delay (14) Unit: ms - Value Range: 0 to 566.
4.4 Pure Series II Pure DCompressor II side chain because it's the processed signal which feed the side chain. • Classic Feed Backward Medium: The integration time is 36 ms for RMS detection which is done on the output of the processor. Note also that the Feed Backward mode prevents to use the external side chain because it's the processed signal which feed the side chain. • Classic Feed Backward Slow: The integration time is 100ms for RMS detection which is done on the output of the processor.
4.4 Pure Series II Pure DCompressor II • Solera > almost universal, great for vocals • Beat 1 > hi pitched rhythm material • Beat 2 > low pitched rhythm material, great for bass and bass drum • Beat 3 > high dynamic range rhythm material, great for drums tracks • Beat Average > rhythm material • Max > very versatile and reactive • Average > less sensitive to dynamic variations Depending of the audio signal the differences can be subtle or obvious. There's no rule.
4.4 Pure Series II Pure DCompressor II Unit: dB - Value Range: 0 to +12 Default Value: 0 Sets the smoothness of the transmission curve for the specific dynamic processing section. The curve is smoothed around the threshold value of the dB amount set with the knee value. Peak Detection Amount (29) Unit: % - Value Range: 0 / 100 - Step: 1 Default Value: 0 % Instant peak value can be added to the RMS signal feeding the detector section, making the dynamic processing more sensitive to audio transients.
4.4 Pure Series II Pure DCompressor II Display: Resulting Transfer Curve (35) Auto Scale depending of the threshold value(s) Input Level Meter (36) Vu-meter not peak-meter, referenced to -16 dB Fs by default, with auto scale depending of the threshold values. When the MS Width section is engaged, the M (Middle) level is displayed on the left meter. S (Side) is displayed on the right meter. The green index reflects the threshold value.
4.4 Pure Series II Pure DCompressor II Save (43) Save replaces the selected preset by a new one under the same name featuring the current settings. If you want to keep an existing preset without your new modifications, just select an empty place into the preset list, enter a new name for this modified preset featuring the current settings and press Save. Recall (44) Once a preset is selected from the preset list it must be explicitly loaded into section A or the section B by using the recall button.
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4.4 Pure Series II Pure DExpander II 4.4.4 Pure DExpander II 4 Pure DExpander is the de-expander section of the Solera. It uses the exclusive the “Angel’s Share” algorithm developed by FLUX:: Pure DExpander enhances the low levels of the sound. The space information is magnified. Pure DExpander also makes your sound more compact. The “Angel’s Share” algorithm permits some heavy processing while keeping an organic character.
4.4 Pure Series II Pure DExpander II The Knee sets how progressive is the start up of the compressor action – In other words, It smoothes the transition point between no processing and full processing. If the Knee value expressed in dB is increased, the progressiveness of the action will be spread below and above the threshold point. The Range value sets the processing maximum action. No gain variation can exceed this value. General Settings: Input Gain (1) Unit: dB - Value Range: -48 / +48 - Step: 0.
4.4 Pure Series II Pure DExpander II Channel Processing Selector (8) When operating on a multi-channel bus, all channels are processed by default, but it can be useful to remove some channels from the processing for some reasons. This selector allows to keep the unchecked channels untouched. This feature may be used if different settings are required. Several instancies of a plug-in can be used in series, each one processing a particular channel with its own settings.
4.4 Pure Series II Pure DExpander II Default: Enabled When engaged, the side chain is set to preserve bass frequencies from excessive processing. Time Related Settings: Delay (14) Unit: ms - Value Range: 0 to 566.89 ms Default Value: 0 ms A delay reflecting the attack time can be introduced into the signal path in order to produce a zero attack time for the dynamic processing. Shifting the delay value from the attack time allows to control transients.
4.4 Pure Series II Pure DExpander II processor. Note also that the Feed Backward mode prevents to use the external side chain because it's the processed signal which feed the side chain. These Feed Backward modes have been inspired by vintage hardware architectures. they create a sort of auto regulation of the processing which produces a naturally beefy sound. Attack (17) Unit: ms - Value Range: 1.45 ms to 544.22 ms Default Value: 10.16 ms Sets the attack time of the processing envelop.
4.4 Pure Series II Pure DExpander II • Beat Average > rhythm material • Max > very versatile and reactive • Average > less sensitive to dynamic variations Depending of the audio signal the differences can be subtle or obvious. There's no rule. Spending time experimenting these Dynamic Profiles allows to benefit of all the sophistication of the Flux algorithms.
4.4 Pure Series II Pure DExpander II the threshold value of the dB amount set with the knee value. Peak Detection Amount (29) Unit: % - Value Range: 0 / 100 - Step: 1 Default Value: 0 % Instant peak value can be added to the RMS signal feeding the detector section, making the dynamic processing more sensitive to audio transients.
4.4 Pure Series II Pure DExpander II Resulting Transfer Curve (35) Auto Scale depending of the threshold value(s) Input Level Meter (36) Vu-meter not peak-meter, referenced to -16 dB Fs by default, with auto scale depending of the threshold values. When the MS Width section is engaged, the M (Middle) level is displayed on the left meter. S (Side) is displayed on the right meter. The green index reflects the threshold value.
4.4 Pure Series II Pure DExpander II existing preset without your new modifications, just select an empty place into the preset list, enter a new name for this modified preset featuring the current settings and press Save. Recall (44) Once a preset is selected from the preset list it must be explicitly loaded into section A or the section B by using the recall button. A preset is effective only after it has been recalled.
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4.4 Pure Series II Pure Limiter II 4.4.5 Pure Limiter II 4 Unless you use it as a special effect, Pure Limiter is supposed to be the very last stage of your audio processing chain. It uses the exclusive FLUX technologies to generate a release envelop producing no artefact on the processed sound. A transparent limiting dramatically increasing the average audio level can now be achieved without damaging the perceived audio quality.
4.4 Pure Series II Pure Limiter II from 0 dB to -12 dB Input Gain (4) Unit: dB - Value Range: -12 / +12 - Step: 0.01 Default Value: 0 dB Sets the gain applied to the dynamic processing input. Threshold (5) Unit: dB - Value Range: -12 / 0 - Step: 0.01 Default Value: 0 dB Sets the threshold of the limiting action. This value is displayed into the input peak meter. Knee (6) Unit: dB - Value Range: 0 / +12 - Step: 0.
4.4 Pure Series II Pure Limiter II Minimum Release (11) Unit: ms - Value Range: 1.33 / 512 - Step: variable Default Value: 1.33 ms Sets the minimum release value when in Advanced Mode. Velocity (12) Unit: % - Value Range: 1 / 300 - Step: variable Default Value: 20% Sets the speed of variation between Release Minimum and Release Maximum when in Advanced Mode. Hold (13) Unit: ms - Value Range: 0 / 100 - Step: variable Default Value: 0 ms Sets the hold period for the limiting action when in Advanced Mode.
4.4 Pure Series II Pure Limiter II Using the Display B mode allows monitoring the Dynamic Profile influence on the Release value when the Release Mode is set to Auto or Advanced and the filtering frequencies are set to 20 Hz and 20 KHz. Display A (17) When engaged, the waveform of the output signal is displayed. The limiting action is displayed in red. Display B (18) When engaged, the waveform of the output signal is displayed as an histogram.
4.4 Pure Series II Pure Limiter II Save (25) Save replaces the selected preset by a new one under the same name featuring the current settings. If you want to keep an existing preset without your new modifications, just select an empty place into the preset list, enter a new name for this modified preset featuring the current settings and press Save. Recall (26) Once a preset is selected from the preset list it must be explicitly loaded into section A or section B by using the recall button.
4.
4.5 Bitter Sweet II 4.5 Bitter Sweet II Bitter Sweet II isn't a complex processor about the user interface, but it requires some explanations. It's a transient manager allowing to magnify or to lower a particular instrument in a mix by increasing or decreasing transients of the complete signal. 4 1) Bypass No comment. 2) Transient Amount On the Sweet side, transients are reduced. It usually decreases percussive instruments in the mix. On the Bitter side, transients are magnified.
4.5 Bitter Sweet II This setting is very efficient for snare and kick drums. Stereo engages internal MS encoder and processes only the Side channel. After processing the sound is decoded back to stereo. This setting is very efficient for panned rythmic instruments. 5) Period This control sets the range of the time window used to detect transients that will be processed. 6) Link to Output Gain When engaged, the output gain is compensated depending of the transient amount to produce an almost unity gain.
5 5 Equalizer 5 92
5.1 Epure II 5.1 Epure II Epure is a state of the art five-band equalizer using a special state space based implementation to ensure the best signal to noise ratio. Unlike conventional digital filter this implementation doesn't deteriorate the signal to noise ratio when reducing the gain. Epure ensures the best audio quality ever in the digital domain. 5 Epure logically complements the Flux:: audio processing line.
5.1 Epure II Default Value: Off The inputs are directly routed to the outputs. Graphic Display (2) A graphic editing is also available from the graphic curve display. Band Activation (3) Default Value: On Filter Type (4) Default Value: peak • 12 dB per octave high pass filter • Low shelving • Parametric • High shelving • 12 dB per octave low pass filter Are possible for every band Band Gain (5) 5 Unit: dB - Value Range: -24 / +24 - Step: 0.01 Default Value: 0 dB Sets the gain for the selected band.
5.1 Epure II Preset Manager (8) Accesses to the preset manager. See the Preset Management section. Save (9) Recall (10) Specific Functions: Master Gain (13) Unit: dB - Value Range: -24 / +24 - Step: 0.01 Default Value: 0 dB Sets the gain for the selected channel group. Every group of channels features its own Master Gain control. If only one group is available, then this control acts as the master control of every internal equalizer channel.
5.1 Epure II Note that when audio channels are grouped, the settings of the first audio channel (Channel 5 in group 2 in the previous example) are applied to channels featuring in the group (Channels 5 & 6 in the example) Be aware that the morphing function between different presets is also applied to this setup section. Note also that MS encoders/decoders use odd internal channels for Mono and even internal channels for Side. Groups (18) A group of audio channels can be selected with those buttons.
5.1 Epure II Solo (20) when engaged, allows to monitor the selected group. This monitoring is done after the master gain section and the MS decoder. Automation (21) Default Value: Off When writing automation, if this button is engaged, ONLY the morphing slider value is recorded. No other parameter is recorded. When this button is engaged, ONLY the morphing slider value is applied when reading automation.
5.1 Epure II Special Cases 5.1.1 Special Cases Some host applications may require a special configuration to support Flux products. On Mac, Digital Performer 5 requires to limit the number of automation parameters. Epure has too much parameters and needs the particular setting described below: Only • Bypass • Morphing • Gain, Frequency, Q and filter type for every band of settings groups 1 & 2 are automatable. To achieve this particular configuration copy defaults write com.gaelyvan.flux.Epure.
6 6 FLUX User Interface Knobs: A knob can be set by any horizontal, vertical or combination of both movements of the mice. The value can also be set directly by a text entry from a Double-click into the value display area. Windows: Using the Ctrl key constrains the value variation of controls to 6 dB for levels and ranges, 3 dB for thresholds,100 Hz for frequencies, and 1 dB for ratios and knees.
6 • AU, Pyramix, RTAS, VST: • A specific value management for every control including five dedicated presets is also available from the right-click pop-up menu. • Pyramix : • A Right-click reaches the automation settings of the control. • RTAS : • On Mac platform Command + Option + Control + Click activate the popup menu for automation. • On PC platform Control + Alt + Start + Click activate the popup menu for automation. • The plug-in Bypass and the host Bypass are linked in Pro Tools.
6 The inputs are directly routed to the outputs. Preset Sections A-B Sections A plug-in features two preset sections: A & B. Clicking on the slot of a specific section reaches the preset management window. The main display is now a preset list in which you can select the preset you want to recall or save in the specific preset section. Two different presets must be used if you plan to use the morphing capability of FLUX Plug-in.
6 the morphing slider. The Automation button must be engaged if the morphing slider has to be mapped on a control surface.
7 7 The Preset Management From the Plug-in interface: A-B Sections A plug-in features two preset sections: A & B. Clicking on the slot of a specific section reaches the shared preset bank. From the preset management window you can select the preset you want to recall in the specific preset section. Save Save replaces the selected preset by a new one under the same name featuring the current settings.
7 The Preset Management Window features three preset banks: • The Factory bank gathers presets that can't be edited by users. • The User bank is dedicated to the users presets. • The Global bank features presets for A, B and morphing sections. A single global preset includes A and B section content and the morphing slider position. A Preset can directly be recalled into the preset section selected by the morphing slider position, by double-clicking on its name on the list.
7 Export creates a file reflecting the content of the preset bank. Import adds existing presets into the preset bank. Ordering arrows orders the presets into the list. The preset protection if engaged, allows only its original modification author to uncheck and edit. So you can protect your presets in a multi-user configuration. Protected presets can only be modified using the session of their creator. If used in another user session they can only be imported or deleted.
8 8 Common Specifications The internal processing works in 64 bits floating point for native (AU/RTAS/VST) Sampling rate up to 384 kHz DXD (Pyramix DSP based) Sampling rate up to 384 kHz for native (AU/RTAS/VST) Up to 8 channels. The A/B Compare and Morphing Sections allow ultra fast and precise operations.
9 9 Good to Know SOLERA IS A WINE MAKING TECHNIQUE: A SOLERA IS METHOD OF FRACTIONAL BLENDING FOR WINE, CLOSELY PARALLELING THE MAKING OF SHERRY OR MALAGA. A SOLERA CONSISTS OF SEVERAL ROWS OF STACKED OAK BARRELS WITH THE OLDEST WINE IN THE BOTTOM ROW AND THE MOST RECENTLY MADE AT THE TOP. AT BOTTLING, ABOUT ONE-THIRD OF THE WINE IN THE BOTTOM ROW IS REMOVED AND WINE FROM THE ROW JUST ABOVE REPLACES IT AND SOON, UNTIL REACHING THE TOP ROW, WHICH IS REPLENISHED WITH NEW WINE.
10 Index Pure Expander II 54 Pure Limiter II 84 Pure Series II 43 A Alchemist 12 S Solera II 29 B Special Cases 98 Bands Settings and Display 20 Bitter Sweet II 90 T Thanks 1 C The Alchemist concept 13 Common Specifications 106 The Parameters 14 Conventions 2 The Preset Management 103 The Solera Concept 30 D Dynamic Processing Parameters Detailed 32 W Dynamic Processors 5 Why a Compressor ? 7 Dynamic Sections Settings and Display 26 Why a De-Compressor ? 9 Why a De-Expander ? 10 E Epure
