5 Quick Saturation Mixing Tricks - Warren Huart: Produce Like A Pro

5 Quick Saturation Mixing Tricks:
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Adding saturation to your mix can help to smoothen out transients and add thickness to the sounds that you apply it to. You can use it on just about everything too, drums, bass, guitars, or keyboards. If you’re looking to add some new flavor to your mixes, look no further. Here are 5 tips to get your started.
1. Use Saturation on Snare.
2. Saturate the Bass Guitar
3. Saturate the Guitar DI
4. Use saturation on Piano
5. Saturate to remove harshness
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Produce Like A Pro is a website which features great tips to help the beginning recordist make incredible sounding home recordings on a budget.

[@Pete.Franco]

Fantastic teacher, extremely knowledgeable yet talking at a understandable level.

[@prototype8137]

Dunno. Feels like hes talking to a group of 12 yr olds.

[@AidenBradley95]

The saturation trick for gaining back a bit of headroom is really great. I first saw it on Mixbus TV on the episode he has dedicated to loudness where he shows you how to thicken up waveforms and smooth transients on every instrument. The Decapitator seems to kill most of the competition on how well it works though

[@the.brad.thomas]

My hat off to you Warren - a level matching comparison between plugin settings!

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much Brad!

[@Bendy2K]

I'm a Techno producer but I've learnt so much from your channel. Just wanted to say thanks.

[@st33Npuist]

same over here..

[@phillyjoe148]

When the mix engineer becomes part of the band. So good! . Love these video full of years of experience and the confidence to break the rules and be creative! Your videos are a gem Warren.

[@paullucas4846]

It always amazes me that adding saturation brings not just energy and volume but definition as well, Thanks as always

[@Producelikeapro]

Hi Paul, absolutely my friend!

[@richardy8399]

Thanks - these 5 tips videos are the best around, and love the enthusiasm and knowledge you put into them! Keep them coming!!

[@cameronlile2931]

Earlier today I was looking for some saturation vidoes from you and now you've gone and uploaded a new one. You're a mind reader! Have a marvelous rest of your day.

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much Cameron!

[@Opeckie]

The saturation on the drum room mic is EXACTLY what I needed for the current song I'm mixing... the cymbals are just a bit too much, and this is the PERFECT solution! I wish I would've thought to do this. Thanks again Warren!

[@Producelikeapro]

Wow! Thanks ever so much! Glad to be able to help!! You Rock!

[@shiftcyclicity]

This video just blew my mind! Thanks a lot Warren!

[@mikeycapone2578]

Another great video! I really appreciate your work Warren.

[@josephvalo]

Your video definitely helped me to understand saturation. I can't wait to use these saturation tips on my mixes. Amazing video Warren! I hope you are having a wonderful day as well.

[@Producelikeapro]

Thank you ever so much Joseph!!

[@tisbonus]

Wow! This IS the meat & potatoes my friend! The best advice for recording in ANY daw on KZbin. This takes a wimpy wave to majestic with energy and bite. Love how you're just giving up the dope on these video lessons!

[@Producelikeapro]

Hi Tisbonus, thanks ever so much!! You Rock my friend!

[@kobalt77]

I learned a lot from watching this video. Your enthusiasm for what you do is wonderful. Thank you for sharing this Warren . :)

[@xaosnox]

Brilliant! I've never heard saturation explained or utilized so usefully. Complete game changer! I knew it worked this way on tape machines, but I didn't realize that digital plugins did the same sort of "compression" to the signal. One of the most useful tutorials ever. Right up there with Dan Worrall's FabFilter demonstrations.

[@kobalt77]

Well said my friend, my sentiments too .

[@MirellaBellido]

I discovered your vids recently (because of the documentary "The art of listening") and you are my hero in all senses. Great information, awesome demonstration and very sweet and kind. Thanks Warren!

[@Bad_Phil]

Warren, I tried tape saturation (Cubase) on a bass track that was getting lost in the mix, and OMG! Suddenly I heard the Ampeg throaty snarl without it being turned up! It meshes so much better now. Thanks so much for the inspiration! Cheers, Phillip

[@michelremes]

Hi Warren, Thanks for your TOP tutorials. By far the best of what I check on KZbin. I'm constantly improving my mixes. Marvelously thank you.

[@Producelikeapro]

Hi Michel Remes wow!! Thank you ever so much!!

[@davidhayman9330]

Thanks Warren, this was really helpful!

[@paulallen6849]

Loving the content at the moment Warren. PLAP is the best channel on youtube. You're really helping a lot of people making music and mixing. Plus it's always great to look at gear!

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much Paul! That's extremely kind of you!!

[@ThePaulmaxey]

Fantastic advice, thanks for sharing your knowledge and experience..

[@noisesoundtonevibe]

Saturation is one of my go-to solutions/features. I love this, thank you Warren!

[@Producelikeapro]

Hi noisesoundtonevibe I agree 100%! Love using saturation

[@DaveToneMusic]

Really loving these 5 Quick Tips videos Warren, really educational and informative, thanks brother!

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much Dave!

[@davidallenhammond2777]

Thank you Warren, your techniques are sooo useful for me.

[@Producelikeapro]

Hi David, thank you ever so much my friend!!

[@showpony321]

Brilliant. Thanks, Warren.

[@MusicMastaJones]

This video was absolutely fantastic! Keep them coming man.

[@Producelikeapro]

Aw shucks! Thanks ever so much!

[@ejrionm5664]

OMG, this is what i asked for in the another video. Thank you so much Warren, you're the man!

[@Producelikeapro]

Fantastic! Glad to be able to help Ejrionm!!

[@guimadrum]

Dude! C'mon!!! That DI guitar trick is sweeeeeet!

[@Producelikeapro]

AW shucks thanks ever so much!!

[@splashesin8]

Very excited to take this in. Thank you.

[@Producelikeapro]

Wonderful Audrey!!

[@AttitudeCastle]

Warren your enthusiasm is infectious!

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much! I am so glad to be able to help!

[@matthewstauffer7052]

5 tip videos are so much help thank you sir

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much Matthew!!

[@iciaussi2454]

Thank you for these precious advices

[@Producelikeapro]

You’re very kind! Glad to be able to help

[@wasabifox]

Ingenious use of saturation...thank you for these GREAT tips!

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks Steve! You Rock!!

[@davidmeek9966]

Love your work, always

[@sloanzak]

Man, these are so helpful. Thank you for doing these!

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much Zak!

[@idontcare_wtf]

Great as always! Thank you for the tips 💪🏼

[@Producelikeapro]

Hi TheBrianhala, thanks very much!

[@trollstjerne]

Awesome! Thanks for these great tips and tricks Warren.

[@Producelikeapro]

Thank you ever so much my friend!

[@clintonmaher6930]

Saturation is the key to getting powerful and loud mixes...And one of the big differences between pro and amateur mixes. I recently experimented by completing a full mix without using a single compressor - instead using a variety of saturators only. Turned or pretty great and makes you realize just how important they are! Would love to see you do the same thing on a mix in a video too!

[@Producelikeapro]

Agreed 100% Clinton! Great insight! I really appreciate your wonderful comment!

[@zachary963]

Man. I’m gonna try that!

[@larrytate1657]

@@zachary963 how did it go?

[@Ahazzard39]

Thanks for these tips Warren.....”You Rock” !

[@Producelikeapro]

Hi AJay! You Rock my friend!!

[@easlern]

This video was extremely helpful, mixing is so much easier since I started using saturation as a tool and not just an effect. Great great video, thanks so much Warren!

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks very much Nick!!

[@Producelikeapro]

I'm so glad to be able to help!

[@shembeard4254]

Warren, I’ve watched a lot of your content. But... wow!!! You are on a roll with these last few quick tip videos. I want you to understand that they are great. Incredibly helpful. I feel like I owe you about $100k now. Maybe the three best videos on mixing I have seen.

[@Producelikeapro]

AW shucks thanks Shem! I'll take the 100k!! Haha Thanks ever so much for watching!

[@gezma12]

Thanks for this Warren - great tut as always

[@Producelikeapro]

You're very welcome!!

[@chrispinelli]

Great tips, it's amazing how many little things build up to make a full sound

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks very much Chris!!

[@LaszloVersteeg]

Very useful video, as always! Thank you!

[@Producelikeapro]

Hi laszlov2!! Thank you ever so much!!

[@claudius3124]

Great tricks again! Thanks Warren, it's really nice of you, much appreciated ;-)

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much Claudius!!

[@kieranmacfeely]

Great tips...thanks

[@ProfessorSaibertin]

Thx for the awesome stuff Warren!

[@EricGPLAP]

Great help with saturation! Will be using these to help out forsure!

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks very much Eric!

[@mypetdrgn]

Thanks So Much Warren!!!

[@Producelikeapro]

You're very welcome!!

[@floridojuan]

beuty tips!!!gracias warren!!!!

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much Juan!

[@Nakidim75]

Happy new year 2018, dear Warren!! Please keep posting!

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks! I hope you're having a marvellous new year as well!

[@CornSw]

Wonderful video this is! Thanks man!

[@Producelikeapro]

Hi Cornelius, thanks ever so much!

[@Jairlobomayorga]

what an amazing content, Thank you so much!!

[@alejandronieto576]

Thanks once again!

[@MatthewDiamante]

Love these quick tips videos!

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much Matthew!!

[@onetrackmind6969]

Quick? 30 minutes this.

[@penname1348]

great tricks, thanks!

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much penname1!

[@tscotts9699]

Your videos have really cranked the saturation on the home studio market

[@scuderiaem1246]

Yeah, as a producer I can relate to that.

[@stevenxw]

awesome stuff! thank you!

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much Steven!

[@TheOompahRoundabout]

Had fun doing pretty much this last night as I bought the sound toys rack! It sounds crazy, but it actually cleaned up the mix! With being able to hear the snare and kick clearer ! I did make sure things weren’t louder, and I found although they were actually lower, they cut through more! It’s , with other tweaks made me excited about the track again! Very groovy!

[@gilbertnorum4366]

Warren Huart you sir are awesome!

[@Producelikeapro]

Gilbert Norum thank you ever so much!!

[@gorillachillaproductions]

great mix and guy well done !

[@SongMakerNYC]

sat is great on vocals...any vocals....soundtoys both plugs are the best (sat + delay)...thanks 4 all hard work mister...positive energy rocks !!!

[@Producelikeapro]

Hi Song Maker, agreed! Saturation on vocals is amazing!

[@jonasbambrough1790]

Thanks Warren, another great sesh!! I love that saturation/reverb blend.... I've used it on hard-panned slowly-strummed acoustic guitar, which gives an ominous cloak of sonic space... or sustained piano chords, with the low and high end rolled off :) yummmmmy! Keep em coming!!

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much Jonas!! I have a great time making these videos!

[@BillGraper]

Amazing!!!

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much!

[@svedlundrodriguez]

Great video, thanks!

[@Producelikeapro]

svedlundrodriguez yanks ever so much!

[@PSYk1ll4h]

I was clueless about saturation and why it was used. Thanks!

[@2ndMOUSEofficial]

Great stuff Warren. Saturation is so sublimely useful. Another one I've started using is Boz Digital Labs Little Clipper to shave those transient peaks . Such an awesome concept, and a great video on it. Thanks a lot =)

[@louderthangod]

A super underrated saturator that I rarely see mentioned but when people know it, they usually love it is the UAD VSM-3. The balance of 2nd and 3rd order harmonica can be subtle or totally raunchy but I use it on individual tracks and even on masters and it also does great MS saturation processing.

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks for the great insight! I really appreciate it! I'll have to try that out!!

[@PeanutButterAM]

One of the best out there. 💪🏽🤘🏽

[@augustinpannard]

Cool !!! I like it !! It changes my life !!!🤗🤗🤗

[@Hannilux]

Yo Warren, thanks for the vids :) these 5 trick videos really made me improve my technique. also great explanations along the way :)

[@Producelikeapro]

Wonderful! I'm so glad to be able to help!

[@dietmarreinsch8702]

beautiful

[@emilianolopez5631]

You are the hero

[@CesarBenzoni]

Jeeez, so helpful! Thanks always!

[@megap2m]

Great tips Warren. I use saturator also for hihats after transiient shaper.

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much for the tip Bob!!

[@gropplife]

I really love the new intro thats been in the past few videos

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much Gropp!!

[@buddythecat4675]

Great video, Warren! Someone that uses a lot of saturation is Dave Fridmann. I've always loved how blown out and angry sounding many of his productions are (moreso with the Flaming Lips). Everything just sounds so big. I usually add some grit to my own mixes......drums in particular can sound too nice, and as you mentioned about piano, something about it (especially more percussive piano playing with quick transients) sounds great with some dirt and grit.

[@tube4andy]

Fabfilter Saturn and PSP Vintage Warmer are my go to saturation tools. Great video Warren, cheers

[@Producelikeapro]

Hi Andrew, thanks ever so much for your insight!

[@Recospok]

Thanks for this Amizing video! Now we´re on the lookout for "5 Quick Distortion Mixing Tricks"

[@Producelikeapro]

Hi Recospok Muzik thanks ever so much!!

[@NewGoldStandard]

Whenever I hit a mental-block I just flip on one these videos for a while and in no time I'm feeling amped (no pun intedned) again and motivated to get back to recording.

[@annaseruma]

Recording my second album at the moment, tracking the electric guitars and trying to get THAT tone that suits the song and this tutorial helped a lot to get it! Thank you!

[@Aphagiarecordings]

We use Decapitator on just about every song. Great video Warren!

[@TheMychordstar]

Best mentor 👍👍👍

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much

[@zilion111]

Thank you .

[@MartinLuxen]

Awesome tips!

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks very much Martin!

[@avsinghmusic4881]

love you bro

[@fletcher2311]

Nice job, Warren. Sub added!

[@theoversouls]

Excellent! My favorite saturation plug is Magnetic by Nomad Factory. I have both, but I like the original Magnetic vs Magnetic II. The saturation on the Scheps Omni channel preamp section is nice too. Guitar amp simulators are also useful, like Scuffham.

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much for your amazing comment and insight!

[@joelonsdale]

I used Magnetic on my drum bus for years! Really unsubtle analogue style distortion, I might try using it again this week...

[@MarkGarbettLlanigan]

Marvellous

[@Producelikeapro]

Hi Mark Garbett indeed! Marvellous! Haha thanks very much!

[@livemusicnyc6357]

mcDSP has all needed tools for basic editing...fantastic company...and they make hardware...talks volumes....esp....respect!

[@DeltaWhiskeyBravo13579]

Soundtoys Decapitator is still great. You can go light to very distorted. The different emulations change things up as well. Also useful is Softube Harmonics. Several types with transient control. These tips by Warren are still very very useful. Thanks much.

[@sonnybrasco9735]

Nice

[@OdinOfficialEmcee]

I just realized I used all these tips before I knew them. My particular favourite way to saturate my bass' is to put an analog modeled compressor on the buss and drive hard into it. Subtle, but it does the trick. And vocal saturation is a must. I use Studio One's stock distortion plug in and it works wonders on vocals

[@michal.ochedowski]

I'm loving these quick tips videos. Very informative. By the way, does DI mean direct input ?

[@bradw2k]

DI = Digital instrument

[@TiagoOliveira-ll2iw]

Warren huart, you are my fucking hero! Thanks for all the tricks!!! You are all about the feeling of the music with its tips! You help a million fo records sounding good!

[@agrainofmalt]

Blown away by the simple LoFi plugin taming the high end on the drum room mic(s)... superb!

[@Producelikeapro]

Hi James, yes, an amazingly simple trick!

[@petemusgrove7422]

Thanks for pointing out the peaks with regard to saturation - that's something I hadn't thought about. I agree with you on the MJUC, I have one and it's one of the best decisions I've made re plugins. A free saturation plugin that I love and use a lot is "Density" from Airwindows.... it goes from "tasteful creamy" to 11 :-)

[@nichttuntun3364]

Hi. Lovely video. Thank you for showing. I love saturation too. From the subtle to the extreme. I would give SansAmp a go but it's iLok protected. So nope to this one. Cheers.

[@Shejie0421]

Hello.im new here . Thanks for the tips.

[@Racingheartrecords]

I need to make notes of all the places where a drive control is hiding. I have completely ignored the MJUC drive, but this is awesome, especially in combination with the timbre dial.