The elysia XMAX qube is a mastering-grade, Class-A analog processor designed for engineers who demand detailed control, sonic transparency, and standalone flexibility. Housed in a compact desktop chassis, it delivers the same core functionality as the rack and 500 Series versions—combining powerful multiband compression, Mid/Side processing, and precision tone shaping in a self-contained format ideal for mixing, mastering, and live sound applications.
Class-A Circuitry with Mid/Side Architecture
The XMAX qube encodes the stereo signal into Mid and Side components, allowing separate dynamic treatment of central and spatial content. The Mid signal is split into Low and Mid frequency bands, resulting in three dedicated compression bands (Low, Mid, and Side). After processing, the signal is decoded back to stereo for final tone sculpting and output.
Multiband Compression with Flexible Control
Each compression band can be adjusted independently and linked using the VariLink function for cohesive behavior. The Smart Global Release control allows for fast, unified adjustment of release times across all bands. A dedicated Punch mode adds transient emphasis, making it ideal for mix bus and stem compression.
Stereo Imaging and Tone Shaping Tools
A built-in Side Band Mono-Maker collapses low-frequency side content to mono, tightening the stereo field and improving mix clarity. A single-knob shelving EQ provides intuitive tone shaping after compression, while a variable crossover frequency gives precise control over low-end definition between bands.
Soft Clipping and Metering for Loudness Management
The XMAX's analog soft clipper, inherited from the elysia alpha compressor, gently limits peaks without harshness-perfect for increasing loudness without sacrificing headroom. High-quality analog meters provide at-a-glance visibility of input/output levels, gain reduction, and clipping status for each band.