Complete software
This plug-in duo is designed to cover the essentials of a professional processing chain, from dynamic control to final tonal polishing. The SSL Native X-ValveComp is used on individual sources (vocals, snare, bass, guitars) to control transients, stabilize levels, and provide a "console" signature with the option to add valve-type coloration. The Harrison Mastering EQ is ideally applied on the master bus or subgroups (drums bus, mix bus, stems) to sculpt the spectral balance with a mastering approach: broad, musical moves while avoiding curve irregularities that cause listening fatigue.
The X-ValveComp captures the spirit of an SSL channel compressor, with a dynamic response and console-typical character, while adding digital advantages. Its highlight is the valve emulation switch: with one action, you enrich the signal with harmonics for a denser and more biting sound, useful to make vocals stand out, solidify bass, or add weight to drums.
The dynamics section is intentionally comprehensive: controls for threshold, ratio, knee, and envelope parameters (attack, release, hold) to tailor compression from transparent control to creative "pump." The Peak and RMS modes guide behavior: more reactive on transients or smoother and "average" on overall energy, depending on instrument and style.
For advanced modern mixing, the X-ValveComp offers a sidechain input with filtering and monitoring options, very useful to "open" a kick drum in the bass, tame a resonance triggered by a specific element, or build a clear rhythmic balance. The internal parallel compression (wet/dry mix) facilitates balancing impact and naturalness, while the make-up gain and auto-gain mode help compare settings without being misled by volume differences.
The Harrison Mastering EQ is designed for mastering-style corrections and enhancements, with an ultra-accurate sound inspired by Harrison digital consoles. Its uniqueness lies in a filter shape crafted to allow large adjustments while maintaining a natural harmonic balance between mix elements. Practically, when working with two adjacent bands, the curve remains controlled at the edges, helping avoid unwanted bumps and dips and preserving the character of vocals and instruments.
With 31 bands covering the entire audible spectrum, you can refine a heavy low-midrange, open up the air, or refocus presence with great subtlety. The equalizer also offers selectable filter slopes (6 or 12 dB/oct) to clean up extreme lows or soften extreme highs without hardening the mix.
To guide decisions, the integrated RTA analyzer offers a "graphical" mode displaying the spectrum with 1/10 octave precision, as well as a "Lightning" mode to quickly visualize the average level per band. Add to that gestures and shortcuts designed to speed up work, and you get a tool focused on efficiency, ideal for methodically finalizing a mix.