Solid State Logic SSL Native X-Phase

What X-Phase Is For

X-Phase is a phase alignment tool designed to solve frequency-dependent phasing issues typical of multi-microphone recordings. Where a simple delay (time align) or polarity inversion is not always enough, X-Phase allows you to act in a more musical and refined way: you target a precise frequency range and realign the phase to recover impact, coherence, and density without an audible "effect."

In practice, it is ideal for restoring body to the lows, stabilizing the mids, and avoiding that "hollow" sound that often appears when a stereo mix is summed to mono. On complex sources such as drum overheads (cymbals and drums in the same mic) or a stereo piano, this localized approach helps preserve the image and timbre while improving mono compatibility.

Main Features

Frequency-based phase correction, like on an equalizer

The interface relies on simple and familiar controls: select a frequency, adjust the Q factor to define the slope and action zone, then fine-tune the alignment. This method allows you to correct in seconds shifts that only manifest on certain bands, a very common scenario in multi-mic setups where not all frequencies reach the capsules at the same time.

Phase or polarity: clear studio diagnosis

In sessions, it is common to hesitate between a polarity issue (global inversion) and a phase issue (frequency-dependent shift). X-Phase helps you decide: if polarity inversion strongly cancels the lows, you are probably out of polarity; if the mids move and the timbre changes, the problem is more likely phase shift. The integrated polarity switch can be linked to left and right channels or used separately to speed up analysis.

Transparent processing inspired by SSL consoles

X-Phase is based on an all-pass filter designed from SSL consoles, intended to act on phase without undesirably altering gain. The result: you recover attack, depth, and definition while maintaining the tonal balance of the recording. The gain remains linear across the entire frequency range, which facilitates decisions, especially on rich and dynamic sources.

Stereo control and A/B listening to validate your choices

In stereo use, the plug-in offers independent control of left and right channels (frequency, Q factor, and polarity), a decisive advantage for correcting a stereo pair without degrading the image. To secure your settings, the A/B switching allows you to compare two configurations and choose the one that enhances punch and coherence without side effects.

Built-in delay and automation

To complement frequency alignment, X-Phase integrates a delay with minimal changes, useful for very fine adjustment. Delay units can be displayed in seconds, milliseconds, samples, meters, or feet, adapting equally well to "studio" habits or more acoustic approaches. Finally, the parameters are fully automatable to follow variations in an arrangement or editing.

Technical specifications

Type

Full software

Downloadable

Yes

Independent control of left and right channels in stereo	Q factor, frequency, and polarity	Mac Processor	Intel Dual Core 2.4 GHz or higher
Delay units available	seconds, milliseconds, samples, meters, feet	Windows Processor	Intel Core 2 (or comparable) 2.4 GHz or higher
Mac	macOS Sierra (10.12) or higher	RAM	8 GB recommended
Windows	Windows 7 (64-bit), Windows 8 (64-bit), Windows 8.1 (64-bit), Windows 10 (64-bit)