Mixing With Saturation (Essential Tips)

In this video I discuss saturation and distortion. What is Saturation? What does it sound like? Where should you use it? I'll cover the basics and show you a few examples of saturation in a mix.
Topics Covered/Time Stamps
0:00 - Intro
1:50 - Pure Sine Tone
2:05 - Even Harmonics (2nd order)
2:25 - Odd Harmonics (3rd Order)
2:45 - Even vs Odd
3:30 - Tube vs Tape - which type of saturation
4:30 - Non Linear Behaviour (Discussion)
5:25 - Non Linear Example
6:00 - Recap
6:30 - Ear Training Checklist (headphones, plugins, gain staging)
9:30 - Audio Example Drums with Saturation
10:38 - Warming Saturation
11:35 - Tape Saturation
11:55 - Marketing Myths. Don't be fooled by Tubes!
14:00 - Guitar Example
15:07 - Final Discussion
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I am wearing DT1990 Pro Headphones in this video

[@inthemix]

Join My Free Discord Server: discord.gg/sBbsE6e Topics Covered/Time Stamps 0:00 - Intro 1:50 - Pure Sine Tone 2:05 - Even Harmonics (2nd order) 2:25 - Odd Harmonics (3rd Order) 2:45 - Even vs Odd 3:30 - Tube vs Tape - which type of saturation 4:30 - Non Linear Behaviour (Discussion) 5:25 - Non Linear Example 6:00 - Recap 6:30 - Ear Training Checklist (headphones, plugins, gain staging) 9:30 - Audio Example Drums with Saturation 10:38 - Warming Saturation 11:35 - Tape Saturation 11:55 - Marketing Myths. Don't be fooled by Tubes! 14:00 - Guitar Exampl 15:07 - Final Discussion

[@bobby3eb]

Should do an old studio tour with an old-head that did everything in analogue.

[@acacianorison]

Thank you so much you ckarified any misconception

[@arpantoppo3266]

Have you done audio engineering??

[@inthemix]

@@bobby3eb I wish I could

[@inthemix]

@@arpantoppo3266 Yes

[@Beutax]

It's really amazing that this man is offering all this information and knowledge in such high quality videos - FOR FREE. We don't pay respects enough to people like you, the online music community wouldn't be the same without you! THANK YOU.

[@inthemix]

Beutax I appreciate the kind words, thank you so much :)

[@Yourmotwashum]

We can always donate :)) or purchase his products.

[@anthonymuc]

Couldn‘t agree more!

[@theexile1155]

You were predestined to be different(Romans 8:29), he who has an ear to hear, let him hear(Mark 4:9). HALLELUYAH!(PRAISE YE YAH!)

[@VaChiee]

thats the same thing I was thinking the whole video. its amazing

[@PuudingMusic]

I really like how Michael says "T H I C C". It's so nice how he says it 1:18

[@harshilparmar877]

The way he said thic was also thic

[@PuudingMusic]

@@harshilparmar877 ikr. That's why its so good

[@alisachu.mp3]

also 0:56

[@AbhiBass96]

@@alisachu.mp3 Thicc, Silky, Creamie, Smooth... Yum lol

[@Bassstefstick]

What I love about your tutorials is that unlike many other similar tutorial series, you don't say "Do this and that to make your mix sounds better" You explain "Do this and that, to understand the tools at your disposal, so you know how to make your mix sound better"

[@Stalien]

Hope everyone reading this reaches their dreams❤ I think all of us are going for the same dream haha, just keep grinding homies

[@FORCEGOD]

YEAH, YOU TOO

[@sladewillson3817]

thanks you too :)

[@DaimyoD0]

thanks fam same to you

[@sumitromandal6173]

Of course man,you keep grinding too😇

[@harishyt1248]

Thank you

[@deltanebula8622]

One thing that I realized more acutely after watching Adam Neelys latest video is how little vocabulary we have in English that just describes sound. Almost everything is actually a description of another sense

[@inthemix]

You’re absolutely right. I’ve tried to find better ways to put these ideas across but everything is just too abstract!

[@vere9652]

For example which words? I am not native english speaker. So i didn't even know that saturation was meaning something else. What's even more funny, that there is almost no tutorials in my language, so i don't even know, how would i say these words. We just use english terms. It sounds weird, but i got used to it

[@deltanebula8622]

VERE well the word saturation for example usually has to do with having brighter colors. Music has taken this word and used it to mean something else. But really, any descriptive word in music has this problem. Punchy refers to impact but that comes from touch, warm is also based on touch. There are so many words like this. I have to say that I don't know whether other languages are different or whether this is a common problem

[@vere9652]

@@deltanebula8622 It's not a problem in other languages, bcs for saturation we have different word, so when you say saturation, it reffers to music saturation

[@soldierfrankenstein2820]

True

[@ChadKirk]

Wow. The saturation really "excited" that beat. It really "transformed" the vibe!

[@inthemix]

Get out. Hahaha

[@goldenhesus64]

Worst thing I have ever read

[@adamgranger5725]

As a genuine enthusiast, I feel the beauty of this channel and Michael's skill as a producer/engineer/teacher is that I can keep coming back to quality content and keep learning. I often refer back to many older videos for reset and recap. His professionalism, integrity and consistency is what is equally impressive. I have not found that content from much older videos is in any way contradictory - all the keys basics are the same. Superb channel, and head and shoulders about other similar content providers IMHO.

[@HMaxTube11]

Your comment is not only astute, but 100% accurate.👍⭐️

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks for this - really helpful introduction to saturation!

[@inthemix]

Thanks Curtis!

[@urifederman4259]

This guy is like the Paul Davids of music production

[@inthemix]

This is the best compliment I could get!

[@Richardnova]

💯

[@nabeelansari355]

@@inthemix i'd say you are the adam neely of music production :)

[@khushaleron3663]

Thank god people are not saying that ur Davie504 of music production😂 OMG!

[@souravsen7666]

I've been following and watching both Michael and Paul Davids for the past year and a half, and suddenly today I find this comment! Both these channels have helped me an awful lot, thanks to both of you :)

[@MadDoggEntertainment]

You’re so humble, I really appreciate the videos you make for us, man. Thank you!

[@arshadqureshi4715]

Thank you for everything bro, and to the person reading this, I hope you have a nice day :)

[@jellewierda3828]

I had. Thanks. Jumped naked with my girlfriend in the waves of the sea with our 3 kids play at the beach. 😁

[@guywithaguitar1827]

@@jellewierda3828 You shouldn't be naked with 3 kids

[@rohitrabha64]

No matter how many times we thank you, it will never be enough. You are doing a lot for the community. More power to you Sir. Salute

[@danielpicard3994]

I truly appreciate the high quality content of your channel. I always learn valuable information from you. Keep on the great work!

[@BeeSquared]

I seriously cannot thank you enough for making these, Michael. You are seriously my hero man you're so wise and full of encouraging, positive energy. God bless ya fam, forreal

[@roflstomplolmao]

I love your methodical and concise approach to all your videos. You always make such a fluent attempt at actually displaying what you’re doing. Keep up the amazing work! ❤️

[@prodbymrsl]

I remember watching this video a few years back. I'm rewatching it again today. Your videos are amazing because regardless of the level you're at, you'll always take away so much. This is hands down the best youtube channel on educating yourself in mixing, ever.

[@HDSQ]

Damn this channel has to be the best resource for music production on the internet. I think I've learnt more from this channel than I have from every other recourse combined. Thanks so much for everything you do!

[@VaChiee]

I love how excited you get about sharing things, you let alittle grin out when your about to share some awesome knowledge. just have to say thanks, I've been really trying to improve my mixing and mastering and Im amazed how much You've been able to teach me in pretty short time, thank you

[@tijnz0r]

Loving these more technical oriented tutorials!

[@morgonzola100]

I really appreciate the ear training cues! I feel like it really helps me hear what you are talking about.

[@craigshaw141]

Thank you kindly for you generous information. All your videos are jam packed with essential stuff for both new and experienced producers. I for one really appreciate your contribution to the creation and production of music.

[@inpy]

You're seriously amazing! Your tutorials are simply a treasure of information and I can't thank you enough for this quality of didactic and content. Sorry for saying this in almost every video, but man, ty a lot!

[@extremebeatzlib5429]

Everytime I received a notification of your new video, I feel so much excited.. Thanks so much for helping me in my music production Journey... I've never trusted any other YT Channel like yours, you are good bro... RESPECT from Liberia.

[@meeek2]

wildly underrated, the way u explain it so calmly and precisely like how do u not stutter? the amount of info in this one video is astounding

[@rafaelguetta1139]

Great content mate. You're a true mentor.

[@ch3mical889]

I just went on to youtube to search up videos about different effects including distortion and saturation and this was on my front page. Perfect

[@maxchadwick7714]

Great video. You explained enough to give a useful background to what saturation is and what it does, without it being dry. The musical examples were also very useful, showing more upfront with the drums and more subtle with the guitar. I'm looking for saturation VSTs at the moment to introduce it into my music more - so absolutely relevant info - many thanks 👍😁

[@joshtrent7945]

always find myself coming back to this channel when I need help with fundamentals. lol I think you had a video even describing how headphones produce sound. love it man. big love from Canada.

[@SNUBAUSA]

You are truely the best, thanks for your videos. Excellent clarity, organization, and completeness on all the topics you discuss.

[@samsoni4465]

Your videos are my favorite. super informative and easy to understand. I appreciate you!

[@NewMateo]

Your videos are awesome man. Thanks for making such great content over and over.

[@peterkalyoncu6869]

Thank you so much for your clear explanation! Really looking forward to applying these principles to my new mixes going forward.

[@djjaminmusic5602]

Thanks again man. You always explaun everything so well!🙏💙🔥

[@Lu_Cidtrip]

I truly appreciate the time you put in to your videos! They are great, you're great, thank you 1000 times! best wishes!!

[@delight8888]

From now on.. I hail you Prof!!!! Excellent exposition... First class video

[@alexandrablanco2822]

Dude your videos are a literal godsend for this beginner producer 🙌Thank you so much as always ❤️

[@spreet_d]

Literally today morning I was going through some free saturation plugins & was thinking how does it really works or what it does... So thanks for this video today ❤ from 🇮🇳

[@nabeelansari355]

same

[@spreet_d]

@Sahil Makhare Thanks 😊❤

[@PolarfuchsMusicFav]

Really appreciate the eartraining and detailed explanations. I teach myself and i often miss "musical" terms for problems with my mixes. This helps!

[@gothardsarins1969]

Bro you're really awsome for helping people with music production. I really respect you!💚

[@subinsilwal]

Discovering your channel was the best thing I ever did in my mixing career

[@ashujam]

I so wanted to learn about Saturation. Thank you so much for this. Namaste 💜

[@EldynvanDijk]

Love this, before the hollidays I was selected for a producer/artist school. This school just send me an e-mail with learning material INCLUDING THE LINK TO YOUR CHANNEL. which is kind of amazing to see :D

[@inthemix]

Wow that’s incredible, may I ask which school it is?

[@blaafferd]

@@inthemix judging by the OPs last name, my guess is Herman Brood Academy in Utrecht or the Rockacademie in Tilburg, both in the Netherlands

[@EldynvanDijk]

ROC amsterdam i've asked a few things about how I could learn a bit quicker and they replied with your channel :)

[@jaimeanthony689]

your channel, in a few years, will be the future free music school covering every single thing you can learn, and more. not that it isnt now hahaha you are doing the community a massive favor, thank you bro.

[@oddpanda_beats]

Michael, you simply are amazing, keep putting out this high quality content, thank you :]

[@Subzearo]

THANK YOU! I had no idea what saturation even was, it was just something I heard a lot about. Your videos are great!

[@JosephEudave]

That kind of tutorials is what we need to start on music production. Thanks a lot.

[@stevepooley4079]

Love this channel. First class education - for free!! Thank you so much Michael.

[@CleanCarsofAmerica]

Michael, thanks for posting all the great tutorials. You have a gift, bro. Rarely do you make a beginner video where I feel like something material was omitted. Usually, I do not have to watch other peoples videos to clarify something you taught. You have profoundly shortened my learning curve for FL Studio. I live in Nashville, Tennessee, USA. I assume because you rock the union jack wall hanging that you are British. Thus, I wish you would review the SSL 2 usb audio interface. I would love to here a Brit discuss SSL. My engineering teacher, who is Russian, not British, devoted a lot of time to discussing how SSL engineers historically set the bar. Due to pandemic backorder at the time I purchased, I ended up ordering my SSL 2 from Liverpool. The 4000 E eq saturation emulation is remarkable to my ears, especially at the price point. Easiest way to get that kind of sound.

[@WassupFred]

Def cleared up a lot bro!! Love your videos.

[@Baranoeda]

I am so thankful for your videos, its amazing free stuff. Thanks a lot!👍

[@MrHattick]

Man so many things I didn't know. Have watched a bunch of your vids and now you have a subscriber :)

A friend recommended me to use saturation to improve the quality of my mixes but didn't explained me how, but you did. Thank you!!

[@themodernairline]

Another clear, very helpful vid. Thank you!

[@alexsanji454]

Excellent explanation and good examples (as always). Bravo and thank you!

[@barriem119]

Bro you are so awesome and such a down to earth guy, you have helped me no end and I just want to say thank you! ❤️

[@bestdisco1979]

Thank you sir for such a great tutorial and taking the time for those of us who aren’t quite so experienced. Extremely helpful.

[@MikeParmar]

Amazing video as always!

[@sladewillson3817]

38th...thanks btw I was waiting for a saturation video from this channel, one of the best channels on music production

[@samferrell229]

Your vids are super helpful man. Keep them coming.

[@noface_bankroll7146]

Great video. I'm more than greatful for people like you man honestly 💯💯

[@CodyHoy-ii1m]

You're a legend bro, THANK YOU for these videos!!

[@larcomj]

This is great content. i really enjoy the technical info.

[@edwinmdunge3919]

wow bro you AMAZING! you are first person who explain well this

[@_praximus]

Amazing. Thank you for this content. For a young mixing and mastering engineer, this is quite clear.

[@Keroser1983]

Perfect as always. Thank you sir.

[@quangminhtrieu4703]

wow it's actually sound more lofi with saturation. Thank you Michael for explaining this.

[@ballszn5538]

Thank you for all the gems in this video!

[@SVN62534]

Holy shit, that saturation on the guitar was a check mate. absolutely beautiful. i'll be implementing a lot more saturation in my tracks. Thank you bud.

[@sammiller9855]

Great video. We need to keep in mind that saturation can reduce sharp transients; it has a compression effect. Higher levels can smoosh transients, which may or may not be the tone we are looking for.

[@FunDaBounceDJ]

Thanks for another great explanation. Very informative.

[@PngBiolimpeza]

Like like. Always amazing videos man!

[@harshdhamu9915]

I actually was waiting for this.

[@poochfazos]

crazy how all this is free. so insightful

[@iamroofa]

If you reading this, have a good day and be safe. God bless you 🙏🏻❤️

[@Fretboard_Chaos_Productions]

Brilliantly explained well done THANKS

[@thesoundguysam5225]

I can't believe this guy gives out so much of useful information for free. Sending loads of gratitude and love from India 🙏❤️.

[@teddroessler8566]

In The Mix Guy, Great stuff you're sharing with the world!

[@AeGeR97]

I always learn so much from your videos. Thank you!

[@dekoto9817]

Top quality content ! Thx !

[@aetternal]

THANKS A MILLION TIMES! no words left

[@walterwischmob2914]

Half of your videos at least are tutorials .. I don't think you really have to apologise for explaining basic stuff in detail. If someone doesn't want to hear that, because they're "too advanced" already, they don't need to watch a tutorial. For me, the fact that you do take time to explain those things, is the reason why your channel stands out the masses of other channels. It's just that little bit more helpful. Anyway .. great video again. Thank you!

[@Lous_taunau]

greatest explanation about saturation! thank you !

[@user-pg1zm9no3f]

Thanks alot... you're the reason i know alot of things in Sound🙌🏾

[@sandilesihlangu3446]

You've helped me more you think Michael, thank you so much

[@brunodang4470]

Words can't be enough to thank you sir.

[@honeysucklecat]

You’re vids have been a great help!

[@fmcg-basstion1928]

ive watched this about 20 times going on thirty! thank you morty!

[@rahulojha4679]

Thank You so much for that detailed Knowledge of saturation. It's really helped

[@535_anshuj9]

I usually don't say things like these, but you sir, are extraordinarily humble.

[@dallas-cole]

You are a good teacher. Well done!

[@scpk2246]

At last, im at 2nd video before the first - for I have started watching the oldest video here just to get all the essentials - it's worth it!!! A HUGE THANKS MIKE!!! you really do know what you are saying - just tons of meat in your explanations...

[@krinodagamer1545]

I learned so much after watching you for about a year

[@jacquelamontharenberg]

Very good explanation of saturation. I usually use Kramer Tape Saturation on my master mix bus. It makes a subtle but noticeable difference in the final mix.

[@bigpluck51]

Thank you so so very much for explaining Saturation to me. Now I have so much clarity on this subject....

[@canastraroyal]

The best video on saturation in the whole of KZbin.

[@StuartRochabrunt]

This was gold. Thank you very much.

[@kenancakirmusic]

I just wanted you to know you're helping a lot brother, thank you very much for your effort. Cheers form Turkey

[@djhappee]

I love the "in the box" workflow. But I love the sound of analog saturation!

[@ericjohnson1811]

Great video! Thanks for posting!