GRIT (saturation) module

The GRIT module provides smooth, one-knob, frequency saturation operation for adding just the right amount of tube warmth to any track.

Use GRIT anywhere you need some grit. Use it to fatten up bass lines, add harmonics and shimmer to vocals, or squash a drum loop.

Figure 263. GRIT (saturation) module.

A. Clipping LED B. GRIT enable/disable C. GRIT 

The GRIT module contains the following controls:

Clipping LED. Shows if the input signal to the GRIT module is clipping. If there is any distortion in the MixStrip signal chain, the clipping LEDs let you identify where the clipping occurs.

GRIT enable/disable . Enables/disables the GRIT module.

GRIT. Adjusts the amount of saturation. Increase saturation to get better definition in the bass and get some edge in vocal tracks. The GRIT knob range goes from a warm tube sound to more of a modern amp overdrive.

What is tape saturation?

Tape saturation occurs when you try to record too loud and varying signal levels onto magnetic tape for it to accurately reproduce, whereby the input signal is no longer directly proportional to the recorded signal. During playback, the tape reproduces less energy than was originally there, which is the saturation effect. Recording engineers often experience this as a result of trying to record a signal that is loud enough to overcome ever-present tape hiss.

Unlike digital distortion, analog tape saturation can sound pleasing in the right situations, especially on drums. Analog tape signals will compress if the tape begins to saturate.

Tape saturation adds subtle non-linear distortion, compression and EQ, which can add grittiness and bottom end to your tracks. This is often perceived as “punch” and “warmth”.

 

See:

MixStrip

Using MixStrip

MixStrip controls

Curve EQ module

MAX (volume maximizer) module

SPACE (reverb/ambience) module