Solera
by FLUX:: · Compressor · Full-band dynamics processor
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Solera is a full-band dynamics processor that runs a compressor, expander, de-compressor and de-expander in parallel.
It adds a 3-band sidechain EQ, eight detection modes and M/S control for mastering-grade dynamics work, for $149.
Best for: Mastering, Mix Bus, Vocals, Drum Bus. Genres: all genres.
Keywords: single-band, downward expansion, mastering, transparent, parallel processing, sidechain input, mid/side, bus processing, corrective, full mix, AAX, dialogue, drum bus, external sidechain, finishing touch, inspired by, mix bus, mixing, perpetual licence, subscription, vintage, vocals.
What it does
Solera is FLUX::'s full-band dynamics processor: a compressor, expander, de-compressor and de-expander working in parallel in one plugin. FLUX:: aims for it to preserve or recover the natural quality of the material "without adding artifacts."
- Four processors in parallel: compressor, expander, de-compressor and de-expander, all reachable from the main interface, so one pass can tame peaks while lifting quiet detail.
- Detection: eight detection modes that interact with the time, envelope and RMS integration settings, including Feed Backward modes inspired by vintage hardware for a fuller sound.
- Level Independent Detection: L.I.D blends an automatic threshold driven by the signal's dynamics with the manual threshold, so processing follows dynamic range rather than level.
- Dynamics Ratio: adjusts the ratio of every section in real time to keep some crest and open up the sound.
- Release: manual, auto and advanced modes, with adjustable minimum and maximum release times.
- Sidechain: a three-band detector EQ with high pass, low shelf, parametric, high shelf and low pass types; external sidechain works in AU and AAX Native and DSP only.
- Extras: M/S encoder and decoder for two-channel use, auto delay that offsets the attack time, a discrete peak limiter at the end of the chain, ±48 dB input and output gain, and up to 8 input and output channels (up to 16 in multichannel use).
It is sold as a perpetual license and is also part of the FLUX:: All Plugins Pack subscription. A trial is available, and there is an academic discount.
When to use it
Solera is the better pick when you need transparent, full-band control that can both reduce and restore dynamics in one pass. Compared with Pro-C 3, it adds expansion, de-compression and de-expansion, but it has fewer compressor styles and a less visual workflow. Unlike the 1176 Classic Limiter Collection or CLA-76, it is built to stay clean rather than add colour. Compared with TDR Kotelnikov, another transparent compressor, it goes further on restoring lost dynamics and multichannel use, but at a higher price and with more to learn.
- Best for: transparent mastering, stems and dialogue, and material that needs both peak control and recovered detail.
- Genres: any style, especially classical, acoustic and post-production work.
- Look elsewhere if: you want analog colour or a fast, simple compressor; the 1176 Classic Limiter Collection or The Glue fit better.
- Tip: for gentle mastering of classical material, Tape Op found a ratio around 1.5:1 nearly transparent; solo the detector EQ to find the band to de-ess or tame hi-hats.
What producers say
Older but strong praise: reviewers have treated Solera as one of the most transparent digital dynamics processors.
- Tape Op (Garrett Haines, issue 63, 2008) called it "one of the best dynamics processors I have encountered in a digital format," praising its transparency, the four parallel detectors, the adaptive "Angel's Share" release and the flexible detector EQ.
- Criticisms: the Tape Op review raised none; note that it covers an early version.
Where to buy
- Best Service: $129
- FLUX::: $149
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