Flash

Name: Flash
Author: Wavesfactory

by Wavesfactory · Transient Shaper · Transient shaper

Not rated yet

Flash is a free transient shaper with attack and sustain controls, mid/side processing, a clipper that keeps the output below 0dB, and mix and output controls.

It is a simple, clean way to add punch to drums or shorten tails without paying for a larger tool.

Best for: Drums, Drum Bus, Guitars, Keys & Synths. Genres: all genres.

Keywords: drums, mid/side, free, enhancement, punchy, simple, electric guitar, keys, beginner-friendly, bus processing, clean, drum bus, heavy, kick, mixing, parallel processing, single-band, snare, tight.

What it does

Flash is Wavesfactory's free transient shaper, described as "a high quality transient shaper with M/S capabilities" and a clipping function so it never exceeds 0dB.

Attack and Sustain: boost or soften the start of each hit and lengthen or shorten its tail.
Mid/Side: focus processing on the mid or side part of the stereo image.
Clip: a built-in clipper keeps the output below -0.1dB, useful since transient boosts add peaks.
Mix and Output: blend in parallel and set the output level.

It is free; the download link is sent by email from Wavesfactory's free plugins page.

Source: Wavesfactory product page

When to use it

Flash is the pick for a free, no-fuss transient tool with a built-in safety clipper and mid/side option. Its basic controls are similar to Kilohearts Transient Shaper and Softube Transient Shaper, while the SPL Transient Designer Plus and Wavesfactory's own Quantum go further than it with more detailed shaping.

Best for: adding punch to kicks and snares, tightening room-heavy drums, and firming up plucked guitars and keys.
Genres: general-purpose, used most on drums in hip-hop, rock, pop and EDM.
Look elsewhere if: you need multiband or frequency-dependent transient control, which Quantum or the SPL Transient Designer Plus provide.
Standout: the output clipper, which keeps boosted transients from overshooting.

What producers say

The little coverage it has had is positive.

Bedroom Producers Blog (2023) called it "a wonderfully designed transient shaper plugin that's well worth your time," singling out the clipper as the most useful feature.
KVR users its one user review gives it 5/5, calling it "easy to use and does the job well!"

Where to buy

Wavesfactory: Free
Plugin Boutique: Free

Tutorials and reviews

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