Saturation

[MajikDragon89]

hello everyone. i just had a query which i wanted clearing up regarding waveshaping. having done a little research i now know that saturation is process which originated from analogue tape being driven to soft clip causing additional harmonics and natural compression and limiting to occur and that the harsher sounding digital variant is called wrapping? however, i see a lot of saturation plugins that are named by waveforms e.g. parabolic or sine shaper and i also use abletons saturation device which has a waveshaper mode with additional parameters including curve and lin. i was hoping someone could enlighten me as to how the different waveforms and such act upon saturating the signal? any help would be much appreciated!v

[yur2die4]

This isn't necessarily going to Tell you the truth, yet it can be sort of revealing.

Try using basic types of waveforms through it, with different kinds of visualizes on the end. Oscilloscope and spectrum are probably good options. Hone in on a clear representation of the form and then start tweaking away.

Now, keep in mind that what you hear and what you see don't always correlate to absolute truth. But it does give you an idea. Also, it is great having visuals of any kind to associate with the gradual intricacies as you transform the shapes. Otherwise often times, you don't even notice a subtle change that is happening.

[re:dream]

Oscilloscope and spectrum are probably good options.

Sorry if this is off topic - but tell me more about oscilloscope? Is there an oscilloscope plugin or VST?

[thecld]

Here's a link to nice (and free) waveform visualizer: http://bram.smartelectronix.com/plugins.php?id=4

Cheers

[MajikDragon89]

yes s(M)exoscope is good plus its free. however, i was kind've looking for an answer relating to what the different waveforms used by saturators do to sound? how does it work? having looked online for answers, i've only become confused by people talking about circuitry and physics not within my level of understanding.

[yur2die4]

Try zooming into a sine wave so it is clear in smexoscope.

Then try things out. Watch and listen. It takes time, and you might never completely know what to predict, but with some time you'll at least have a decent grasp. One advice for it is, try driving the level from various sources. Either the synth, or the drive knob. Also try reducing levels. If you get any questions, make up a new experiment to answer it.

I have spent a lot of time with smexoscope haha. I think I should spend more time on it with other modes of the Saturator though.

Oh, and resort to the manual for descriptions, any catch words you can try looking up more detailed info online.

Sorry if none of this is an actual answer to your questions haha

[re:dream]

Here's a link to nice (and free) waveform visualizer: http://bram.smartelectronix.com/plugins.php?id=4

Cheers

Much obliged