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An introduction to FLUX:: Pure DExpander, based on information from the maker and distributors: what it does, how to use it and who it may suit. It is not scored.
Preserve and restore the natural character of the audio material on a track or a mix, or in a mastering situation, where the dynamics of the material is overtreated.
— FLUX:: official site
What is Pure DExpander?
Pure DExpander from FLUX:: is a de-expander. Where a normal expander lowers quiet signal, this one amplifies the signal below the threshold to magnify space information and enhance low levels. The maker says this gives a solid, louder signal without a harsh processed sound.
The Japanese distributor, Media Integration, describes it as a processor for bringing up sounds and ambience buried in the mix. It is the de-expander section of the company's Solera II offered as a standalone plugin.
Its feature list is close to that of Pure DCompressor and Pure Expander: automatic-ratio and automatic-threshold controls, eight detection modes, external side-chain, M/S width and up to 16 channels.
The maker positions it for tracks, mixes and mastering situations where dynamics have been over-treated and need to be restored to a more natural state. A/B slots with a morphing slider are included, and the price is 79 USD.
Lifting below-threshold signal
Instead of lowering quiet parts, it lifts them, which brings forward ambience and detail. Noise may be lifted too, so try it on suitable material.
Dynamics Ratio and Level Independent Detection
Automatic ratio and threshold based on the signal dynamics can be combined with manual settings, an approach less dependent on level.
Eight detection modes
Eight modes, including Feed Backward types inspired by vintage hardware, change how the processor reacts.
Attack, hold and release
Manual, Auto and Advanced release modes plus an auto-delay for zero attack time.
M/S width and link
Stereo width after processing can be adjusted in M/S mode, with linked or unlinked processing.
Dry/wet and peak limiter
Dry/wet allows parallel processing, and a peak limiter sits at the final stage.
Multichannel and A/B slots
Handles up to 16 channels, with two settings slots and a morphing slider.
Specifications
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| OS | Windows 10 / 11 (64-bit), macOS 10.14.6 or later (Apple Silicon supported) |
| License | iLok.com account required (iLok USB key not needed) |
| Graphics | Windows needs a graphics card supporting OpenGL 2.0 |
| Type | De-expander |
| Channels | Up to 16 in/out |
| Input / output gain | plus or minus 48 dB |
| Detection modes | 8 |
| Release modes | Manual / Auto / Advanced |
| M/S width | -6 dB to +6 dB |
| External side-chain | AU, VST3, AAX |
What is included and system requirements
- Windows 10 / 11 (64-bit), macOS 10.14.6 or later
- Licensing via an iLok.com account
- A/B slots, morphing and preset manager
How to use it
- Install the trial from the official shop and authorize with iLok.
- Insert Pure DExpander on a track or bus.
- Match levels before and after with the input and output gains.
- Lower the threshold to find the quiet parts you want to lift.
- Use Dynamics Ratio and related controls for a natural lift.
- Switch detection modes and compare.
- Blend with the dry signal using dry/wet.
- For mastering use, start with modest settings.
Bringing up ambience
On recordings where room sound feels held back, lifting quiet parts slightly may be worth trying.
Over-treated material
It could restore some natural movement to material squeezed by compressors and limiters.
Fine adjustments in mastering
Lifting low-level content in a mix slightly could help adjust the sense of space.
Drum room mics
It may be worth trying where you want a bit more of the room tail.
Who it may suit
- People who want to bring out buried quiet detail or space
- People working with over-processed material
- People interested in dynamics-based processing
- People doing fine mastering-style adjustments
Good to know before you buy
- An iLok.com account is required for licensing (the iLok USB key is not needed).
- USB displays are not supported. On Windows, a graphics card supporting OpenGL 2.0 and current drivers are needed.
- The official shop mentions a free 30-day trial.
- A 50% academic discount applies for students, teachers and schools.
- Subscriptions are also offered: All Plugins Pack at 14.95 USD per month and Complete Pack at 79.95 USD per month.
- Because it lifts low-level signal, noise in the source may also be raised.
How it differs from similar products
We do not pick a winner; the official figures are placed side by side.
Pure ExpanderFLUX::
Pure DExpander lifts signal below the threshold to bring out ambience (79 USD), while Pure Expander reduces signal below the threshold to control noise and spill (79 USD). The feature lists are nearly the same and the direction is opposite.
Price
$79 (FLUX:: official site, checked 2026-10-27). Prices can vary by region and promotion, so check the official page before buying.
See Pure DExpander on the product page
Sources: flux.audio shop.flux.audio minet.jp (checked 2026-10-27)
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