SSL Native X-ValveComp compressor plugin interface by Solid State Logic

SSL Native X-ValveComp: Valve-Style Channel Compressor Plugin

Rated 4.7/5 on Plugin Boutique (1,039 ratings)

SSL Native X-ValveComp is a mono or stereo channel compressor plugin from Solid State Logic that adds a variable valve emulation stage for 2nd-order harmonic saturation after the compression stage.

VST3VST2AUAAXWindowsmacOS64-bit

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01Overview

X-ValveComp combines a classic channel compressor layout with a valve emulation stage placed after the compressor in the signal path. The developer describes the stage as adding a variable amount of mainly 2nd-order harmonic saturation and distortion to thicken and color the sound. It works in mono or stereo, runs in VST3, VST2, AU and AAX formats on Windows and macOS, and includes a dedicated wet/dry mix control for parallel compression.

Best for

Mix bus glue
Parallel drum compression
Vocal thickening
Bass saturation
Sidechain compression

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

02Key features

What you get

Traditional compressor layout with threshold, ratio, knee, attack, release and hold
Valve emulation stage adding variable 2nd-order harmonic saturation
Parallel compression through a dedicated wet/dry mix control
Peak and RMS detection modes
Sidechain input with highpass and lowpass filters
Input and Output meters with kick-down compression indication
Auto Gain Make Up mode and manual Gain Make Up control
A/B preset slots for comparing two settings
Mono or stereo operation

03In depth

Sound and Saturation Character

The valve emulation stage is the main feature that sets X-ValveComp apart from a standard compressor. Engaging it adds rich 2nd-order harmonics, which the developer says thickens the sound and adds color. Because the stage sits after the compressor, the saturation is applied to the already-compressed signal.

For added weight, the wet/dry mix control supports parallel compression, the approach often called New York-style compression. Blending the compressed signal with the dry signal lets you add density while keeping the original transients.

Controls, Metering and Sidechain

The compressor offers Threshold, Ratio, Knee, Attack, Release and Hold controls, and can switch between Peak and RMS detection modes. Input and Output meters show kick-down compression amount, and Input and Output Level controls help set gain staging. A Gain Make Up control is available, along with a switched Auto Gain Make Up mode.

The sidechain architecture includes highpass and lowpass filters, so the compressor can be triggered by a filtered version of the signal. Two preset slots with an A/B switch make it easy to compare two different settings. Parameters can be automated through standard DAW automation.

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

05FAQ

Questions, answered

What formats does X-ValveComp support?

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

What do I need to run X-ValveComp?

A free iLok account is required to authorize the software. On macOS, it needs macOS 11 Big Sur through macOS 13 Ventura, and on Windows, Windows 10 or Windows 11. The developer recommends 8 GB of RAM, with 4 GB as the minimum.

What does the valve emulation stage do?

The valve emulation stage sits after the compressor and adds a variable amount of mainly 2nd-order harmonic saturation and distortion, which the developer says thickens and colors the sound.