Using the Tube preset, we can see that the plugin doesn’t just introduce distortion and compression, but also program-dependent modulation, stereo image, pre-emphasis with the tone controls. If we use a preset, we can get a quick idea of how the plugin operates. This plugin is a go-to for many mixing and mastering engineers, due to the wide range of sounds it can accomplish. Saturn 2 is considered one of the best saturator and distortion plugins currently available – since it offers complex and high-quality saturation suitable for multiple types of emulation.
If you’re using it on a full mix, try the multi-band setting. Altering the ceiling will determine when compression begins and can be made a limiter with the brick wall setting.Īt the bottom, try out the fat function which will add additional low-order harmonic distortion, resulting in an impressively full sound. The main function here is the drive, with which you create the majority of the plugin’s character. The functionality includes saturation, limiting, compression, and simple equalization – making it easy to perfectly craft the sound of your instrument, instrument bus, mix, or master.
The PSP Vintage Warmer is somewhat of a classic – its sound is distinctly warm and full while still retaining detail and clarity. Furthermore, some expansion is available on the right side of the plugin.īy combining these multiple effects you can accomplish expertly crafted saturation. The compressor gives you 3 different types of compression, feedforward, feedback, and a combination of the 2, which offers very district and unique tonalities. With it, you can accomplish non-linear forms of compression, overdrive, soft-clipping, and saturation, as well as utilize the easier-to-use versions housed within the plugin via the top middle panel. Presswerk separates saturation and compression to give you greater control over both forms of processing.
Get a FREE Mastered Sample of Your Song! Presswerk – u-he: Functions like headroom and bias will also affect compression rate and the linearity or nonlinearity of that compression.Ī great way to start with this plugin is to look at the over 100 presets, that sound great in their own right, but also give you a guide into how the functions all affect one another. Additionally, less saturation occurs at higher tape speeds than slower. The majority of the saturation it creates comes from manipulating the input and the points of saturation.įor example, vintage will cause saturation sooner than modern. Satin is one of my favorite saturation plugins since it offers truly convincing tape machine emulation and a wide array of functions that let you dial in the sound that you want. Additionally, the compression section lets you add some soft-knee compression – indicative of saturation. My vote is for fabfilter, but I fully admit that Dan Woralls voice made me gay.
You can then equalize the full signal, and if you want, add convolution reverb and delay. Pro Q-2 is just so good.As many bands as you want with per band M/S options, and linear phase capability makes it good for mix buss and mastering jobs. Within the shape section, you can alter the distortions behavior, and double click to create very unique distortion types. There are over 60 distortion algorithms to choose from as well. But it makes up for that with six modules: a twin-stage Trash distortion processor, Filter 1, Filter 2, Convolve, Dynamics, and Delay. With it, you can create up to 4 bands, each of which can include 2 distortion filters. iZotope Trash 2 moves in the opposite direction and is more for the sound designer as it has a higher asking price. Additionally, Trash 2 gives you immense control by giving your multiple distortion types and letting you control the shape and drive of the distortion. Trash 2 is a unique saturator plugin with a wide range of distortion and compression types, as well as additional functions to emulate various processors. If you’re using this plugin for saturation, be sure the compression and saturation tabs are enabled. The features on the bottom don’t greatly affect saturation, but if we click the settings icon we see we have a lot to work with. This is paired with the 4 different tape types, each with different frequency responses, levels of distortion, and points of saturation. You can switch between 3 tape deck types, for high, mid, and low fidelity. Whereas other cassette saturators keep to only a few functions, this one is definitely different and better thought out. If you’re looking for fantastic cassette emulation, Cassette by Waves Factory is a comprehensive emulator and saturator that gives you an immense amount of control over your signal. Get a FREE Mastered Sample of Your Song! Cassette – Waves Factory 47 Bringing Limiting and Expansion into the Mix. 28 What’s the Goal of Reverb when Mastering?. 13 What’s the Goal of EQ when Mastering?.