Moogerfooger MF-109S Saturator is a software plugin that emerged from the development of Moog’s Moogerfooger Effects Plug-ins suite. Unlike its counterparts in the collection, which are digital recreations of classic hardware units, the MF-109S is a new, software-only effect designed to capture and expand upon the renowned input drive stage found in the original Moogerfooger pedals. This saturator offers dynamic control over drive circuits, allowing users to achieve a wide range of tonal colorations from warm overdrive and analog-style saturation to smooth compression and expansion. The plugin pairs a wide-range envelope follower with bipolar control over its unique drive circuit, enabling precise shaping of the input signal’s dynamics. Additionally, the MF-109S incorporates a modeled noise generator circuit inspired by the Minimoog Model D synthesizer, complete with adjustable level and tone controls, as well as a switchable filter type. Its envelope follower and noise CV outputs, coupled with multiple CV inputs, facilitate seamless integration with other Moogerfooger Effects Plug-ins, opening up extensive modulation possibilities within a digital audio workstation environment.
Pros:
• Versatile saturation and drive capabilities, ranging from subtle warmth to aggressive distortion
• Unique envelope follower implementation for dynamic control of saturation
• Seamless integration with other Moogerfooger plugins via CV connectivity
• Inclusion of Minimoog-inspired noise generator adds extra sound design potential
• Intuitive interface with extensive modulation options
Cons:
• Limited to in-the-box use, lacking the tactile experience of hardware counterparts
• Relatively high price point compared to some competing saturation plugins
The MF-109S Saturator boasts an array of features that set it apart from typical saturation plugins. At its core is the drive circuit, which can be manipulated to produce a spectrum of tonal characteristics. The DRIVE knob controls the input gain, allowing users to push the signal into various degrees of saturation. This drive stage is further enhanced by the ENVELOPE section, which includes AMOUNT, SENSITIVITY, and FOLLOW RATE controls. The AMOUNT knob determines how much the envelope follower affects the drive circuit, with positive values increasing drive as the input signal gets louder, and negative values creating a compression-like effect by reducing drive on louder signals. SENSITIVITY adjusts how responsive the envelope follower is to the input signal, while FOLLOW RATE sets the speed at which the envelope tracks the input dynamics.
The plugin’s noise generator section adds another layer of sonic possibilities. Users can adjust the NOISE LEVEL and TONE, with a switchable filter type for shaping the noise character. The NOISE ENV. AMOUNT control allows the envelope follower to modulate the noise level dynamically, creating more complex and evolving textures.
One of the MF-109S’s standout features is its CV (Control Voltage) implementation. The plugin can send and receive CV signals to and from other instances of Moogerfooger plugins within the same project. This allows for intricate modulation setups, such as using the LFO from an MF-103S Phaser to modulate the drive amount of the MF-109S.
The interface includes an ENVELOPE switch that toggles between MONO and STEREO modes, affecting how the envelope follower processes stereo signals. The RESPONSE control shapes the curve of the envelope follower, offering further customization of the dynamic behavior.
Output stage controls include a LINK button that inversely adjusts the OUTPUT level based on the DRIVE setting, maintaining consistent volume as saturation increases. The DRY/WET knob allows for parallel processing, blending the saturated signal with the dry input. Advanced features accessible via a settings panel include options to modify the tonal response, LFO polarity, and other parameters, allowing users to fine-tune the plugin’s behavior to their specific needs.
When compared to similar plugins, the MF-109S Saturator stands out due to its dynamic envelope control and integration capabilities with other Moogerfooger plugins. While many saturation plugins focus solely on emulating specific hardware or offering various saturation algorithms, the MF-109S provides a more interactive and modulation-focused approach. Its envelope follower implementation is more sophisticated than what’s typically found in channel strip-style saturators. The noise generator feature is also relatively unique in the saturation plugin market, offering additional sound design potential not commonly found in competitors. However, plugins like FabFilter Saturn 2 or Soundtoys Decapitator may offer more saturation types or emulations of specific hardware units. The MF-109S’s strength lies in its Moog-flavored character and its ability to create evolving, dynamic saturation effects that can be deeply integrated into a modular-style plugin workflow.
This plugin is best for:
• Producers seeking warm, analog-style saturation with dynamic control
• Sound designers looking for creative ways to add movement and texture to sounds
• Musicians wanting to recreate the classic Moog drive and saturation character in-the-box
• Users of other Moogerfooger plugins who want to expand their modulation possibilities
• Those interested in combining saturation effects with noise generation for unique textures
Moogerfooger MF-109S Saturator plugin represents a significant addition to the digital audio processing landscape, offering a unique blend of classic Moog character and modern plugin flexibility. Its standout feature is the dynamic control over saturation via the envelope follower, allowing for responsive and musical drive effects that go beyond static saturation. The integration of a noise generator further expands its sonic palette, making it a versatile tool for both subtle coloration and extreme sound design. While it may have a steeper learning curve and higher price point than some competitors, the depth of control and quality of sound it offers justify its position in the market. The CV connectivity with other Moogerfooger plugins creates a virtual modular environment within a DAW, appealing to those who enjoy complex routing and modulation setups. Despite lacking the tactile experience of hardware, the MF-109S successfully captures the essence of Moog’s renowned analog circuitry in a convenient software format. For producers and sound designers seeking a saturation tool that goes beyond simple distortion, offering dynamic response and extensive modulation options, the MF-109S Saturator is a compelling choice that can add depth, warmth, and character to a wide range of audio material.