The Saturation Knob is also available as a free Propellerhead Reason Rack Extension. On Windows, they’re stored inside Program Files inside a folder called Softube (basically, the same arrangement, but bundled in a folder rather than in an app). The trick: On OS X, if you don’t use these other Softube plug-ins, after you’ve set up this plug-in just delete the program in your Applications folder called “Softube Plug-Ins Control (VST AU AAX).app” – the extra plug-ins (1 GB of them) are all inside that app.

But select just the Saturation Knob, (and any other demos or tools you own, if you want them), and you’re fine. So, what’s the catch? Well, you get a big installer with all the Softube plug-ins. I was surprised that I didn’t have to give up my email address. Installation is a breeze you don’t need an iLok or anything like that. See the download page, select your platform, and go. Previously available to PreSonus and Avid customers, you can now run Saturation Knob as a VST, VST3, Audio Units, RTAS, AAX Native, or AAX DSP on OS X or Windows.

Here, Softube’s given us something simple that might get a whole lot of use.Īnd it’s compatible with more or less everything. The funny thing about paid commercial products is that, sometimes, they’re more complex than you need. Toss some saturation on just one drum part in a drum rack, for instance, or sauce up a bassline. I’m routinely using their stuff, as I’m sure many of you are, in Ableton and Propellerhead releases on top of dedicated Universal Audio UAD plug-ins.īut having the convenience of a single saturation effect, with adjustable parameters, means you can create custom effect chains quickly.

Softube are making, simply put, some of the best amp and saturation models anywhere. On top of an excellent free NI delay, a free clap plug-in, and a free retro-inspired Max for Live drum machine, now you can add a free saturation effect – anywhere.

Softube plugin free