MusicRadar Verdict
Every DAW set-up needs at least one compressor that inhabits this world, and this is one of the best we have ever tried.
Pros
- +
Fantastic emulation.
Cons
- -
None.
MusicRadar's got your back
The XLA-3 has optical circuitry with three compression responses that treat sounds in totally different ways, each of them highly usable.
Add to that the ability to push the input into focused harmonic colouring and beyond into powerful sounding distortion, and you have a compressor/limiter capable of everything from subtle warming of a signal to full-on cranked mayhem.
The emulation sounds fantastic, adding colour and texture.
You can unlink it in stereo, plus there is a mix control. Like the original you can also use it just as an amp without the compression circuit.
Future Music is the number one magazine for today's producers. Packed with technique and technology we'll help you make great new music. All-access artist interviews, in-depth gear reviews, essential production tutorials and much more. Every marvellous monthly edition features reliable reviews of the latest and greatest hardware and software technology and techniques, unparalleled advice, in-depth interviews, sensational free samples and so much more to improve the experience and outcome of your music-making.
“Maybe I’m writing a song and it doesn’t follow the exact rules of songwriting. Or maybe this word doesn’t make sense next to this one, but that’s how I speak”: Beabadoobee says that “missteps” are more important than perfection in songwriting
“It’s been road-tested, dropped on its head, kicked around, x-rayed, strummed, chicken-picked, and arpeggio swept!” Fender and Chris Shiflett team up for signature Cleaver Telecaster Deluxe
“I’d like to win these lyrics because I think it’s about a guy I know a little bit and I’d love to put that on my wall”: Billy Corgan enters auction of handwritten lyrics of Courtney Love’s song... about him