Is Saturation a HOAX?

[@bevo65]

Such a great teacher. I've never seen these kinds of concepts taught in this way. Practical and empathetic without a scintilla of condescension. Bravo, sir!

[@farrell72563]

Mike, I believe that you have found your true calling in life. Not just as a musician and producer, but also as a teacher. The topics in your videos are so well explained and demonstrated; it makes them easily understandable. I feel so fortunate to have your content available to me to learn from. Thank you for all your hard work, it's greatly appreciated!

[@dontucker]

OMG, I've never seen or heard it explained so well before. Great for us techy nerds. You couldn't have done it better. Thanks.

[@dougkidder9069]

If I knew about Odd/Even Harmonics I had forgotten - (probably college physics if I ever knew it). Experience is great until it starts breaking then it has a tendency to work against itself ~ me (from experience). Thanks for all you do Mike 😀

[@CreativeSauce]

Cheers Doug!

[@BentSpoon1959]

Up to your usual high standard of very technical information delivered in an understandable format. It's great to try out your tests even before applying them to actual song mixes. This helps to fill in my basic knowledge required to go from a complete novice to a knowledgeable novice. Keep up the great work, Mike!

[@CreativeSauce]

Thank you Martin!

[@michaeltablet8577]

You always make complex things simple to understand! Thank you so very much!

[@CreativeSauce]

Thank you :)

[@MrProfGary]

Mike, That was an amazing demonstration of harmonics by removing the fundamental. Truly eye-opening. But what about saturation plugins? If we can add harmonics through compression why would we need separate plugins for saturation?

[@CreativeSauce]

Hi Gary. We could of course use plugins to just add harmonics, or soft knee compression without harmonics, or both! And whilst we may have saturation as a by product of some 'famous' hardware - we are likely using it for some other 'characteristics', like say, the unique way it operates or handles a signal.

[@G7sus4chord]

There should be a law that no one can touch a DAW until they have learned the information in a video like this and passed a test. LOL. What a breath of fresh air to empower us that do mixing with the scientific principles underlying what we do. I know for me, it is making me better at my craft. Thank you Mike.

[@stevekaiser3745]

Excellent explanation Mike. Thanks for transforming Greek into English!!

[@jemwand2530]

Mike, mate, that was an amazing video explaining a very subtle subject, Even though I understand and hear saturation, I would have never thought of demonstrating in this way, full kudos to you buddy, I am seriously impressed by such a great tutorial.

[@CreativeSauce]

Thanks Jem!

[@tristanishtar8906]

Easily the most clear explanation of saturation I've ever seen/heard. Well done Michael

[@goodtimejohnny8972]

Your one of the best teachers on KZbin. Great explanations.

[@David_Logr]

Just wanna point out that harmonic "enhancement" is literally just harmonic distortion. Great video nontheless, simple and straight to the point!

[@CreativeSauce]

Yes, you are quite right. I originally scripted in all kinds of explanations of terms - but in the end decided not to get into 'the weeds'. In fact the way in which the word 'distortion' is used in the world of audio is often inaccurate or misunderstood. But that's a whole other video! Thanks for watching :)

[@David_Logr]

@@CreativeSauce that is certainly right!

[@CaptainMoto]

The absolute best demonstration I've ever seen! Fantastic! Thanks Mike

[@javytorres94]

The explanation on Harmonics in this video is so on point! 🤯 This is the most informative lesson on Saturation/Harmonics in KZbin!

[@RocknRollkat]

Hi Mike, Great post as always, thank you. Remember, harmonics and overtones are not the same thing. Harmonics are even, odd multiples of the fundamental, overtones are musical multiples of the fundamental, including 5ths, thirds, etc along with octave multiples. Bill P.

[@jwardcomo]

What a great explanation! Thank You!!

[@CreativeSauce]

My pleasure, thanks for watching :)

[@marekrajewski7848]

Hi. A great and CLEAR way to show the issue in the MOST AFFORDABLE way. Thanks

[@jrclarkbass]

This is an excellent video about one of the most daunting of audio subjects. I also think Irritating Sine Wave should be a band name. 😁

[@psyguitarguy]

An excellent demonstration of what saturation is and how it (subtly) affects sounds. Thanks for posting this. You are an excellent teacher.

[@GizzyDillespee]

If you can't hear saturation, then you're probably listening on phone or laptop speakers, or some really really bad 3rd party monitoring. It's common that someone doesn't understand yet what's causing the difference they can hear... but that's not the same as "they're the same image". If you're listening on a phone speaker, or with a jackhammer or air conditioner in the background, then of course you can't hear anything subtle.

[@GizzyDillespee]

It's possible that someone perceives the difference of added harmonics, but doesn't have the words to describe it... that "discernment" also comes with more experience... but even then, the person who doesn't yet discern subtle qualities, they still hear it - they just haven't developed as fine mental categories between "clean" and "dirty".

[@davebops2478]

That's a top-class video, Mike, one of the best I've seen on the subject! Particularly good was the demonstration towards the end (with the fundamental effectively muted, then brought in carefully). I liked your analogy with dialect as well - it does take time to tune your ears. Personally I found it easiest to hear on my own vocals first, then gradually got better at hearing harmonics on other instruments - still trying to improve... Thanks, a really good video.

[@stevenrose4011]

Just wanted to say thx for the work you do in these videos. I’ve been watching you for a while now and really appreciate your teaching style. I’ve been recording and mixing for about 30 years and I’m not ashamed to admit that I learn something from almost every one. There’s always more to learn in the field. That’s what keeps me going!! BTW I’m retired IT guy too. Thanks for the info and inspiration.

[@DeltaWhiskeyBravo13579]

Excellent tutorial. Saturation is one of the big reasons I have always liked the plug-ins, especially compressors, that emulate old hardware. 1176 to LA-2A combo being just one. It's the reason I really like my Pulsar Mu and Smasher compressors, and the Massive EQ. I have a nice collection of Melda Production plug-ins and they do have saturation and distortion plug-ins I use to add a bit more. Saturation is something I myself may not always hear directly, but if it's missing I am very aware. And I do push my plug-ins intentionally to get "that sound".

[@GlennAndrewSmith]

As a very experienced sound guy, I found this very interesting and educational. I fully understand compression but had no idea about saturation.

[@patjackmanesq]

Gosh, I thought I had a good description of saturation for the students, but that was Epic, Mike. Really nice, clear description. This is a must watch video

[@chrisstringer375]

Great, simple explanation of a relatively complex subject. I now don't feel so bad that I often can't hear saturation in practice.

[@joegrint6280]

Brilliant demonstration Mike - I could just about hear the saturation through my hifi speakers when you turned on but was amazed how many different and distinctive sounds from the different frequencies were making it up!

[@kevsumner2064]

Brilliant explanation. There are some out there who would have taken an hour to explain that.

[@ilanmetoudi]

Hi, Mike. Great explanation of saturation, soft knee compression and harmonics. I got back into clarinet playing recently and found that the it naturally emphasises the old harmonics because of it cylindrical shape and that it has only one sound output hole. Yay, Physics! I always loved the mellow sound of the instrument, now I know why. Thanks for the great video as always

[@tortillaman2491]

4:05, Glad you explained hard/soft knew compression. I have a knee-switch on my tube comp and never knew what it was it was for or noticed a difference.

[@mimojapan]

Now that's a very neat explanation. Soft knees do harmonize well with me too :D

[@CreativeSauce]

:) Thanks.

[@WillKruger]

As always Mike, great informative and educational video.

[@deeps-n5y]

So lucky to have you and your channel! Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge with us!!

[@CreativeSauce]

My pleasure! Thanks for watching :)

[@CMJ1964]

Anothe point about the natural harmonics of a guitar is that your picking hand is intimately involved in determining the harmonic characteristic of every note. Changing from fingers to a pick, your grip on the pick, the position along the string, the angle of attack, all these influence the tonal qualities, even to the extent of damping the fundamental frequency. it is this that makes the guitar so dynamic and expressive as an instrument.

[@clownpocket]

Is saturation defined as the addition of harmonics? I know that clipping, or distortion, adds harmonics, and hard clipping causes a more square wave that is rich in odd harmonics. And some guitar amps call gain, overmodulation, or distortion, saturation. I did not realize compressors can add saturation. Great vid as always BTW, appreciate your well produced content.

[@edrumal]

Like many others, I can never tell the difference but your excellent explanation has shed some light on it and I now have a better understanding of plug-ins such as the Slate Digital ones. By the way you have a strong resemblance to Darren from HSCC and what a band they are.

[@IC3RTIF1EDI]

Great video ... loved the sweeping down part.

[@dharrell2000]

This channel has been a firehose of college-level master class information, thanks Mike

[@MBRemix]

Top explanations, great work ! One should also consider intermodulation distortion as a by-product of saturation when dealing with complex content... 😉

[@johnroevekamp6732]

Super presentation, as always, you are the best! Yet I want to hear saturation on an instrument, a guitar would be great, not just a scientific explication. The sine wave did not bring me all the way to a place of understanding when--and how much--I might want to use saturation in actual music. Slightly too academic Mike... but you can fix that!

[@MrKbeaumont]

A very well done explanation! Thanks Mike!

[@graemehodge5221]

This teaching is brilliant. Thankyou. The technicalities are now clear. I am still confused though. If saturation is so subtle and difficult for most people to hear (and particularly so for the case of chordal and complex music), then, doesn't that mean that most people cannot tell the difference between a saturated master and an unsaturated master?

[@Ray-um3if]

Hi Mike, thank you for a very good explanation. My ears are 63 years old this week and I suffer from Tinnitus, is this why, even with very good headphones, I hear no difference at all? Even with my eyes shut. Absolutely nothing.

[@pierrecarter3090]

Just loved it! Some mistery gone, thanks a lot Mike.

[@FredGuits]

Thank you for that, those harmonics are always there but unheard…and we just want to very subtly enhance them…I will practice implementing this technique..thank you

[@adamwaters3425]

Excellent job, as always Mike. I really do learn more on your channel than any other! You have a gift sir!

[@The-Skyking]

Was looking forward to this. Thank you! I see a lot of people use tape saturation and I just can't hear it. I hear it rounding transients and high end sheen roll off, but no saturation. This helps.

[@CreativeSauce]

Glad it helped! Thanks for watching.

[@demartinimusic]

Great content, Mike! Explaining through the compression and equalization was like a translation for me. I liked a lot! Thanks man! What about a playlist explaining every free plugin from Bandlab Cakewalk (specially the ones in the PRO Channel) in terms of loudness and frequencies? Just one ideia. Best regards!

[@yelrah5352]

I couldn't have done it without you and I have posted 2 videos and want to leave you a link but... Dunno how 2 I don't need help with this coz I'll figure out. I just want you to hear what I made coz YOU helped me more than anyone. Thank you I'm not putting a full stop coz it's not over yet. I hope you're well ❤🙏👍✌🤘❤

[@VentureOffroadAustralia4x4]

Another great video Mike. You do a really great job of explaining the topic, as always. Thanks

[@aidantriantafillou2501]

Beautiful explanation and demonstration. Thank you!

[@RonNVids]

Another fascinating and well-presented video. I have been learning so much from your channel, thanks for all the great content!

[@samwizcook]

This is an excellent demonstration!

[@knight1952]

Went back and listened without looking at the screen. Had the wife next to me watching when I put my hand up and down. Said I nailed it, but not when looking at the screen. The brain is a mystical body. BTW - thanks , she now has to stop bugging me about hearing aids and now understands it a "Selective" thing. Ha!

[@CMJ1964]

Hi Mike, you mention three sources of Saturation as tape, tubes and transformers. I was a bit puzzled at this point as I was expecting you to say transistors as these are the solo state equivalent of a tube and transformers normally just step AC voltage up and down for the power supply. Am I missing something here? otherwise, a brilliant explanation and valuable to understand why those mixing desk plugins are so useful here to give the harmonics Characteristic of some famous desks. that said, I guess you still have to crank up the gain to get the saturation effect.

[@julesalexander2583]

Excelent, as usual, characterization of harmonics! Thanks.

[@CreativeSauce]

Cheers Jules :)

[@kadiummusic]

Fantastic video Mike. First time I've seen one like this and very educational. Is there a plugin that exists that controls just the volume of the fundamental like you were doing? That would be an incredibly creative tool. 😎

[@bestdisco1979]

I thought it was me. I feel the same with some software compressors. Fab filter pro C 2 is an example , no matter where you put the settings it always sounds the same.

[@micwarren21]

Excellent Presentation. Thanks.

[@HenkSwanevelder]

Very “learnative” - don’t know if there is such a term. Enjoyed it & now saturation makes a lot more sense!! However, although the sound is “fuller” - if the average listener is nog going to hear it, or take notice of it, what really is the purpose of saturation?

[@mrtominaz]

That was Awesome!...Thanks, and shared

[@JohnSalamanca1]

Nicely explained. Thank you

[@MarkLantz65]

Great video Mike, so on the harmonics, do you listen to each individual instrument/track or just the overall mix, it might be a dumb question...

[@CreativeSauce]

Not a dumb question. I feel like it's 'ok' to listen a little in solo, just to kind of focus in on what you're looking for. But ultimately, as with most things, it's best to listen in the context of the mix. Especially of course of you are using saturation to make something a little more present.

[@MarkLantz65]

@@CreativeSauce Thanks! The explanation sure made it make more sense. I'm new to all this and like you said at the begging of your video all the terms that get thrown out, muddy mix etc. lol

[@frankiewood]

Awesome video!

[@AeGeR97]

Thank you! Very informative.

[@BadAssWartHog-A10]

Great video Mike (as usual). I could hear the harmonics on my headphones, it was a "wavy" sound. This may sound strange, but I could "feel" the difference.

[@Dave-Rough-Diamond-Dunn]

Great video! Thanks! 🙂👍

[@sonicsatsuma1256]

Really well explained.

[@joshy909]

Great analogy !

[@Dave-Rough-Diamond-Dunn]

The Tone Generator Download link is being flagged as being on a URL Blacklist. Did anyone else have it blocked by their antivirus program?

[@orchestralcinematiceducation]

Thanks - very informative.

[@tonybrown7408]

trying to hear the more subtle harmonics when you already have Tinitus ....... Not a chance !!

[@TheRealCalijokes01]

i noticed it too espically when its cpu heavy lol`great advice

[@PendelSteven]

Well, it's not a hoax. I knew that already. 1:57 buizen, that's how I know it, haha, because I'm from the Netherlands. 6:50 Oh wow. IK Multimedia. So often I forgot that they have so much software. And I often think Total Studio for € 800 500+ Gb... Pft But T-RackS 5 Max itself v3 is all software, no samples and that includes classics like his, as well as the tape stuff, Sunset, Fame & Farm Stone plus Chicarelli now! For € 199! Quite some value!

[@Patrickillian]

Great video ;)

[@music_creator_capable]

Hey!

[@davidcache]

Your scratching the surface...

[@waynethorpe1341]

Wow

[@johnhawkinshawkins1284]

ok?

[@MreenalMams]

Okay I've just paused the video right now to let you go and hang the shirt out for drying.. you can come back and continue the video..

[@coppermeloman9143]

... 👍 !!

[@paulcooper5904]

A great explanation! Easy to understand.

[@TenMinusNine]

Those terms are far from vague if you're one of the initiated 😎