Valve saturation. Tape saturation. Transformer coloring. If you have worked on projects in the analog domain, you are familiar with these concepts. You know what they are, what they can do to a track or recording, and how they work their magic.
The Saturation effect, or the introduction of harmonic distortion, into an audio track or mix can add that special “flavor” and “warmth” that only magnetic tape, valves, transformers or transistors can provide. The T-RackS Saturator
T-RackS Saturator X is an all-in-one tool for adding analog flavor to your recordings. From ribbon to transformer to transistor, it offers 10 options – 10 individual styles of saturation and distortion, from the gentle, subtle drive suggestion of a lightly saturated transistor to the complete, velvety “in your face” chaos of saturated tubes on the stem… and everything in between. T-RackS Saturator X delivery.
T-RackS Saturator X is intuitive and extremely easy to use. It works as a plug-in on individual tracks in your mix or as part of the T-RackS chain. It works by adding harmonic distortion to digital processing, which by its typical nature does not change or alter the linearity of the frequency response and harmonic pattern of a signal. Inserting distortion simulates the way analog circuits behave especially when pushed to the limit.
The T-RackS Saturator
The Input Gain and Output Level controls can operate as individual controls, allowing you to freely adjust how much saturation is applied and how loud the effect appears in the mix. You can also “reverse wire” the two and maintain the ratio of input gain to output volume. This allows you to set the overall perceived loudness, lock it in, and then adjust the amount of saturation applied without changing the output volume.
Each of the 10 saturation modes accurately delivers the behavior of the analog hardware component, circuit or medium, selected for its peculiar character.
The palette of available tones ranges from the subtle “coloring” of transformers, which offers a smooth shift in frequency response and just a hint toward the top of the gain range, to warmer, more pronounced distortions such as in tubes or circuits. solid state.
Modes include:
Tape 1
This mode reproduces the classic character and high frequency compression of an analog tape machine, reaching saturation when taken above normal recording levels.
Tape 2
Similar to Tape 1 in terms of typical uses, this mode reproduces a more “Lo-Fi” analog tape response with more pronounced distortion and high frequency roll-off.
Master +6dB
This is a smooth, digitally recreated saturation curve that can be very useful when mastering finished tracks to add RMS volume and body to a thin-sounding mix.
Master + 12dB
This is similar to the Master +6dB but with a more pronounced smooth saturation curve to make the effect even more prominent.
Tube 1 - Push Pull
This mode produces classic valve saturation with odd harmonics added by symmetrical clipping Push/Pull electronics. This creates a full distortion that can make everything sound warmer if used lightly or with a touch more aggressive if turned up loud.
Tube 2 - Class A
This mode produces valve saturation with more even harmonics added by the Class A asymmetric design. When used gently in stems or finished mixes, it adds a beautiful aura to the audio being processed, making it sound decidedly more analog.
Solid State 1 - Push Pull
The same as Tube mode, but with the more aggressive character of the solid state circuit. This mode is best suited when transients need to be preserved.
Solid State 2 - Class A
The same as Tube mode but with more aggressiveness from the solid state circuit. This mode adds the same kind of magical aura that Tube Class provides but with more defined transient response.
Transformer - Iron
This mode reproduces the very subtle coloration of the harmonic tone of the iron core transformer which has fewer even harmonics. This mode adds a soft, gentle saturation with a small amount of distortion.
Transformer - Steel
This mode reproduces the behavior of the steel core transformer. The difference with iron is that it provides practically the same amount of even and odd harmonics. This mode adds very subtle saturation while introducing only a small amount of distortion.
Peephole Measurement
Saturator X also features a “Magic Eye” VU meter that quickly gives you a visual indication of the amount of saturation being applied to the incoming signal. This style of VU meter replicates vintage tube gauges and will instantly transport you back in time.
“Over” Never - Brickwall Limiter
Saturate freely without clipping. When engaged, the Brickwall Limiter ensures you'll never enter the lands of digital clipping - that's one distortion no one wants to hear. The Saturator X Brickwall Limiter has no user adjustable controls, it is simply the gatekeeper to ensure your tracks and mixes never go off track.
Oversampling
Saturator X also features an “Oversampling” effect that allows you to choose the oversampling multiplier you would like to add to your signal. Oversampling provides a higher definition “picture” of your audio by providing better harmonic pattern rendering and overall processing quality.
Track or Master
Saturator Use it on the master fader where gain can be applied more judiciously to give the character of an analog stage, whether tube, transistor, solid state or tape deck.
