• Saturation refers to overloading electrical components of analogue gear which then introduces harmonic distortion and compression.

  • Reasons to use saturation:

    1. To add density and body to a sound

    2. To add “glue” effect to individual tracks which give a sense of they are in the same space.

    3. To smoothen peaks gently for dynamic control.

    4. To imparts certain character to a sound.

    5. To enhance the presence of a mix element without sounding harsh.

  • Different saturation plugins come with different controls. I’m going to cover tape emulation plugins only as their controls are quite the same.

    1. Input: Controls the incoming audio level. Primary control the amount of saturation and compression.

    2. Output: Sets final audio level leaving the tape.

    3. Bias: Adjust magnetic signal applied to the tape to optimise recording fidelity. Low Bias -> can result in harsh highs and increased distortion. High Bias -> can result in duller sound.

    4. Saturation: A dedicated ctrl to increase saturation effect without adjusting input level which causes volume jump.

    5. Speed (IPS - Inch Per Second): 30 IPS -> transparent & better high frequency response. 15 IPS -> offers balance of warmth & fidelity. 7.5 IPS -> Lo-fi, bass forward sound with more pronounced saturation and high frequency loss.

    6. Tape Speed: Faster tape speed results in lower noise floor, greater fidelity & flatter frequency response.

    7. Wow and Flutter: Introducing speed variation and pitch modulation inherent in mechanical tape systems. Used to add realistic vintage analogue character to a sound. Wow -> slower pitch variations. Flutter -> Faster pitch variations.

    8. Emphasis: Controls the pre-emphasis and de-emphasis equalisation curves (NAB & IEC) applied during recording and playback process. It was used for reduce noise and optimise tonal balance, but in modern setting, it is now use as creative EQ controls.

    9. Noise Reduction: Magnetic tape recorders have hiss & hum noise. These noise elements are inherent in the analogue machines & can be removed from the signal with this control.

  • Types of saturations and its examples:

    1. Tape Saturation: Introduces even and odd harmonics. Known for smoothing out transients, gluing elements together, rolling off high frequencies and adding warmth. Eg. Waves J37, UAD Studer A800, Ampex ATR-102 Mastering Tape.

    2. Tube Saturation: Introduces even harmonics. Known to make sound fuller, thicker and warmth which is good for adding weight to a mix element. Eg. Black Box Analog Design

    3. Transistor Saturation: Introduces odd harmonics. Known for sounding gritty, fuzzy, edgy and aggressive which is good for cutting through the mix with more clarity and presence. Eg. Neve 1057 mic preamp, Soundtoys Decapitator, FabFilter Saturn.

    4. Transformer Saturation: Introduces even harmonics. Known for adding subtle weight and thickness. Eg. Kush Omega, FabFilter Saturn.