Waves Primary Source Expander (PSE) is designed for life on the road. It ultimately allows the user to reduce stage bleed and sensitivity to feedback when a mic is idle by automatically lowering mic levels between musical phrases. Simply put, it's perfect for both live sound, and mixing live recordings.
At the heart of the PSE plugin is a precision expander, which has been tailored specifically for melodic sources such as vocals, guitars, strings, brass, woodwinds and more. It works like a fader which smoothly attenuates the channel’s level when the source goes below the threshold you’ve set; you determine both the threshold and the amount of attenuation. Reducing stage noise leakage when your microphones are idle will help the user create a more coherent and focused mix, with better phase relations. To see for yourself, check out the video below:
Furthermore, PSE also offers advanced sidechain and ducking controls for greater consistency and precision when treating complex live scenarios. Whether you're mixing front of house or monitors in a live venue or working on a live recording in the studio, PSE will ensure that your mics are as loud and clean as they can be, while preserving your source’s original tone and the natural ambience of your location.
It's typical smart thinking from Waves. So to summarise, PSE...
Reduces stage bleed and sensitivity to feedback when mics are idle
Smoothly attenuates levels when source drops below the set threshold
Features a user-friendly GUI for quick operation – 'set and forget'
Benefits from an internal and external sidechain with HP/LP filters
Includes Ducking mode for added precision in complex live scenarios
Has a Release time preset
For more on PSE, and to purchase it for just $49USD, click HERE.