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An introduction to FLUX:: Ircam Trax, based on information from the maker and distributors: what it does, how to use it and who it may suit. It is not scored.
Three ingenious voice and sonic processors, Transformer, Cross Synthesis and Source Filter, for altering pitch, spectral timbre and duration to manipulate properties of a voice such as gender, age and breath.
— FLUX:: official site
What is Ircam Trax?
Ircam Trax is a set of three voice and sound transformation plug-ins built on analysis/synthesis technology developed over decades at the French research institute IRCAM. It contains Transformer, Cross Synthesis and Source Filter, which alter properties such as pitch, spectral timbre and duration.
The main module, Transformer, uses an extended phase-vocoder approach to move characteristics of a voice such as gender, age and breath. Voice, Instrument and Music modes are provided so it can also be applied to other instruments and to mixed music.
Cross Synthesis morphs the spectral characteristics of two sounds, while Source Filter imprints the energy contour and spectral colour of one sound onto another. Both are built around two inputs, and the maker says they reach beyond the usual source-filter morphing effect.
According to the official page, the voice transformation algorithms have been used in international film productions. It is a creative tool aimed at vocal processing, voice-over character changes and sound design.
Transformer: gender, age and breath
Target offers vocal types and ranges, plus gender, age and breath parameters for voices. For other material, pitch, expression and formant are available. It may suit cases where you want to change a voice character substantially.
Three modes
The algorithm type is chosen to match the material. Source sets the frequency range to process, and a learn function can analyse the material automatically.
Remix and spectral envelope remapping
A mini mixing console lets you rebalance the components of the processed audio, and the spectral envelope can be remapped along a freely drawn curve.
Two modulators
Transformer has modulators for pitch (transpose) and formant, adding expressive movement. They could be a starting point for wobbling or evolving vocal effects.
Cross Synthesis: morphing two spectra
A phase vocoder blends the amplitude and frequency/phase spectra of two sounds continuously. Because the features are strongly nonlinear, the morph is too, which the maker describes as a route to unusual effects.
Source Filter: separate and recombine
The signal is split into a time envelope and a spectral envelope, then blended with those of a filtering sound. Temporal Envelope sets how much of channel 2's dynamics is imprinted on the output.
A/B slots, morphing and up to 8 channels
Two full settings can be stored and blended with a slider. Transformer can process up to eight channels and individual channels can be left unprocessed.
Specifications
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | Voice / spectral transformation plug-in (Transformer, Cross Synthesis, Source Filter) |
| Transformer input/output gain | -60 to +18 dB |
| Multichannel | Transformer: up to 8 channels |
| 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) |
| License | Perpetual, or included in subscription packs |
What is included and system requirements
- Transformer (real-time voice and sound modelling)
- Cross Synthesis (spectral morphing)
- Source Filter (energy and timbre imprinting)
- Two-band high/low-pass filter section in Transformer (on input or output)
- 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 an Ircam Trax module (start with Transformer) on a DAW track.
- Choose Voice, Instrument or Music mode to match the material.
- Set the frequency range to process in Source (the learn function can analyse it automatically).
- Pick a vocal type in Target and nudge gender, age and breath gradually if needed.
- Rebalance the processed components in Remix and check the blend with Dry/Wet.
- Add movement to pitch or formant with Modulations if desired.
- For Cross Synthesis or Source Filter, feed the second sound into the second channel.
- Store different settings in A and B and compare them with the morphing slider.
Vocal processing
It might be used to shift the perceived gender or age of a sung voice for backing vocals or character parts.
Voice-over and game characters
It may help create a different-sounding character from one voice; moving formant changes the impression.
Sound design
Blending two sounds with Cross Synthesis or Source Filter might yield textures that are hard to get otherwise.
Post-production
It could be worth trying when voice character adjustments or multichannel processing are needed.
Who it may suit
- People who want creative, large-scale changes to voice character
- Those building sound effects or character voices
- Anyone interested in experimental blends of two sounds
- Audio-for-picture and game audio makers who need voice processing
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.
- Cross Synthesis and Source Filter are designed around two input channels.
- Besides the perpetual license, it is part of the All Plugins Pack ($14.95/month) and the Complete Pack ($79.95/month) subscriptions.
How it differs from similar products
We do not pick a winner; the official figures are placed side by side.
FLUX:: Ircam Verb
Ircam Trax is a three-module voice and sound transformation suite (Transformer up to 8 channels, $399). Ircam Verb, also IRCAM-derived, is a reverb/room-acoustics engine with up to 16 channels ($199).
Price
$399 (FLUX:: official site, checked 2026-10-27). Prices can vary by region and promotion, so check the official page before buying.
See Ircam Trax on the product page
Sources: flux.audio shop.flux.audio (checked 2026-10-27)
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