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).
See also: Free Saturation VST PluginsThanks 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).
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