SSL Native X-ValveComp (Download)
The deal
$10 at Guitar Center (down from $49), an 80% discount. No coupon code needed, the price is already applied at checkout. This is an ongoing deal with no listed end date.
What it is
X-ValveComp is a mono or stereo channel compressor from Solid State Logic that pairs classic SSL-style compression with an added valve emulation stage. The valve stage sits after the compressor in the signal chain and adds a variable amount of primarily 2nd-order harmonic saturation, thickening and coloring the sound. The compressor itself switches between Peak and RMS detection modes with a full set of Threshold, Ratio, Knee, Attack, Release, and Hold controls.
Who it's for
Mix engineers and producers who want SSL-style glue compression with an extra layer of analog-style warmth built in. It suits anyone tracking or mixing drums, bass, vocals, or full mix buses who wants harmonic thickness without reaching for a separate saturation plugin.
Key features
- A dedicated valve emulation stage adds variable 2nd-order harmonic saturation independent of the compression settings
- Peak and RMS detection modes cover both transient-sensitive and program-level compression styles
- A wet/dry mix control enables parallel compression in a single plugin
- Side-chain input with switchable high and low pass filters lets external or filtered content trigger the compressor, and A/B preset slots make it easy to compare two setting combinations
