Quad Saturator by IK Multimedia 4-band saturation plugin interface

Quad Saturator: 4-Band Saturation Plugin by IK Multimedia

Rated 4.6/5 on Plugin Boutique (11 ratings)

Quad Saturator is a 4-band saturation plugin from IK Multimedia that splits the signal into four frequency bands, each with its own saturation algorithm, drive, tone and level controls.

VST3VST2AUAAXWindowsmacOS64-bit
AVAILABLE ATPlugin Boutique
Opens the store in a new tab
01Overview

Quad Saturator is built for shaping the harmonic character of a mix by frequency band. Band Splitting Sliders divide the audio into four bands, and each one can be set to a different saturation type and adjusted for drive, tone and output level. The Output section blends the processed signal with the dry signal and sets the overall level. Envelope follower modulation adds dynamic control over how the saturation responds to the input.

Best for

  • Mix bus warmth
  • Bass saturation
  • Drum bus distortion
  • Vocal harmonic texture
  • Dynamic saturation
Developer
IK Multimedia
Category
Saturation
Store
Plugin Boutique
02Key features

What you get

  • Four frequency bands, each with independent saturation settings
  • Five saturation algorithms selectable per band
  • Drive, tone and level controls for every band
  • Bleed control for smoother blending between bands
  • Power and solo switches for each band
  • Envelope follower modulation with adjustable attack and release
  • Output section with dry/wet blend and overall level
03In depth

Per-Band Saturation Control

Quad Saturator divides the signal into four frequency bands, and each band has its own controls for drive, tone and level. Five saturation algorithms are available, so you can give low, low-mid, high-mid and high frequencies distinct distortion characters within one plugin.

Band power and solo switches let you audition or isolate a single band while you set it. A bleed control smooths the blend between neighboring bands, which helps avoid hard transitions where the bands meet.

Dynamic Modulation and Output Blending

Envelope followers let the saturation respond to the level of the incoming audio. Attack and release times are adjustable, so you can tune how quickly the effect reacts to transients and how long it lingers afterward.

The Output section blends between dry and wet signal and provides overall level control, so you can keep the saturated sound in balance with the original track.

04Specs

Will it run?

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

DeveloperIK Multimedia
TypePlugin
CategorySaturation
FormatsVST3, VST2, AU, AAX
Operating systemsWindows, macOS
Architecture64-bit
05FAQ

Questions, answered

What formats does Quad Saturator support?

Quad Saturator is available in VST3, VST2, AU and AAX formats. The AU format is supported on macOS, and AAX and VST formats are supported on both macOS and Windows.

Which operating systems does Quad Saturator run on?

Quad Saturator runs on Windows and macOS. On Mac it requires macOS 10.10 or newer, and on Windows it requires Windows 7 or newer, both as 64-bit versions.

What do I need to run Quad Saturator on Windows?

On Windows you need a 64-bit system with an Intel Core 2 Duo or AMD Athlon 64 X2 processor and 4 GB of RAM (8 GB suggested). An ASIO-compatible sound card is required.

07Developer

More from IK Multimedia

All IK Multimedia products →