Solid State Logic SSL Native X-Comp
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The Essentials to Know About SSL X-Comp Software
The Essentials to Know About SSL X-Comp Software
- Mastering-quality compressor: from ultra-transparent dynamic control to "brick wall" style limiting.
- Selectable colors: behavior inspired by several families of hardware compressors (Opto, FET, Vari-mu) to suit every source.
- Targeted compression thanks to Low/High Bleed settings, to process only the useful frequency band and preserve the rest of the signal.
- Advanced metering and fast workflow: histogram, gain reduction, A/B, preset library, MIDI learn, and full automation.
Manufacturer Information
Solid State Logic
https://www.solidstatelogic.com
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What SSL X-Comp Is For
SSL X-Comp is a versatile compression plug-in designed to manage dynamics at all levels of a mix: individual tracks, buses, and the master chain. It can smooth a vocal, control drum transients, thicken a bass, or solidify a synth bus, as well as provide firmer final control in mastering. Its goal is clear: to bring a "console" style dynamic processing into your DAW that is precise, musical, and immediately usable, with a confidently analog feel.
Main Features
From Invisible Compression to Limiting
X-Comp covers a wide range of behaviors, making it effective on very different sources. You can use it in "transparent" mode to stabilize levels without altering the timbre, or push the processing for more pronounced compression, up to "brick wall" style limiting when the context demands it. This versatility makes it a reliable tool both in production and finalization.
Advanced Knee and Proportional Response
The core of X-Comp's character lies in its highly sophisticated knee control, with an extended range from 0 to 40 dB. This setting allows you to fine-tune how compression "engages": more gradual to retain softness, or more abrupt to tame transients and increase impact. The symmetrical double-knee design facilitates a coherent result, especially on rich and dynamic sources, while maintaining clear visual feedback through the graphical display.
Frequency-Selective Compression with Low/High Bleed
With Low Bleed and High Bleed controls, X-Comp offers a highly musical approach: compressing mainly a frequency zone while leaving the extremes (defined lows and highs) less affected. This method helps preserve the low-end foundation and the air in the highs, while working the energy where it is truly useful. For example, on an 808, you can enhance the punch of low-mids and mids without "crushing" the sub-bass, avoiding mix muddiness and maintaining a solid base.
Advanced Sidechain and Full Mix Control
The advanced sidechain opens the door to smarter, contextual compression: controlling the compressor's reaction based on content, refining balance, and improving arrangement clarity without over-processing. Combined with knee and compression shape settings, it allows sculpting very precise dynamic control, suited to modern demands (trap, pop, rock, electronic, post-production).
Metering, A/B Comparison, and Productivity
To work quickly and accurately, X-Comp integrates stereo input/output metering with independent peak and RMS levels, a clear gain reduction indicator, and a histogram to visualize processing over time. The A/B switch speeds up decisions: instantly compare two settings without starting over, then save your settings in the preset library. The whole design supports a modern workflow: "click-and-drag" interface, global zero-latency bypass, MIDI parameter control, and full automation in most DAWs.
Technical specifications
| Type | Full software | Downloadable | Yes |
| Operating Systems | Mac macOS Sierra (10.12) or later; Windows 7 (64-bit), 8 (64-bit), 8.1 (64-bit), Windows 10 (64-bit) | Advanced graphical knee control | 0 to 40 dB range, proportional response |
| Processor | Mac Intel Dual Core 2.4 GHz or higher; Windows Intel Core 2 (or equivalent) 2.4 GHz or higher | High Bleed and Low Bleed controls | frequency selection for compression, leaving high and low zones uncompressed |
| RAM | 8 GB recommended | Advanced metering | gain reduction, histogram, real-time pre/post analysis |
| Mac | AU, VST2, VST3, AAX Native | A/B preset switching | instant comparison of two settings |
| Windows | VST2 (64-bit), VST3 (64-bit), AAX Native (64-bit) | Stereo input/output monitoring | independent peak and RMS levels |
| Emulation of multiple hardware compression types | Opto, FET, Vari-mu | ||
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Questions frequently asked
Is SSL Native X-Comp compatible with macOS and Windows?
Compatibility covers macOS Sierra 10.12 or later, as well as Windows 7, 8, 8.1, and 10 in 64-bit. AU, VST2, VST3, and AAX Native formats are supported on Mac; Windows accepts VST2, VST3, and AAX Native in 64-bit.
How to preserve sub-bass when compressing an 808?
The Low Bleed and High Bleed controls allow targeting the compressed frequencies while leaving the defined low and high areas less affected. This approach enables working the low-mids without crushing the sub-bass.
What knee range does this SSL compressor offer?
The graphical knee control ranges from 0 to 40 dB and uses a symmetrical double bent proportional response. A more progressive or aggressive compression onset can thus be set depending on the transients to be controlled.
Can it be used on a master bus?
This model is designed for individual tracks, buses, and the master chain. Compression can remain transparent or be pushed up to brickwall limiting.
What metering tools are available in X-Comp?
The interface displays stereo input and output levels with independent peak and RMS readings. A gain reduction meter, histogram, and real-time pre/post analysis facilitate monitoring of the processing. The A/B switch allows instant comparison of two settings.
