Primary Source Expander (PSE) automatically reduces bleed on live microphones, giving you more gain before feedback.

PSE is an easy-to-use, optimised expander that solves most bleed issues instantly: just set Threshold and Range, and everything below the threshold is smoothly attenuated by the range you have set. Its precision expansion is optimised for melodic sources such as vocals, guitars and strings, replacing troublesome noise gates. For stubborn cases, external sidechain, filtering and a ducking mode are on hand – also for lavalier mics and panel discussions.

Features

• Higher mic levels before feedback
• Fewer phase issues in live recordings
• Better monitoring for musicians on stage
• Internal and external sidechain with HP/LP filters
• Release time presets and ducking mode for complex live scenarios

Technical details

• Operating systems: Windows, macOS
• Plug-in formats: VST3, Audio Unit (macOS only), AAX
• Architecture: 64 bit
• Licensing: licence key, machine-bound or USB flash drive (via Waves Central)

System requirements

• macOS 14 Sonoma, 15 Sequoia, 26 Tahoe or 27 Golden Gate (Apple silicon or Intel)
• Windows 10 64-bit (version 22H2) or Windows 11 (Intel or AMD, x64)
• 16 GB RAM
• 30 GB free disk space on the system drive

The licence is registered with the manufacturer at https://www.waves.com/downloads/central. You will receive your serial number and the download link by e-mail immediately after purchase.