T-Saturator

Name: T-Saturator
Author: Techivation

by Techivation · Saturation · Level-independent saturation

Not rated yet

T-Saturator is a free saturation plugin whose tone stays consistent regardless of input level, with Tube, Tape, Clip and Fold modes.

It has Smash and Crunch controls, a frequency range and up to 8x oversampling, and it is free.

Best for: Vocals, Drums, Bass, Guitars, Keys & Synths, Mix Bus. Genres: all genres.

Keywords: free, warm, drums, tape, tube, auto-gain, bass, oversampling, subtle, vocals, mid/side, undo/redo, aggressive, bus processing, downward expansion, full mix, gentle, heavy, metering, mix bus, mixing, single-band, soft clip, wavefolding.

What it does

T-Saturator is Techivation's free "smart level-independent saturation plug-in." The amount of distortion does not depend on input level, so you can change the gain going in without changing the character coming out.

Tube: models the asymmetric response of triode valves; the most aggressive mode, able to reach screaming distortion.
Tape, Clip and Fold: Tape for magnetic-tape warmth, Clip for soft clipping with an expander-like lift in dynamic range, and Fold for a gentle wave-folder that gets more complex as you push it.
Saturation, Smash and Crunch: Saturation sets the amount, Smash offsets how much hits the transients, and Crunch changes the intensity and character of the chosen mode.
Frequency range: confine the saturation to a chosen band, with Make Up Gain for that band.
Auto Gain: matches the output to the level before saturation.
Processing: LR or mid/side, and up to 8x oversampling to cut aliasing.
Interface: input/output meters, bypass, undo/redo and a UI scalable from 50 to 150%.

It is free.

Source: Techivation product page

When to use it

T-Saturator is a strong free choice when you want saturation that stays consistent however hot the input is. Compared with Softube Saturation Knob, it adds four modes, band-limited processing, mid/side and auto gain, at the same price of nothing. It has fewer styles and less analog modelling than Decapitator or SDRR, and none of the noise, wobble and lo-fi tools of RC-20 Retro Color. Its Smash control, which sets how hard transients are hit, is a useful extra on drums.

Best for: free saturation on drums, bass, vocals and buses, from subtle warmth to heavy distortion.
Genres: any.
Look elsewhere if: you want detailed modelling of specific hardware; Decapitator, SDRR or the HG-2 go further.
Tip: use the frequency range to saturate only one part of the spectrum, and keep Auto Gain on for level-matched comparisons.

What producers say

Coverage is light; the one hands-on write-up found was positive.

Production Expert liked the filters for applying the effect to one area of the spectrum, the auto gain, and how Saturation, Smash and Crunch shape the result.
Range: the same piece noted it covers "subtle warmth" through to "screaming distortion," with no criticisms raised.

Production Expert write-up

Where to buy

Techivation: Free

Tutorials and reviews

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