MeldaProduction MSaturatorMB is a versatile and powerful saturation plugin. This multiband saturator combines analog-style saturation with digital harmonic generation, offering users a wide range of tonal shaping possibilities. The plugin features six independent bands, allowing for precise control over different frequency ranges. Each band can be adjusted separately, providing the ability to add warmth, grit, or harmonic content to specific parts of the audio spectrum. The user interface, while not the most visually appealing, is highly functional and offers deep customization options. MSaturatorMB includes various saturation algorithms, including analog emulations and digital harmonic generators, giving users the flexibility to achieve both subtle coloration and extreme distortion effects. The plugin also incorporates MeldaProduction’s extensive modulation system, enabling dynamic and evolving saturation effects through the use of LFOs, envelopes, and other modulation sources.
Pros:
• Multiband design allows for precise frequency-specific saturation
• Extensive modulation options for creating dynamic effects
• High-quality saturation algorithms with both analog and digital flavors
• Flexible routing options for parallel processing and mid-side operation
• Comprehensive preset management system
Cons:
• User interface may be overwhelming for beginners
• Visual design is functional but not aesthetically pleasing
MSaturatorMB offers a comprehensive set of features that cater to both subtle and extreme saturation needs. The plugin’s six-band architecture allows users to target specific frequency ranges for saturation, making it possible to add warmth to the low end while maintaining clarity in the highs, or vice versa. Each band can be soloed, bypassed, or adjusted in width, providing precise control over the affected frequency range.
The saturation section of each band offers multiple algorithms, including analog-style saturation emulations and digital harmonic generators. Users can choose from various tube and tape-style saturations, each with its own character and harmonic profile. The digital harmonic generator allows for the creation of specific harmonic content, which can be particularly useful for enhancing sub-bass frequencies or adding presence to vocals and other instruments.
MSaturatorMB’s modulation system is a standout feature, offering eight assignable modulation slots. These can be linked to various sources such as LFOs, envelopes, audio level followers, and MIDI controllers. This allows for dynamic saturation effects that can evolve over time or respond to the input signal, adding movement and interest to static sounds.
The plugin also includes a comprehensive routing section, enabling parallel processing and mid-side operation. This flexibility allows users to blend the saturated signal with the dry input or apply different saturation settings to the mid and side channels of a stereo signal. Additionally, MSaturatorMB features a limiter on the output, helping to tame any unwanted peaks that may result from heavy saturation. MSaturatorMB is its preset management system. Users can save and recall not only full plugin presets but also individual band settings, saturation algorithms, and modulation configurations. This modular approach to preset management allows for quick experimentation and the ability to combine favorite settings from different presets.
The plugin also includes a spectrum analyzer and level meters for each band, providing visual feedback on the saturation process. An automatic gain compensation feature helps maintain consistent output levels when adjusting saturation settings, making it easier to compare different configurations without being misled by volume differences.
When compared to similar plugins, MSaturatorMB stands out for its multiband approach and extensive modulation capabilities. While plugins like FabFilter Saturn 2 and iZotope Trash 2 also offer multiband saturation, MSaturatorMB’s six bands provide more granular control. The modulation system in MSaturatorMB is more comprehensive than many competitors, offering a level of flexibility typically found in modular synthesizers. In terms of sound quality, MSaturatorMB holds its own against high-end saturation plugins. Its analog emulations provide convincing warmth and character, while the digital harmonic generator offers unique sound-shaping possibilities not found in many other saturators. However, some users may find the learning curve steeper compared to more streamlined plugins like SoundToys Decapitator or Softube Harmonics. Where MSaturatorMB falls short is in its user interface design. While highly functional, it lacks the polished aesthetics of plugins from companies like FabFilter or Arturia. This may be a deterrent for some users who prioritize visual appeal in their workflow.
This plugin is best for:
• Sound designers seeking creative saturation effects
• Mix engineers requiring precise control over frequency-specific saturation
• Electronic music producers looking for dynamic, evolving distortion effects
• Mastering engineers needing subtle harmonic enhancement tools
MSaturatorMB is a powerful and flexible saturation plugin that offers a wealth of sound-shaping possibilities. Its multiband architecture, combined with high-quality saturation algorithms and an extensive modulation system, makes it a versatile tool for a wide range of audio processing tasks. The plugin excels in situations where precise control over saturation across the frequency spectrum is required, and its modulation capabilities open up creative possibilities for sound design and electronic music production. While the user interface may be daunting for beginners and lacks visual polish, the sonic capabilities of MSaturatorMB more than make up for these shortcomings. For users willing to invest time in learning its deep feature set, MSaturatorMB can become an indispensable tool for adding character, warmth, and harmonic richness to audio material. Its flexibility allows it to handle everything from subtle analog-style coloration to extreme distortion effects, making it a valuable addition to any audio professional’s plugin collection.