Saturate

Saturate stands out among saturation plugins for its ability to add substantial overdrive without the tonal degradation that typically accompanies aggressive clipping. The plugin's core innovation lies in its Spectral Clipper algorithm, which addresses a fundamental problem in saturation: when low-frequency content reaches maximum amplitude during clipping, it can mask the midrange and treble information that defines a signal's character. This typically results in the "tubby" or muddy coloration most engineers try to avoid.

Newfangled Audio's solution analyzes the frequency content of incoming audio and applies clipping asymmetrically across the spectrum, preserving the detail and articulation in the mids and highs while controlling low-frequency excursions. The result is saturation that maintains tonal balance even at extreme settings. The SHAPE control provides continuous morphing between hard clipping and the mathematically smoothest possible curve, offering flexibility from subtle coloration to aggressive distortion. A SYMMETRY control adds even harmonics for richness, while the CEILING parameter sets the clipping threshold.

The implementation includes independent input and output controls with AUTO output scaling, plus a saturation curve display that visualizes your clipping shape in real time. Metering shows both peak and RMS levels, essential for mastering work. The anti-aliasing algorithm works more effectively than simple oversampling, preventing digital artifacts at high gain settings.

Saturate suits mastering engineers seeking transparent saturation on full mixes, mix engineers looking to enliven individual tracks without spectral shifts, and producers wanting character without compromise. It represents a meaningful advance in saturation technology for those who demand control without sonic trade-offs.