Softube saturation knob mac os

Softube saturation knob mac os

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Installer products Mac

(Are you looking for Windows installers? Click here)

Once you own a license for one of our products, the next step is to download and install the software itself.

The simplest way to do this, especially if you own multiple Softube products, is to install Softube Central, our all-in-one product-management hub.

In Softube Central you can download and install new products, or update old products. You can also manage activation of your licenses, either to your machine or to a physical iLok USB key.

Individual installers for Mac
Sometimes, for various reasons, you might wish to manually download an individual product installer, so we also provide that option below. Select the relevant product and click to download the installer. Follow on-screen instructions to install your product, and contact support if you have any problems or questions.

Please note: you will also need the iLok License Manager which can be downloaded HERE.

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Saturation Knob

The free plug-in Saturation Knob is a modeled output distortion that can be used anywhere you need some grit.

Use it to fatten up bass lines, add some harmonics and shimmer to vocals, or simply destroy your drum loop.

Need help getting started?

Check out this 5-step guide

One Big Knob and a Little Switch

The three modes—Keep High, Neutral and Keep Low—give you three kinds of characters of distortion. If you want to squash a drum loop but keep the bass drum fairly intact, you can, for example, use the Keep Low mode, while Keep High distorts the low end more, keeping the high frequencies relatively clean.

«My response when they told me the Saturation Knob is a free plug-in was — are you nuts? Seriously? It’s too good to be free! I use it to make guitars fatter and more aggressive, snares naturally brighter, kicks punchier, vocals warmer. Basically, it’s good on just about anything. Saturation Knob should be renamed Attitude Adjuster! If a plugin can be addicting, the Saturation Knob is it!»

Yes, It’s Free

You can download the Saturation Knob for free and get a taste of warm analog saturation in your mixes.

This product supports
Extended Features

We love VU meters, Bakelite knobs, and analog quirks. But we want modern precision and workflow. The answer? Softube Extended Features. Easy-access panels with the innovations you need close at hand.

Modular Ready

This plug-in can be used within Modular, our Eurorack platform. Click to learn more.

• Download for free
• Three modes: Keep High, Neutral, and Keep Low
• Great for fattening up drums and bass, adding harmonics to vocals, and more
• Modeled output distortion
• Modular Ready: works as a native plug-in and as a module in Modular, Softube’s Eurorack platform. Learn more about Modular

System requirements

All Softube products require a computer with appropriate DAW host software (none of which are included).

Versions from 2.5.18 and newer of the Softube plug-ins have the following minimum requirements:

All native versions

• Mac OS X 10.13 or newer (older OS versions will not work)
• Windows 10 64-bit (older Windows versions may work but are not tested)
• Mac: Intel Core i3 / i5 / i7 / Xeon — M1 support pending
• Windows: Intel Core i3 / i5 / i7 / Xeon / AMD Quad-Core or newer
• Screen resolution larger than 1280×800
• 8 GB RAM or more is recommended, as well as at least 8 GB hard disk space for installation (individual plug-ins take less space, while sample libraries may require additional disk space. Specific information available on each instrument’s page).
• Softube account
• iLok account
• Internet access for downloading installers and managing licenses
• iLok generation 2 and up, if you intend to use an iLok key for authorizing your plug-ins (note that a physical iLok USB key is not a requirement)
• In theory, any 64-bit VST, VST3, AU, or AAX (Pro Tools 11.0.2 or higher) compatible host application should work.

However, due to plug-in host differences between DAWs — and our own rigorous testing standards — we only officially test our plug-ins and instruments in the most recent versions of Pro Tools, Logic Pro, Cubase, Ableton Live, Studio One, Reaper and Cakewalk. Softube plugins are not tested in non-listed systems, but they most likely work as long as the system requirements are met. We cannot guarantee a solution for issues in unsupported systems.

Note: Softube plug-ins support 64-bit hosts only, and a 64-bit OS is required.

Note: With regards to the different VST formats, we strongly recommend using VST3 as some of our plug-ins have features that are not present in the older VST formats.

Supported sample rates: 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4 and 192 kHz, in both mono and stereo.

The most recent maintenance release of your DAW application is recommended. AAX DSP is not currently in active development. TDM/VENUE are no longer supported (old downloads are available on the Legacy Installers page)

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Saturation Knob Is A FREE Analog Saturation Effect By Softube

Softube released Saturation Knob, a freeware saturation effect for digital audio workstations on Windows and macOS (requires free iLok user account).

Saturation Knob has been around for quite a while now. The plugin was first released back in 2011 as a free add-on for few select digital audio workstations (Pro Tools, Cakewalk Sonar, PreSonus Studio One, and Propellerhead Reason).

Thanks to a recent update, Saturation Knob is now compatible with all VST, AU, AAX, and RTAS plugin hosts on the market. It’s a great way to introduce some analog-style saturation to your mix.

One-knob style effects are not everyone’s favorite kind of audio tool. However, there’s no doubt that such tools will help boost your mixing workflow. Using specialized plugins with simple controls can save tons of time during a mixing session.

When it comes to compressors and equalizers, you’ll obviously want all the algorithm control you can get (although the incredibly simple DC1A compressor is still one of my all-time favorites). But with “analog mojo” tools, it often helps to use them as simple plug and play effects, just like a guitar pedal.

Saturation Knob by Softube is exactly that kind of plugin.

It features a single knob for adjusting the amount of saturation. The saturation algorithm works in three modes, depending on the flavor of the harmonic distortion you’re looking for. And that’s it! No additional controls to worry about.

Here’s how Softube describes the Saturation Knob plugin:

“The free plug-in Saturation Knob is a modeled output distortion that can be used anywhere you need some grit. Use it to fatten up bass lines, add some harmonics and shimmer to vocals, or simply destroy your drum loop.”

Saturation Knob is available in VST, AU, AAX, and RTAS plugin formats compatible plugin hosts on PC and Mac. It also works as a Rack Extension for Propellerhead Reason.

Please note that a free iLok user account and the iLok License Manager are required to activate the software (but you don’t need the physical iLok dongle).

Download: Saturation Knob (421 MB download size, EXE installer, 32-bit & 64-bit VST/AU/AAX/RTAS plugin format for Windows & macOS, RE format for Propellerhead Reason).

More info:

About Author

Tomislav is a content creator and sound designer from Belgrade, Serbia. He is also the founder and editor-in-chief here at Bedroom Producers Blog.

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Free Saturation VST Plugins

This article features the best free saturation VST plugins for Windows and macOS. For more free software, visit our free VST plugins page.

The age of digital audio workstations allowed millions of aspiring artists to record and produce music at home. But these digital recording studios lack some of the mojo and character of vintage analog gear.

One of the finer qualities of analog recordings is saturation. But what exactly is analog saturation?

Saturation is a byproduct of recording audio through analog tubes and transformers, manifested as a combination of harmonic distortion and soft-knee compression.

In vintage recording studios, tube preamps and tape machines would naturally saturate every recording. The result was a distinct sonic character that consists of gentle distortion, dynamic range compression, and a mild low-frequency boost. Nowadays, we describe this type of sound as warm and analog.

Thankfully, it is possible to simulate the sound of analog recording equipment in the comfort of your DAW. We listed the best free saturation VST plugins in the article below.

Best Free Saturation Effects

These are the best free saturation plugins:

• IVGI
• FerricTDS
• SGA1566
• BPB Saturator
• Airwindows Tape
• CHOW Tape
• Saturation Knob
• Tube Saturator Vintage
• TubeDriver
• Voxengo Tube Amp
• FreeAMP
• Szechuan Saturator
• ADHD Leveling Tool
• Tape Cassette 2

Scroll down for more info about each free saturation VST.

IVGI is a free saturation effect developed by Klanghelm. It uses the same algorithms like the ones featured in Klanghelm’s flagship saturation plugin called SDRR.

In my opinion, IVGI is the best free saturation VST plugin. Here’s why you should add it to your music production software arsenal.

IVGI works both as a subtle analog-style saturation effect on the master bus and an aggressive distortion effect for sound design. It sounds excellent in both scenarios, delivering analog-style warmth and character in the comfort of your digital audio workstation.

The plugin is easy to set up, providing instant saturation when you turn it on. That said, the user can fine-tune IVGI’s saturation characteristics by adjusting the frequency response, symmetry, and drive amount.

It’s also worth pointing out that IVGI emulates the crosstalk behavior on stereo signals, as well as the internal drift and randomness of analog hardware.

More info: IVGI

FerricTDS

FerricTDS is a tape emulation plugin by Variety Of Sound. Unfortunately, the effect is only available in the 32-bit VST plugin format for Windows. Otherwise, it’s one of the best saturation plugins on the market, freeware or not.

Unlike most other tape saturation plugins, FerricTDS only focuses on the positive effects of analog tape. It doesn’t simulate the pitch inconsistencies, hiss, noise, nor any other lo-fi properties of tape recordings.

Instead, FerricTDS emulates the harmonic distortion and dynamics of analog tape. It works tremendously well as a saturation device and a gentle compression tool that brings out your audio’s finer details.

More info: FerricTDS

SGA1566

SGA1566 is a freeware tube preamp simulation by Shattered Glass Audio. It uses high-performance circuit simulation to deliver the saturation characteristics of a single-channel vintage tube microphone preamp.

The plugin features two 12AX7 tube amplification stages and a two-band Baxandall equalizer. The user can place the EQ module either at the input or the output stage.

SGA1566 sounds incredibly authentic. It truly captures the distortion and the tone of a vintage tube preamp. Use it to enhance your recordings and to warm up the sound of virtual instruments.

Its only drawback is the CPU hit. SGA1566 requires a fast processor, and it’s likely to slow down your DAW.

Thankfully, the plugin offers two different CPU performance mode. The low CPU mode drops the sound quality while ensuring improved stability and compatibility with less powerful machines.

More info: SGA1566

BPB Saturator

BPB Saturator is a free saturation plugin by Bedroom Producers Blog. It uses waveshaping to simulate tape and tube saturation. The result is a lightweight saturation tool that will add warmth and character to your audio without a massive CPU hit.

You can use BPB Saturator as a subtle coloration effect or as a more aggressive distortion plugin. Experiment with adding modest amounts of tape and tube saturation while fine-tuning the input and output gain for best results.

BPB Saturator also features a pair of filters. Use the high-pass filter to remove excess bass frequencies and the low-pass filter to remove hiss and noise. You can also use the filters in tandem with tape saturation to simulate vintage tape recorders.

More info: BPB Saturator

Airwindows Tape

Airwindows Tape is a single-control tape saturation effect. Despite its simple looks, Airwindows Tape is one of the most sophisticated saturation plugins on the market.

The plugin applies analog tape-style saturation and coloration to the processed signal. The effect is quite subtle, but you can experiment by loading multiple instances on the same mixer channel.

For a more advanced saturation plugin based on the same concept, check out the ToTape6 audio effect by Airwindows. It provides more control over the tape saturation algorithm.

Generally speaking, the Airwindows website is a goldmine of saturation plugins, virtual channel strips, vinyl emulation tools, and more.

CHOW Tape

CHOW Tape is a highly detailed analog tape machine plugin. It works as a VST, VST3, AU, and LV2 plugin on Windows, macOS, and Linux.

Although the plugin initially utilized a physical model of the Sony TC-260 tape recorder, the current algorithm can simulate various analog tape machines. It addresses the saturation behavior of tape recorders, as well as their lo-fi properties.

You can use CHOW Tape solely as a saturation plugin that adds harmonic distortion changes the dynamics. However, the plugin also excels at emulating the wow and flutter, noise, and other side-effects of vintage tape decks.

The developer started their work on CHOW Tape as a research project for Music 420 at Stanford University. The project and the researched algorithm later evolved into a free saturation VST plugin.

More info: CHOW Tape

Saturation Knob

Saturation Knob is a free saturation VST plugin by Softube. It is a one-knob saturation effect designed for a fast audio mixing workflow.

The plugin includes three different saturation algorithms (neutral, low, and high). Choose your favorite saturation mode and use the knob to apply the required amount of saturation to the signal. That’s it!

Saturation Knob works best when used on multiple audio channels across the entire mix. Apply gentle saturation to all recordings for a cumulative effect on the master channel.

Tube Saturator Vintage

Tube Saturator Vintage is a freeware tube saturation plugin by Wave Arts. The effect is available in VST, AU, and AAX plugin formats for compatible hosts on PC and Mac.

The plugin emulates a dual 12AX7 triode preamp, along with a 3-band Baxandall type equalizer. The user can control the tube saturation with the drive knob or engage the “Fat” processing mode added gain and saturation.

The included Baxandall EQ is useful for setting taming the high frequencies and for boosting the low end. Tube Saturator Vintage excels as a drum processing tool, adding grit and character to acoustic drum recordings.

The only drawback is the relatively high CPU hit. Tube Saturator Vintage wasn’t optimized for low CPU use, so be sure to keep an eye on your DAW’s performance meter.

TubeDriver

TubeDriver is a free tube saturation plugin by Nick Crow Lab. The software is compatible with VST and AU plugin hosts on Windows and macOS.

Thanks to its detailed control scheme, TubeDriver is one of the more flexible saturation plugins on the market. The user can adjust the tube’s drive, bias, and volume parameters, with an optional boost for added gain.

The plugin also features pre-EQ for shaping the signal before it hits the virtual tube. Oversampling (16X) is also included, ensuring high-quality sound when rendering the saturated audio.

More info: TubeDriver

Voxengo Tube Amp

Voxengo Tube Amp emulates a single-tube microphone preamplifier. It features a saturation module and a low-pass filter that can help simulate lower-quality tube triodes.

The plugin applies asymmetric tube triode overdrive to the processed audio. The user can shape the tube distortion algorithm by adjusting the drive amount and bias.

Voxengo Tube Amp works better as a tube overdrive and distortion effect than a gentle saturation tool. That said, you can still use it as a tube-style saturation plugin with the Drive parameter set to a lower value.

FreeAMP

FreeAMP is a simplified version of Klevgränd’s flagship analog modeling plugin called REAMP. It features a combination of saturation algorithms from the full edition of the software.

The saturation algorithm used in FreeAMP is a unique mixture of tape and tube distortion. As such, it works quite well on a wide variety of audio sources.

The user interface consists of three control parameters only. The Drive knob sets the amount of saturation, the Mix knob controls the relative levels of the dry and processed audio, and the Output knob sets the master volume.

More info: FreeAMP

Szechuan Saturator

Szechuan Saturator is a free saturation plugin developed by Coda Labs. The software is available in AU and VST3 plugin formats for Windows and macOS.

It can deliver various types of saturation, ranging from gentle tube-style warmth to overdrive and distortion. You can use it on individual channels like drums or virtual synths, as well as the master bus.

The unusual thing about Szechuan Saturator is that it features a built-in modulator. The user can freely adjust the modulation depth and amount.

ADHD Leveling Tool

ADHD Leveling Tool is a free limiting amplifier plugin by AudioTools. Saturation isn’t its primary purpose, but the plugin is more than capable of delivering that analog-style drive.

Use the Drive knob to apply tube-style saturation to the processed signal. ADHD Leveling Tool works great for adding spark and subtle compression to vocal recordings.

This free saturation effect is compatible with 32-bit and 64-bit VST and AU plugin hosts on PC and Mac. You can download it for free from the AudioTools website.

Tape Cassette 2

Tape Cassette 2 is a free tape simulation plugin by Caelum Audio. It emulates the tone, dynamics, and saturation properties of cassette tape recorders.

You can use Tape Cassette 2 as a lo-fi effect, but it also works quite well as a free saturation VST plugin. The latest version of the software features an improved saturation algorithm with oversampling and hysteresis.

Tape Cassette 2 also features oversampling (2x, 4x, 8x, 16x) to provide analog-style saturation without artifacts. Use the plugin’s saturation capabilities in tandem with its tone shaping and pitch instability features to simulate the sound of analog tape.

More info: Tape Cassette 2

Free Saturation VST Plugin Alternatives (Budget-Friendly)

If you’d like to purchase a saturation VST plugin, consider trying Decapitator by Soundtoys, Saturate by Eventide, and Satin by U-He. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, then check out the Little Radiator plugin by Soundtoys, Cassette by Wavesfactory (thanks Compyfox!), and Valves by AudioThing.

We also highly recommend the excellent saturation VST plugins released by Black Rooster Audio and Fuse Audio Labs. Finally, if you like Tube Saturator Vintage, be sure to try the updated version of that same plugin. It’s called Tube Saturator 2 (€74.20) and comes with improved algorithms.

About Author

Tomislav is a content creator and sound designer from Belgrade, Serbia. He is also the founder and editor-in-chief here at Bedroom Producers Blog.

20 Comments

Some very nice mentions here. Pity that “Variety of Sound” plugins never found their way into the x64 realm.

I’d like to add a couple additional “budget” alternatives though:

Tape:
Wavesfactory Cassette – it is not made for 30ips machines (like U-HE Satin), but it’s definitely an interesting concept and sound design tool (especially the “re-casette” feature). I think CHOW Tape comes closest to the concept.

You can(!) use Genuine Soundware’s tape delays for saturation as well, btw!

Saturation:
Well, you mentioned WaveArts “Tube Saturator Vintage” and SoundToys “LittleRadiator”. Why not mention “Tube Saturator 2” as well as all mentioned tools are heavily inspired by “tube consoles of old”. “LittleRadiator” for example is based upon the Altec 1566A preamps, and “Tube Saturator” on both the Universal Audio 610 and RCA Victor tube consoles.

I would also recommend at least checking out SoundSpot “Ravage”. It sadly doesn’t have a mix dial, but it’s otherwise very versatile. It goes on sale ever so often, so worth a look.

Then two “underdogs” IMO: Tek’it Audio Badass (all plugins are currently converted to x64) and TD EpiCentre from the KVR Audio Developer Challenge 2014 (sadly Windows only, 32bit). Although both graze more on straight up distortion than saturation. But you never know when you might need such tools.

Thank you for the listing, I’ll definitely give CHOW Tape another look.

Some excellent tips there, thank you! I will update the list tomorrow.

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