Elysia Xpressor

Since its release in 2010, the xpressor has established itself as one of the most modern and sophisticated compressors in the audio world, while remaining accessible. Used in numerous studios worldwide, it has become a benchmark in both mixing and mastering.

With the xpressor NEO, elysia has redesigned and refined its iconic compressor. The improvements are immediately audible: greater depth, more transparency, and significantly more three-dimensional processing.

This NEO version expands upon the already remarkable capabilities of the original model and opens up new sonic dimensions.

The circuit design has been reworked to offer an even wider stereo image and an unprecedentedly precise phantom center, approaching the purist philosophy of the brand's flagship compressor, the alpha compressor.

Dynamic Processing and Sound Signatures
Auto Fast – Intelligent Attack Management

Attack time is a crucial parameter in the operation of a compressor. Too-fast attacks can generate distortion by affecting sustain, while too-slow attacks allow transients to pass through.

Auto Fast mode allows the compressor to be extremely fast only when needed. This function acts exclusively on short, intense pulses, while the manual attack setting takes precedence for the rest of the signal.

The result is precise transient capture without unwanted artifacts.

Log Release and Linear Release

The release parameter determines whether the dynamic processing will be noticeable or subtle. The NEO pressor offers two distinct release curves:

Logarithmic Release
The time constant shortens as the gain reduction increases. Short, powerful peaks benefit from a fast release, while the rest of the signal is processed more smoothly. This smooth behavior is particularly well-suited for mastering and stereo buses.

Linear Release
The release follows a straight curve, without any gradual progression. This mode offers more direct and aggressive control over dynamics, ideal for dry signals or those with little sustain.

Warm Mode – Two Tonal Signatures

Warm mode acts as a slew rate limiter on the output amplifier stages. It influences the transient response, harmonic spectrum, and overall perception of the signal.

Fast transients are slightly smoothed, resulting in a rounder, denser, and more homogeneous sound.

The user can thus choose between the powerful transparency of the discrete Class-A circuit and the harmonic richness and saturation of Warm mode.

Advanced Control Features
Sidechain Filter

A selectable-frequency low-cut filter is integrated into the sidechain circuit. It does not affect the direct audio signal, but rather how the compressor reacts.

This filter allows for frequency-selective compression, reducing the influence of low frequencies on the overall compression. This avoids pumping effects and proves particularly useful in mastering, whether on full mixes, subgroups, or individual tracks.

Gain Reduction Limiter (GR Limit)

The gain reduction limiter operates within the compressor's control path, not the audio path.

Regardless of the input signal's amplitude, the gain reduction will never exceed the value set by the GR Limit. This preserves the dynamic range of loud passages, while allowing for precise application of specific effects such as ducking or upscaling.

Integrated Parallel Compression

Parallel compression involves mixing a dry signal with a compressed version of the same signal. Using the Mix control, this technique can be implemented directly within the unit.

The seamless blending between the unprocessed and compressed signals allows for the use of extreme compression settings while preserving the original dynamic structure, without external routing and with optimal signal quality.

NEO Design and Ergonomics

The NEO version features a redesigned, less reflective front panel for improved readability of settings. Parameters and values ??are laser-etched for exceptional durability. The more prominent chamfered side edges enhance the lighting in mixing and mastering studios. The gain reduction LEDs have been recalibrated, and the knobs redesigned for a more precise and refined feel.

Key Features

Class-A Stereo VCA Compressor

Clear, open, and three-dimensional sound

Fast and punchy transients

Powerful and controlled bass

Logarithmic and linear release curves

Warm mode for a second sonic signature

Integrated parallel compression

RMS detector with soft knee curve

External sidechain inputs and outputs (19" rack version)