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An introduction to FLUX:: Alchemist, based on information from the maker and distributors: what it does, how to use it and who it may suit. It is not scored.
Alchemist is the ultimate dynamic processing tool providing full control over the processing.
— FLUX:: official site
What is Alchemist?
Alchemist is a multiband dynamics plug-in with up to five bands. Each band provides a compressor, de-compressor, expander, de-expander, the BitterSweet transient designer and M/S width control, so a lot can be built inside one plug-in.
The official page presents it for tasks ranging from simple compression and more advanced de-expansion to emulating classic analog compression, recovering transients from an overly compressed mix, and heavy parallel multiband compression.
It works as a single broadband processor or as a full multiband one, with IIR crossovers whose slopes can be set from 18 dB/oct to 54 dB/oct and whose corner frequencies are variable.
It shares the Pure-series thinking, including Level Independent Detection, which detects by dynamic range rather than plain signal level. It is aimed at demanding dynamics work in mixing and mastering.
A full dynamics section on all five bands
Every band has compressor, de-compressor, expander, de-expander, BitterSweet and M/S control, which could suit applying different processing per band.
IIR crossovers, 18-54 dB/oct
The crossover slope between bands is selectable, so the steepness of the split can be matched to the material.
Detection modes and envelope
Eight detection modes include Feed Backward modes inspired by vintage hardware. Attack, Hold and Release use Manual, Auto or Advanced release modes.
Zero attack (Auto Delay)
A delay equal to the attack time is inserted in the signal path so processing can act with zero attack time.
Dynamic Factor and Dynamic Velocity
Factor amplifies or diminishes the extracted dynamics information, and Velocity controls how fast it changes.
Parallel processing and limiter
Dry/Wet enables parallel dynamics, and a discrete peak limiter rounds peaks at the output. Input/output gain spans +/-48 dB.
Up to 16 channels and A/B morphing
Multichannel processing is supported with per-channel bypass, and a morphing slider blends the A/B settings.
Specifications
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | Multiband dynamics |
| Bands | Up to 5 |
| Crossovers | IIR, 18-54 dB/oct, variable frequency |
| Input/output gain | +/-48 dB |
| Channels | Up to 16 |
| Detection modes | 8 |
| Formats | VST, AU, AAX Native (per the official compatibility icons) |
| System | Windows 10/11 (64-bit); macOS 10.14.6 Mojave or later, Apple Silicon (M1-M3) supported. An iLok.com account is required (the iLok USB key is not required) |
What is included and system requirements
- Alchemist (five-band dynamics)
- Compressor / de-compressor / expander / de-expander on each band
- BitterSweet transient designer
- M/S width control
- Discrete peak limiter
- System: Windows 10/11 (64-bit); macOS 10.14.6 Mojave or later, Apple Silicon (M1-M3) supported. An iLok.com account is required (the iLok USB key is not required)
- Two preset/parameter slots (A and B) plus a morphing slider between them, available to host automation
- Open Sound Control (OSC) support
- The FLUX:: shop advertises a free 30-day trial
How to use it
- Insert Alchemist on a track or the master bus.
- Start as a single broadband processor to learn the basic behaviour.
- Add bands as needed and set crossover frequencies and slopes.
- Choose the processing on each band and adjust Threshold and Ratio.
- Match Attack, Hold, Release and the detection mode to the material.
- Use BitterSweet on bands where transients should be recovered.
- Blend with Dry/Wet for parallel processing.
- Finish with output gain and the limiter, and compare with A/B.
Mastering
It could be used to shape dynamics band by band.
Repairing an over-compressed mix
Transient recovery processing might be worth trying.
Drum or mix bus
Parallel multiband compression could add density.
Post-production
It may be considered for balancing dialogue or music dynamics.
Who it may suit
- People who want detailed multiband dynamics control
- Those who master their own work
- Anyone who wants transient handling in the same plug-in
- Users who like to tune behaviour precisely
Good to know before you buy
- An iLok.com user account is required (the iLok USB key is not required).
- Windows is 64-bit only and needs a graphics card with OpenGL 2.0 support; USB displays are listed as unsupported in the official specifications.
- The standard FLUX:: license does not include VS3 (for Pyramix / Ovation); it is sold separately by Merging Technologies.
- With many features, starting with fewer bands may be easier.
- Also included in the All Plugins Pack and Complete Pack subscriptions.
How it differs from similar products
We do not pick a winner; the official figures are placed side by side.
FLUX:: Solera
Alchemist is a multiband processor with up to five bands, 16 channels, at $199. Solera is a full-band unit running compressor, expander, de-compressor and de-expander in parallel, with up to 8 channels, at $149.
Price
$199 (FLUX:: official site, checked 2026-10-27). Prices can vary by region and promotion, so check the official page before buying.
See Alchemist on the product page
Sources: flux.audio shop.flux.audio (checked 2026-10-27)
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