Flux releases Alchemist and updates Solera and it’s spawns to version 2
Flux has released a new plug-in called Alchemist, a multi-band dynamic processor. They have also taken their time to update Solera, Pure Compressor, Pure DCompressor, Pure Expander, Pure DExpander and Pure Limiter to version 2. News is not only in flashy interface, but typically Flux, the update includes updated algorithms and plenty of new features.
Alchemist
Starting with the new friend in the lineup, Alchemist (pictured above) is a multi-dynamic processor. Like all Flux plug-ins it looks stunning, and I don’t expect it to sound anything less than that either.
From the Flux press release:
Based on the acclaimed Flux dynamic processing algorithms, Alchemist features a state-of-the-art IIR cross-over with selectable slopes from 18 dB per octave to 54 dB per octave, with variable corner frequencies. Every band owns a complete dynamic processing section including compressor, expander, de-compressor, de-expander, working in parallel with independent Angel’s Share and Hysteresis parameters. A transient processor and a MS controller are also available for each frequency band. The sound can be processed from single broadband to five bands. The whole processing is completed by an adjustable soft knee clipper. An Auto Delay function allows to producing a zero attack time by introducing a delay line on the processed signal. Angel’s Share is the parameter controlling the mix of an auto-ratio determined by the signal dynamic and, the manual ratio setting. Hysteresis is the parameter controlling the mix of an auto-threshold determined by the signal dynamic and, the manual threshold value. Angel’s Share and Hysteresis are the key features of all Flux dynamic processors because they depend on on the dynamic range content of the signal, and not only on signal levels as standard processors do.
If you’re not familiar with Angel’s share and Hysteresis, they’re basically two features that lets your compressed material sound not so compressed (excellent explanation, wouldn’t you say? 
). If you’re curious about Alchemist you can catch a demonstration of it at AES.
Solera II
Solera II
Solera, the companies flagship and one of only two products here at ProTooler that has been branded wicked, has been improved to reflect the last evolution of Flux’s algorithms which have been enhanced during the Alchemist development. Solera has been updated with plenty of features (see below) and is actually a free update for current owners.
Pure Series II
The Pure Series is basically parts of Solera which you can load as separate plug-ins. Like Solera Pure Compressor, Pure Expander, Pure DCompressor and Pure DExpander has been updated with the features (see below). Pure Limiter is separate in that the original limiter in Solera wasn’t what turned out to be Pure Limiter. How it is now I don’t know. Either way it has been reworked by now including the new Dynamic Profile setting. Like Solera, this upgrade is free for previous customers.
Pure Limiter II
New Controls
I’ll just quote the Flux press release regarding the new features. Flux is way to technical for me.
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. This measurement of the dynamic when combined the usual electrical measurement of RMS and peak values, allows to deeply process the sound while keeping a natural character. From the beginning, the Flux processors feature many unusual parameters such as “Angel’s Share” and “Hysteresis” which use the measured dynamic value to adjust respectively ratio and threshold. Many new parameters have been introduced allowing a tighter control of the processing.
Hysteresis Threshold:
This parameter sets the action range of the Hysteresis parameter.
Max Hysteresis:
When used, the threshold for the processing is determined by the maximum values from RMS/peak detection OR from the signal dynamic detection, increasing the responsiveness of all related settings.
Hold:
When used on the Expander section, this setting allows very precise gating of drum tracks. It can also be used for creative purpose on the other dynamic sections.
Detection Mode:
8 different detection modes are available:
Solera
Solera Feed Backward
Classic Fast
Classic Medium
Classic Slow
Classic Feed Backward Fast
Classic Feed Backward Medium
Classic Feed Backward SlowThese 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.
Dynamic Profile:
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 variationsMS width Control:
The stereo signal can be enlarged by using this control. The stereo sound is converted in Middle, Side modulation. The Side channel gain is adjusted and the signal is converted back in stereo. It’s a powerful tool for stereo mastering especially when the channels are unlinked.
Variable Knee Soft Clipper:
This parameter sets the smoothness of the transmission curve. This can produce a vacuum tube like transfer curve.
Pure Compressor II
This is a major update. Can’t wait to try out all the new features!
And last but not least, the Flux website is being updated as well.
are these vst or rtas? the official website is down…thanks.
By baba ~ September 30, 2008 kl 2:35 pm
I believe they’re multi-format. RTAS, VST and AU.
By stiff ~ September 30, 2008 kl 2:44 pm
There’s always kind of sci-fi, deck-of-the-Starship-Enterprise look to their stuff.
I’m into it. But I can understand why some might be put off.
- c
By Chad ~ September 30, 2008 kl 2:48 pm
Yeah, same here. But I think developers should try to come up with their own look (and not only software, hardware as well).
By stiff ~ September 30, 2008 kl 3:16 pm
ooh pretty
By ~Jon~ ~ October 1, 2008 kl 2:53 am
And nice sounding *having a Flux v2 day*
By stiff ~ October 1, 2008 kl 4:40 pm