Solid State Logic X-EQ manual Some History, An Audio Engineer’s Best Friend

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4. Some History

4.1 An Audio Engineer’s Best Friend

 

The equaliser is

the oldest

and t he most popular sound

processing tool. From the earliest days, its main function has

been to co rrect or enhance sound by boosting or cutt

ing

certain frequency ranges. Engineers have developed countless

equalisers for over 50 years

and s

ome of t hem becam e

legendary an d were considered

bench m arks. The m

ost

popular type of EQ in recording and post-production studios

is t he parametric equaliser

or

PEQ. It offers maxi

mal

flexibility due to direct access to all relevant filter parameters.

Properly used t he PEQ is a very powerful tool and the best

friend of every sound engineer in the battle for perfect sound.

If misused, it can be the greatest enemy of any recording.

4.2 The Best of the Analogue and Digital Worlds

 

X-EQ is a creative equalising tool combining the best of both

the an alogue and

digital worlds. We

recreated t he m ost

legendary analogue equalisers and added a few experimental characteristics only possible the in digital domain. By using proprietary filter algorithms, we have achieved a huge dynamic range as well as extremely low noise and distortion level, and thus unparalleled sound purity; impossible with any analogue circuitry.

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4.3 Analogue Parametric EQ Modelling

In today’s e ra o f digital a udio workstations, h undreds of software parametric equalisers are available. Many of them are intended to be “THE best sounding equaliser ever”. The truth is that only few of them are recognised and adored by the experts. You may ask why one equaliser sounds great while another d oes n ot. T his question is a lmost as ol d a s th e equaliser itself and still is not com pletely answered. On the one hand t here are some obvious rules wh ich must be followed when designing a good sounding PEQ, on the other hand some n ever r eally proven esoteric claims driven by marketing departments or sel f-nominated audio evangelists. Especially treasured analogue equalisers are c onsidered by some people as being absolutely unique and unmatched by any ‘dirty’ digital equaliser. The truth is that with a properly designed, fully parametric analytic EQ every amplitude and phase characteristic of a ny o ther equaliser setup c an be recreated. Of course, the contribution of distortions to the specific sound of a p articular analogue equaliser caused by the respective e lectronics h as to b e considered. If the distortions are ‘good’, they may make certain applications sound better. Usually however, ‘bad’ non linear distortions and other deficiencies like limited dynamic range are surely not responsible for a ‘m agic’ sound. Therefore our policy in digital PEQ design has always been to make the equaliser

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Contents UserGuide Page Contents Page Introduction Key Features EQ Graphical User Interface Apple Macintosh System RequirementsWindows/PC Installation & Authorisation Best of the Analogue and Digital Worlds Some HistoryAn Audio Engineer’s Best Friend Analogue Parametric EQ ModellingNon- Linear Phase EQ Parallel Passive EQ Mouse Operations in Graphical Display Operational OverviewGraphical EQ Display Control Options in Band Cont rol and Input/Out put SectionsSave, Load and A/B Functionality Example To copy from location a to location B MetersRMS Meter Peak Meter and Clip IndicatorDynamic History Meter FFT Spectrum AnalyserGlobal Bypass EQ Band Parameters and Control Range Gain FrequencyClassic Symmetrical EQ Filter TypesBell Filters Definitions AsymmetricalProportional Constant Q Asymmetrical Reverse Constant Q AsymmetricalConstant Q Invert Constant Q New ParallelCut Filters Critical BesselChebychev EQ Signal Flow Serial ModeApplication Tips Support FAQs EQ SupportPage Solid State Logic

X-EQ specifications

The Solid State Logic X-EQ is a cutting-edge equalizer plugin that combines the classic analog sound of SSL's renowned hardware with the flexibility and convenience of modern digital audio production. Designed to cater to both mixing engineers and producers, the X-EQ encapsulates SSL’s decades of experience in studio technology, providing users with a versatile and powerful tool for shaping audio.

One of the key features of the X-EQ is its comprehensive equalization capabilities. The plugin offers a nine-band EQ design that includes both analog-style and modern digital EQ modes. This versatility allows for a wide range of sound shaping, from gentle tonal adjustments to aggressive sculpting of frequencies. Each band can be adjusted independently, and the user can choose from a variety of filter types, including high and low shelves and parametric bands. This level of control enables sound designers to pinpoint and enhance specific frequencies within their audio tracks.

Another notable characteristic of the X-EQ is its unique "dynamic EQ" functionality. This feature allows users to employ frequency-responsive processing, which automatically adjusts the gain of specific frequency bands based on the input signal level. This intelligent response is a game-changer in the mixing process, particularly for managing problem frequencies that may only become problematic at certain levels, thereby resulting in a cleaner and more professional mix.

The user interface of the X-EQ is intuitive and visually appealing, utilizing SSL's signature design aesthetic. The layout is straightforward, allowing users to swiftly navigate through the various controls and settings. Additionally, the plugin supports AAF and OMF sessions, ensuring seamless integration into existing projects.

The X-EQ also includes advanced features such as a mid-side processing option, which enables additional control over stereo imaging. This allows engineers to manipulate the mid and side elements of a stereo mix separately, providing a greater level of detail in spatial arrangements.

Furthermore, the X-EQ employs SSL's proprietary algorithms, which are designed to deliver the best possible sound quality, retaining the warmth and character of analog equipment while ensuring pristine clarity and precision.

Overall, the Solid State Logic X-EQ stands out as a sophisticated and versatile equalizer plugin. With its blend of classic and modern technologies, it is an essential tool for any audio professional seeking to elevate their mix and achieve a polished sound. Whether used on individual tracks or during the final mixdown, the X-EQ empowers users to craft their audio with finesse and creativity.
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