SSL Native X-Saturator saturation plugin interface by Solid State Logic

SSL Native X-Saturator: Analog-Style Saturation Plugin by Solid State Logic

Rated 4.7/5 on Plugin Boutique (2,742 ratings)

SSL Native X-Saturator is a saturation plugin from Solid State Logic that adds analog-style even- and odd-order harmonics. It offers valve, transistor or blended distortion, with controls for edge and parallel mixing.

VST3VST2AUAAXWindowsmacOS64-bit

AVAILABLE ATPlugin Boutique

Download Now

Opens the store in a new tab

01Overview

SSL Native X-Saturator is built around analog distortion circuit emulation. It lets you choose second-order valve-style saturation, third-order transistor saturation, or a blend of both. The plugin covers a wide range of distortion characters, from light coloration to heavy, mangled distortion. A Wet/Dry knob supports parallel processing, so you can fold the effect underneath the dry signal rather than replacing it.

Best for

Vocal saturation
Snare crack and body
Drum overhead aggression
Parallel mix saturation
Analog-style mix coloration

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

02Key features

What you get

Saturation plug-in with a wide range of distortion characteristics
Adds analog-style even- and odd-order harmonics
Valve saturation, transistor saturation, or a blend of the two
Edge control ranging from smooth to hard distortion
Shape control for taming extreme settings
Wet/Dry knob for parallel processing
Available in VST3, VST2, AU and AAX formats
64-bit support on Windows and macOS

03In depth

Valve, Transistor and Blended Saturation Character

The core choice in X-Saturator is the distortion type. Valve-style saturation is built on second-order distortion, which the developer describes as warm. Transistor saturation uses third-order distortion and sounds more biting. Blending the two lets you combine tube warmth with transistor edge in a single setting.

The plugin adds analog-style even- and odd-order harmonics across its range. Used lightly, it can add body and presence. Driven hard, it moves into aggressive distortion.

Controls for Edge, Shape and Parallel Mixing

The edge control sets the character of the distortion, from smooth to hard. The Shape control lets you tuck back an extreme setting so it sits more naturally in the mix. The Wet/Dry knob processes the effect in parallel, letting you blend saturated and clean signal.

These controls make X-Saturator usable across tasks, from adding grit to a snare to driving drum overheads for a more aggressive sound. The developer names vocals, snares and drum overheads as typical targets.

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	Saturation
Formats	VST3, VST2, AU, AAX
Operating systems	Windows, macOS
Architecture	64-bit

05FAQ

Questions, answered

What formats does SSL Native X-Saturator support?

X-Saturator is available in VST3, VST2, AU and AAX formats. It runs on Windows and macOS in 64-bit.

What do I need to run X-Saturator?

On macOS, the plugin supports macOS 11 Big Sur through macOS 13 Ventura, and an Intel dual-core Mac at 2.4GHz or higher or an M1 Mac. On Windows, it requires Windows 10 or 11 (64-bit) and an Intel Core 2 or comparable CPU at 2.4GHz or higher. Both platforms need at least 4 GB of RAM, with 8 GB recommended. A free iLok account is required for authorization.

What is the difference between valve and transistor saturation?

Valve-style saturation uses second-order distortion and is described as warm. Transistor saturation uses third-order distortion and sounds more biting. You can also blend the two.