X-Comp

Name: X-Comp
Price: 99 USD
Author: Solid State Logic

by Solid State Logic · Compressor · Stereo compressor with variable knee

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A stereo compressor from SSL's Native X range that goes from transparent mastering compression to brick-wall squashing.

Instead of modeling one unit, its graphic knee, max gain reduction and side-chain filters let you approximate opto, FET and vari-mu styles.

Best for: Mix Bus, Mastering, Drum Bus, Vocals. Genres: all genres.

Keywords: mastering, bus processing, parallel processing, transparent, drum bus, FET, mix bus, opto, sidechain input, vari-mu, full mix, steep learning curve, glue, A/B compare, hardware emulation, heavy, metering, MIDI-controllable, mixing, single-band, vocals.

What it does

X-Comp is SSL's "mastering grade" stereo compressor. SSL describes it as covering everything from "invisible" dynamic control to brick-wall effects that rival the Listen Mic Compressor, with controls meant to emulate a range of compressor designs rather than one model.

Knee control: an advanced graphic knee with a 0 to 40 dB range and a dual symmetrical design for detailed shaping of the compression curve.
Max Gain Reduction: caps gain reduction anywhere between 20 and 60 dB.
Side chain: 1st-order side-chain filters give frequency-dependent parallel compression (the Bleed controls let highs and lows pass uncompressed).
Style range: settings can mimic opto, FET and vari-mu behavior.
Analysis: an amplitude histogram shows pre/post signal, plus stereo I/O metering with peak hold and RMS, A/B comparison and MIDI control of all parameters.

The current version is 6.8.2.

Source: Solid State Logic product page

When to use it

X-Comp sits between a clean precision tool and a character compressor. FabFilter Pro-C 3 offers more modes and a more modern display, TDR Kotelnikov is a transparent mastering compressor at a lower price, and Cytomic The Glue is simpler and focused on bus glue. Pick X-Comp if you want deep knee and gain-reduction control plus built-in frequency-dependent parallel compression in one window.

Best for: mix bus and mastering compression, drum bus parallel compression, and heavy room-mic squash.
Genres: general purpose, from acoustic to rock and electronic.
Look elsewhere if: you want a faithful model of one specific vintage compressor, or a very quick, few-knob workflow.
Standout: the Max Gain Reduction and dual-knee controls, which let one plugin move from subtle to brick-wall behavior.

What producers say

Reviewers praise its sound and control; the main gripes are the learning curve and a user-reported CPU issue.

MusicRadar (2008): reviewing the original Duende version, it found X-Comp "delivers greater control than other Duende compressor plug-ins" with SSL sound quality, but noted it "takes time to learn."
Sweetwater user (2024): liked the interface but gave 2/5, reporting that a few SSL plugins including X-Comp raised CPU use sharply in their session.

Where to buy

Tutorials and reviews

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