SSL Duende X-Verb -- any chance of a review?

[mjfe2]

I currently make do with Apple's MatrixVerb but it's not ideal. Was just wondering if X-Verb is good enough to be my one and only verb? I'm trying the demo obviously, but was just wondering if people feel this compares to high end stuff like Lexicon native? Any chance of an SOS review?

[IAA]

I've used x-verb for a year or so. Prior to that used logics verbs, but I changed to xverb after demoing a few others, (waves, lexicon etc). For me the configerations is supreme, the plate and rooms have a real plausibility. The HD plates are very impressive, shiny and dense.
Anyway works for me and not needed anything else.

You can demo for 30 days, don't wait for a review just try it!

[Bossman]

I have the SSL X-Verb - it is very nice, I like it on drums... but its not my goto verb. I wouldn't get the x-verb as my only verb, but its a nice addition to my toolkit

I also have a few UAD verbs which are also very nice - I often reach for one of these first.

[Jeraldo]

If you've been doing with Apple's Matrix Reverb-which, though capable of very good results, is a real pain to use, then there are options at a variety of price points.

The Lexicon MXP bundle, which is relatively inexpensive at its list price, and is very inexpensive at a discount price (US$160), has an excellent interface and gives you very good plates, rooms, and halls, all easily tweakable. PW did a review for SOS, and I've tried that found it to be an excellent verb. This is a huge(!) step up in useability and results compared to the Apple Matrix Verb.

Next up is the LXP bundle, which to me seems a little overpriced for what it delivers.

Many people don't realize that the top of the line Lexicon Native bundle is available for purchase in single modules, if desired. They (individual modules) are not expensive if purchased through the right retailer-assuming your needs will be met by a single module. But even the whole bundle is not over the top expensive-again, if purchased through a good dealer.

All of these verbs have free trials, though you need an iLok 2.

All of the Lex verbs are very easy on computer resources, and one can run many instances on modest computers (like mine!) with very little burden.

I ultimately went with IRCAM/Flux, but would not recommend that for someone else for reasons too numerous to detail here.

Can't comment on the X as I haven't used it.

If you're spending real money on software, much of its value resides in its long term support and development. Lexicon has been under a cloud for some time, and recently had some key people leave. I've already commented on another product line.

[Andi]

X-Verb is the only SSL plugin I have and for quite some time it was the only verb I used. I tend to use it now as my algorithmic go to but also use a convolution plug, often in the same project. I find that X has a very nice transparency to it that makes it really easy to use without overwhelming the source(my convo is far more chewy)and once you get your head around it it is very controlable. Be aware that there are some issues with the rather unpopular Cm Stick authorisation protocol.

I should say that I never personally got on with Lexicon; I do like what other people do with them, but they alays sound a bit like a layer over the audio when I try to use them which the X-Verb dosn't do.

As always, only my opinion and YMMV!

[Jeraldo]

I should say that I never personally got on with Lexicon; I do like what other people do with them, but they alays sound a bit like a layer over the audio when I try to use them which the X-Verb dosn't do.

As always, only my opinion and YMMV!

I resisted that notion for a long time-that the Lex sounds like a "layer over the audio," but I finally have come to that conclusion, too. They do seem to muck with the sound, even when the onset of the reverb/effects is well delayed. Which is why I went another direction after being very fond of the Lex products and used them in the past with good results.

There is an upside, depending entirely on the effect one is trying to achieve: And that is the the Lex sound really becomes an integral part of the sound, and glues things together.

You can't have both (glue and transparency), I'm afraid, without buying two different product families. In my own use, I'm finding that coming to a workable sound is much faster with the Lex, though ultimately there are significantly better (more transparent) sounds to be had elsewhere-sometimes there can be a bit of struggle involved (in my own work).

I haven't had the opportunity to try the X, and I'll look forward to doing so.

[mjfe2]

Thanks guys. I've been demo-ing X-Verb and it is nice. The GUI is very sleek and the sound is understated but polished. But I wonder if it's possibly a bit boring? Even at its densest settings it seems to lack character. By contrast, I've just started demo-ing 2CAudio's Aether and it's amazing! So much richer than X-Verb. And of course you get all the cool special effects. The only thing I'm wondering is if Aether sounds 'too' special i.e. a little pasted on in a busy mix. But I need to experiment with less dense settings because I imagine it could easily be made more subtle.

I was wondering if Martin Walker has seen 2CAudio's new plugin, B2? I'd be interested to know how he feels this compares to Aether, which he tended to praise for its big tails, because B2 seems to be an even more experimental plugin. Yet I'm also a bit confused because B2 seems to be marketed as providing better, denser halls than Aether, whereas I would have thought Aether to be the 'de facto' reverb plugin for halls and plates. Hmm...