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An introduction to Solid State Logic Native X-Phase, based on information from the maker and distributors: what it does, how to use it and who it may suit. It is not scored.
X-Phase is an All-pass Filter plug-in that offers the user manual control and high quality response.
— Solid State Logic official site
What is Native X-Phase?
SSL Native X-Phase is an all-pass filter plug-in from Solid State Logic for correcting phase problems manually. It applies a phase shift at a chosen frequency.
An all-pass filter does not change gain across the spectrum as an equaliser does; it changes only phase. The maker mentions fixing phase problems that arise, for example, when overhead mics are mixed with close mics.
The controls are simple: Frequency selects where the shift is applied, Q sets the slope of the correction curve, and a phase-invert button flips phase by 180 degrees. A separate Delay section for the whole signal can be displayed and adjusted in seconds, milliseconds, samples, metres or feet.
It can work on L, R or both channels, supports DAW automation, and offers A/B setting slots, plus input and output meters and level controls.
Frequency-specific phase control
Frequency selects the region where phase is shifted. Because overall gain stays unchanged, it helps when you need to address a problem band precisely.
Q control for curve slope
Q sets the slope of the correction curve. It lets you choose between a gentle, wide correction and a narrow, steep one.
Phase invert button
A button that flips the filter's phase by 180 degrees. It may be used when a signal weakened by phase misalignment needs the opposite polarity to recover.
Delay section
A separate delay applied to the whole signal for broad time alignment. Units can be seconds, milliseconds, samples, metres or feet, with fine-tune buttons. It helps align mics placed at different distances.
L / R / L&R operation
Choose whether processing applies to the left, right or both channels, for example adjusting only one side of a stereo overhead pair.
A/B comparison and automation
A/B slots let you compare two settings, and every control can be automated. It is a universal binary with native M1 support.
Specifications
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | All-pass filter (phase adjustment) |
| Controls | Frequency, Q, phase invert, Delay, channel select (L/R/L&R), A/B, input/output level and meters |
| Formats | AU, VST2, VST3, AAX Native |
| Mac | macOS 11 Big Sur to macOS 13 Ventura (64-bit only, M1 supported), 4 GB RAM minimum (8 GB recommended) |
| Windows | Windows 10 to Windows 11 (64-bit only), 4 GB RAM minimum (8 GB recommended) |
| Authorisation | A free iLok account is required |
What is included and system requirements
- SSL Native X-Phase plug-in
- X-Phase user guide (PDF)
- Licence in your iLok account
How to use it
- Buy it from the SSL store or Plugin Boutique.
- Prepare a free iLok account and activate the licence.
- Insert it on the track with the phase issue.
- With the other mics playing, move Frequency until the sound becomes natural.
- Adjust Q to set the width of the correction.
- If the sound thins, also try the phase invert button.
- Add Delay if needed to match mic distances.
- Use A/B to compare before and after.
Aligning overheads and close mics
As in the maker's example, it may fix phase problems when overheads are mixed with close mics.
Multi-mic guitar cabinets
It may help tidy phase differences between several mics on one source.
Comb filter effects
The maker says mixing a processed signal with the original creates a comb filter, which may be fun for tone shaping.
Adjusting one side of a stereo recording
Applying processing to only L or R may help correct left-right offsets.
Who it may suit
- People recording with several mics who struggle with phase
- People wanting to align phase manually on drums or guitar cabs
- Home recordists learning how phase works
- SSL plug-in users
Good to know before you buy
- A free iLok account is required for authorisation.
- The listed Mac requirements go up to macOS 13 Ventura; check the maker's page for newer systems.
- The store mentions subscriptions from $14.99 per month for SSL plug-ins.
- The store price is shown excluding tax.
Price
$99 (Solid State Logic official site, checked 2026-10-27). Prices can vary by region and promotion, so check the official page before buying.
See Native X-Phase on the product page
Sources: store.solidstatelogic.com pluginboutique.com (checked 2026-10-27)
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