X-Echo
by Solid State Logic · Delay · Tape echo
Not rated yet
SSL's tape delay, inspired by '60s and '70s tape echo units, with four switchable heads, wow and flutter, saturation and tape hiss.
It is not a model of one machine: a single Diffusion knob blends the repeats into a reverb tail, and Freeze, Kill and a built-in de-esser bring it up to date.
Best for: Vocals, Guitars, Keys & Synths, Sound Design. Genres: Rock & Indie, Pop, Electronic & EDM, Ambient & Cinematic, Lo-Fi.
Keywords: tape, tape echo, 60s, freeze, inspired by, modern, 70s, ambience, flutter, lo-fi, single knob, vocals, wobble, electric guitar, keys, slapback, beginner-friendly, gentle, minimal controls, mixing, ping-pong, plate, soft clip, sound design, pads, subscription, subtle, swirling, tempo-synced, vintage, visual feedback, wet, wide.
What it does
SSL Native X-Echo is "inspired by early tape delay hardware from the '60s and '70s," combining modeled tape behavior with SSL console-style saturation and a modern workflow. SSL calls it "your vibe machine."
- Four tape heads: four switchable heads for varied echo patterns, shown on a waveform display that plots the first seconds of audio and its repeats.
- Tape behavior: looping EQ, soft clipping, gentle tape hiss and self-oscillation, plus Wow & Flutter and Saturation controls for tape-style degradation.
- Diffusion: a new SSL reverb design that goes from subtle space to large plate-like tails with one knob.
- Mix tools: LF/HF EQ, a built-in de-esser for the sibilance tape echoes tend to exaggerate, delay width, and a mode that turns mono sources into stereo.
- Performance: Freeze and Kill for risers and drops, with tap tempo, host sync and ping-pong.
The current version is 6.8.4, with a 14-day free trial. It is also included in SSL's Complete Access subscription.
Source: Solid State Logic product page
When to use it
X-Echo is a tape echo that mixes vintage character with modern controls rather than cloning one unit, as Pulsar Echorec does with the Binson. Galaxy Tape Echo and Arturia Delay TAPE-201 model the Roland Space Echo in more detail, and EchoBoy covers tape among many other styles. Pick X-Echo if you want tape repeats that can melt into a reverb via Diffusion, plus a de-esser and Freeze/Kill for modern productions.
- Best for: slapback and swirling vocal echoes, '60s-style guitar delays, and ambient washes on keys and pads.
- Genres: rock, indie, pop, lo-fi, electronic and ambient.
- Look elsewhere if: you want a faithful model of a specific tape machine, or clean digital multi-tap patterns (SSL's X-Delay does that).
- Standout: the Diffusion control, which runs from hard tape repeats to a diffuse reverb.
What producers say
Sound On Sound praised its sound, especially the Diffusion control; the tape hiss is always on but set very low.
- Sound On Sound (2022): Paul White wrote "it sounds wonderful," crediting the Diffusion control, which moves from hard tape repeats to "a lovely diffuse reverb."
- Value: he noted that convincing vintage tape echo is available elsewhere, but its strength is combining tape echo with modern reverb and DAW-friendly features, from slapback to "dreamy ambient soundscapes."
- Gripe: the low-level tape hiss is always on, though SOS found it "too low to cause problems."
Where to buy
- Best Service: $99
- Solid State Logic: $99
- AudioDeluxe: $99
Tutorials and reviews
- SSL Native X-Echo Plug-in
- Tape Echo Shootout | SSL X-Echo vs Galaxy vs Pulsar
- SSL Native X-Echo Demo (no talking)
- SSL X-Echo feat. Sean Divine: Vocals, guitar and keys
- Solid State Logic『SSL Native X-Echo』
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