X-ValveComp
by Solid State Logic · Compressor · Channel compressor with valve stage
Not rated yet
A mono or stereo channel compressor with a full set of classic controls and a valve emulation stage after the compressor.
The valve stage adds mainly 2nd-order harmonic saturation, so one insert handles both dynamics and color.
Best for: Vocals, Bass, Drums, Keys & Synths. Genres: all genres.
Keywords: tube, bass, drums, hardware emulation, vocals, synths, thick, A/B compare, classic, colored, enhancement, gritty, metering, built-in mix knob, mixing, parallel processing, sidechain input, single-band, visual feedback.
What it does
X-ValveComp is SSL's "fully featured compressor with added grit": a channel compressor followed by a valve emulation stage that adds variable, primarily 2nd-order harmonic saturation and distortion.
- Compressor controls: Threshold, Ratio, Knee, Attack, Release and Hold, switchable between Peak and RMS detection.
- Valve stage: sits after the compressor and thickens and colors the signal with adjustable saturation.
- Gain and mix: manual and auto make-up gain plus a wet/dry mix for parallel compression.
- Side chain: side-chain input with high- and low-pass filters to shape what triggers compression.
- Workflow: input/output meters with gain-reduction display, A/B preset slots and full DAW automation.
The current version is 6.9.2.
Source: Solid State Logic product page
When to use it
X-ValveComp is a general channel compressor with a built-in color stage, unlike Waves CLA-2A, which models one specific tube leveler, or SSL's own LMC+, a one-trick crush effect. FabFilter Pro-C 3 is cleaner and more flexible. Choose X-ValveComp when you want standard compressor controls and optional tube-style harmonics in a single low-cost insert.
- Best for: vocals, bass, drums and synth buses that need both control and some added weight.
- Genres: general purpose; the valve stage suits rock, hip-hop and pop.
- Look elsewhere if: you need transparent mastering compression or an exact recreation of a vintage tube unit.
- Standout: the post-compressor valve stage, which adds harmonic thickness without a second plugin.
What producers say
The one hands-on review found it a solid daily-use compressor, with a caution about the valve color.
- The Dystopian Collective (review, undated): called it "a strong all-rounder with a genuinely useful character stage" and found the interface "direct enough for everyday channel use."
- Gripe: the same review warned the valve color can congest an already dense midrange and that it is not built for forensic mastering.
Where to buy
- Best Service: $49
- Solid State Logic: $49
- AudioDeluxe: $49
Tutorials and reviews
- SSL Native X-ValveComp Compressor Plugin Demo | VST Plugins
- SSL Native X-ValveComp - Audio Examples
- "SSL Native X-Comp" VS "SSL Native X-ValveComp" Sound comparison
- SSL X-ValveComp Video
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