Topics / Bitwig Studio / Bitwig Audio FX / Saturator

Saturator

Saturator is Bitwig's distortion and harmonics processor for adding weight, color, and controlled drive.

Use this topic for Saturator guides and posts that use Bitwig's built-in saturation effect.

Also matches: Bitwig Saturator, Saturator

Posts in this topic

Bitwig Saturator Device - Distortion, Wave Shaping, Harmonics and Saturation
Bitwig Guide Bitwig Saturator Device - Distortion, Wave Shaping, Harmonics and Saturation

In this video, I explore Bitwig Studio’s Saturator device, explaining how it shapes audio signals using a customizable transfer function to add harmonics and distortion. I demonstrate its impact on waveforms, different settings, and real sounds, highlighting features like gating, wave folding, and the importance of harmonics for adding richness to audio. The video offers a practical guide for musicians to better understand and creatively use the Saturator in music production.

Explaining the Saturator in Bidig Studio: How It Works and What It Does
Tutorial Explaining the Saturator in Bidig Studio: How It Works and What It Does

In this video, I discussed how the saturator in Bidig Studio works and how it can be used to enhance sound. I showed how the wave shaper works by changing the yellow line, and how the DC offset device creates a sound when modulated at audio rate. I also discussed the transfer function and how it can be used to change the wave shape of the signal in the positive and negative ranges. I then demonstrated the folding function and how it can be used to create a gate effect. Finally, I showed how the saturator can be used to add harmonics and make a sound more present, such as on a kick drum.

Oxford Inflator in Bitwig and how it works
Tutorial Oxford Inflator in Bitwig and how it works

In this video, I demonstrate how to replicate the Oxford Inflator plugin inside Bitwig Studio. While the Oxford Inflator is essentially just a soft clipper or saturator, I attempted to copy its curve as closely as possible. I provide a free preset for Bitwig Studio users to achieve a similar effect with options like the FX filter plus device, bipolar/unipolar options, or the saturator with a soft knee.

Bitwig Studio 3.2: Overview and New Features
Tutorial Bitwig Studio 3.2: Overview and New Features

In this video, I give an overview of the new features and additions to Bitwig Studio 3.2 beta. The biggest addition is the new EQ Plus device, which allows for easy EQ adjustments without the need to open a new window. Other additions include a new spectrum analyzer with a customizable slope, a saturator with an expander feature, and new options for selector devices. The arpeggiator and polygrid also have new features, such as randomized starting offsets and an interpolation option. Additionally, there is a new module called the array, which allows users to store and retrieve values at specific indexes. Overall, the new features are useful and enhance the flexibility of Bitwig Studio.

Topos Saturator Plugin
Tutorial Topos Saturator Plugin

In this video, I introduced Topos, a new saturation distortion plugin with unique features like a topological view for creating custom distortion curves and detailed module settings for the input filter, amplifier simulation, and speaker simulation. While I appreciate the plugin's design and sound quality, I found the behavior of the settings window slightly annoying as it automatically reverts to the wave view. Despite this minor issue, I recommended downloading the demo version, Topos Play, to try it out, as it's lightweight, affordable, and doesn't require iLok.