Saturation is a powerful technique in music production that can breathe life into your tracks, adding warmth, sustain, and character. Here is how saturation can be used to enhance drums using the BB N105, an emulation of the Neve 8078 console in Blackbird Studio A.

 

Adding Sustain and Grit to Drums

Saturation can be a game-changer for drums that lack life and presence. Instead of reaching for reverb or multiple busses, using a saturator can add the desired sustain and character. In a recent session, producer Sam Loose at N.A. Studios demonstrated how to achieve this using the BB N105.

 

Enhancing the Snare

The snare is often the backbone of a drum track, and adding saturation can significantly impact its sustain and tone.

 

Initial Setup:

- Without Saturation: The snare sounded decent but lacked sustain and life.
- With Saturation: Using the BB N105, Sam activated the saturation by clicking the mic button, which introduces the mic preamp sound. This helps the snare break up slightly, adding sustain and grit.

 

Adjusting Gain:

- Manual Gain Control: By adjusting the gain control, the amount of saturation was increased, bringing out more sustain and top-end grit.
- Auto Gain Function: Enabling the auto gain function helped level match the input and output, ensuring a balanced sound.

 

A/B Comparison:

- Before and After: The snare gained noticeable sustain and presence, sounding more vibrant and full.

 

Transforming the Kick

The kick drum also benefits from saturation, gaining body and presence in the mix.

 

Without Saturation:

- Initial Sound: The kick was lackluster and flat.

 

With Saturation and EQ:

- Saturation: Applying saturation added body and sustain.
- EQ Adjustments: Boosting the high end (around 4.5k) by 11.7 dB and cutting some bottom-end prevented distortion and enhanced the overall tone.
- Before and After: The kick sounded fuller and more defined, with added slap and airiness.

 

Using Saturation on Synths

Saturation isn't limited to drums; it can also add sustain and presence to synths and other elements in your mix.

 

Synth Lead and Beep Sound:

- Application: Applying saturation to the synth lead and beeping sound added sustain and a subtle sheen, making them more present in the mix.
- Adjustments: Minimal EQ adjustments were needed, as the saturation alone provided the desired effect.

 

Full Mix A/B Comparison

Listening to the full mix before and after applying the BB N105 to the kick, snare, and synths showcased how saturation brought the entire track to life. The drums gained sustain and presence, while the synths stood out with added character.

 

Conclusion

Saturation is a versatile tool in music production, capable of adding grit, sustain, and presence to your tracks. The BB N105 demonstrates how effective saturation can be in enhancing a mix. Whether you're working on drums, synths, or other elements, experimenting with saturation can take your productions to the next level.