XTMax
by Kiive Audio · Compressor · Free character compressor
Not rated yet
XTMax is a free character compressor with three release modes, AutoGain and a sidechain high-pass filter.
It is aimed at punchy, gritty drums and focused bass. It is free.
Best for: Drums, Bass, Drum Bus. Genres: all genres.
Keywords: drums, bass, auto-gain, free, gritty, punchy, sidechain input, simple, bus processing, classic, drum bus, minimal controls, mixing, single-band.
What it does
XTMax is Kiive Audio's free character compressor for adding grit and punch while keeping transients. It was developed by studying classic hardware, including the Empirical Labs Distressor, but Kiive says it is not a direct emulation of any one unit.
- Input and Output: the two main knobs; you mostly drive the Input and let the compressor do the rest.
- Attack and Release: three-way switches rather than continuous knobs, for quick settings.
- Three release modes: change how the compressor recovers and behaves.
- Knee: a knob for softer or harder onset of compression.
- Sidechain HPF: a cutoff control, with 60 Hz and 100 Hz options, so the low end doesn't over-trigger it.
- AutoGain: keeps the level steady while you dial in the compression.
It is free, with free updates.
Source: Kiive Audio product page
When to use it
XTMax is a quick, free way to get Distressor-style attitude on drums and bass. Compared with UA's Empirical Labs EL8 Distressor, it has far fewer controls, with switched attack and release and no detailed ratio or distortion modes, but costs nothing. Next to the UA 1176 Classic Limiter Collection or Waves CLA-76, it is simpler and more of a one-knob tool than a full FET compressor. Kiive's own paid XTComp gives more control if you outgrow it.
- Best for: drums and bass that need punch and grit with minimal setup.
- Genres: all styles, especially hip-hop and rock.
- Look elsewhere if: you want detailed attack, ratio and distortion control; XTComp or the EL8 Distressor have more.
- Tip: load it on a drum track and push the Input knob while AutoGain keeps the level matched.
What producers say
Coverage is positive and centres on how fast it is to get a result.
- Bedroom Producers Blog praised the "straightforward" controls and said Auto Gain "significantly speeds up the compression workflow."
- Drum use: the same article singled it out as a fast way to enhance a drum track.
Where to buy
- Kiive Audio: Free
Tutorials and reviews
- Kiive Audio - XTMax - First Impression - Walkthrough - How To Use
- KIIVE AUDIO - XTMAX
- Free Compressor - XT Max by Klive Audio (No Talking)
- NEW FREE COMPRESSOR XTMax by Kiive Audio
- FREE Distressor Style Compressor - Kiive Audio XTMax
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