X-EQ 2
by Solid State Logic · EQ · 24-band parametric EQ
Not rated yet
A 24-band parametric EQ with 17 filter types and SSL's anti-cramping algorithms.
It includes a Parallel mode modeled on passive parallel EQ circuits, plus M/S and L/R processing and phase and step response graphs.
Best for: Mix Bus, Mastering, Vocals, Acoustic Instruments. Genres: all genres.
Keywords: parallel processing, mastering, bus processing, mid/side, mix bus, classic, full mix, transparent, built-in analyzer, CPU-light, hardware emulation, mixing, surgical, vocals.
What it does
X-EQ 2 is SSL's "mastering grade 24-band parametric EQ," built on its proprietary anti-cramping algorithms.
- 24 bands: each switchable between bell, shelf, low-pass and high-pass, with classic and custom shapes.
- 17 filter types: 5 cut filters, 9 bell shapes, shelving filters, a Parallel mode and custom filters.
- Spatial processing: Mid/Side and Left/Right options with per-band solo and bypass.
- Low distortion: residual THD+N that SSL says is well below 24-bit quantization noise, with CPU-light DSP.
- Displays: real-time FFT analyzer plus phase and step response graphs.
The current version is 6.8.3.
Source: Solid State Logic product page
When to use it
X-EQ 2 is a clean, many-band digital EQ. FabFilter Pro-Q 4 adds dynamic bands, spectral features and a more refined workflow, TDR Nova is a free-to-cheap alternative with dynamic bands, and Three-Body Kirchhoff-EQ offers deeper analog-style shape options. Pick X-EQ 2 for transparent static EQ with many classic curve choices and a parallel mode.
- Best for: surgical and broad EQ on mix bus, mastering and individual tracks.
- Genres: general purpose.
- Look elsewhere if: you need dynamic EQ bands; X-DynEQ or Pro-Q 4 add them.
- Standout: the anti-cramping filters and the Parallel mode.
What producers say
A detailed review liked the sound but questioned the value at its old full price.
- Produce Like A Pro (2023): found the sound "arguably more open and transparent than other similar plugins" and CPU-efficient.
- Gripe: the same review said it "may not reinvent the wheel" and that its then price made Pro-Q 3 the better value.
Where to buy
- Best Service: $99
- Solid State Logic: $99
- AudioDeluxe: $99
Tutorials and reviews
- SSL Native X-EQ 2 - Different EQ Types Explained
- Is SSL X-EQ 2 the Ultimate EQ? Find Out Now!
- SSL X EQ 2 vs Pro EQ
- SSL Native X-EQ 2 Feature Overview
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