Primary Source Expander by Waves plugin interface

Primary Source Expander: Live Mic Bleed Expander Plugin by Waves

Primary Source Expander is an expander plugin from Waves for reducing microphone bleed in live sound and recording. It is available in VST2, AU and AAX formats for Windows and macOS.

VST2AUAAXWindowsmacOS

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01Overview

Primary Source Expander, often shortened to PSE, is built for the problems that come with mixing live shows: mic bleed that causes feedback, background noise between a singer's phrases, and crosstalk that blurs the stage sound. Waves positions it as an easy-to-use expander that handles most bleed issues with little setup. It also suits live multitrack recording, where isolating each source matters, and it is not limited to concerts, with lavaliers and panel discussions listed as ideal uses.

Best for

Live mic bleed control
Feedback prevention
Live multitrack recording
Stage monitoring
Lavalier mic cleanup
Panel discussion audio

Developer: Waves
Category: Utilities
Store: Plugin Boutique

02Key features

What you get

Raises usable mic levels before feedback occurs
Quick bleed removal, often needing little adjustment
Reduces phase issues in live recordings
Cuts mic crosstalk for a more focused stage sound
Improves on-stage monitoring for musicians
Suited to lavaliers and panel discussion audio
Internal and external sidechain with HP/LP filters
Ducking mode for complex live setups
Release time presets to speed up setup

03In depth

Controlling Mic Bleed in Live Sound

Waves says PSE can eliminate mic bleed quickly, and in most cases it works as a set-and-forget tool once it is dialed in. The main goal is to gate out the sound a microphone picks up from other sources, so that you can raise mic levels before feedback starts and turn up the PA.

The plugin also aims to reduce phase issues in live recordings and to give a more focused stage sound by removing mic crosstalk. For musicians on stage, the developer says it improves monitoring by keeping unwanted sources out of each mix.

Sidechain, Ducking and Workflow Controls

PSE offers both internal and external sidechain, with HP/LP filters to shape the detection signal. This lets you key the expander from a cleaner source than the audio it processes. A ducking mode adds precision in complex live scenarios where several sources overlap.

Release time presets are included to speed up setup, so you can move from a rough starting point to a usable result with fewer adjustments during a soundcheck.

04Specs

Will it run?

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

Developer	Waves
Type	Plugin
Category	Utility
Formats	VST2, AU, AAX
Operating systems	Windows, macOS

05FAQ

Questions, answered

What is Primary Source Expander used for?

It is an expander for reducing mic bleed in live sound. Waves says it helps raise mic levels before feedback, reduces crosstalk, and improves isolation in live recordings.

Which formats and operating systems does Primary Source Expander support?

It is available in VST2, AU and AAX formats. It runs on Windows and macOS. Waves lists VST2 and AAX for Windows 10 and later, and VST2, AU and AAX for macOS Monterey 12 through Sequoia 15.