E-LUX optical compressor plugin interface by Tone Empire

E-LUX: Optical Compressor Plugin by Tone Empire Free Download

Rated 4.8/5 on Plugin Boutique (6 ratings)

E-LUX is an optical compressor plugin by Tone Empire that uses neural modeling to recreate the sound of classic tube-driven compression. It offers 3:1 and 10:1 modes for smooth control or firm limiting.

VST3AUAAXWindowsmacOS64-bit

AVAILABLE ATPlugin Boutique

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Free trial available from the developer

01Overview

E-LUX is a compressor plugin from Tone Empire built around a proprietary NM2 neural modeling engine. The developer says it aims to reproduce the lush harmonics and natural compression associated with optical compressors that use dual triode vacuum tubes. Compression (3:1) and limiting (10:1) modes cover both gentle dynamic control and firmer peak control, and an Overdrive mode pushes the transformer stage for extra character.

Best for

Vocal compression
Drum bus glue
Bass leveling
Mix bus cohesion
Acoustic instrument control

Developer: Tone Empire
Category: Compressors
Store: Plugin Boutique

02Key features

What you get

Optical compressor character modeled with NM2 neural modeling technology
Compression mode at 3:1 and Limit mode at 10:1
Sidechain with 80Hz high-pass filter
Overdrive mode that pushes the iron transformers
One-knob operation for quick setup on acoustic instruments
Designed for vocals, drums, bass and mix bus use
Available in VST3, AU and AAX formats
Free trial available

03In depth

Sound Character and Compression Modes

E-LUX offers two main modes. The Compression mode at 3:1 is intended for smooth, musical control that helps a track settle into the mix. The Limit mode at 10:1 gives firmer peak control when you need more restraint.

An Overdrive mode pushes the iron transformers for added saturation and character. The developer describes the overall sound as smooth and transparent, with the aim of keeping the highs intact on the compressed signal.

Using E-LUX on Vocals, Drums, Bass and Mix Bus

The developer positions E-LUX for vocals, where it is described as silky and polished while keeping clarity and detail. On drums and in a bass and drum group, it is pitched as a glue compressor that adds cohesion without the pumping artifacts that can come with fast compression.

For bass, it is described as evening out loud and soft parts. On the mix bus, an 80Hz sidechain high-pass filter is included to help the low end stay intact while the mix is compressed. Acoustic instruments are also listed as a target, using the one-knob 3:1 or 10:1 modes.

04Specs

Will it run?

Formats, systems and requirements as listed by Plugin Boutique. Missing details are left out, not guessed.

Developer	Tone Empire
Type	Plugin
Category	Compressor
Formats	VST3, AU, AAX
Operating systems	Windows, macOS
Architecture	64-bit
Free trial	Yes

05FAQ

Questions, answered

What formats does E-LUX support?

E-LUX is available in VST3, AU and AAX formats. It runs on both Windows and macOS and is 64-bit only.

What do I need to run E-LUX?

E-LUX requires a 64-bit host that supports VST3, AU or AAX, depending on your platform. On macOS it needs 10.14 or later and supports Intel and native M1 processors. On Windows it needs Windows 10 or later. Both platforms list 2 GB of RAM, 300 MB of disk space and a 1024 × 768 screen resolution as minimums.