SSL Native X-Echo tape delay plugin interface by Solid State Logic

SSL Native X-Echo: Vintage Tape Delay Plugin by Solid State Logic

Rated 4.7/5 on Plugin Boutique (538 ratings)

SSL Native X-Echo is a tape delay effect plugin from Solid State Logic, inspired by early 1960s hardware tape echo units and adding SSL-style analogue saturation and warmth.

VST3VST2AUAAXWindowsmacOS64-bit

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01Overview

SSL Native X-Echo models the character of classic tape echo hardware, including looping EQ, soft clipping, tape hiss and self-oscillation when feedback is raised above 100%. Solid State Logic builds it on the SSL Plug-in Engine and adds its own saturation controls. The plugin is aimed at producers who want vintage tape delay textures with a modern workflow, including note-value sync, preset management and A/B comparison.

Best for

Vintage vocal delay
Tape echo on guitars
Riser and drop effects
Dub-style delay throws
Lo-fi drum processing

Developer: Solid State Logic
Category: Delays
Store: Plugin Boutique

02Key features

What you get

Models 1960s tape echo characteristics, including looping EQ and soft clipping
Wow & Flutter and Saturation controls for analogue degradation
Self-oscillation when feedback is raised above 100%
FREEZE and KILL for risers and drops
One-knob DIFFUSION control with a new reverb design
Built-in de-esser for sibilance in tape repeats
Waveform visualisation of tape head interaction
Note-value delay sync and four switchable tape heads
Built-in undo/redo and cross-platform preset A/B system

03In depth

Tape Character and Degradation Controls

The Wow & Flutter and Saturation controls let you combine tape-style analogue degradation with classic SSL-style distortion. Wow & Flutter emulates the mechanical effects of the capstan and pinchwheel, as well as the friction of the tape itself.

FREEZE and KILL are built for performance and arrangement moves. Use them to create risers and drops in recordings or live sets. A four-position switch selects between tape heads, adding variation to the repeats.

A waveform visualisation shows how the tape heads interact, which helps when you are shaping the echo pattern.

Diffusion, De-Essing and Stereo Width

The one-knob DIFFUSION control is built on a new reverb design, letting you smear the repeats into a wash. A built-in de-esser addresses the sibilant frequencies that tape echoes often accentuate, so repeats stay smoother on vocals and other bright sources.

For mono sources, a phase-shifting technique spreads the signal into stereo. Delay times can be synced to note values with a single click.

04Specs

Will it run?

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

Developer	Solid State Logic
Type	Plugin
Category	Delay
Formats	VST3, VST2, AU, AAX
Operating systems	Windows, macOS
Architecture	64-bit

05FAQ

Questions, answered

What formats does SSL Native X-Echo support?

It is available in VST3, VST2, AU and AAX formats, for Windows and macOS. The plugin is 64-bit only.

What do I need to run SSL Native X-Echo?

On macOS, you need macOS 11 Big Sur through macOS 13 Ventura. On Windows, you need Windows 10 or Windows 11. Both platforms need at least 4 GB of RAM, with 8 GB recommended, and a free iLok account is required to authorise the software.