SSL XLogic X-Rack XR626 Stereo Bus Compressor Module

The SSL XR626 Stereo Bus Compressor Module is a single channel of the type of compressor you'd find in a SSL console. The unit is designed for placement in the X-rack series of modules. It is a pretty basic compressor, made up of all analog components. It is rack mountable, but not in a traditional rack space, rather in the SSL X-Rack.

UTILIZATION

I didn't have any problems using the SSL XR626 Stereo Bus Compressor Module rat off of the bat. It has only parameters that are generally seen on compressors, like threshold, make up, attack, release, and ratio. It has an overall beautiful looking face, which contains a nice VU meter. If you've got knowledge and experience with standard compressors, this one can be used without any help from a manual.

SOUND QUALITY

If you have used the compressors built into SSL consoles, you probably already have a good idea about what the XR626 Stereo Bus Compressor Module can do. If not, suffice it to say that this has one of the cleanest sounds for a compressor that I've heard. It is extremely tight and punchy sounding, with a lot of clarity. It is suitable for compressing any instrument at all, as the flexible parameters make it possible to get a wide array of compression sounds...

OVERALL OPINION

If you're looking to get that SSL compression sound and don't have an SSL console, there is no better way to get the sound than with the SSL XR626 Stereo Bus Compressor Module. The price is not cheap, but I would imagine that most people reading this will understand that you're going to have to pay a good amount of money to get a top end, legit SSL compressor. If you've got an X-Rack case and are looking to build, or just want an SSL compressor of this type, you will not be disappointed with the XR626.