Category: Plugin Review

SSL X-EQ 2 and DeEss Plugin Overview + 90% Off Sale (Ends 1/29)

Hello! I’m Juyoung Kim, a mixing engineer and music producer.

It’s been a while since I shared plugin sale news, hasn’t it?
Over the holiday season and into early January, my manager was on vacation, and most major sales wrapped up at the start of the year. So, I didn’t have much to share.

One notable ongoing deal is IK Multimedia’s Total Studio 4 MAX sale.

That said, I recently came across SSL’s sale on X-EQ 2 and DeEss, and I couldn’t wait to share it with you!

Purchase SSL X-EQ 2 & DeEss Bundle at plugin boutique

Disclosure

This product was provided as an NFR (Not for Resale) through Plugin Boutique. If you make a purchase using the links in this post, I’ll earn a small commission, which helps me keep doing what I do.

Let’s dive in!

SSL X-EQ 2

The SSL X-EQ 2 is a feature-packed EQ plugin. These days, DAW-native EQs are so powerful that standalone EQ plugins need to have a competitive edge to stand out—and X-EQ 2 delivers.

Key features include:

  • Mid/Side processing
  • Presets to remove 50Hz and 60Hz hum (ideal for handling electrical noise)

You can double-click to create points and adjust EQ type, frequency (Hz), bandwidth (Q), and gain (dB) with ease.

A particularly fun feature is the knob-like interface—select a parameter (Hz, dB, Q) and adjust it by dragging your mouse, mimicking the feel of turning a physical knob.

It also includes an analyzer (activated via the top-right button) and lets you choose between parallel or serial processing from the top-left menu.

Additionally, you can activate Phase Analysis to see phase shifts (dotted lines) or enable Step Response Mode to view how signals evolve over time after passing through the EQ.

Heaviside Step Function

For those unfamiliar with Step Response:
The Step Response of a system refers to how the system reacts over time to a sudden change in input, specifically when the input shifts instantaneously from 0 to 1 (a Heaviside Step function). It demonstrates:

  1. The system’s transient behavior, showing how it initially reacts to the input change.
  2. The steady-state behavior, revealing how the system settles after the transient phase.
  3. The time it takes to stabilize, which indicates the system’s responsiveness.

In the context of EQs, a longer Step Response often correlates with ringing artifacts, where the EQ introduces unintended resonances that make the sound linger beyond its natural decay. This visualization helps engineers fine-tune the EQ to minimize these artifacts.

Purchase SSL X-EQ 2 at plugin boutique

I love all the features, but the only downside is that the window size can’t be adjusted. But if you see the price, it could be convinced!

DeEss Plugin

The DeEss plugin offers highly detailed sibilance control.

Key features:

  • Adjustable target range: 1kHz to 20kHz
  • Mid/Side processing
  • Compression intensity and Brighten (high-shelving EQ) controls
  • Lookahead capability for precise processing

A standout feature is the Auto Listen mode, which allows you to hear both the filtered signal and the original detection, making adjustments much easier.

Purchase SSL DeEss at Plugin Boutiuqe

This DeEss plugin is one of the most versatile I’ve come across, and it’s surprisingly lightweight unless oversampling is applied. If you don’t already have a dedicated de-esser, this is an excellent choice.

Bonus: Free Plugin Offer

If you purchase any plugin from Plugin Boutique this month, you’ll receive Klevgrand’s Richter Compressor Plugin for free. Don’t forget to claim it when checking out!

Final Thoughts

Both the SSL X-EQ 2 and DeEss plugins are incredibly versatile and user-friendly tools for mixing and production. The 90% discount makes this deal even sweeter—don’t miss out before the sale ends on January 29!

Feel free to reach out if you have any questions. Until next time!

Introduction to Arturia Synthx V

Hello, everyone! I’m Jooyoung Kim, an audio engineer and music producer.

Recently, Arturia released a virtual instrument called Synthx V, a recreation of the legendary Elka Synthex. Today, I’ll introduce this fascinating plugin and share my thoughts on its features.

As always, this post reflects my honest opinions, despite receiving a complimentary NFR (Not for Resale) copy from Plugin Boutique and Arturia.

Find Out Synthx V at Plugin Boutique

Purchasing through the links in this post helps support my blog. I truly appreciate your support!

The Legacy of Elka Synthex

Elka Synthex, the inspiration behind Synthx V, was a polyphonic analog synthesizer produced by the Italian manufacturer Elka between 1981 and 1985. Designed by Mario Maggi, it stood out with several groundbreaking features for its time.

One of its key innovations was the use of digitally controlled oscillators (DCOs), ensuring stable tuning regardless of changes in temperature or humidity. It also featured a 4-track sequencer, dual-layering, and stereo voice separation.

Moreover, its joystick modulation control allowed for more expressive real-time performance compared to conventional pitch bend or modulation wheels. Users could assign custom sounds through layering and keyboard splitting, and later models even supported MIDI.

What’s in Synthx V?

Arturia’s Synthx V faithfully reproduces the original Elka Synthex’s functionalities while adding modern enhancements.

The plugin allows you to work with two layers (A & B) and up to 16 voices (8 per layer), creating a rich stereo image.

It also includes advanced features like a multi-arpeggio mode and step sequencer, which are perfect for crafting intricate patterns and pads.

Additionally, you can apply up to four effects from a selection of 17, offering even more versatility for sound design.

Should You Buy It Now?

While Synthx V isn’t currently part of Arturia’s Black Friday sale, it may become available in a future V Collection 11 bundle. So, unless you’re in a rush, it’s worth waiting for a sale.

Plus, Plugin Boutique is running a special promotion this month. With any purchase, you can choose a free bonus: Ujam Beatmaker VICE, Native Instruments Monark, or a mastering course.

Be sure to check out these offers if you’re planning to buy plugins this month. Thanks for reading, and see you in the next post!

Mixchecker Ultra Rent to Own ($13.75/12 months)

hello? This is engineer and singer-songwriter Jooyoung Kim.

Today, I wanted to introduce Mixchecker Ultra, a higher version of Mixchecker, Audified’s representative plug-in, as it was released as Rent to Own at a plug-in boutique, so I requested an NFR (Not for Resell) code from the plug-in boutique and brought it.

As its name suggests, Mixchecker, this plug-in can be useful for simply checking how something sounds in different environments.

It is a format derived from the IR of various speakers, and if you are interested in equipment or machines, you will be able to tell which product it is from just by looking at the shape of the speakers, cell phones, headphones, earphones, etc.

​Even if you don’t know the product well, if you hover your mouse cursor over the icon, a name similar to the original product will appear in the center and a description will be written on the right, making it easy to find.

If you select Auto in the middle, the automatically set devices will play sequentially, and you can add noises from everyday life such as the street or subway through the Noise button and listen to them.

In addition, you can listen to various situations through functions such as Bypass, Mono, and Distortion.

Analyzer functions are also included, and individual analyzers can be enlarged and viewed for easy visual inspection.

​You can just use it to check the mix, but it can be fun to use for special effects, such as playing with earphones or in the car.

I measured Mixchecker’s NS-10M model using Plugin Doctor, and the Frequency Response came out interesting… haha.

​In fact, it is absurd to reproduce the sound of another speaker through one speaker. First of all, if the woofer is small, the low frequency range is not physically produced, so a small woofer cannot reproduce the sound of a speaker with a large woofer. Nevertheless, devices other than speakers, such as earphones, laptops, and TVs, seem to be represented quite well.

It is said that these speakers and various devices were measured and modeled in an anechoic chamber using an instrument called apx525 and B&K Type 4128-C.

​Mixichecker Pro is Audified’s flagship product that has been purchased by many people, with more than 20,000 units sold worldwide since its launch.

​The higher version, Mixchecker Ultra, contains many more features than the Pro version, so it would be a good idea for those who have been interested in mixing or mastering to take a look.

Buy MixChecker Ultra plugin

(If you purchase through the link above, I will receive a small commission, which greatly helps in running the blog)

If you purchase from the plugin boutique, you will receive a plugin for free.

This month, they are giving away an autopan plugin called V-Pan from Rhodes, and a sound modulation plugin called Dehumaniser Simple Monsters from Krotos.

​If you purchase it, I hope you will receive one.
Well, see you again in the next article!

Arturia FX Collection 2 Plug-In Review (Part 7, Phaser BI-Tron)

※This article is a review written on July 21, 2021 after being selected for the FX Collection 2 experience group run by ‘Samick’ and receiving product support for a certain period of time. I only received support for the product and wrote the rest myself.

Finally, the last plugin, Phaser BI-Tron.

This Phaser is a clone plug-in of a pedal effect called Mu-tron Bi Phase, released in 1974. It consists of two phasers, and the routing of these two phasers can be adjusted to provide various effects. It is said that many famous musicians such as Stevie Wonder, Grateful Dead, Smashing Pumpkins, and Lee Scratch Perry (dub) used it, and the Expression Pedal of the original hardware was also reproduced so that the amount could be adjusted.

Routing through Phaser can be intuitively understood at a glance. When you change routing within the plugin, it is also shown on the display.

Signal Flow may seem a bit difficult, but actually handling the plugin is not that difficult.

​Basically, BI-Tron Phaser uses an LFO called Sweep Generator to adjust the degree of the Phaser effect. This can be given by a pedal, or by using both a pedal and a sweep generator, and the above Signal Flow can be seen as showing that it can be adjusted with various parameters.

I think you can roughly understand the rest if you look at it. The Phaser BI-Tron plug-in has more parameters that can be adjusted than you might think, so it’s a bit confusing, so let’s take a look at them one by one.

  • Sweep Generators

BI-Tron Phaser has two LFOs. Adjusts the LFO that goes into Phaser A and B. As you can see, you can adjust the rate to sync or adjust it between 0.200 Hz and 20.0 Hz.

​In addition, only Sweep Generator 1 can control the LFO rate with a pedal, and Sweep Generator 2 cannot be adjusted with a pedal. There are three LFO shapes to choose from: Sine, Ramp, and Square.

  • Phaser

It’s quite ironic that the plugin name is Phaser, but the parameter name is Phasor, but anyway, there are two Phasors, A and B.

Depth 1 and 2 determine the extent to which Sweep Gen 1 and 2 enter, respectively. At 1, the LFO will not be used at all, and at 10, the LFO will be used at the highest amount.

Through Feedback, you can change the feel of the Comb Filter, and through the Sweep button, you can decide whether to give the LFO to the Phasor with Sweep Gen, control it with the Pedal, or use a combination of both.

The Norm/Rev switch on Phasor B is a switch that reverses the polarity of Phasor B. If you only invert the phase of Phasor B like this, the effect will be more noticeable.

Arturia’s manual tells you to use R.INV in Advanced Control to create a fun Stereo Phasing effect.

  • Manual & Envelope

Manual Mode is a mode for manual control using the pedal. You can select it by pressing the button labeled MAN at the bottom left, and you can adjust it by pressing it with automation or the mouse.

​Envelope mode is a mode that allows the pedal to operate according to the envelope of the audio signal. It will be easier to understand if you touch it a few times, but roughly speaking, you can think of it as trimming the envelope based on the input source and using it as a trigger for Phaser.

Right below the text that says Envelop Follower, there is a window where you can select the trigger source called SRC. Here, you can select the source that goes into A, the source that goes into B, a combination of both, or use Sidechain. You can also choose an external source.

You can see what these trigger sources sound like by clicking on the speaker shape on the right. However, what is a bit disappointing is that when you touch Comp, Input Gain, Attack Release, Delay, etc. below, you cannot hear the changing sound.

Delay is basically in ms units, but can be selected by beat through the Sync button, and the remaining units can be adjusted on a regular basis.

  • Advanced Control

Phaser BI-Tron’s Advanced Control includes controls for Hi Pass Filter and Phasor A and B.

​Hi Pass Filter is a 12dB/Oct filter. Filters the low range at the input stage so that only high frequencies are modulated. Arturia says it can be used to keep the low range of sounds with low registers stable, such as bass or kick.

The part written in Poles is a parameter for how much All-Pass-Filter will be used. The more you use, the stronger the Comb Filter effect will be and the less bandwidth it will require. It is said that the original hardware used 6 All-Pass-Filters.

Mix, like other plug-ins, is a parameter that determines the ratio of the dry/wet signal to be given, and R.INV is a switch that inverts the phase of LFO 1 and 2 entering Phasor A or B. If you press this switch, you can get a much wider stereo image.​

  • Samples

There are too many parameters in this, so it’s hard to know how to present it.

​Phasor A, B routing can be done differently, and whether Depth 1, 2, and Feedback of each Phasor can be controlled with a pedal or Sweep Gen. If controlled with Sweep Gen, how to set the LFO shape and rate, and adjust it with the pedal. Whether to control with the envelope, select the Pole and R.INV buttons, and even mix…

​Honestly, I think it would be very difficult to tell you about everything about the plug-in just by telling you a few of them. However, I can’t skip it without listening to the samples at all, so I’ll listen to one original track, one in the default state, and two that I’ve set up the way I want.

Honestly, I think it would be really difficult to judge based on this alone, and I also feel a bit disappointed, but I think it is an unavoidable limitation.

  • Phaser BI-TRON overall review

It’s not bad, honestly, it’s okay, but the plugin is too heavy. It’s a bit lighter than the Bus Force I mentioned in the previous article, but it’s still heavy.

​In particular, modulation-type plug-ins such as Phaser are mainly used for individual instruments or tracks, but the question arises as to whether this can be applied to individual instruments in a flashy way.

When you install one plug-in… Of course, adding 2-3 more doesn’t mean it will consume the CPU twice or triple, but I still think it’s a bit excessive.

Therefore, if I were to use it, I would probably use it with the feeling that it would only be used for one or two instruments, a bit like MSG.

looking for Arturia plugins at plugin boutique

If you purchase through the link above, I will receive a small commission, which greatly helps in running the blog.