Compression IS OUT - Saturation IS IN!!

[@robertwainscott9437]

When I conjured up the HG2, I wasn't looking to replace compression but, oddly enough, reverb. As the dynamic range in mixes (the loudness wars) went to zero, I noticed that it was becoming a challenge to place things in a mix as you'd do with your wet effects. Well, the human ear perceives something that is distorted as louded than it actually is and I went down the path of using distortion to move things around in the mix. Now, you say "saturation" but the correct term is distortion. The original signal is being changed and a big part of that change is the addition of harmonic content. Well, vacuum tubes are the best way to get additional harmonic content over a solid state device and specifically Pentodes as you find in an HG2. The HG2 does some crazy stuff but leaves the transient alone and that, too, is because I'm using vacuum tubes and transformers. The Pentode I choose to use has an 8x advantage in speed (frequency response) over its solid state counterpart (opamps). Magnetism propagates at the speed of light so using a transformer means I have a device that does two things - superior transient response and rings like a bell when saturated. Robert Wainscott - Owner, Black Box Analog Design

[@1loveMusic2003]

Scheps and Wallace all the way! I like how CLA says to leave it alone if it sounds great. That's hard to get used to when you have so many fun toys but it's so true.

[@airwavv7054]

I love the sound you get out of a little saturation on the mix bus. Helps the mix come alive

[@aleksamrkela831]

Great video. One of my favorite saturation tools for the mixbus is the Rupert Neve Designs 542! I love what tape emulators do to mixes. :D

[@KevinSimpson031]

Saturation is definitely a key part of my mixing process too! Since I work with genres that heavily rely on samples, I often find the sounds are already well-processed, so adding saturation helps me bring in more character and warmth. Even when I do use compression, I pick compressors that have their own saturation flavor. Right now, I'm experimenting with the new Blackbox HG-Q-such a fantastic sound! Thanks for the insights, Colt!

[@mrmorpheus9707]

demonstration beats conversation...everytime!

[@Jawmsie]

Man, you have such a gift for explaining concepts. I'm gonna be thinking about saturation and compression very differently going forward. Cheers!

[@compucorder64]

The nice thing about saturation is that it's like people, they can be similar but they all have their own unique personalities. Like guitar drive, fuzz and distortion pedals, I like having a big collection. Off the top of my head, some I really enjoy are: Tone Projects Kelvin, Audiority Pyros, Arturia Dist Tube Culture, Brainworx Blackbox HG-2, Brainworx Vertigo VSM3, Maor Applebaum & Hendyamps THE OVEN, Softube M.A.S. Overstayer, Kazrog K-Clip 3, Newfangled Saturate & Invigorate, Noise Engineering Ruina, Soundtoys Decapitator & Radiator and Minimal Audio Rift. Saturation, & Reverb are my favourite plugins - they all sound quite different, just like how guitar amps and drive pedals all sound different.

[@DCXTV]

Some 15 years back I went ahead of the curve and built my 1176 with OEP transformers on both input and output for maximum both 😁

[@chocomalk]

I think it's all about context, sometimes you need compression, sometimes you need saturation, sometimes both. Honestly, viewing a lot of EDM producers content of compression vs saturation, the amount of times they completely misunderstand how compression works verifies their own bias. I saw a guy compare saturation and compression on a drum buss with 1 ms attack and he said "see, it kills the transients"....well yes it does like that lol

[@whittymusic]

McDSP analog channel 202 is amazing...its a tape saturation plug that makes everything come to life. The auto button should stand for Automatically make it sound amazing lol!

[@Mike_Benz_]

The AC101 is also really great

[@topherhuez585]

saturation is ultimately also what we used to get by hitting a console's bussing and stereo buss hard. this is the sound of a neve or api console especially. there was always a sweet spot where the mix got bigger and thicker but didn't collapse on itself. even on an ssl...it was often a very fine line you'd have to find by just doing it and listening. it's interesting to me that today we call this saturation and we have plugins that simulate this and do a pretty good job of doing so. i use LUNA and use the neve summing extension and it does a lot of exactly what you describe here.

[@chrismarcyy]

I’ve found another saturation effect that works really well, even though I don’t have the SSL Fusion. It’s the plugin version of the Vintage Drive module and the Transformer. When I added these two plugins, along with the Blackbox, to my mixing routine, my mixes got a whole new level of quality. I’ve been using these three plugins together, and it’s been a game changer. My mixes are way better, and my clients are thrilled. Cheers from Puerto Rico.

[@imacashew.]

I got all the fusion plugins when they were on sale. They kick so much ass.

[@Rhuggins]

Dude this is amazing content. I appreciate your nuance and perspective here, thanks so much. If you ever make a video like this and wonder if its hitting home, and interesting to people: answer is YES

[@LukeIcardMusic]

Compression for mix glue Saturation for loudness Eq for color Reverb for space Delay for fx :)

[@Satwamassive]

Clipping?

[@LukeIcardMusic]

@ clipping is for clipping, its its own thing.

[@GregManningVideos]

You look healthier. Congrats brother!

[@TheSpiceLord]

I needed this today thanks. I’ve been struggling with it in the current mix I’m working on.

[@SoundKilterStudio]

A few quick things: 1: Excellent videonas usual man! Great educational content. 2: I have to give you props for the DBX on the bottom snare. I heard you mention it in a video you made not long ago so I put it on a mix I was working on and almost 💩 myself! Thanks man. 3: Have you tried the Audiority Pyros? KILLER saturarion plugin! Thanks again man!

[@jameslifetimelearner]

Just got the GAP comp 54. Got it covered.

[@MySilver5oh]

I’m using the Empirical Labs EL7x is my go-to for warming up signals from the DAW. According to the manual, it’s great for “Digital music and buss fattening, This was almost the original intent of the FATSO”.

[@adamwattsmusic]

Saturation is to a mix is what sauce and oil is to a recipe or meal. Not only makes it yummy, but ties it all together. : )

[@ScantlessBeatz]

I been using sat I use tape sat and the black box HG 2MS on my master and it gives every song and beat warmth and more thump. I do mostly hiphop heavy low end is very very important and drives most records.

[@4StringStudio]

Great insight, so helpful!!!

[@gooneybird808]

Hell ya man this is greatly appreciated

[@braxal6983]

Colt, You really need to try the Cranborne HE2 harmonic eq. Its a saturation box. Check out Audio Animals KZbin videos of it. He does mastering and Atmos mixes in the UK.

[@ColtCapperrune]

I’ll check it out! Thank you!

[@lukesantos7341]

@@ColtCapperruneYes, what Braxal said. You WILL NOT regret playing with that guy.

[@ufallo]

The HE2 is insane! Can’t wait to get my hands on one.

[@braxal6983]

@@ufallo I pre-ordered it before they were released and had for some time now. I never do a mix without it now. I think many people have no clue what exactly it does. If you go to KZbin and look up Studio Animals there are many videos Paul did on the unit.

[@sparella]

I was going to mention this one too! Very interesting kit.

[@hinky7729]

For the newbies - dont saturate everything. You need to generate contrast. Saturate your Masterbus and the Drums (Crest Factor). Do it also on your main instruments/vocals/main parts. And do yourself a favor and saturate gently. Its hard for newbies to hear compression well, saturation is even more difficult - so be aware and train your ears! Oh and one more thing: Compression implies saturation and saturation implies compression.

[@TKAM88]

Looking better, dude! Hope the stress and BP is under control. Much love man!

[@1loveMusic2003]

Softube American Class A Channel drive and character is really nice. Alysia Karacter as well.

[@blkgostnone4092]

13:04 Ahhhhhhh the true reason for the video 😅 Included the MBT and the Fusion NFuse? 🤔 it was on PA’s site as well at one point 😉

[@FromTheHipp]

Colt have you ever tried the Nebula stuff? It's based on Acustica's framework. The plugins are sampled instead of them being an algo. I have a feeling you'd really really like the console emulations from AlexB. Would love to see you try them out and make a video on them.

[@ColtCapperrune]

Thanks for the suggestion!! I’ll test them!

[@FromTheHipp]

@@ColtCapperrune Definitely. If I can help narrow the choices to make it easier for you. AlexB has the SSL 9K and 4K consoles and because of how nebula is designed, skins are made for the plugins. When you search for the alexB plugins...also search for Azzimov because he has designed skins for both consoles that look just like the consoles(and the best actual designs ive seen on the market so far).

[@TheOnlyJay_S]

Wow, I just recently this year got interested in hardware compressors (even though I can't afford one), I really like the hardware Teletronix and Tube Tech compressors. Things are always changing so fast, I can't keep up.

[@ColtCapperrune]

Be sure to watch the whole video, the title is not literal

[@TheOnlyJay_S]

@@ColtCapperrune My bad, still watching.

[@ColtCapperrune]

All good! I just didn’t want to mislead you!

[@sparella]

FWIW, I did a blind shootout of LA2A plugins and hardware, and my favorite was the Klark Teknik KT2A. It's very affordable for hardware, so I got one. (Hardware Teletronix won second place.)

[@ILoveTelecasters]

Amazing video and topic! Would’ve loved some examples ❤

[@ColtCapperrune]

Thank you! I think this one was better in trying to get people to understand the concept, as there are just too many styles of compressors, and too many flavors of saturation to actually compare them

[@hinky7729]

​@@ColtCapperruneyou could have shon examples that are practical with the Plugins you have - I think a lot of people would benefit from that: Taming peaks from acoustic drums to get a higher excitement and crest factor. To use it on the masterbus and groups to have a better cohensiveness. Use it on the Main parts of a song to create depth. And Show how saturation brings Things in the Front of the Soundstage. To use it on Vocals for that "modern" Rap Vocals Style. How you can saturate dull material to bring some harmonics in. How aliasing can destroy high frequency Material If your saturate too much and show the harshness shrillness

[@iam-music]

Saturation and compression... Saturation and compression...hmmm.... I think its called tape, you know all that stuff that was thrown out when "Digital Perfection" came along. As below, all about context. Im not even into the Doors but do a lot of study and research constantly, and do case studies. I listened to "Riders on the storm." investigating. The INTENT, CONTENT and the CONTEXT cannot be extricated. If you have a product mentality vs art, you will always be preset surfing. I think about the absolute masterpiece that was done with 8 tracks and a basic console plus a couple of fx...and still stands timeless and thats just one. BTW @Colt, do you have any mix work you have done that think is your best work? I would really love to do a case study on it. Cheers and thanks for the vid

[@guitarplayer5932]

mine was Bob clearmountain, his work with Bryan Adams did it for me

[@Chaos-Dynamics]

Bought me a LA2A yesterday and next up is a Bereich03 Density 😋

[@sparella]

🎉 nice choices!

[@topherhuez585]

years ago i would mix through a pair of telefunken v76 preamps. i didn't know what i was doing, but it sure sounded cool. when i mix in the box today i love all the plugins that are available now, but i still always have my stereo buss going through my vintage, at this point, daking modules and limiters. i drive into the daking preamps hard to get a little saturation and harmonic content. or i will use my BAE 1073 or a pair of old altec 1567a tube mixers.

[@TracerPhill]

I use a balance of both. All analog of course. I don’t like 0’s and 1’s for saturation.

[@RedCloudServices]

Nice video! (I am not in the music business) I worked at Unique in 80’s where CLA came up. Watched him mix daily and so many house engineers would pick his brain or just geek out with him re SSL or Compression. In the 00’s I knew his mixes instantly on the radio. I got to catch up w him at namm and say hello. One song that exemplifies this CLA sound is POD “Alive”. His Waves plugins are great. What do you recommend for a heavy guitar end-to-end recording (levels, fx, busses, etc)?

[@kevindaoust]

Lots of great saturators, but no one brought up the Soundtoys Decapitator? I used it on a ton of stuff on the last mix I did. You don't need to use it just to crush everything; just using a subtle amount brings out some nice body and weight on the source. Choice of five preamp models also helps. I'm also a huge Tchad Blake fan, so the Nembrini PSA1000 gets a lot of use (I use Reaper, so one of things I miss the most about PT is the SansAmp plugin. This is an awesome alternative).

[@ColtCapperrune]

For whatever reason, the decapitated never resonated with me. But a lot of people I have great respect for think it’s fantastic, different strokes for different folks!

[@kevindaoust]

@@ColtCapperrune Indeed! However, do check out the Nembrini plugin for a different flavour if you're a fan of the SansAmp

[@Tom-nf6xo]

Thank God the 1176 has no saturation knob. Imagine what engineers like u would do to the mixes. OMG !!!

[@bernardofragale]

VU Compressor by Purified. They've done it haha

[@flou_art]

check out cranborne carnaby or HE2, something tells me you will like it :D

[@campar1043]

both are in, because i use both lol...tastefully of course

[@colourbasscolourbassweapon2135]

i used both on drums and bass

[@keeppushin]

Can you do some more 500 series videos please. there arent many and im tryna get into it

[@riffengine8978]

Heads up! Your website link in the description leads to a spam page!

[@ColtCapperrune]

I’ll check it, thank you!

[@willwerly5600]

Everyone on their phone looking at election results… *sees a new capperrune video* Helll yeah 🤘🤘🤘

[@ColtCapperrune]

That’s what I’m talking about!! 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@TheOnlyJay_S]

Being on KZbin beats the election news any day.

[@runningwolf877]

Colt 2029!

[@TheOnlyJay_S]

@@runningwolf877 I'd vote for him.

[@DerSilvano]

Well, apples are better. As are oranges. Both are kinda cool and sometimes, I like 1 more than the other. So...both are better? as to CLA, it's definitely a case of "Hey Chris, how many 1176s do you need?" "yes"

[@zvotaisvfi8678]

didn't watch the video just read the title but you have a point compression just sounds so bad as time goes on honestly. even good compressors or cheap compressors I can't stand it anymore even just a few DB. two compressors in series on the mixbus, I can understand but man compressing individual tracks is just a recipe for lo-fi sound

[@zvotaisvfi8678]

*honestly two compressors in series is like way more bearable than just one.. but what for a 24 track session that means you need 48 compressors.... plus four on the mix bus.🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@nikdrown]

Uhhh I never knew them to be that comparable. I mean to some degree but I just had a need to make a piano more aggressive. Compression was an idea but I went for saturation. Saturation is the juice compression can squeeze in. Dynamics suffer from that. It’s the extract of sorts.

[@daveycmusic5150]

As engineers go, Go back further. Val Garay. Michael Omartian. Martin Birch. These guys did more with way less. ANd the wavs werent slammed like saturation does. Most of their "saturation" was the tone within the console. As far as saturation vs compression goes...saturation almost always adds noise. Saturation is a fancy word for distortion. You can make great records with great performances, good preamps/tone circuits and great eq. Everything you said you would choose saturation for, you can do with these tools, and a touch of compression. Less is usually better. But depending on what you want to use it for, it is just another tool in the tool box. Great video! thanks for the content!

[@piscesman54]

That's how I've always felt about it. Back in the day, everything was about avoiding clipping and getting a noiseless mix. Now we seem to be adding noise to and clipping everything. I don't have a lot of experience using saturation, so I use it very sparingly, lest I go overboard. But I find it hard to get greater perceived loudness that way (frankly, the loudness war seems like a childish thing to me). And there's also the issue of definition, depending on the source you're applying it to. With so many variables, I find it overwhelming to choose the right tool and apply it in just the right way to get the right result, whatever that may be. It seems that much of all this is driven by trends.

[@nickjohnson3668]

You talked about limiters and clippers, are you using them on individual tracks or just the mixbus? What order do you tend to use them in?

[@constantinranis]

I'm new to mixing, only do that for 2 years or so but some of the things I figured out so far is that saturation works (for me) better when I'm feeding the plugin with a constant source, and saturation can bring some of the transients back or it can increase perceived loudness that's why I most likely will use saturation after EQ and compression. Any opinions on that ?

[@ColtCapperrune]

I almost always use saturation after compression if I’m doing both. So you are on the right track!

[@hinky7729]

Saturation does the opposite - it reduces the transient (rounding IT Off). You can use it with a medium/slow Attack compressor to give it more Punch, but controlling the transient with the saturation.

[@TonyThomas10000]

Xfer OTT is da bomb!

[@maitredebas249]

We need some Colt C plug in presets!

[@TheOmarflores1]

have the screen at front of the monitor no interfere in the quality of your reference ?

[@jackkosto]

Curious, how much of this change in your decision making (leaning more on saturation than compression) do you think is related to your improved room and monitoring situation? :)

[@ColtCapperrune]

The new room is incredible, and I can definitely hear things I never could before, but this workflow has been my go to for a while now. Thanks for watching!

[@cliffprowse3341]

Order some beard oil and product from my buddy with American Beard Bully! It will make it a lot easier for NSN.

[@colourbasscolourbassweapon2135]

Saturation is Compression

[@garyshirinian]

Thx. For sharing. What preamp do you suggest on keyboard strings orchestra sounds. To add warmth and make it larger pleasing sound. Thx

[@sparella]

Don't laugh: BBE Sonic Maximizer. The all-pass + (slightly dynamic) high shelf combo is great on orchestral instruments. It's not a very versatile processor, but it does that well.

[@garyshirinian]

@sparella thx for replying. Is there any model of BBE I should look for?. Thx again.

[@sparella]

@garyshirinian It's called a BBE Sonic Maximizer. I'd bet there is a freeware plugin emulation you can try. They are pretty simple and the marketing and praise used to be excessive, but for certain cases, it's nice. The hardware isn't any better than the software version. Another software option to try if more saturation is needed is Slate's Fresh Air. It's a free Dolby style exciter plugin.

[@garyshirinian]

@@sparella great. Thx. What do you think of Neve 511 mic preamp.

[@sparella]

@garyshirinian Never used one. I look for high value, so I'm more interested in the Camden pre since it has variable drive too, but it can be cleaner than the Neve, and also has a HiZ input.

[@FransvandenBergeMuziekschuur]

Did you allready declutter the floor by getting the wires underneath the floor? I mean why did you not think of that?

[@ColtCapperrune]

I have not put the cabling under the floor. Just cleaned it all up and bundled it together. It will be a significant project to do so, and compromise my soundproofing of the room. So I’m still undecided if I’m ever going to do that.

[@FransvandenBergeMuziekschuur]

@ cable management is the first priority when you design a studio. I am stumped.

[@gregghatten1611]

@@ColtCapperruneas long as it’s neat as you have it, I would leave it for no other reason than maintenance.

[@danymalsound]

I have friends who still insist that CLA hasn't been fully transparent about his gear and that his console is modded to get his stuff "extra good." haha We will never know :P

[@WheelieMix]

His console was apparently indeed modded. But for for some “extra goodness” but for workflow and overall optimization. Afaik.

[@joejordan4246]

Hi Colt, Beard oil helps with the itch!

[@ColtCapperrune]

It’s on my list! Thanks!!

[@SkinnEmannProductions]

​@ColtCapperrune i get mine from live bearded you can feel the difference. Really changed my beard growth and care.

[@simonhartley228]

Stupid question, but how do I run my mix through hardware preamps?

[@ColtCapperrune]

Not a stupid question at all, but too complicated to explain in a comment. Search here on KZbin for “”Capperrune mixing with hardware” and watch a few of those videos. Hope it helps!

[@hinky7729]

First: If your preamp doesnt accept Line Level, forget it. You would need diboxes to get to mic Level first and that doesnt make sense. Also normally one would use a summing Mixer for that and Not a preamp. Two different Things for two completely different applications! Line Out of your Interface in the LINE INS of your pre - Not in the XLR jackets, they expect mic Level! Line Out of your preamp in your line ins of your converter. Use 3+4 as Input and Output (your Interface needs at least 4 Line Outputs) and create an Insert Loop in your Software. Watch how you gainstage - both Sides need to be matched as close as possible.

[@kayakbandits9894]

Youre the reason I just bought the Neve MBT. Wish I had the skills to use it LOL.

[@two6nin]

what is name the intro song?

[@225TROUBLE]

The way you look up CLA, is the same way I look up to you, Colt. My rig completed Colt inspired. I got my audio engineer degree at Colt University 😂😂

[@danrourke]

Head and shoulders shampoo, stops the beard itchies

[@DavidMadeira29]

Compression kills the dynamic, a saturated sound is even flattering the compressed sound. I really don't know how they can preserve the dynamics saturating the sound without compressing it. To me it's beyond reasoning, it enters the magic fields of magnetism. They can lower saturated sounds in the mix to preserve dynamic, but that's not compressing the master. It's all sterilized. Hot or cold water, thirsty or just angry at colds? Who knows?! Warm is the new 🆒️?! Namastè.

[@TigroGumi]

I really wish Rupert Neve would make a dedicated super silk unit... that is all I want from it and it's not worth paying that much just for that. I have had those preamps on my list you speak of... not of course your faceplate as that was limited stock but for sure picking up a couple of those preamps. What other preamps have to liked for 2 bus over the years?

[@ColtCapperrune]

I think if they just made a super silk piece of gear it would kill! I ran the 273 for years, moved to the original CAPI Heiders. And then the new version of the Heider, which is what my signature pre-is based on

[@TigroGumi]

​@@ColtCapperrune That's the one I will be going with... but going to after collect a selection for this very same thing for different flavours say. I'm guessing the issues for Rupert Neve is no one buying the MBT if they do that... I really hope then do... maybe even just a 500 unit of it even. I really want to see other companies doing this sort of thing also. Really want McDSP to make a transformer and tube laden APB... really digging their APB unit at the moment. Your preamp collaboration was a knock out of the park... really liked the style of yours... can't imagine any making their way onto Reverb any time soon to get those ones

[@sparella]

An affordable option for Silk type saturation is HRK 552 with "Fabric". It's like having two more colors added to the silk coloring box... Magenta and Cyan.

[@TigroGumi]

@ HRK are real good… not as good, but for the price their products are insane… the 596 is also great for this… have both of them… compared to other companies they aren’t always right for a master but they still get used a lot… still would love to get the 542 from Rupert Neve at some point… another great company for this is the DIY’RE guys who are still making that modular system where you can add 3 different boards and then amongst many other things like compressors eq’s and such they have transformer boards… all with different types of console sound emulation… will be getting a stereo pair of these soon, only problem is a few of my favourites are out of stock but I’m sure if supply and demand increases they will manufacture more

[@sparella]

@@TigroGumi I just built a couple of DIYRE colour hosts this year. I'm currently experimenting with various discrete opamps from Capi and others in the DOA and CTX colours. It's kind of fun.😁

[@le49exileaudioproduktion59]

I believe your website has been hacked . . . just wanted to visit . . . ?

[@ColtCapperrune]

Thanks for the heads up!

[@CraiggaeShark]

one week in to no-shave and that's all you got?

[@CraiggaeShark]

I'm just being silly, not rude haha

[@VirginiaBluesOG]

I'm just looking for a Record Contract if anybody knows a Record Company Owner here who got me

[@scamp808]

Saturation IS compression. So is distortion.

[@kniferideaudio]

Using saturation as a dynamics control is deeply flawed imo. Saturation to me is for tonal reasons only. I keep hearing mixes that are so over the top saturated. It sounds like terrible. Makes everything sound like a cassette. We don't have to push into absolute loud anymore and should stop. I can't wait for the bounce back where dynamic range is the dad.

[@ColtCapperrune]

If it sounds good, it is good. There is no technique that is deeply flawed. And while I’m obviously biased, my mixes stand for themselves, and my clients are happy with my work. Which is really all that matters.

[@kniferideaudio]

@ColtCapperrune I'll rephrase that. Imo the overuse of saturation on mixes is making what I think is a pretty bad sounding result. Almost every plugin now has saturation and people are adding it at every stage including mix bus and mastering and to my ears it is just kinda bad. Its a fad like gated reverb and I hope it doesn't last long. If clients asked me for I'll do it. Clients ask me to do dumb things all the time to chase a fad. Money still spends, but it sounds bad to me.

[@m.o.n.d.e.g.r.e.e.n]

does everyone not do this already tho

[@ColtCapperrune]

All I’m doing is explaining my workflow and how I arrived here

[@nemonucliosis]

All talk and no actual examples

[@ScantlessBeatz]

Here is a sample of my most recent work using the black box HG 2MS on my master bus - kzbin.info/www/bejne/e4elo5VmrrFgqsUsi=1cMpG5F5zkILdKlt

[@stevenrayphoto1280]

Too much gear and no examples. One very long commercial with no comparisons or examples is not very useful.

[@dfender57]

NO . G’et some Education.

[@ColtCapperrune]

Cool story, bro. Can’t wait to hear your music lol

[@jongreenhalgh]

This is why I have a rack of Heiders

[@CarpPine]

My go-to for pretty much all channels is Brainworx Focusrite channelstrip & u-he Satin. Without touching anything those two layered on multiple channels add a whole bunch of something to the mix.

[@hinky7729]

Try to get rid of the Satin for the Tracks, that belong in the Background. Your Mix will Open Up and you will create more depth.