Solid State Logic introduces the SSL X-Gate plug-in
Solid State Logic has released SSL X-Gate, adding to its X-series plug-ins portfolio. Designed as a versatile gate for intuitive sound shaping, X-Gate offers several interesting features like tweakable hysteresis, a fixed expander mode, built-in ducking, and comprehensive visualization.
SSL X-Gate
SSL says that X-Gate was inspired by the workflow of its digital broadcast consoles. One look at the plug-in’s GUI reveals that visualization is key: In addition to the I/O graph, there’s a large, rolling waveform graph, which shows you precisely how the gate reacts to the input signal. The plug-in also offers a “traffic light” system that helps to keep an eye on what’s going on.
In addition to essential noise gate parameters such as attack, hold, and release, X-Gate features independent open and close thresholds. For precise sound shaping, the plug-in includes a pair of sidechain high pass and low pass filters. It also supports mid-side gating with M/S controls for the sidechain and the gate. Moreover, SSL says that various intelligent lookahead modes help to improve the gate response while introducing a minimum of latency.
Built-in ducking
Furthermore, SSL has built two additional modes into X-Gate that go well beyond traditional noise gate applications. Besides a fixed expander mode, X-Gate offers a ducking mode that attenuates audio by triggering the duck from an external sidechain. According to SSL, you can combine this with the mid/side functionality to shape the stereo field of surrounding audio when processing things like dialogue or vocal solos.
A versatile gate with a high level of visualization is hardly revolutionary, but SSL X-Gate includes a couple of good ideas that could make it your new go-to gate plug-in.
Price and compatibility
X-Gate is now available for an introductory price of €89. The regular price will be €129. You can order it from Thomann*.
SSL X-Gate
The plug-in runs on macOS 10.15 or higher (including Apple Silicon) and Windows 10 or higher in VST, VST3, AU, and AAX formats. An iLok account or dongle is required for activation.
More information about SSL X-Gate
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