by Lasse Eilers | Approximate reading time: 2 Minutes
SSL X-Gate

SSL X-Gate  ·  Source: SSL

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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.

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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.

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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*.

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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.

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SSL X-Gate

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