Mixing With Saturation - Why You Need It

Saturation is an amazing technique that can bring life, vibe and energy to your mixes and production. In this video I explain what it is and how to get started using it by sharing some free plugins / vsts. Saturation is a huge topic but hopefully this video sets you in the right direction :)
While some of the examples here used heavily driven tape and tube saturation, often a subtle amount is all you need and you'll soon start getting a good ear for how much is enough. Don't forget to explore the other forms of saturation too!
Free saturation plugins I use -
Saturation Knob - goo.gl/zcStnR
Headcrusher Free - www.vst4free.com/free_vst.php?...
Ferric TDS - goo.gl/s75Cqz
Paid plugins-
Slate Digital Virtual Tube Collection
(I love the slate plugins but I'm not sponsored by the company, I'm a full paying customer sharing my experiences)
Gain Staging video I mentioned - • Gain Staging - The 3 R...
▶GEAR
These links are the cheapest prices I can find. If you order using them, I will get a small commission to help fund new equipment for the channel :) Thank you
Microphone USA - amzn.to/2mMCzf7 UK - amzn.to/2Dep0z6
Audio Interface USA -amzn.to/2NhQJkQ UK - amzn.to/2KEp92s
Best Headphones USA -amzn.to/2Dhkgpr UK - amzn.to/2mtDAbB
▶Instagram: @michael.inthemix

[@jahva1O1]

I love your hair.. its thick, fuller, has warmth, and SATURATED...

[@ffjaron]

jahva1O1 yeah, his paste is giving him a lot of saturation. Wonder if theres a free demo.

[@marwox6765]

@@ffjaron lol

[@fuzzyhymnself]

Y'all ain't got no sense lol 😂😂

[@steveshields2293]

True. To me Thicc definitely means the bottom end it's fuller and more round 👍🏿

[@shiroal-fatih1984]

Lmao

[@brandongreco6729]

This dude is a beast of a teacher.Feels like I should pay this dude for these videos.

[@IceyGuy]

Patreon ;)

[@d-rockanomaly9243]

A beastcher.. Beacher... Beaster... Nvm it doesn't really work. He's a beast of a teacher.

[@joelonsdale]

You do!

[@prodbysaze2892]

@@d-rockanomaly9243 Teast?

[@d-rockanomaly9243]

@@prodbysaze2892 lol that'll have to do.

[@heinrichsmit2]

Finally a youtuber that doesn't waste my time and I can actually see results

[@inthemix]

Mastering overview video will be posted on Saturday :)

[@mohandass5030]

And Finally....☺☺☺

[@Hemel02]

can u make a vedio about mixing and mastaring plugging comes with fl studio?

[@enricoreimann5609]

I know, I'm a little late, but you know It came out on "Satur-Day" (you know, because of "saturation" 😅

[@ACES-BRAZIL]

justin bieber cheap...no man

[@DavidDiMuzio]

I'm loving your tutorials man. You're great at making complex ideas simple and easy to understand. Btw, if you ever come to Nashville I'd be happy to show you. You've always got a free place to crash here :)

[@inthemix]

Thank you! I really appreciate that David

[@louisjans9450]

It fills in the gaps between the frequencies, this is how I hear it. Very good explanation 👍

[@inthemix]

Louis Jans But does it press the space-bar to start? ;)

[@louisjans9450]

Only a wizard knows the answer 😜

[@tehsma]

If you duplicate the sound that you are applying saturation to- this one without the effect- you can invert the phase of this "bare" copy, and adjust its volume until it almost cancels the saturated copy. Almost, because the harmonic differences the saturation plugin introduced are left behind. Only the "effect" remains. This can be a useful way to compare or analyze different saturation or distortion plugins in an objective way. It may remove some of the mystery of some of these plugins.

[@wreck2881]

👍

[@BenjaminMJ]

you can also make an IR of their effect.. so u can make an IR of your fav settings or whatever.. as long as the effect is linear as in not changing for the duration of the IR sample.. like half a second or something.. right?? u seem to have expertise.. and im just repeating something i heard :D

[@GeorgePiazza]

You are describing what is commonly called a Null Test - take an unprocessed audio signal (or file) and a processed version of the same signal, match the levels (rms or average), invert the polarity of one, then play or render them starting from the same sample position. To fully grasp this, take two identical audio files, invert the polarity of one, then play them together. They will cancel each other and you will hear nothing - silence. Be sure NO processing of any kind is applied to one or both - not even a miniscule gain change. Regarding your Null Test experiment between an unprocessed and processed signal: Yes, it is a good way to understand what these plugins are doing - what they are adding; but only if the applied saturation is static (doesn't change with the dynamics / level of the original signal), or if the plugin has complex non-linear interactions. With dynamic non-linear saturation plugins, it's better to adjust by ear - just don't overdo it (there is a reason engineers didn't add Aural Exciter to every track back in the 70s & 80s. Something has to be in the background, otherwise it's a wall of mush - piercing mush that will get fatiguing real fast.). Consider a few nonlinear analog systems: Tubes have a very smooth curve toward higher nonlinear saturation; transistors and op-amps tend to be more linear until they approach their clipping point with a smaller dB transition range to hard clipping; transformers vary with the given design topology and materials - their saturation type, amount and curve in relation to input fluctuations (level) vary greatly.. (they also exhibit EM field effect saturation); tape is a very complex non-linear system, between the input & output electronics, the magnetic heads, bias, tape formulation, particle domain concentration & polarization, etc.. Older plugins (and some recent ones) typically applied 'static' saturation to a signal, regardless of average level or fluctuations in amplitude (a cheap way of simulating tube, tape, transformer and other analog non-linearities). These can easily be nulled to expose the added saturation. But many new plugins have dynamic implementations of saturation - e.g. the amount of saturation will fluctuate in relation to signal amplitude. Even with non-saturating dynamic processors, it can be hard to make sense of the 'delta' from a null ('delta': what is leftover - the difference between the unprocessed and processed files). Some plugins distinguish between transients and average levels as well (check out Physion from Eventide and the Unfiltered Audio plugins for examples). Sophisticated tape saturation plugins (especially deeply modeled multi tube devices like a good guitar amp emu or the Thermionics Culture Vulture) and other 'end-to-end' emulations combine numerous techniques to interactively generate varying degrees and types of saturation: the UAD SSL Console has numerous clipping points; their Distressor emulation is also highly reactive; the Manley Vari Mu tube mastering compressor & the Voxbox both have extremely complex non-linear interactive circuit topology, including the Input & Output tubes & transformers, the program dependent compression behavior, the tube amplifier and, with the VoxBox, the EQ inductors. multiple nonlinear dynamic systems interacting with each other, making an analysis by 'Null Test' almost meaningless.

[@dumithegreat3892]

Kekka dake da

[@jakoby757]

I make broccoli with this technique

[@simonehanley2873]

As a 60 yr old who came from the wonderful world of analogue production I think this guy is a great teacher. Great descriptions and explanations, lovely voice and hair and a good knowledge of his subject. I've just subscribed.

[@BenPotts]

such a great channel, even as an experienced producer this is just top notch stuff, very very well done

[@inthemix]

Ben Potts Thank you very much Ben!

[@penguinshredder]

@@inthemix Couldnt agree more.

Man, im from Poland and im watching your movies from quite a lot but i love your type of explaining everything :) I learn a lot from this movies :)

[@NTayls80]

Man, thank you so much for doing this. Your videos are almost incredible in regards to their clarity and value! You are a gift among the youtube rubble. Lots and lots of respect 👏🏼

[@sc4rlotte456]

whenever im looking to research a new topic, i always look for your videos, even if they're rly old. you explain things in a great way, thank you!

[@andrewryder1319]

That was an extremely clear and effective explanation. I'm finally beginning to understand saturation. I look forward to learning more from you. Thank you!

[@rjrmusic665]

The most eloquent and easy to understand explanation of saturation I've ever heard! BTW, I love everything about this channel! Top-notch stuff!

[@inthemix]

What a lovely thing to say. I really appreciate your comments :)

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Having binged your videos over the last couple of days and going this far back really accentuates how much your presentation has improved. This is by no means bad, but compared to the quality of lighting, sound and overall visual presentation in the most recent videos the small changes make a huge difference.

[@StrayMedicine]

AHHH thank you for your informative videos! Very useful, you break down jargon a lot of people use without knowing what it means. Maybe I've been looking in weird areas on KZbin or something but your videos are a lot more informative and clear to me than other people's I've seen about mixing/mastering, and I feel like I'm finally getting a grasp on verbage and understanding things because of you.

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I’ve been watching a lot of your videos, not really by choices, but out of utility. They have been greatly helpful. Thanks for your work. I’m subscribed

[@Andydemelo]

Underrated channel. These lessons are like payed lessons! Learning alot here! Thanks bro.

[@LaScienceMusicale]

that's just amazing ! Ty It is often used in post-rock and EDM also in contemporary music

[@kurupt8929]

Really appreciate your efforts put into your videos,the way you explain everything in detail and in a way that makes sense, is top notch and very professional and I'm getting results instantly !! Thanks heaps mate

[@thesethreekings]

One of the very best mixing tutorial channels on KZbin 🔥

[@iamGoldy]

Man your voice is so relaxing. Can you start an audiobook series or something

[@inthemix]

Kreate Yeah I want to make that happen. Let's do it.

[@iamGoldy]

looking forward to it

[@nervz3837]

Do it!

[@AudioReplica2023]

he just wanna hear you moan...lmfao!

[@nenissaK]

@Nobby Heads So warm it's heated up

[@lisah1922]

I love saturation knob. It works really well on my lead bus. Thanks for this video! You make amazing content! Keep it up! ♥️

[@inthemix]

Lisa H Thank you, I've used it on countless distorted leads, it's definitely got something magic going on behind the simple one dial because it sounds great!

[@Skejtboard]

Love your tutorials! The thing that makes you better than other music tutorials is that you often bring in visual so that you could really see and understand whats happening before I my self can wrap my head around it. I know its not good to make music with your eyes but its a wonderful teaching tool. Thanks! Will watch more.

[@KaitavSapreMusic]

Very impressive tutorial. I like how you talked about "warmth" 3:10 and how companies market their plugins. :D Thank you so much!

[@skygazer3696]

Only Mike can help us better than none. Bless having this channel .

[@crust5909]

NOW i understand. The other people making videos about it did not gave good examples, or dived in too many details about the mathematics/geometry of the sound wave. Thank you for making this video easy to understand.

[@heclairsful]

I have been away from a while but thanks for all tutorials to keep me update, you guys are awesome

[@QuintSEnce]

Great explanation to saturation, a lot of people just have no idea of what saturation can do... but I think you really did clear up the question mark that appears over peoples heads when saturation is mentioned. Excellent info.

[@aiyleatom2211]

Learnt a lot from you ...and you'll be blessed for being helpful for the ppl who cant afford music classes...thank u bro

[@OloffMusic]

These tutorials are incredibly clear.

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Really appreciate all the quality content that ITM delivers to all the community 🔥

[@cjlaws2341]

This channel is so informational always learn something new here thanks for being so detailed and easy to follow I love your videos

[@MabawaVocal]

ONE OF THE EASIEST EXPLANATIONS EVER,I UNDERSTOOD YOU 100%

[@BeansGalaxy]

You’ve connected parts of my brain with this video. I’ve always left my “analog” plugins in the red and subtlety used clippers but I could never understand why my saturation sounded flat

[@i-AMsorrow]

Subbed! after a 5 year break away from production, I came across one of your videos and now watched many!, Very informative and I've learnt a load more than I already knew from your vidz! Keep up the damn good work 👍🏻

[@zimzimmaberlin]

Thank you for explaining so good. And also for sharing your experiences to emphasize with a little amount on relevant channels.

[@rafaelkumoto]

This is the best video about Saturation I’ve seen! Thank you!

[@streetlord5592]

This my first time commenting on your video and I must say I have learnt a lot from you over this few months. God bless you and continue giving us your best. Bless up

[@inthemix]

Street Lord Thank you! I'll keep trying my best :)

[@JonathanChivon]

Thank you so much, your video is really helpful! I've been curioused to know about what Saturation do to the mix for a long time.

[@chokichocat3083]

I love this guy. covers many topics, gets straight to the point, knows what he's talking about and explains it in a way that even a kid could understand, and he doesn't ANNOY ME WITH PLUGS OR BUNDLES AND SHIT LIKE ALL THESE OTHER GUYS! GET THE SPLICE PACK GET CYMATICS NO DUDE I DON'T WANT TO SOUND LIKE ANOTHER CLONE STFU! oh and that smooth buttery voice is 10/10

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[@NRTKDNB]

Best Tutorial channel of all times !

[@nuttzbeats5667]

Always got great content man! You've made my productions sound so much better by what you've taught!

[@paxtecum8699]

Thanks for explaining everything in a really simple and understandable way

[@JojoWoori]

You explained so easily! Thank you so much! I was always feeling something was missing. my tracks sounds kinda empty, you made me realize why. 👍

[@23thkr]

This is a really informative channel with quality content. Here i feel welcomed rather than other mixing channels on youtube, where the host would respond to your questions and comments in a very condescending and arrogant way. I dont understand why some mixing engineers believe they are superior to anyone else in the same field. So being a cool guy towards your clients or potential clients is as important as the mixing skills to grow your business Big fan of this channel and keep up the good work :)

[@lawrencevaughan5373]

Nailed it. Seriously great explanation. Top quality content mate!

[@neoncut]

This was a really nice intro for me. The side-by-side comparisons were really helpful and had the right length. Made me excited to make music. 🌶️🌶️🌶️

[@danboniface914]

Another great video. One of the best mix teachers out there.

[@dariofromthefuture3075]

Clearest sound communicator on youtube. Your videos are SATURATED with knowledge :)

[@suadaselimovic2697]

You are so motivational and that really keeps ms going

[@IgorMeshcheriakov]

Thank you! This video is helpful to understand the basics of saturation.

[@emiel333]

Another great video, Michael! I do use saturation sometimes on specific parts of my tracks. You explained it correctly, the warmth that comes along the sound is nice. I'm looking forward to the next video, and have a great week with producing and making music! Greetings, Emiel.

[@neimaddnilb]

Awesome video man, thanks for the explanation on using saturation in the mix

[@cheslinscheepers2547]

Thanks man your videos are really to the point and insightful. Much appreciated.

[@fredscalliet]

Simple, straightforward and instructive. Thanks !

[@lioneyebeatz]

Just started making beats like a month ago and i have been learning a lot from your videos thank you

[@halseyballistic]

Awesome. Thanks for your time to post this video for us all in the recording world

[@Mooreeezy]

You did an amazing job explaining this - thank you!

[@justdougbrand]

You just taught me a lot within the first 3 minutes. Sheeesh. Thanks a lot man!!!

[@housethis3567]

I liked the examples you made, thank you again for the excelent job you doing! 👍

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i never saw videos clearer than yours, well done !

[@inthemix]

Eliot Hantute Thanks Eliot :)

[@ka-zen648]

really high quality tutorial and well explained. thanks!

[@MiaAmareMusic]

really helpful video - thank you for all your work Michael

[@davidleeroth357]

AS ALWAYS, Great videos. Very detailed. Keep up the good work

[@crowlsyong]

Bro your videos are informative and soothing

[@dj_Kzas]

Great tutorial as always Mike.

[@thugfife9176]

Saturation was a real game changer for me

[@Table-Top]

another great video, thanks Michael.

[@bluevioletmoon]

You explain really well. Thank you.

[@SaintGabriel111]

Thank you, Michael! Great content as usual!

[@OUTSS1]

This video was REALLY informative! Always kinda thought of saturation as a meh kind of thing to add in the mix. But this really makes sense

[@brandonmalela2506]

one love and salute to all your learners , we should pay this guy for learning us thse things

[@iranoutofideas3422]

This was a very easy to understand saturation video unlike the others I have read/watched.

[@eldowns]

Outstanding video. Very well explained and produced.

[@flamingsoundsofficial8730]

bro really Love your tutorials🔥. Thanks

[@gkfhigh2253]

Your videos are always helpful

[@hleet]

Thanks for the explanation. Way easier to understand than most of "teachers" over internet.

[@IgansF]

So well explained

[@DrVilest]

Very helpful and interesting video

[@jabobihlman541]

Another great one! Thanks Michael.

[@KoolteethDeBlog]

Again a great tutorial! I learned a lot from this. Thx ;)

[@NikkiWiley]

I could listen to you talk all day ☺️☺️☺️

[@tylerrobblee8038]

The exact video I needed. Cheers!

[@TheKillander]

Your information is really valuable. Thank you

[@marcolicata5169]

Definitely useful and practical!

[@pratikshah5049]

Really great video, Thanks.

[@DMike-pj5ou]

Great video !! you expain that very good and simple !

[@morgengabe1]

First time watching. This seems like a cool spot! Nice video. Got me wanting to dig out my old mic preamp to put synths through

[@oscar9876543]

Very interesting, I've known about saturation, and have used it for my bass. But adding it to my drum mix? I'm gonna have to try that out!

[@JulyTheGinny]

You just changed my life

[@mateocalle__]

Thank you for the advises!

[@Quintopia1]

thank you for this breakdown

[@arnaudvanassche8242]

Can you do a video about a single/multi band compressor? That would be very helpful 🙏❤️

[@inthemix]

Absolutely

[@wwiizzaarrdd808]

In The Mix yeeees finally

[@gavinmiller1756]

Great demonstration

[@growponics9170]

This was a good video. I learned stuff i didnt know about here. Cheers

[@Light00000]

This was great! Really enjoy your videos🙌🙌🙌

[@tengoodquestions]

Hey, you come across very very well ! Keep up the good work, already subscribed but I wanted to point that out. I learned more about Saturation today, thank you !

[@MilchoMalefic]

thanks michael you explaned a lot in this video

[@tributetunes8770]

You’re a great teacher! Thank you