Overview

Apply modern FET compression with a vintage attitude

Kiive Audio’s XTComp is a FET compressor plugin that recreates the sound of the most popular hardware compressors of the modern era. Known for its speed, versatility, and attitude, it’s a must-have for crushing drum busses, squeezing kicks and basses, and controlling acoustic guitars. It also makes for a versatile vocal compressor plugin.

Get the sound of an LA-2A compressor, 1176 compressor, and more

XTComp features distinct ratios, each functioning as a separate compressor with its own attack, release, and knee characteristics. Depending on the settings you use, you can recreate the sound of an LA-2A or 1176. Enhance the tone of your recordings with the DIST modes, which introduce 2nd or 3rd-order harmonics, emulating the drive of tube or tape equipment.

Use British mode for aggressive “all-buttons-in” compression

British mode offers aggressive “all-buttons-in” compression, delivering the iconic pumping and breathing effects famously heard on numerous major records. This mode is a nod to classic British compressors, renowned for their unique character and ability to add density and energy to tracks. It's perfect for achieving a classic, larger-than-life sound on drums, vocals, and more.

Tame harsh signals with a sidechain filter and saturation

The sidechain filter options on the XTComp allow it to reject low-end rumble, providing assertive detail and analog-sounding smoothness. With the addition of an analog-modeled saturation circuit, XTComp lets you add tape-like harmonics and high-frequency compression to your recordings. Soften brittle, thin, and harsh sounds, infusing them with analog warmth.

Use digital-only features for more control than hardware

Kiive Audio has taken this compressor to the next level with plugin-only options. There are dual mix knobs for the compressor and saturator modules, allowing you to apply parallel processing. A Gain Link switch has also been added, making level-matched A/B comparisons simple.

Disclaimer: The XTComp was developed by Kiive Audio using its own modeling techniques, and one of the products studied was the Distressor by Empirical Labs, which is unaffiliated with Kiive Audio. Empirical Labs have not licensed any intellectual property for use in the XTComp, nor have they endorsed or supported the XTComp in any manner.

 

Features

  • 8 different ratios with distinct tonal characteristics
  • Sidechain filters to reject low-end rumble and control harsh frequencies
  • Saturation section with dedicated Warmth control
  • Gain link for easy input/output level matching
  • Dedicated mix knobs for the compression and saturation modules
  • British mode for “all-buttons-in” operation
  • Mid/side processing
  • Stereo width control

 

Audio Examples

Industry Reviews

  • Koen Heldens

    Koen Heldens

    Mixing Engineer (XXXTentacion, Trippie Redd, Swae Lee)

    I’m a big fan of saturation, and the distortion modes help me achieve that fine line of saturation I’m always looking to add. On vocals, I love to use the warmth control for tape… Read More

  • Sam Sherbin

    Sam Sherbin

    Mixing Engineer (Stray Kids, Rachel Platten, Ebony Obsidian)

    The XTComp is a modern version of a hardware classic. The M/S features and… Read More

  • Alberto De Icaza

    Alberto De Icaza

    Mixing & Mastering Engineer (Clutch, Crobot, Megan Thee Stallion)

    My go-to for Drums and Guitars. They managed to capture the snappiness of the original compressor and the saturation circuit sounds great!

  • Paul Kruz

    Paul Kruz

    Mix & Mastering Engineer/Audio Post Mixer (Ruff Kaida, Wilz Nyopole, Mr Vezzy)

    Literally, everything you need in a classic compressor with a modern touch. Utter genius features, Mid/Side, Saturation & warmth sounds amazing. So many options in just one compressor. Don’t… Read More

  • Sam Pura

    Sam Pura

    Producer, mix & mastering engineer (Basement, The Story So Far, State Champs)

    This compressor plugin is filled with serious best-friend energy!

Customer Reviews

Specifications

Supported Plugin Formats
AAX Native, AU, AAX AudioSuite, VST3

Supported Operating Systems
macOS 14 down to macOS 11
Windows 11 down to Windows 10

Mac
Intel or Apple Silicon architecture

PC
x64-compatible CPU

System Requirements
Display resolution: 1440 × 900px or 1280 × 960px or higher
Memory: 2 GB RAM

 

Downloads

With the Installation Manager you can select, download & install all the Plugin Alliance products. Select any and all formats you need for your system! Mac & PC.

ChangeLog

XTComp

Kiive XTComp - Changelog

Version 1.0.1 (Jun 7, 2024)
- Fixed Brit mode button linking
- Fixed mix knob not working properly
- Fixed oversampling not rendering
- Fixed parameter recall in PT

Version 1.0.0 (Feb 8, 2024)
- Initial release