SSL X-Limit limiter plugin interface by Solid State Logic

SSL X-Limit: True Peak Limiter Plugin by Solid State Logic

Rated 4.7/5 on Plugin Boutique (717 ratings)

SSL X-Limit is a visual limiter plugin from Solid State Logic for increasing the loudness of tracks and buses while catching peaks. It offers four limiter characteristics and a True Peak algorithm.

VST3VST2AUAAXWindowsmacOS64-bit

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01Overview

SSL X-Limit is built for raising loudness without clipping. Its waveform visualiser lets you set the threshold and ceiling against the incoming signal, then dial in gain. Four characteristics, Transparent, Glue, Punch and Auto, change how the limiter responds, so the same tool can handle a drum bus, a vocal or a sub-group. The plugin runs on Windows and macOS in VST3, VST2, AU and AAX formats.

Best for

Drum bus loudness
Vocal peak control
Sub-group glue
Master bus loudness
Punch and character

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

02Key features

What you get

Four limiter characteristics: Transparent, Glue, Punch and Auto
True Peak mode with intelligent oversampling for inter-sample peaks
Waveform visualiser with threshold and ceiling sliders
Auto Release shortens for transients and lengthens for sustained sounds
Advanced fade-in Lookahead for smooth transient catching
Momentary and max True Peak value readouts
Steering and Ducking meters for stereo image feedback
Channel Link, Gain Match, Gain Lock and Mix control

03In depth

Limiter Characteristics and Sound Control

X-Limit includes four modes. Transparent is suited to catching peaks on vocals and acoustic guitars. Punch targets drum buses where you want more impact. Glue works on sub-groups to unify a mix. Auto adjusts its ballistics based on the transient content of the signal, which suits a set-and-forget approach.

True Peak mode applies the plugin's True Peak algorithm with oversampling, so inter-sample peaks are limited. The Ceiling can be set in this mode to stop the signal from exceeding a maximum level.

Metering, Stereo Image and Workflow

Steering and Ducking meters show how limiting may affect the stereo image, giving feedback for minimising stereo degradation. Channel Link blends between stereo and independent left/right limiting.

For workflow, Gain Lock keeps the applied gain while you audition presets and styles, and Gain Match previews the effect without the loudness increase. The Mix control blends the original signal back in, which is useful when using the limiter for punch or character rather than peak control.

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

05FAQ

Questions, answered

What formats does SSL X-Limit support?

X-Limit 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-Limit?

A free iLok account is required to authorise the software. On macOS, the plugin supports macOS 11 Big Sur through macOS 13 Ventura, and it is compatible with M1 Macs. On Windows, it supports Windows 10 and Windows 11.

What is True Peak mode used for?

True Peak mode uses SSL's True Peak algorithm with intelligent oversampling to limit inter-sample peaks. Solid State Logic says it complies with ITU-R B.S. 1770 and Apple's 'afclip' True Peak detection standard.