Alchemist
by FLUX:: · Compressor · 5-band multiband dynamics processor
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Alchemist is a five-band dynamics processor from FLUX:: for mixing, mastering and restoration, with compression, expansion and transient shaping on each band.
Each band can be a compressor, de-compressor, expander, de-expander or BitterSweet transient designer, and it costs $199.
Best for: Mastering, Mix Bus, Drum Bus, Vocals. Genres: all genres.
Keywords: multi-band, mastering, downward expansion, bus processing, low latency, repair, mixing, vocals, corrective, full mix, zero-latency, drum bus, drums, inspired by, mid/side, mix bus, built-in mix knob, musical, parallel processing, perpetual licence, subscription, utility, vintage, wide.
What it does
Alchemist is FLUX::'s five-band dynamics processor. Each band has its own full set of dynamics tools, so one instance can compress, expand or reshape transients in different parts of the spectrum at once, with zero latency.
- Five bands: split by IIR crossovers with selectable slopes from 18 to 54 dB per octave.
- Per-band processors: compressor, de-compressor, expander, de-expander and the BitterSweet transient designer, plus M/S width control in each band.
- Detection: eight detection modes, including "Feed Backward" modes inspired by vintage hardware, and a level-independent detection option.
- Envelopes: Attack, Hold and Release with Manual, Auto and Advanced modes, Dynamic Factor and Dynamic Velocity controls, and Auto Delay for zero attack time.
- Output stage: a discrete peak limiter, a dry/wet control for parallel processing, phase invert, input and output gain of plus or minus 48 dB, and true bypass.
- Presets and control: two preset slots (A and B) with an automatable morphing slider, global presets and Open Sound Control (OSC) support.
- Multichannel: up to 16 channels for surround work.
A trial is available on request. It is sold as a perpetual license and is also included in FLUX:: subscriptions.
When to use it
Alchemist is the deeper, more technical multiband: it is the better pick when you need upward and downward compression, expansion and transient shaping in the same band. Compared with FabFilter Pro-MB, it offers more processing types and envelope options, but its dense interface is far slower to learn. Compared with TDR Kotelnikov, which is a single-band bus and mastering compressor, it adds full frequency-split control at a much higher price. Its de-expander and de-compressor also make it useful for restoring over-compressed material, which most multiband compressors can't do.
- Best for: mastering, bus processing, taming harsh vocals or boomy drums in one range, and repairing squashed dynamics.
- Genres: any style, including orchestral and film work.
- Look elsewhere if: you want a quick, visual multiband with dynamic EQ-style bands; Pro-MB is easier to drive.
- Tip: combine compression with de-expansion in a band to control peaks while keeping the life in quieter passages, as Sound On Sound did on orchestral mixes.
What producers say
Long regarded by mastering engineers as a powerful, great-sounding tool, with the interface as the main complaint.
- Sound On Sound (Frederick Norén, 2011) praised its "impeccable sound quality", zero-latency processing and features like Hysteresis for musical, level-independent compression.
- Criticisms: the same review found the interface cluttered with around 410 parameters, wanted an easy view, and noted only 10 factory presets. It also missed full M/S processing in that version.
Where to buy
- Best Service: $179
- FLUX::: $199
Tutorials and reviews
- Alchemist Multiband Dynamics - Add Snap to Your Drums - With Producer DLR
- Master your Mix with Alchemist
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