I've been looking for a saturation plugin to replace the fabfilter saturn 2. I want something less complicated, and something that I know isn't going to ruin the mix. I've tried to do subtle saturation with saturn & it still made it sound weird. This one is so much simpler, and when I A/B it, I can hear the subtle difference that I'm looking for. It sounds amazing! This is my new go-to saturation plugin.
This is hands down my favorite plug in Softube makes. On vocals this thing brings things to life in a way you just can't get with other plugs and I have them all.
Distortion is something digital has such a hard time with. But this actually sounds fantastic! Clean GUI as well, no ridiculous colors or design elements. It’s as professional as it gets.
You should really put a « link » button for the Input and Output faders; when we move either fader a certain amount of dB, it would compensate the other fader for the opposite amount of dB. It’s too time consuming to do it manually and breaks the creative flow. Same thing for the Tape plugin! Please add a « link » button! Otherwise this new plugin sounds promising, cannot wait to try it.
Hey there, Thanks for this comment - it set me on an interesting track of conversation with the developers here in the office this morning :) As I understand it, the situation here is the same as it was for Tape: making a truly useful link function between the input and output volume sliders would be a disproportionately difficult task, because the dB scales are non-linear. Both graphically and sonically, it'd be complicated to make it work in a way that made sense and improved the workflow. If the sliders were linear -12/+12dB, say, it'd be an easier job. But in the initial development of these products, this approach was preferred. It's certainly a feature request we're keen on though, and you asking for it gives more grist to the mill of that discussion... so it's not impossible that we'll make it happen some day! Best, /George
Thanks a lot George for reporting and discussing with the developers. I understand a bit what you say on the non-linear scale so I tend to understand that there is a technical challenge for a “link” feature, but I am - and WE are actually :) - anyway looking forward for it in the future it would save a real burden and quite a bit of time. I have always been a fan of Softube products, that won’t prevent me from trying and using this new plugin though! Keep providing us with original and quality products. 100% support from me.
@@SoftubeStudios Just create a button called "unity gain". IK multimedai's stealth limit has this for instance. Decapitator have an "auto" switch that works in the same way
@@jocke1972 Both products with linear gain controls. The challenges just aren't the same as I understand it... although one might ask 'why not make the gain scales linear then...?' In fact I might ask the developers that. I'm sure there's a marvellous reason why. /George
I really like this processor!! It's sweety, it's fat, it's everything!!! Great job softube, please don't abandon the development of this! must and has to be the best!!!
Well done the marketing boys, you managed to take the harmonics section from your console one plugins and sell them as a completely new product, congratulations.
I would love Pre/Post for each individual filter. For example, I prefer the low cut pre-fader, but high cut post-fader. But having only one global pre-post switch really limits the use. Of course, I could add a filter plugin before or after but it would make things much simpler if it was just included in Harmonics.
@@SoftubeStudios It would also be really cool, without adding too much more, but adding the ability to pre/post cut but in parallel, but without having to use the Mix wet/dry. Cuz then you could blend the whole signal back in with your original. Idk maybe that doesn't make sense haha, I just always think about having a feature like that.
@@diegooliveirabenjamin So you changed your post when you realized that I do actually mix. I have plenty of distortion things. I have analog things as well. Another plugin for 89 dollars that does the same thing is a waste of money. ;)
@@jrtme I did change man, sorry about that, even though I was joking but it could sound disrespectful. Anyway, I have some good distortion tools around, but TBH Decapitated was the one that felt more complete, and this one sounded like a competition. Anyway, I'm always open to new stuff but for the most part I like to mix fast so I end up grabbing the same thing every time, haha... Cheers man!
I think this is one of the biggest sleeper plugs out there, it is so freaking good, and I almost never hear anyone talking about it, im so confused haha
I own this plugin and decapitator. To me apples and oranges. Both are great and both have distinctly different sounds. To me this is more analog saturation that is amazing, whereas decapitator is more gritty and dirty (in a good way). Although this plugin can get gritty and dirty and has additional features that make it top notch. Like I said, I'd make sure I own both. This is more an analog desk sound to me more than any other plugin I've heard so far.
I downloaded this and lazily threw it on the drum buss of a project that I was demoing. Even lazier use of a preset and two seconds later my drum tracks sounded like they were live, onstage and being played by a monster drummer. Am looking forward to more refined use in my metal/punk projects in Reaper. Made my HS7s sing for the first time in a while. Thanks :)
I love Softube plugins and I have bought tons of them. One thing I dislike though, is your user interface. The clarity of pixel gets blurred even when it’s zoomed out and for unknown reason, those metal knobs just give me a sense of plastics. If possible, please considering redesign some interface so while we are enjoying supreme quality of sound, the visual of plugin is also top quality.
What does the plugin to the signal when the drive/dynamics are at default/0? Is there still processing going on? Is there a difference between 100% dry and turning the plugin off entirely?
Hey :) I don't think we made any of those, I'm sorry to say. Bet it'd sound awesome though! Why not check out the free 20-day demo on your own sounds and let us know how it goes! Best, /George
from other softube plugs I’m assuming minimal latency, fairly high cpu hit, but sounds top draw. Probably worth the cpu hit on those few prominent tracks that want to pop out the mix. For all those other background tracks FrontDAW all the way IMo
Not right now, I'm afraid, Mateo. We don't have changeable drive sections in Console 1 just yet. Only Shape, EQ, and Compressor sections. Great to use alongside Console 1 though! /George
Oh man. Lol. I hoped no one would notice that! It's a very reasonably-priced thing I'm testing out from Gear4music - it's called a SubZero MINIKEY, and actually I have no complaints so far. Fits in a back pack. Only thing I'll say is that I chose to take the AKAI LPK25 on my last trip instead, because it doesn't have a great big plastic knob sticking out of it just waiting to get snapped off. /George
Thanks :)..... Well your desk is minimal so it is hard not to notice stuff on it....I am indeed looking for a small 25key to take in a backpack.... thanks..... rsp
Hey :) For all sorts of reasons when making these videos it's super-difficult to make it work well without a limiter on the master bus. It's very much acting as a safety limiter though, and not adding color to the sound. The Weiss is extremely transparent. Have you tried it? Best, /George
This is a modern plug-in, why the 70's arena rock track? I'd love to hear this plug on some different musical styles- hip hop, electronica, even film scores would benefit if the plug in does what you say it does...
Hiya Eddie, Fair thought, though obviously we can't cover all styles and genres in one video unfortunately, and still keep it brief and to-the-point. As I've said to another commenter here we'd love to hear what you can do with it on your own work, so by all means download a free 20-day full demo and go to town! Alternatively, there's a soundcloud playlist here - soundcloud.com/softube/sets/harmonics-analog-saturation-processor - with a few more things to listen to (also not even close to comprehensive I'm afraid). All best, /George
@@SoftubeStudios thank you for your kind response and for the SoundCloud link- I will try the demo. I am very much interested in this product- the 70's arena rock just annoyed me, it's pretty awful- I understand you can't please everyone with a demo. Don't worry, it hasn't hurt my respect for your company ; )
For the life of me I am looking to get away from that awful (to me) direct sound the bass has (not speaking about the plugin) and also my guitar direct to my interface has that sound. To me that's not how it supposed to sound clean (direct input). Obviously plugin is awesome. But if the source to oneself is crap... not even god can make it sound good.
I've been looking for a saturation plugin to replace the fabfilter saturn 2. I want something less complicated, and something that I know isn't going to ruin the mix. I've tried to do subtle saturation with saturn & it still made it sound weird. This one is so much simpler, and when I A/B it, I can hear the subtle difference that I'm looking for. It sounds amazing! This is my new go-to saturation plugin.
This is hands down my favorite plug in Softube makes. On vocals this thing brings things to life in a way you just can't get with other plugs and I have them all.
You have fab filter Saturn 2? Or would you stay their different
I have them both 😁
Distortion is something digital has such a hard time with. But this actually sounds fantastic! Clean GUI as well, no ridiculous colors or design elements. It’s as professional as it gets.
Wow, a software developer that answers to his customers, that's so nice. I hope I can get this or upgrade to Volume 2. Still deciding.
You should really put a « link » button for the Input and Output faders; when we move either fader a certain amount of dB, it would compensate the other fader for the opposite amount of dB. It’s too time consuming to do it manually and breaks the creative flow. Same thing for the Tape plugin!
Please add a « link » button!
Otherwise this new plugin sounds promising, cannot wait to try it.
Hey there,
Thanks for this comment - it set me on an interesting track of conversation with the developers here in the office this morning :) As I understand it, the situation here is the same as it was for Tape: making a truly useful link function between the input and output volume sliders would be a disproportionately difficult task, because the dB scales are non-linear. Both graphically and sonically, it'd be complicated to make it work in a way that made sense and improved the workflow. If the sliders were linear -12/+12dB, say, it'd be an easier job. But in the initial development of these products, this approach was preferred.
It's certainly a feature request we're keen on though, and you asking for it gives more grist to the mill of that discussion... so it's not impossible that we'll make it happen some day!
Best,
/George
Thanks a lot George for reporting and discussing with the developers. I understand a bit what you say on the non-linear scale so I tend to understand that there is a technical challenge for a “link” feature, but I am - and WE are actually :) - anyway looking forward for it in the future it would save a real burden and quite a bit of time. I have always been a fan of Softube products, that won’t prevent me from trying and using this new plugin though! Keep providing us with original and quality products. 100% support from me.
@@SoftubeStudios Just create a button called "unity gain". IK multimedai's stealth limit has this for instance. Decapitator have an "auto" switch that works in the same way
@@jocke1972 Both products with linear gain controls. The challenges just aren't the same as I understand it... although one might ask 'why not make the gain scales linear then...?' In fact I might ask the developers that. I'm sure there's a marvellous reason why.
/George
I will second the demand for that feature, just to add to the numbers :). Amazing plugin! @@SoftubeStudios
I really like this processor!! It's sweety, it's fat, it's everything!!! Great job softube, please don't abandon the development of this! must and has to be the best!!!
Well done the marketing boys, you managed to take the harmonics section from your console one plugins and sell them as a completely new product, congratulations.
😂
I would love Pre/Post for each individual filter. For example, I prefer the low cut pre-fader, but high cut post-fader. But having only one global pre-post switch really limits the use. Of course, I could add a filter plugin before or after but it would make things much simpler if it was just included in Harmonics.
Agreed, David. That'd be cool. I'll mention it as a feature request to the product designers.
/George
To me, this would really bring it up to the same level (maybe better?) as Decapitator.
@@SoftubeStudios It would also be really cool, without adding too much more, but adding the ability to pre/post cut but in parallel, but without having to use the Mix wet/dry. Cuz then you could blend the whole signal back in with your original. Idk maybe that doesn't make sense haha, I just always think about having a feature like that.
DAYMN! Gotta try it on electric cello, lively, subtle and dynamic distortion is what I've been missing. And on modular, too!
Great ideas :) Let us know how it sounds
/George
You all always make the most sonically pleasing plugins! So happy with my Console 1. I will be downloading the demo in seconds!
Delighted to hear it Jerimie! Let us know how it goes :D
/George
This is cool, first one I've seen capable to match Decapitator, which is refreshing
Thanks Diego. We're pretty pleased with it, yeah.
Best,
/George
So then why not just use the Decapitator?
@@jrtme what I mean is that sometimes you take all you can out of a tool and needs a refresh, at least on GUI, just to keep things going, hehe...
@@diegooliveirabenjamin So you changed your post when you realized that I do actually mix. I have plenty of distortion things. I have analog things as well. Another plugin for 89 dollars that does the same thing is a waste of money. ;)
@@jrtme I did change man, sorry about that, even though I was joking but it could sound disrespectful. Anyway, I have some good distortion tools around, but TBH Decapitated was the one that felt more complete, and this one sounded like a competition. Anyway, I'm always open to new stuff but for the most part I like to mix fast so I end up grabbing the same thing every time, haha... Cheers man!
Bought it. As Tape, NKS and Studio One integration please!
I think this is one of the biggest sleeper plugs out there, it is so freaking good, and I almost never hear anyone talking about it, im so confused haha
Good to know that you're liking it :)
Cheers from Linköping, Sweden
//David at Softube
Way to show the features and let us hear 'em without getting too carried in the how-to mode. Cheers for that!
..gonna buy this, now, with that coupon code on PB. Off I go then- got an installation to tend to. ;)
Hope you'll have lots of fun with Harmonics! :)
Best regards,
David at Softube
I own this plugin and decapitator. To me apples and oranges. Both are great and both have distinctly different sounds. To me this is more analog saturation that is amazing, whereas decapitator is more gritty and dirty (in a good way). Although this plugin can get gritty and dirty and has additional features that make it top notch. Like I said, I'd make sure I own both. This is more an analog desk sound to me more than any other plugin I've heard so far.
I downloaded this and lazily threw it on the drum buss of a project that I was demoing. Even lazier use of a preset and two seconds later my drum tracks sounded like they were live, onstage and being played by a monster drummer.
Am looking forward to more refined use in my metal/punk projects in Reaper. Made my HS7s sing for the first time in a while.
Thanks :)
Great to hear Martin! That's what this plug-in's for, for sure!
/George
looks great and sounds great gonna have to grab a demo to do a video on. might have to buy it.
I love Softube plugins and I have bought tons of them. One thing I dislike though, is your user interface. The clarity of pixel gets blurred even when it’s zoomed out and for unknown reason, those metal knobs just give me a sense of plastics. If possible, please considering redesign some interface so while we are enjoying supreme quality of sound, the visual of plugin is also top quality.
For those Tube Techs / Chandler / Empirical labs their designs are perfect. I’m taking about Softube’s own original designs.
What does the plugin to the signal when the drive/dynamics are at default/0? Is there still processing going on? Is there a difference between 100% dry and turning the plugin off entirely?
Nice. Softube for the win again.
Enjoy my friend!
/George
Interesting. Examples of electronic sounds?
Hey :) I don't think we made any of those, I'm sorry to say. Bet it'd sound awesome though! Why not check out the free 20-day demo on your own sounds and let us know how it goes!
Best,
/George
would be nice to have dual-mono integrated in the plugin instead of opening two instances
I NEEEED this intro band in my desk now!!!! lol.. what is this called, please!??? Ver LED alike..
How's the CPU load and latency?
from other softube plugs I’m assuming minimal latency, fairly high cpu hit, but sounds top draw. Probably worth the cpu hit on those few prominent tracks that want to pop out the mix. For all those other background tracks FrontDAW all the way IMo
would it be console 1 ready?
Not right now, I'm afraid, Mateo. We don't have changeable drive sections in Console 1 just yet. Only Shape, EQ, and Compressor sections. Great to use alongside Console 1 though!
/George
Shift + order?
@@SoftubeStudios Changeable drive sections in C1 would be so awesome. I hope it happens in the future!
@@SoftubeStudios Also I bought the Harmonics plugin, can't wait to use it!
I insist guys. Could be possible to program “shift + order (eq>s>c)” in order to change drive sections?
Dam bro, easy on all the descriptive words an phrases, lol 😛 Exited for this new plug!
George, what keyboard controller is that on your desk?
Oh man. Lol. I hoped no one would notice that! It's a very reasonably-priced thing I'm testing out from Gear4music - it's called a SubZero MINIKEY, and actually I have no complaints so far. Fits in a back pack.
Only thing I'll say is that I chose to take the AKAI LPK25 on my last trip instead, because it doesn't have a great big plastic knob sticking out of it just waiting to get snapped off.
/George
Thanks :)..... Well your desk is minimal so it is hard not to notice stuff on it....I am indeed looking for a small 25key to take in a backpack.... thanks..... rsp
@@hounDogmusic Nice! Good luck!
Why y'all always gotta be taking my damn money😭🤣
Love this
This is pretty sweet!
Thanks Ramon. I hope you enjoy it when you try it!
/George
maybe for a start it would be right to turn off the limiter on the master bus?)
Hey :) For all sorts of reasons when making these videos it's super-difficult to make it work well without a limiter on the master bus. It's very much acting as a safety limiter though, and not adding color to the sound. The Weiss is extremely transparent. Have you tried it?
Best,
/George
Just bought mines!!!!!!! :-)
Sweeeeeeeeeeet! Good choice! Enjoying it?
/George
yup got it
Cool plug in. but the drums sounds terrible with the 2nd harmonic plug in. also the "rock mix" has awful highs. no good demo in the "rock" examples
I'm glad we can agree it's a cool plug-in. That's the really important thing here ;)
What will you be using it on?
/George
Excelente.
Cool
WOW
This is a modern plug-in, why the 70's arena rock track? I'd love to hear this plug on some different musical styles- hip hop, electronica, even film scores would benefit if the plug in does what you say it does...
Hiya Eddie,
Fair thought, though obviously we can't cover all styles and genres in one video unfortunately, and still keep it brief and to-the-point. As I've said to another commenter here we'd love to hear what you can do with it on your own work, so by all means download a free 20-day full demo and go to town! Alternatively, there's a soundcloud playlist here - soundcloud.com/softube/sets/harmonics-analog-saturation-processor - with a few more things to listen to (also not even close to comprehensive I'm afraid).
All best,
/George
@@SoftubeStudios thank you for your kind response and for the SoundCloud link- I will try the demo. I am very much interested in this product- the 70's arena rock just annoyed me, it's pretty awful- I understand you can't please everyone with a demo. Don't worry, it hasn't hurt my respect for your company ; )
Decapitator FTW
For the life of me I am looking to get away from that awful (to me) direct sound the bass has (not speaking about the plugin) and also my guitar direct to my interface has that sound. To me that's not how it supposed to sound clean (direct input). Obviously plugin is awesome. But if the source to oneself is crap... not even god can make it sound good.