Overstayer M-A-S saturation plugin interface by Softube

Overstayer M-A-S: Harmonic Saturation Plugin by Softube

Rated 4.8/5 on Plugin Boutique (95 ratings)

Overstayer M-A-S is a saturation plugin by Softube, modeled on the Overstayer hardware unit, for harmonic shaping, adding energy to tracks and buses, and increasing apparent volume without compression timing artifacts.

VST3VST2AUAAXRTASWindowsmacOS64-bit

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01Overview

Overstayer M-A-S is Softube's software version of the Overstayer hardware saturation unit, built in collaboration with designer Jeff Turzo. It is offered as two plugins, M-A-S and the more detailed M-A-S Extended, plus modules for Amp Room and Modular. The plugins focus on harmonic shaping and peak control, and they are intended for use on individual tracks, buses, mix buses and masters.

Best for

Bus glue and mix bus saturation
Adding energy to tracks
Vocal presence and clarity
Guitar amp boost
Synth thickening
Replacing light compression or limiting

Developer: Softube
Category: Saturation
Store: Plugin Boutique

02Key features

What you get

Two saturation plugins: M-A-S and M-A-S Extended
Component modeled after the M-A-S hardware unit
Officially licensed, created with Jeff Turzo and Overstayer
Six emphasis types in M-A-S, including Treble and Bass Distortion
4-band parametric emphasis EQ in M-A-S Extended
12 dB/octave resonant low and high-pass filters in M-A-S Extended
Auto Gain and To Dry input level compensation
Dual and 2ND modes for added energy and harmonic complexity

03In depth

Sound and Harmonic Character

M-A-S includes six emphasis types. Classic M-A-S keeps the fundamentals clean and focuses on the mid and upper ranges. Low Bandwidth concentrates on the high and low frequencies, while Low Presence targets upper-midrange vocal frequencies for clarity. High Presence adds shimmer and air, Bass Distortion thins the bass without touching the highs, and Treble Distortion adds a tape-like smoothing quality.

Dual mode adds a second discrete stage in series, spreading the load across both stages for a more complex harmonic character. The 2ND mode shifts the circuit toward stronger secondary harmonics to brighten the distorted sound.

M-A-S Extended Controls

M-A-S Extended is aimed at deeper harmonic shaping. It adds resonant high-pass and low-pass filters with a 12 dB/octave slope and a fully flexible 4-band emphasis EQ with two shelves and two bells. This lets you sculpt custom distortion types instead of choosing from preset emphasis types.

Auto Gain and To Dry input compensation keep levels consistent while you adjust the drive.

04Specs

Will it run?

Formats, systems and requirements as listed by Plugin Boutique. Missing details are left out, not guessed.

Developer	Softube
Type	Plugin
Category	Saturation
Formats	VST3, VST2, AU, AAX, RTAS
Operating systems	Windows, macOS
Architecture	64-bit

05FAQ

Questions, answered

What formats does Overstayer M-A-S support?

Overstayer M-A-S is available in VST3, VST2, AU, AAX and RTAS formats. The RTAS and TDM/VENUE formats are no longer supported, and AAX DSP is not in active development.

Which operating systems does M-A-S run on?

M-A-S runs on Windows and macOS. Windows 10 (64-bit) or Windows 11 and macOS Big Sur 11, Monterey 12 or Ventura 13 are listed as supported.

What do I need to use Overstayer M-A-S?

You need a compatible 64-bit host such as Pro Tools, Logic Pro, Cubase, Ableton Live, Studio One or Reaper, a Softube account, and an iLok account. The installer does not include the iLok License Manager, which must be downloaded separately from ilok.com.