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SSL X-Echo
The Visualiser
At the heart of X-Echo's intuitive design is the visualiser. The visualiser captures up to four seconds of an input signal so that you can see how the waveforms overlap and interact. This is particularly useful when working with transient material like drums and seeing how the delayed signals interact with your original signal. To capture a signal in the visualiser, simply move your DAW playhead to any section of audio and press play.
Delay type and tone
Offering up to four tape heads that can be switched into the signal path, X-Echo offers plenty of versatility and a varied palette of delay tones. Just like the real thing, these tape heads are at intervals of the main tape head: 3/4, 1/2, and 1/4.
Take direct control over tone with a comprehensive range of parameters, such as 'Wow' and 'Flutter' pitch variation emulating the mechanical components of a tape machine. 'Freeze' the contents of the tape loop causing the signal to repeat and slowly degrade. 'Kill' the input to the tape machine and allow the tail to die off musically. Adjust the number of repeats emulated by the tape machine with 'Feedback'. Feedback greater than 100 causes self-oscillation for the creation of crazy sounds. 'Saturation' introduces analog saturation characteristics such as soft clipping. A single knob de-esser can soften the sibilant frequencies that tape machines commonly accentuate. Switch the tape delay into a true ping-pong mode for stereo space and width. As well as all this X-Echo offers a brand-new reverb design, that lets you blend through different room types and sizes with a 'Diffusion parameter.
There are plenty more tone development parameters to create unique and interesting delay sounds. For example, a simplified EQ and mid-side processor let you carve a space for the delay to sit precisely within your mix by boosting or cutting bass and treble frequencies in your signal. Furthermore, the mid-side processor goes from mono to stereo to super wide.
Time modes
There are a few ways to control how your delay relates to the timing of your mix. The overall delay of the initial tape head can either be controlled within the visualiser or using the tape speed knob. Furthermore, 'Snap' mode allows you to quickly set the delay time to a time division such as crochet or dotted quaver. Finally, when sync is enabled the BPM of X-Echo follows your DAW.
Harrison MPC Spectral Compressor
Threshold control
Fine-tune your audio compression with the Harrison MPC Spectral Compressor's Threshold control. This slider, located next to the input meter, allows you to set the level at which the compression effect starts to take place. With a range of -60 to 0 dB, you have precise control over when the compression kicks in, ensuring your audio remains clean and balanced.
Frequency range selection
Tailor your compression to specific frequency bands with the Frequency Range section of the Harrison MPC Spectral Compressor. By selecting the desired range, such as Low, Mid, High, or even Full Range, you can focus the 18 compressor bands on a particular part of the audio spectrum. This level of control allows for more precise adjustments, ensuring your audio shines in the desired frequency range.
Depth controls
Customize the depth of your audio compression with the Harrison MPC Spectral Compressor's Depth controls. The Knee value determines the slope at which the compression is applied, allowing you to choose between a Hard Knee (abrupt activation) or a Soft Knee (gradual activation) compression style. Adjust the Knee value from 1 to 30 to achieve the desired compression effect.
Output trim
Fine-tune your output level with the Output Trim feature of the Harrison MPC Spectral Compressor. With a range of -10 dB to +10 dB, you can easily increase or decrease the level of the compressed output signal to match your desired gain compensation. This versatility ensures that your final audio output is perfectly balanced and suits your specific requirements.
Gain reduction graph
Visualize the impact of your compression with the Gain Reduction Graph of the Harrison MPC Spectral Compressor. This graph provides a clear representation of the gain reduction applied across the frequency spectrum. The Reduction curve, displayed in red, shows the amount of gain reduction applied at different frequencies. The Input curve, shown in orange-yellow, represents the level of the input signal. This visual feedback allows you to monitor and adjust your compression settings with precision, resulting in a professional and polished audio output.
Features
SSL X-Echo
- Inspired by early hardware delay units
- Combine tape-style analog degradation with classic SSL-style distortion
- Wow & Flutter and Saturation controls
- Freeze and Kill abilities to build risers and drops
- One-knob Diffusion control, featuring a unique reverb design
- Built-in De-esser for controlling sibilant frequencies
- Unique interface and waveform visualisation
- Sync delay to note values
- Four switch-able tape heads
- Turn mono into stereo signals with phase shifting
- Built on the SSL Plug-in Engine
- Cross-platform preset management and A/B system
MPC Spectral Compressor
- Master threshold control
- Gain reduction graph
- Frequency range selection
- Compressor knee control
- Band depth controls
- Output trim levels
Specifications
- Operating system:
- Mac: macOS Catalina (10.15), Big Sur (11), Monterey (12)
- Windows: Windows 10 (64-bit), 11 (64-bit)
- Processor:
- Mac: M1/ARM or Intel Dual Core Mac running at 2.4GHz or higher
- Windows: Intel Core 2 (or comparable) CPU running at 2.4GHz or higher
- Format:
- Mac: AU, VST2, VST3, AAX Native
- Windows: VST 2 (64-bit), VST3 (64-bit), AAX Native (64-bit)
- Product code: 1331-1067