Waves Trans-X

Tried the demo a while agoand wasnt overly impressed. I actually still use the cakewalk percussion strip.

I bought it at the urging of a certain ol' pal o' mine, whose opinions I trust. The plugin does indeed do just what he said it would do. And it's fairly unique; I have nothing else in my toolbox that does quite the same thing.
 
However, in actual practice it gets very little use. And not because I don't try it - I do give it a go on most drum tracks and busses, even occasionally on full mixes. But 99 times out of 100, it doesn't help. Or makes things worse. 
 
I've also tried to use it as a transient softener rather than enhancer, with about the same success rate.
 
I'm glad I have it, because I have nothing else that does exactly the same thing. I'm a fan of Mr. Pensado, but I don't trust his testimonials because some are paid endorsements and he doesn't say which ones.

Like Bit says Trans X is a unique piece of kit. And when you need it, it's a very useful tool. But most folks wont need it that often. Maybe never. The best explanation I've heard on how many top notch mix engineers use it was given by JJP (if I had a link I'd post it). But it gets fairly esoteric...about moving transients around to effect the "feel" of the track or project. I use it fairly often with good results. Others...not so much. That's what makes a horse race. My best advice is...if you don't have it...you'll never miss it:-)