What is tube/tape saturation?

[abyssofdreams]

Reading a lot on tube and tape saturation lately I wonder why it is such an important factor in getting a good sound...

I understand that it colors the overall sound, makes it warmer, more tubelike but can somebody provide some before/after example clips or what it actually does?

Also, I see a lot of people use it in mastering/ on the 2bus, what's the effect there?

 

[Ihsahn1981]

Often it actually ads distortion.

When digital consoles came and you could get a 100% clean signal they actually discovered that it just sounded too perfect. It was something about the way the tubes added distortion on the signal that made it sound better. More natural in a way.

Im no expert on this field by far but thats the word around the campfire

 

[Torniojaws]

It's the same thing as tube guitar amp vs. solid state guitar amp. While transistors are technically better, they don't sound as good as tubes do when overdriven. Transistors will be harsh, while tubes add very nice and rich harmonics and ear-pleasing compression.

 

[AudioGeekZine]

It seems to make everything you put it on more exciting and vibrant, too much can be harsh though. It is distortion of course.
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