If you're looking for free saturation VST plugins to add warmth and character to your tracks, there are several excellent options available. Here's a list of some of the best free saturation VSTs you can try out:
1. Softube Saturation Knob
- Platform: Windows, macOS
- Type: Saturation
- Description: Softube's Saturation Knob is a simple but effective plugin. It offers three types of saturation: "Keep High," "Keep Low," and "Neutral," which control how the saturation affects different frequency ranges.
- Link: Softube Saturation Knob
2. TDR Kotelnikov
- Platform: Windows, macOS
- Type: Dynamic range compressor with saturation
- Description: Though primarily a compressor, the TDR Kotelnikov offers subtle harmonic saturation when used with higher settings and gain reduction. It's great for adding warmth and character.
- Link: TDR Kotelnikov
3. FerricTDS – Tape Dynamics Simulator
- Platform: Windows, macOS
- Type: Tape Saturation
- Description: FerricTDS is a tape emulation plugin that adds warm analog saturation and dynamic compression. It's great for adding depth and a vintage character to your tracks.
- Link: FerricTDS
4. Kramer Master Tape (Waves, Free Version)
- Platform: Windows, macOS
- Type: Tape Saturation
- Description: While the full version is a paid plugin, Waves occasionally offers a free version of Kramer Master Tape as part of promotional offers. This plugin simulates the warm, analog sound of a tape machine with subtle harmonic distortion.
- Link: Waves Kramer Master Tape
5. Voxengo Tube Amp
- Platform: Windows, macOS
- Type: Tube Saturation
- Description: Voxengo Tube Amp is a free, easy-to-use tube amplifier emulator. It adds harmonic distortion and can be used for both subtle warmth or more aggressive overdrive.
- Link: Voxengo Tube Amp
6. Variety of Sound – NastyDLA
- Platform: Windows
- Type: Delay with Saturation
- Description: While primarily a delay plugin, NastyDLA is known for its subtle saturation and warmth. It can be used creatively for adding texture and richness to your sound.
- Link: NastyDLA
7. Faturator (Free Version)
- Platform: Windows, macOS
- Type: Saturation, Distortion
- Description: Faturator adds warm harmonic distortion and can be used to fatten up your sound. The free version offers plenty of options for shaping your tone.
- Link: Faturator Free
8. CamelCrusher
- Platform: Windows, macOS
- Type: Distortion, Saturation
- Description: CamelCrusher is a classic and popular free plugin for adding both subtle and aggressive distortion and saturation. It’s versatile and comes with preset options for ease of use.
- Link: CamelCrusher
9. Overloud Tapes
- Platform: Windows, macOS
- Type: Tape Saturation
- Description: Overloud Tapes provides a rich analog tape sound with added warmth and subtle saturation. The free version offers enough controls to create a variety of tones.
- Link: Overloud Tapes Free
10. Mellowmuse SATV
- Platform: Windows, macOS
- Type: Saturation
- Description: SATV is designed to add smooth saturation with natural compression to your tracks. It has a straightforward interface, offering a simple way to add warmth to your sound.
- Link: Mellowmuse SATV
11. Audio Damage – AD044 Rough Rider 3
- Platform: Windows, macOS
- Type: Compressor with Saturation
- Description: Although primarily a compressor, Rough Rider adds some analog-like saturation and warmth to your sounds. It’s easy to use and great for adding punch to drums and other elements.
- Link: Rough Rider 3
These plugins offer a variety of saturation types, including tape, tube, and digital distortion, allowing you to add character, warmth, and vintage vibes to your tracks without breaking the bank. Many of these also work well in conjunction with each other—experiment with layering them for more complex results!
By the Stealify Team!
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