On Tuesday, Audified released the ToneKnob Saturator, a free one-knob plugin for macOS and Windows. The 64-bit-only release is available for VST3, AAX, and AU.
Audified describes the satch as “simple on the outside, sophisticated on the inside.”
The plugin is the developer’s first drop in a new one-knob series, which will see further releases under the ToneKnob name.
For the ToneKnob Saturator, Audified combined its 1A Equalizer and U73B Compressor releases into a single design.
If you’d like to hear what this sounds like in practice, then check out the eight-minute YouTube demo that the dev has produced to showcase the sounds of the plugin.
The developer explains that the plugin allows you to get anything from a subtle satch to big boi distortion, as well as interesting FX.
Audified states that the ToneKnob Saturator is designed to allow users to work with their ears and not overthink things.
As you only have one knob to work with, you can’t really get bogged down on endless parameter tweaking and instead just have to trust your ear holes.
Not one to just throw its dear userbase in the deep end, Audified have thoughtfully provided us with a guide on how to get the ToneKnob Saturator really cookin’.
The suggested use cases are vocals, guitars, bass guitars, and drums. I guess they aren’t really big on electronic music down at Audified HQ.
For vocals, the devs suggest the saturator be placed in the effects chain after EQ and dynamic processing, but before spatial and modulation effects.
Doing so can net you punchy, lively, and colorful vocals.
For guitars, the sweet spot for the big knob is between 25% and 50% to provide a girthy tone with plenty of character.
For bass guitar, the devs suggest trying out saturation more often even if it’s not your first call effect for the instrument, as it can help the bass cut through, add definition and connect with the kick.
Last but not least, we have drums, and the saturator can be used to good effect on the whole drum bus to add space, clarity, and punch.
The plugin can be driven hard on the drum bus if desired to create more experimental sounds and effects.
If all this sounds like it’s up your alley, then you can pick up the plugin by following the ‘Get for free” link on the product page.
When I clicked on the link, I was presented with a checkout page that is designed like a shipping info form for a physical purchase, which you’ll need to fill out if you want to pick up the freebie.
Download: ToneKnob Saturator (FREE)
More:
