Sound Pure's Take
The Solid State Logic XR626 brings the absolute pinnacle of stereo bus compression—the legendary SSL G-Series center section compressor—into the modular X-Rack ecosystem. Known globally as the definitive "mix glue" processor, this dual-slot VCA compressor is engineered to bind disparate tracks into a cohesive, punchy, and radio-ready record.
What makes the XR626 a standout implementation of the iconic circuit is the combination of traditional analog mojo and modern SSL precision. Featuring full integration with SSL’s Total Recall™ system, pristine high-headroom VCA architecture, and a switchable sidechain high-pass filter, it allows engineers to drive the mix bus hard for maximum energy and impact without letting heavy kick drums or sub-bass pump the gain reduction circuit.
From Solid State Logic
The Solid State Logic XR626 is an X-Rack series stereo bus compressor module designed to bring the legendary sound of the SSL G-Series Center Section Compressor to a compact, modular format. Built around the same classic VCA topology as the iconic 1980s G-Series analog console, the XR626 delivers the unmistakable cohesion, punch, and mix-gluing drive that has defined thousands of hit records across decades of music production.
Engineered for critical mix bus compression, sub-group processing, and mastering applications, the XR626 features total reset integration via SSL's Total Recall™ system. It offers traditional SSL controls—including variable threshold, ratio ($2:1$, $4:1$, $10:1$), attack, release, and makeup gain—alongside key modern enhancements such as an integrated sidechain high-pass filter and an external sidechain insert key. The result is a high-headroom, low-distortion stereo dynamics processor capable of turning a collection of individual tracks into a unified, polished mix.
Key Features
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Classic SSL G-Series Bus Compressor Topology: Genuine SSL VCA gain-reduction circuit designed to add cohesive "glue," power, and dynamic control to stereo mixes and instrument buses.
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SSL Total Recall™ Compatibility: Onboard LED indicators and digital architecture interface directly with SSL’s Total Recall network for instant, high-precision manual resetting of all hardware pot positions.
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Selectable Compression Ratios: Includes classic $2:1$ (gentle mix bus leveling), $4:1$ (punchy drum and mix compression), and $10:1$ (hard peak limiting) options.
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Switchable High-Pass Sidechain Filter: Integrated low-frequency filter in the sidechain detector path prevents heavy bass frequencies and kick drums from pumping the compression circuit.
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External Sidechain Input: Key input functionality enables creative ducking, sidechain pumping, and targeted external signal triggering.
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Auto-Release Setting: Dual-time-constant release option automatically adjusts release speed based on incoming transient duration to preserve dynamic open-ness.
- Module Format
- Double-width module (requires 2 slots in an SSL X-Rack or Mynx enclosure)
- Signal Path
- Stereo VCA Analog Architecture
- Frequency Response
- $20\text{ Hz to } 20\text{ kHz}$ ($\pm 0.2\text{ dB}$)
- THD+N
- $< 0.005\%$ at $+20\text{ dBu}$ ($1\text{ kHz}$)
- Headroom
- +26\text{ dBu}" data-index-in-node="10">$> +26\text{ dBu}$ into $10\text{ k}\Omega$
- Ratio Settings
- $2:1$, $4:1$, $10:1$
- Attack Times
- $0.1\text{ ms}$, $0.3\text{ ms}$, $1\text{ ms}$, $3\text{ ms}$, $10\text{ ms}$, $30\text{ ms}$
- Release Times
- $0.1\text{ s}$, $0.3\text{ s}$, $0.6\text{ s}$, $1.2\text{ s}$, or Auto
- Metering
- Multi-segment LED gain-reduction meter
- Connectors
- Balanced XLR stereo I/O via X-Rack backplane
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