Maybe not really, but this looks like a beautiful invention if it works as advertised. The X-Patch will let you control hardware in similar ways to how you could plug-ins, for instance creating preset chains.

From Solid State Logic:

X-Patch is designed to deliver the flexibility of plug-ins to boutique analogue processing. Developed from the technology at the heart of SSL’s acclaimed Matrix console, X-Patch provides a 16×16 SuperAnalogue™routing matrix that can be Ethernet controlled remotely from a standard computer.

SSL’s Logictivity™Studio Browser application provides Set-up, Configuration and Preset Storage and makes the X-Patch the perfect tool to incorporate hardware processing into the modern studio environment. X-Patch can function as a simple ‘X-Y Router’ or as a ‘Matrix’ to create complex processing chains. This allows for analogue processing to be built into favourite processing chains and easily placed into signal paths, for example, favourite Mic Pre, EQ & Dynamics processors configured as the perfect vocal chain at a single stroke.

Up to six X-Patch units can be controlled in parallel from a single instance of the X-Patch Logictivity Browser software. The inclusion of MIDI connectivity means X-Patch can be connected to MIDI Foot Controllers to provide a powerful standalone analogue routing switch for boutique instrument processing, or amplifier selection.

Key Features
• Inserts hardware processors into production
workflow just like plug-ins
• Browser software controls routing and set up
• Ethernet connection to Mac or PC host computer
• Two different router operating modes
• 16 x 16 pure analogue routing matrix
• Rear panel audio connection via 4 x 25 way D-Sub’s
• Front Panel Combi XLR inputs and XLR outputs
for channels 1 & 2
• SSL SuperAnalogue™truly transparent audio
performance
• MIDI connectivity enables use of Programmable
Foot controllers
• +4dB and -10dB operating levels facilitate use of
guitar pedals etc.

I must say, SSL is one of the more interesting hardware companies these days, perhaps especially for smaller studios. Some say the quality of their bigger desks aren’t what they used to be (I have no clue) but regardless if it is or isn’t, I’m glad to see there’s someone who’s interested in marrying the beauty of hardware with the beauty of software.

The X-Patch comes at the perfect time for me, since I’m planning my rebuild. I’ll think long and hard about an SSL solution for sure.

Via: thread on Gearslutz

Solid State Logic