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An introduction to FLUX:: Pure Expander, based on information from the maker and distributors: what it does, how to use it and who it may suit. It is not scored.
Get full control of the incoming material, clean up spillage, reduce low-level clutter, and tighten up your recordings and mixes.
— FLUX:: official site
What is Pure Expander?
Pure Expander is an expander from FLUX::. It reduces gain below the threshold to tidy up low-level material such as noise, reverb tails, drum-session leakage and microphone bleed. The maker says it covers everything from mild expansion to hard noise-gating.
According to the Japanese distributor, Media Integration, it is the expander section of the company's Solera II as a standalone plugin, positioned as a way to reduce unwanted elements without degrading the original sound.
Its automatic-ratio and automatic-threshold controls allow processing based on dynamics rather than level. There are eight detection modes, including Feed Backward types inspired by vintage hardware.
External side-chain, M/S width, up to 16 channels, and A/B slots with morphing are included. The price is 79 USD.
From mild expansion to hard gating
The amount can be set across a wide range, from gently lowering quiet parts to cutting them clearly.
Cleaning spill and noise
Aimed at tidying drum-session leakage, mic bleed, noise and reverb tails.
Dynamics Ratio and Level Independent Detection
Automatic ratio and threshold based on signal dynamics can be combined with manual settings.
Eight detection modes
Eight modes, including Feed Backward types, can be chosen to suit the material.
Attack, hold and release
Manual, Auto and Advanced release plus zero attack time via auto delay.
External side-chain
Available in AU, VST3 and AAX, so another track can drive the expander.
M/S width and multichannel
Includes M/S width control, up to 16 channels, and A/B slots with morphing.
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 | Expander / noise gate |
| 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 Expander on the track you want to tidy.
- Set the threshold just below the sound you want to keep.
- Use the ratio to decide how much quiet signal is reduced.
- Match attack, hold and release so the cutoff sounds natural.
- Switch detection modes to find one that suits the material.
- Use the external side-chain if another track should drive it.
- Blend with the dry signal to avoid overdoing it.
Tidying drum-session spill
It may be worth trying to reduce other instruments leaking into a snare mic.
Lowering noise in recordings
It could reduce noise between spoken phrases or notes.
Shortening reverb tails
You could try tightening unwanted tails with expansion.
Cleaning small clutter in a mix
It may help tidy low-level clutter across a mix.
Who it may suit
- People who want to tidy spill in drum recordings
- People who want to lower noise in recordings
- People who want expansion and gating in one plugin
- People who want to drive it with a side-chain
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.
How it differs from similar products
We do not pick a winner; the official figures are placed side by side.
Pure DExpanderFLUX::
Pure Expander reduces signal below the threshold and Pure DExpander lifts it; both cost 79 USD. The feature lists are nearly identical 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 Expander on the product page
Sources: flux.audio shop.flux.audio minet.jp (checked 2026-10-27)
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