PSP Audio launch new Saturator plug-in
Posted on: Friday 29th of October 2021
Plug-in creators PSP, have returned to the product area that first established its name nearly 20 years ago with the launch of its new Saturator. The new software emulates the ‘warmth’ and saturation imparted by tape recorders and valve circuits by adding harmonics, filtering, and dynamic processing.
PSP Saturator uses three algorithms to emulate these devices, with eight different shape modes for loads of flexibility from subtle ‘mix mojo’ onwards. There are three signal sculpting engines (low, high, overall saturation), with adjustable Low and High band processing options for operating on specific frequency areas. There is a parallel mix option, with internal intelligent phase alignment along with multiple metering modes for signal analysis while an additional control panel allows for fine-tuning of various saturation parameters and smoothing.
There are three output modes (off, sat, lim) for shaping the final output stage, along with Input and Output gain controls that can be linked, while an optional “FAT” setting provides high quality quad-sampled saturation. The software will also offer 200 presets.
The company says that while the software does share the same DNA as its Vintage Warmer – the software that helped establish its name back in the early 2000s – that software also provides multi-band dynamics for precise master bus applications and not just saturation. By contrast, the new Saturator offers more options in that area than can be found in the Saturator its InfiniStrip offers. It does, however acknowledge the link between the new product and the MixSaturator plug-in (that’s even older than the Vintage Warmer), saying that it felt it was time that concept was refreshed and bought up to date. Though it wasn’t originally the plan, work done in development showed the team that what that actually meant was that they would have to rewrite the code from scratch. As such, the MixSaturator is now being retired and will be considered a legacy product going forward and support will cease.
The new Saturator will be available as 64-bit VST3, VST and AAX plug-ins for Windows 7 and above, or 64-bit AU, VST, VST3 and AAX version for macOS 10.10 and above, with licensing handled via iLok. Until mid-November, it will be available at an introductory price of $69, before rising to $99. Current users of the PSP MixPack bundle can buy PSP Saturator with an additional 70% discount. More details are available at PSP’s new-look website.
