MIXING with Saturation - What you need to know

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MIXING with Saturation - What you need to know
#saturation #mixing #cubase12
Saturation is a fantastic tool that can add a tremendous amount of fullness and warmth to your tracks and mixes…
If you know how to use it properly!
In this video, I’ll show you several different types of saturation and how to use them.
If you have any questions, please let me know in the comments!
Timestamps
00:00
0:30 Saturation defined
1:35 2 types of harmonics
2:25 400hz frequency example
2:30 adding even harmonics
3:35 adding odd harmonics
5:25 Different saturation type examples
7:00 Adding saturation to a drum groove
7:05 Waves J37 Tape
8:20 Soundtoys Decapitator
9:40 Bass saturation
9:45 Kush Omega
10:35 Pad saturation
10:40 Cubase Magneto
11:20 Full mix example
11:25 Brainworx Black Box
12:25 Final thoughts
Compare CUBASE Versions: new.steinberg.net/cubase/compare-editions/
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Some of the gear and plugins I use in the studio:
►►WAVES PLUGINS DEALS with the following link: waves.alzt.net/c/2353421/286864/4512
CUBASE 12 sweetwater.sjv.io/XxQVe5
STEINBERG LICENCE KEY sweetwater.sjv.io/6bBJNN
DAW CONTROLLER Presonus Faderport 16: sweetwater.sjv.io/5bXnGn
STREAM DECK amzn.to/3OFVHaO
MONOGRAM CC monogramcc.com/shop/
SPEAKER CONTROLLER sweetwater.sjv.io/gbvG75
MICROPHONE sweetwater.sjv.io/b3WVKB
POP FILTER geni.us/8AnqW7A
STUDIO MONITORS:
KALI Audio IN-8 sweetwater.sjv.io/XxQVBM
HEADPHONES:
Verum1 V2 www.verum-audio.com/
Austrian Audio Hi-X65 sweetwater.sjv.io/vno7MN
Beyer Dynamics DT770 sweetwater.sjv.io/LPzQ6O
STUDIO MONITOR CONTROLLER sweetwater.sjv.io/gbvG75
VIDEO FILMING GEAR
Video gear shared in this video
CAMERA geni.us/My8h
CAMERA PRIME LENS geni.us/Pu7i
CAMERA MIC geni.us/zBCdmg
LAVALIER MIC geni.us/DdQTq
CAMERA LIGHT geni.us/2fruo
VIDEO LED LIGHTS geni.us/259YYN
LIGHT STANDS geni.us/ARrDmz3
SOFT BOXED geni.us/L2XAmoq
RGB FLOOR LIGHTS geni.us/KwL7

[@G-Doggy]

Best demonstration of saturation I've seen. Thank you!

[@mixdownonline]

Thanks, John!

[@StratsRUs]

It's all the sounds we took for granted on tape.The heft. Thank you

[@khashayarheidarimusic]

In addition to your efficient video, what a nice chill-out music.

[@mixdownonline]

Thanks :-)

[@ricshaw4358]

Especially Liked the Video Analysis - Good Job

[@MusicByIanLtd]

Nice simple demonstration. Thank you. Little tip for Reaperers...Delta Solo is handy to hear what is being added and the oversampling per FX is useful to avoid aliasing (See Dan Worral videos)

[@66fitton]

The Omega on the bass was so nice! Definitely could use that some and back off on the amp sims. Great video!

[@mixdownonline]

Thanks!

[@trillionsydney6897]

Ive got the Black Box saturator, it’s so amazing, so much variety

[@mixdownonline]

It's a great one for sure!

[@MrRamonRueda]

Great video, Chris! Thanks.

[@mixdownonline]

My pleasure!

[@jeffschwisow]

Another great video, Chris! I love how your straightforward explanations help me build purpose into my mixing. Rather than 'I think I'll add some tape saturation and see what that sounds like', I can say 'I think that track could use a rounder tone - tape saturation might be just the ticket for that!' Thanks, mate!

[@mixdownonline]

You're welcome, Jeff, glad you enjoyed the video!

[@markleyland2661]

Cool video Chris, thanks!

[@zeloom]

Very good teacher! Thank you Chris.

[@mixdownonline]

My pleasure!

[@paultwist1823]

Very clear explanation of how to use saturation to fill out my mixes. Thanks Chris

[@mixdownonline]

You're welcome, Paul!

[@abaymuzikproduksiyon]

Thank you for your video

[@mixdownonline]

You are welcome

[@DaveDickens]

As Always a great video Chris, thank you. Cheers Dave

[@williammcallen387]

Great video. Thank you Chris.

[@mixdownonline]

You're welcome!

[@jetn8654]

Hi Chris! I love the drum sound you are getting here. Can you tell me where its from?

[@seymourheron2533]

Thank you for your video. Best explanation of saturation Ive heard to date. God bless you.

[@mixdownonline]

You're very welcome

[@updown5238]

Thanks Chris!

[@mixdownonline]

Of course!

[@thebarbaryghostsf]

Damn dude, another really sick track you're working on there!

[@mixdownonline]

Thanks :-)

[@brianladale6057]

The End Part of Your Tutorial With The Instrumental Was Also Awesome🥂I Learned Alot.Do You Have Your Instrumental For Sale Or Lease?🥂

[@NovaChance888]

I was asking myself how to use saturation like yesterday, this video came like a light to me

[@mixdownonline]

Glad to help!

[@marcoantoniodelfine2433]

Chris, how are you? I'm Brazilian, I follow your youtube channel, congratulations, they are valuable tips, let me ask you something, is there any way to make a shortcut to insert a plugin that I use most often?

[@odecasa]

Beautiful demonstration. Thank you

[@mixdownonline]

You are so welcome!

[@khashayarheidarimusic]

I Really must express my admiration for your efficient video. Many thanks dear chris

[@mixdownonline]

You're so welcome!

[@KirtanFi]

Amazing explanation and demo. Thank you Chris 🙏

[@mixdownonline]

My pleasure!

[@EqDior]

Great explanation on saturation!

[@mixdownonline]

Glad you liked it! Thanks for watching!

[@rocmanruss]

Hi Chris. Maybe a video discussing powering up the studio gear/cpu etc. power conditioning and voltage regulation as well as back up. Thanks

[@henryssurfshowcase]

You explained it very well, thank you..

[@mixdownonline]

You are welcome!

[@GurowngSarep]

Hey Chris..i love the way that what you explain about Saturation..Thanks for sharing.

[@mixdownonline]

You're welcome!

[@jean-francoisleger]

Hi Chris. What a tuto! A simple demonstration with a plain sinewave, now the concept is clear forever in my mind. At last. Thanks.

[@mixdownonline]

Glad it was helpful, You're very welcome!

[@kdcyp]

Thanks Chris! I've just learned something about my new Adam A7X monitors: that even with the ribbon tweeters I couldnt' hear those even harmonics kick in whereas on my BD 990 Pro X phones I can hear it clearly (means my ears are still working fine - phew!), so now I know to don my phones when adding Saturation!

[@mixdownonline]

Glad your ears are still working fine, Ken ! Lol!

[@Ereth]

Thank you for explanation great job 🔥💪

[@mixdownonline]

No problem 👍

[@andynaundorf8343]

A very helpful explanation of saturation. Thanks for another excellent video, Chris!

[@mixdownonline]

My pleasure, Andy!

[@filteredwaters9171]

Chris, great video! I learned a lot about saturation and its use. Your videos are always easy to understand! Thanks!

[@mixdownonline]

Glad it was helpful! You"re welcome!

[@roobscoob47]

Nice video, Chris!

[@mixdownonline]

Thanks!

[@SWAPRODOCTION]

very very informitive! thanks

[@mixdownonline]

My pleasure!

[@bobrv8]

Hi Chris. Your description of what adding harmonics sound like ie Even = Warmer/Richer and Odd = Edge is my understanding but the Cobalt Saphira Plugin seems to have that description reversed?

[@mixdownonline]

Lol, I saw that

[@macronencer]

I would expect it to be the other way around (like the Saphira has it), because very loosely speaking, odd = square wave (i.e. a sort of soft limiting, thus warmth) and even = more sawtooth-y and thus edgy. Am I wrong?

[@tach2587]

Great video Chris your video always helpful

[@mixdownonline]

Glad to help

[@girlinagale]

I use an Oto Boum as main output limiter. It has a drive control, I suppose drive is a type of saturation?

[@melrosemania]

Love the video by any chance whats the song or loop that is being saturated at 10:38 I'm totally in love with it !

[@mixdownonline]

Thanks, I just made that loop for this video...Now I wonder if I should do something with it Lol!

[@mcsweet1966]

Thanks for Another great video, lately I started using the SSL Saturator plugin blending odd and even harmonic with good result.

[@mixdownonline]

Good stuff, Michel, thanks!

[@japerezesp]

Thank you Chris. Nice vídeo and very good technical concepts

[@mixdownonline]

Glad you liked it! You're welcome!

[@foxeguitar8020]

Love the flower of life pattern there on your headphones. :)

[@mixdownonline]

Those are the Verum1 open back headphones

[@yaslondefenda2918]

Very nice man..thanks..

[@mixdownonline]

My pleasure

[@korkenknopfus]

Thank you for your video, Chris. There are tons of options to experiment. I must say, from the Cubase stock plug-ins, I like the results I have with Magneto II when used in individual tracks.

[@mixdownonline]

Same here, Magneto is not a great replica of a Tape machine, but produces nice saturation though

[@ahmadalsenien590]

Great video 👍🏻 thanks 🙏🏻

[@mixdownonline]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@skysavvydrone]

Loving the UAD Studer Tape plugin that comes with UAD Spark. My fav tape emulation I've tried so far. Adds some beauty to anything you put it on and just rounds the transients wonderfully! Great video, Chris!

[@mixdownonline]

Thanks for sharing!

[@cinorikese5890]

Hey Chris, I have 1 problem. I always mix in "stereo" but the result is mediocre. When I spend some minutes into mixing in "mono" aditionally to stereo, it gets better and better. My question is: When do you mix in mono and when do you mix in stereo?

[@marstudios7879]

Hi Chris, I recorded a midi bass for a track, do you think is appropriate to add a saturation for a midi sound? Could it be also used on midi piano or drums? Or the best way is to use saturation is only for audio recordings? What’s the difference please?

[@mixdownonline]

Even if your sound comes from a VSTi, it is still audio. So if adding Saturation on your VST Drums or Bass sounds good, go for it.

[@jordisonjr1]

Excellent video mate, I always love Saturation topics 😍 A doubt. for example with Black Box, if you use the real unit with the same audio example you will get the full sound of the Black Box, but in the plugin you are using the parallel knob, or using the mix knob. That will get the same feeling like the real one? or in this case is parallel saturation porpuse.

[@chike1866]

I have been wondering if harmonics create frequency masking of other instruments since they are new frequencies

[@gonzomuller8846]

thank you for this top video

[@mixdownonline]

You are welcome!

[@Byron101_]

Pro Tip: Cubase has very good saturation and distortion effects onboard: Quadrafuzz, Tube, Magneto, Tape (Channel Strip!), Distortion, Destroyer, Tube Compressor (!) and so on... = same results as Decapitator, etc. (please check and compare with Analyzer also!) Resume: you don't even need more external third-party manufacturers for this tasks. great times... ♥

[@saeedsalehi1804]

very very gooooooooooooooood

[@JayYarbroughMusic]

I 'liked' this before it aired cus, well, you know.., Chris and his Cubase vids are some of my favs. SATURATE THAT MIX!!!

[@mixdownonline]

Lol! Thanks!

[@radioflatland]

Chris, thank you so much for this video! Now I know what that magic saturation tools do in reality. So basically it´s some kind of overdriven preamp, am I right or did I miss something? Best Regards from the german baltic shore Micha

[@mixdownonline]

Yes, you can put it like this, or overdriven sound through a "analog" circuit

[@radioflatland]

@@mixdownonline thank you!

[@anthonyjunior3335]

you are amazing

[@mixdownonline]

Lol, thanks!

[@cubasebrasiloficial]

show!

[@gospelmuvgospelmuv]

Thanks Chris for sharing. Cheers!

[@mixdownonline]

Any time!

[@Dangenoir]

Vertigo VSM-3 !

[@Monica-belle]

Bonsoir existe il une metode svp pour separer l'ecoute general " stereo out" et l'ecoute de la media bay ? en d'autre terme je veux routé le son de la media bay separement dans une autre piste audio ? J'ai entendu dire que c'est fesable a partir de la "controle room" mais ca parait tres compliqué pour un debutant

[@MrArchie800]

I've noticed that saturation is also good if you want your mix to translate on cheap PC/phone speakers e.g. if you can't hear the bass drum/bass guitar and add saturation they will become more audible because of the added higher frequencies (p.s. I'm not an expert so maybe talking shit ;-)

[@mixdownonline]

I think that having your mix to translate well on cheap speakers is a combination of several factors, and yes, the addition of harmonics due to saturation is a factor

[@PatrickPleau]

Je suis québécois aussi. ton anglais très bon. juste souvent tu dis A Bit More Edgier.lol ça ne marche pas trop. juste Edgier c'est ok. ou sinon même chose il faut dire More Edgy.lol ;) just my 2 cents. continue le bon travail

[@Ephilac]

why arent you using austrian audio x65 headphone is that bad?

[@mixdownonline]

I like to try different headphones. The iX65 are amazing, my go to for mixing so far with these Verum1 headphones that I also started to mix with. Different vibe though

[@melanielynne0414]

Saturation gives me ghost-like noises even sometimes voices seeming to say phrases. I love saturation.

[@mixdownonline]

I love Saturation too :-)

[@jameelbasyariaziz]

Note : equalizer = increase or decrease the existed frequency.. Saturation = CREAT new some frequncy that from original raw..

[@mixdownonline]

That's an important difference between EQ and Saturation. That's why I mentioned it in the video. Glad you took note of this :-)

[@jameelbasyariaziz]

@@mixdownonline thanks my brothers.. im from malaysia.. im your follower..😄

[@CR38]

the J37 is my absolute favourite

[@babysunn2]

👍🏽👍🏽❗

[@unclejohn8520]

You Don't Understand Saturation: kzbin.info/www/bejne/j6bSm3Sqep2Mebs

[@mixdownonline]

I do understand Saturation, just like to keep it simple ;-) Thanks for sharing this video, good technical one :-)

[@RP-vq4wd]

Again, my dear colleague, you havent mentioned aliasing and intermodulation distortion as something important.

[@mixdownonline]

Again, I keep it simple. Aliasing and intermodulation distortion is not important to understand Saturation. I do not make "Geeky" videos on my channel.