Voxengo VariSaturator
Primary User Guide (PDF): English, Français, Deutsch, Русский язык
Varisaturator is such a great sounding plugin that can do so many things beyond saturation and adding harmonics.
When driven hard with a high FX level (hard mode), the dual band inflation can be used like OTT to bring forward the sound. Some simple rebalancing of the high and low bands will achieve that bright sound, but in a much smoother way.
It can also be used like an EQ. With the proper crossover frequency and input level, bringing up the FX level on the high band can achieve a lush sounding non-linear high boost that is much more rich, smooth and full than a simple high shelf boost. I've tried this technique with many other plugins, but the digital waveshaping in Varisaturator is simply the smoothest and richest one! The valve algorithm is also a nice option to warm up the highs.
The mid/side processing in Varisaturator is also very useful, especially on ambiences. It really brings out the best in airy stereo signals like nothing else.
The workflow is simple and straightforward to manage the high and low bands. You can link the controls on both bands with the right click, then individually tweak each band with the left click.
I am still finding many new uses for this plugin, and I don't think I could produce or mix without it!
Jonathan LeeGreetings from Australia!
In the last couple of days I upgraded my Elephant to v.5 after not having used it for sometime. It absolutely 'blew me away', I'd totally forgotten how good it is.
I'm using it on my drum buss and stereo buss in Cubase 12 Pro, it really kicks ass(!) and has an amazing set of options and clarity if that's what is needed in any given project.
I also use MSED, Crunchessor, Varisaturator, Span and Transgainer with very pleasing results.
In my opinion Voxengos tools are right at the top with the best, and often better than the very expensive ones.
I'd say money spent on Voxengo products is money well spend, thank you, Aleksey. :)
Mauri Berg