Waves Audio has released the Primary Source Expander (PSE) plug-in – a tool to reduce stage bleed and sensitivity to feedback when a mic is idle by automatically lowering mic levels between musical phrases for live sound and for mixing live recordings.
At the heart of the Primary Source Expander plug-in is a precision expander, tailored to melodic sources such as vocals, guitars, strings, brass and woodwinds. PSE operated as a gain control that smoothly attenuates the channel’s level when the source goes below a set threshold. The user determines both the threshold and the amount of attenuation. Reducing stage noise leakage when microphones are idle will help users get an overall mix that is more coherent, more focused and has better phase relations.
PSE also provides advanced sidechain and ducking controls for consistency and precision when treating complex live scenarios. When mixing FOH or monitors in a live venue and working on a live recording in the studio, PSE ensures that mics are as loud and clean as possible, while preserving the source’s original tone and the natural ambience of the location.
