How To Use Saturation Like a Pro

Ironically EQ is the most important factor determining the tone of saturation. Balancing a sound before and after distortion is the most important technique for getting a good tone. In this video I talk about some of the theory and methods for sculpting a sound so that it sounds good distorted.
Check out my music: / iamsseb
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How To Use Saturation Like a Pro
► Timestamps
00:00 - Intro
0:49 - Nature is a Lowpass Filter
4:49 - Saturation Products
8:46 - Picking and Choosing Harmonics
14:19 - Perception of Different Frequencies
15:05 - Commutativity
15:32 - Frequency Interactions

Пікірлер: 354

  • @justingriffin36
    @justingriffin362 жыл бұрын

    Dude, please produce more content. Your videos are so well done. You're not just spouting out a bunch of super basic production tips, and you can actually manage to explain complex topics in a very clear way. Keep it up, man!

  • @sseb_music

    @sseb_music

    2 жыл бұрын

    Will do, more videos on the way. Thanks for the comment!

  • @mr.w7803

    @mr.w7803

    Жыл бұрын

    Agreed, I found your saturation video first and it was super helpful, though I’d also suggest moving a little slower/explaining more on some of the deeper bits towards the end

  • @mr.w7803

    @mr.w7803

    Жыл бұрын

    I also subscribed about a minute or two in, great content :)

  • @cbrooks0905

    @cbrooks0905

    Жыл бұрын

    @@mr.w7803 yes, a little slower would be nice. These concepts are a bit complex, and I find myself still thinking about one thing, trying to piece it all together in my mind, and he's already off to the next bit. lol Really good content though. This is just what I need to level up my comprehension of everything I'm trying to achieve when producing/mixing. P.S. This method reminds me of boosting into compression. I've never thought about boosting into saturation. Definitely going to have to watch this one again.

  • @austinrossitter2880

    @austinrossitter2880

    10 ай бұрын

    @@cbrooks0905 I respect what you're saying but I'd prefer if he kept it fast! That's what the pause button is for, I feel like you can view this video like a textbook that guides your research if you truly want to learn the concepts

  • @ywenp
    @ywenp Жыл бұрын

    I really love the level of detail you put into your videos. You really are adding something to the music prod youtube game. Here's some contribution :) Please carry on! We need more people daring to say things like "Saturation and EQ don't commute".

  • @dedik8SKB
    @dedik8SKB Жыл бұрын

    It seems rare to come across a channel suited for learning concepts above a basic beginner level. I hope you continue making these videos! You are an excellent teacher and illustrate concepts in a clear visual and verbal way. Good job!

  • @CTravaglini
    @CTravaglini2 жыл бұрын

    It is incredibly refreshing to find a channel where the presenter has an deep intimate knowledge of the topic their discussing, rather than giving surface level hype without the goods to back it up. This week alone I've seen this topic covered by Eric Valentine, Recording Lounge podcast, and now you. Each with your own unique take on the matter. You absolutely nailed it here, please please keep it up!!

  • @bartondisplay
    @bartondisplay2 жыл бұрын

    One of the few tutorial creators who actually teaches you something valuable. Great vid, sseb!

  • @123string4
    @123string42 жыл бұрын

    Yet another amazing video, you’re the only youtuber who explains stuff in a concise and interesting way. Keep it up man you’re the next Dan Worrall

  • @sseb_music

    @sseb_music

    2 жыл бұрын

    Thank you, I appreciate it. I really like Dan Worrall's videos

  • @shanonkiyoshi4784

    @shanonkiyoshi4784

    2 жыл бұрын

    Damn Straight!

  • @keveydaking

    @keveydaking

    Жыл бұрын

    For me, I forget information unless I know the why. I remember my driving instructor saying noone had ever asked so many questions. I forget all my notes and until I've watched this guy I start to "remember" very easily

  • @draghmar
    @draghmar2 жыл бұрын

    I thought you're gone, great to hear you again

  • @shortbusheros4
    @shortbusheros42 жыл бұрын

    It's so refreshing to see a channel that talks about the literal behavior of sound and how to manipulate it in an intelligent manner. I'm really tired of other tutorials that utilize the philosophy of "just use your ears". Like I get it, using your ears is important but I want to be informed on what exactly it is I am doing when I'm tweaking settings. That way I can make decisions based on actionable predictions and not have to be stuck in settings-tweaking-limbo banging my head, hoping, pleading that I miraculously land on some sort of useable tone that works well within my mix. Thank you for making such informative videos!

  • @trevan5035
    @trevan5035 Жыл бұрын

    This channel feels like the gateway between the basic "Top 10 Tips" tutorials and the Professional Masterclasses that go over my head. Thanks for the great content, man!

  • @joshmorgenlander8800
    @joshmorgenlander88002 жыл бұрын

    In utter disbelief at the quality of these videos. As a science-oriented musician, I appreciate the depth of your explanations. Knowing the why and the how is so important when making musical decisions. Thanks for posting (and for posting on r/edmproduction)!

  • @papybretzel9394
    @papybretzel9394 Жыл бұрын

    Dude I'm a guitarist for like 15+ years now and I just understood guitar tones. Your vids are pure gold. Thanks a lot, I mean it

  • @carterleynes6380
    @carterleynes6380 Жыл бұрын

    Nice to see a video by someone truly knowledgeable. Too many reviewers out there don't really understand things and they use made up words and practices based on a misunderstanding of how things work.

  • @Pattarns_Music
    @Pattarns_Music2 жыл бұрын

    This is some rare knowledge. Makes me feel smarter already! The kind of stuff most producers never find out, thanks so much! Insane production value from the start and you're still keeping it up, respect.

  • @player042
    @player0422 жыл бұрын

    You explain everything so thoroughly and clearly! Showing how chaining together multiple saturations and eqs turn into a guitar amp really helped me understand what a difference shaping the signal can have.

  • @SimonAudiosuite
    @SimonAudiosuite2 жыл бұрын

    Amazing video! Looking forward to the next one

  • @MYGAS21
    @MYGAS212 жыл бұрын

    This information blew my mind....AND confirmed a hunch I had: That somewere there is a guitar distortion sound no one has ever heard of. Now back to listening to it again for the nth time....!

  • @tarekwayne9193

    @tarekwayne9193

    Жыл бұрын

    Yours??

  • @MYGAS21

    @MYGAS21

    Жыл бұрын

    @@tarekwayne9193 LOL! I'm working on it honey bun.

  • @shanonkiyoshi4784
    @shanonkiyoshi47842 жыл бұрын

    Oh My FREAKIN' God, how does a Channel THIS AWESOME fly under the Radar?!?! 🤔 I've got nuthin' but LOVE for what you are Doing here! This is AMAZING. I've Literally watched THOUSANDS of Hours of KZread Mixing Tutorials and I wish I had found YOUR CHANNEL on my FIRST day 🤯... PLEASE Post More. There are ppl out here who are Definitely LOOKING for YOUR Content! Do you have a Patreon Account? I'm totally down to FUND more of your Insights & Explanations. Again: Thank You, man! Hopefully you are doing well during this Pandemic. And if you have any music to listen to Please Share that Info as well 😎👍

  • @OdoSendaidokai
    @OdoSendaidokai2 жыл бұрын

    Again a phenomenal tutorial!And perfect timed. Thank you 🌻

  • @andrewcrawford5121
    @andrewcrawford51212 жыл бұрын

    Dude i just found your channel last night and was blown away by the quality of your content. Then I saw that you stopped posting on like everything and got super discouraged, very next morning you drop a new video and im so fuckin happy now

  • @poochfazos
    @poochfazos Жыл бұрын

    yo idk how you don't have like a million subs. insane amount of information with great quality for free.

  • @manthosdamigos
    @manthosdamigos Жыл бұрын

    Your videos are simply amazing... It's sad that you didn't make more! I love the way you explain, and the depth that you go - it's just the right amount!

  • @fretvisionadmin6075
    @fretvisionadmin60752 жыл бұрын

    Amazing stuff, keep it coming! We need the next video!!!

  • @ringoman08
    @ringoman082 жыл бұрын

    Man i hate waiting for your videos! Seriously enjoying every sec while learning. 🙏🏼

  • @MartilnMusic
    @MartilnMusic2 жыл бұрын

    Back and slaying it yet again! The amount of effort you put into these videos is amazing dude, can’t wait for the next one! 🙌

  • @MerajTypeBeat
    @MerajTypeBeat2 жыл бұрын

    Amazing videos! Really informative and well put together! Keep em coming! Got my sub! 🔥💯🙏🏽

  • @noharahien
    @noharahien2 жыл бұрын

    this is amazing. hardly seen insightful contents like this on yt and you really done them well!

  • @mjbsmusic
    @mjbsmusic2 жыл бұрын

    Man, what a wealth of useful knowledge! Fantastic tutorial 👍🏻

  • @johndunn7733
    @johndunn77332 жыл бұрын

    Hell yeah sseb!! Thanks for another great vid my dude!!

  • @TheFactoryOfMusic
    @TheFactoryOfMusic2 жыл бұрын

    good stuff! underrated channel, you 100% deserve waaaay more traffic

  • @deletedchannelname7426
    @deletedchannelname74262 жыл бұрын

    Back with a banger. No one does what you do man, thank you.

  • @NACHECHAN
    @NACHECHAN2 жыл бұрын

    Amazing mate, keep up the great content!

  • @tristanwh9466
    @tristanwh94662 жыл бұрын

    These videos are truly incredible, thank you for making them :)

  • @jacobendersby7252
    @jacobendersby72522 жыл бұрын

    This was the most informative video on saturation I've ever watched! Definitely subscribing to your content.

  • @Brendude8
    @Brendude82 жыл бұрын

    I can't believe I just watched this for free

  • @hernandoando
    @hernandoando2 жыл бұрын

    Happy to discover your channel man, please continue like this!

  • @djvoid1
    @djvoid12 жыл бұрын

    Been waiting for this one

  • @odealianaffairs9001
    @odealianaffairs90012 жыл бұрын

    Sick!! a new upload. KZread needs more detailed content like this. Looking forward to more uploads.

  • @arkstarmusic
    @arkstarmusic2 жыл бұрын

    Came back to this video after a couple days to leave this comment. Your "saturation in stages" technique really improved my sound design and has my mixes feeling much fuller. In addition, your explanations are very professional and easy to understand. I feel like I have such a better grasp of the types of saturation, and the harmonics they create. Can't believe this stuff is free, and can't wait for more videos. Well done!

  • @birthdaydog1244
    @birthdaydog12442 жыл бұрын

    dude!! you’re literally the most in detail teacher ive ever found on youtube or anywhere else you really do a great job at creating a really cohesive lesson with chapters broken up in a way to help people better understand ive been learning from tons of people for years just observing and putting things into practice but ive always been looking for someone who breaks down more of the science of waveforms and harmonics not many go this deep and its extremely needed. ill be keeping up with your channel. rock on and thank you

  • @zaiaku3430
    @zaiaku3430 Жыл бұрын

    I just stumbled upon your videos and this is EXTREMELY informative and explains a lot of things very clearly. I'm really hoping to see more videos from you cause this is excellent material especially if anyone needs to brush up on fundamentals and or expand on them. Great work

  • @samkenny3075
    @samkenny30752 жыл бұрын

    Fascinating and immediately applicable-- thanks so much!

  • @heartpath1
    @heartpath1 Жыл бұрын

    Crushing it. You’re born to do this dude.

  • @sethohman2
    @sethohman29 ай бұрын

    Love your content man, really good stuff!

  • @somethingsomething3248
    @somethingsomething3248 Жыл бұрын

    Holy crap man! This a such a detailed and complete look at what saturation actually is and what it's actually doing. I've been watching a lot of videos on saturation recently and I've definitely been understanding the fundamentals of how to use it and in what contexts, but this video truly opened my eyes to the depth of what is really going on. Thanks for taking the time to make this and for pulling back the curtain for us newbies!

  • @deaftra
    @deaftra2 жыл бұрын

    Very good and deep information about distortion/saturation, thanks Sseb !

  • @nerdexproject
    @nerdexproject2 жыл бұрын

    Dude man this is sick content! I will share it man! I hope ppl will notice you more in the future! :)

  • @mysterytheproducer6583
    @mysterytheproducer6583 Жыл бұрын

    All the videos I've seen from you have been the most informative and scientific approach to production/mixing/mastering!

  • @mellow_frequencies
    @mellow_frequencies24 күн бұрын

    Thanks a lot for these vids man, such high quality and detailed. Very much appreciated! 🙏

  • @QuabmasM
    @QuabmasM Жыл бұрын

    Simpler way to say all of this: saturation plugins have a threshold & the more dynamic louder frequencies in a signal are whats hitting the threshold first thus distorting first & more than the other frequencies as they come in later as you continue to raise the signal into the threshold. The interesting & mystical part of all this is how doing this adds harmonics & thus adds harmonic volume w/o raising the dynamic volume.

  • @RichardPhilbin
    @RichardPhilbin2 жыл бұрын

    This is my new favorite channel.

  • @dox1755
    @dox17552 жыл бұрын

    Its been a minute, glad you back man !

  • @dox1755

    @dox1755

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@sseb_music Lets go !

  • @sub-jec-tiv
    @sub-jec-tiv Жыл бұрын

    Thanks for this all-killer no-filler video. The advice about multi-stage distortion is super helpful. And we now have amazing options for those stages. I deeply love the recent improvement in digital models of analog saturation. Besides fancy math (P42 Climax, Softube stuff) i also really love Acustica’s recent saturation plugins (their tech is based on convolution). It really sounds like we’re finally getting proper analog-style saturation in the box. And i’m stoked.

  • @Scrarf4
    @Scrarf4 Жыл бұрын

    This channel is PURE GOLD!

  • @Artersa
    @Artersa2 жыл бұрын

    This is awesome stuff, you’re a great explainer PLUS the graphs make all the difference for visual learners like myself.

  • @SuperMonibuvy
    @SuperMonibuvy2 жыл бұрын

    Yes hes back! Been looking forward to your return

  • @MetalSlug-ev5wu
    @MetalSlug-ev5wu2 жыл бұрын

    Genuinely one of the most useful mixing tips I’ve ever received.

  • @JeiShian
    @JeiShian Жыл бұрын

    I've been learning from many people over 10 years and you are my favourite, along with Dan Worral. I never expected to find anyone who is as good as him🙏🙏 hope you will be back to make more. I've finished watching all your videos

  • @RobertRyda
    @RobertRyda10 ай бұрын

    Like once again! You are digging deep and deeper than many! I thank you for that since I have not had many of these theory-based-schience-based educational explanations ;) Respect!

  • @eranlerer9709
    @eranlerer97092 жыл бұрын

    Amazing content, thanks for the low-level deep dive!

  • @ericchinchilla9805
    @ericchinchilla9805 Жыл бұрын

    this is brilliant. great blend of technical & functional teaching

  • @AaronZuniga617
    @AaronZuniga6172 ай бұрын

    This has been one of the most helpful videos I’ve ever watched thank you so much!!!

  • @ChaiMingze
    @ChaiMingze2 жыл бұрын

    You are the BEST, really needs more recognization

  • @giantessmaria
    @giantessmaria2 ай бұрын

    dude, your channel is pure gold! thanks much, look forward to more of your brilliant teaching!

  • @gershommaes902
    @gershommaes90211 ай бұрын

    I love and appreciate the balance of technical/nerdy and practical advice

  • @morgan_lane_music
    @morgan_lane_music3 ай бұрын

    I just stumbled across your channel and I honestly can't get enough. PLEASE make more of these videos! A video on compression would be dope!

  • @thomasjeffery
    @thomasjeffery Жыл бұрын

    I like how you went over EQ emphasis and de-emphasis towards the end. One of my favorite tricks in mixing.

  • @MusicByKanak
    @MusicByKanak2 жыл бұрын

    Mans returned

  • @MusicByKanak

    @MusicByKanak

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@sseb_music types of synthesis. Fm am granular wavetable etc anytime soon??

  • @MusicByKanak

    @MusicByKanak

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@sseb_music sure man! All the best and keep it up ♥️

  • @amrit8003
    @amrit80032 жыл бұрын

    Aye we missed you man! Great video! Tons of Knowledge!

  • @sseb_music

    @sseb_music

    2 жыл бұрын

    Heya! Thank you so much brother

  • @hashi6160
    @hashi61602 жыл бұрын

    when you've liked the video before it even started but want to like it again after you've watched it

  • @nelsoncolereis4058
    @nelsoncolereis40583 ай бұрын

    Wow, these videos are eye opening! Very valuable. Thanks a lot!

  • @kenn3250
    @kenn32502 жыл бұрын

    Great vid, subscribed.

  • @TheTeacherMusic
    @TheTeacherMusic Жыл бұрын

    The ways you just described making peaks before distortion is the exact way we make kicks in the harderstyles (hardstyle, raw hardstyle, hardcore, uptempo hardcore, etc) Make a peak for the punch and a peak for the sub bass, distort and repeat until you have a ear drum blasting kick

  • @earlymorning00
    @earlymorning002 жыл бұрын

    This is amazing. Thank you so much. I hope you keep going with your content, there is nothing like it.

  • @DVRSTBEATS

    @DVRSTBEATS

    2 жыл бұрын

    earlymorning, U R Gay

  • @hrantarzumanyan3144
    @hrantarzumanyan3144 Жыл бұрын

    Just in love with this math heavy and thorough videos!! Please release moore

  • @kaylabification
    @kaylabification10 ай бұрын

    Bro I've been producing for almost 2 years and this has been the best most clear way to understand saturation ive found so far. Good on you man

  • @DirtyMike124x
    @DirtyMike124xАй бұрын

    Wow you are something else man. Thank you 🥺 i cant wait to check out more!! You are so great at explanation!

  • @lowspotsound721
    @lowspotsound7212 жыл бұрын

    this is one of the best videos ever made on electronic music on KZread imo

  • @niallocarroll3286
    @niallocarroll328611 ай бұрын

    Great to see audio advice that is solidly grounded in acoustics. 😊

  • @jefffromphilsfruits3891
    @jefffromphilsfruits38912 жыл бұрын

    you're the best thank you, can't believe this only has 6000 views its gold

  • @zkassai.audio.2
    @zkassai.audio.29 ай бұрын

    If every teacher I've ever had explained things the way you do, I'd be omniscient by now. Holy shit, sseb. You're not simply conveying *knowledge*, but *UNDERSTANDING* - that elusive feeling like you "know" the subject not the way you know a word, but the way you know a close friend. Holy shit sseb.

  • @GlitchmanVGM
    @GlitchmanVGM Жыл бұрын

    Amazing! This is the best video on saturation I've ever seen! 😃

  • @420npc
    @420npc4 ай бұрын

    This was excellent. Bravo

  • @BenCaesar
    @BenCaesar Жыл бұрын

    Dude this was an amazing video!!! I learnt the hard way about keeping sub/low frequencies clean. Had to score a live show and keeping the low end clean actually gave it more presence and impact. Kind of counter intuitive especially for modern producers who have to distort in order for a mix to cut through on mobile devices.

  • @giant22
    @giant222 жыл бұрын

    big up! really great content... one of the best yet!

  • @sseb_music

    @sseb_music

    2 жыл бұрын

    Thank you glad it's useful to you, is there any topic you'd like a video about?

  • @giant22

    @giant22

    2 жыл бұрын

    @sseb hard question! Let me think about it... 3d spectrumanalyser maybe... or maybe stereo information in the lows/how to use stereo information in music... the most common in electronic music is "totally mono below 120hz" - but I see and hear really different opinions that all seems to be more subject and not really fundationed like you are doing your "investigation"... (and by the way, what is that crazy saturation rack containing exactly... killes that serum wooble! was impressing mate!)... Peace and keep up the good work!

  • @giant22

    @giant22

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@sseb_music sounds great! (yes, should be time I guess... I never got my head around it - e.g. in Izotopes Insights, take a look, you will know what I mean instantly)

  • @racman9964
    @racman99644 ай бұрын

    Man, you are a gem for those who want to understand the fundamentals of sound theory! Amazing stuff. Hope you are doing well

  • @Sthorm
    @Sthorm2 жыл бұрын

    thank you so much for this video, holy sh!t this is so useful, you are truly amazing. keep up the good work!

  • @samchoate1719
    @samchoate17197 ай бұрын

    what you did with that DI guitar was absolute madness dude. That was very impressed. This video ties in nicely with the Jim Lill video on guitar amps too!

  • @ParanormalBanana
    @ParanormalBanana Жыл бұрын

    You have to keep making videos, man. great stuff

  • @aaronspaythsound
    @aaronspaythsound Жыл бұрын

    Really, really great stuff here... Thanks!

  • @rugosotv
    @rugosotv2 жыл бұрын

    Hell yeah, he's back 😁

  • @papajohn7606
    @papajohn7606 Жыл бұрын

    Your content is so outstandingly valuable.

  • @MrDisrupta
    @MrDisrupta2 жыл бұрын

    First video I've seen of you. Immediate sub

  • @JulienFade
    @JulienFade Жыл бұрын

    Bro, insane! First time hearing this and I'm 6+ years into producing. Changed everything.

  • @ShroobyBunz
    @ShroobyBunz2 жыл бұрын

    The question I’ve been asking for years…. No one has ever answered me… till now. This video is a godsend. Earned a sub, and my damn loyalty ladd. Thank you incredibly much.

  • @sseb_music

    @sseb_music

    2 жыл бұрын

    Thank you I appreciate it! Just out of curiosity what was the question you had that this video helped with?

  • @ShroobyBunz

    @ShroobyBunz

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@sseb_music Honestly the basic "What is saturation and How do I use it" I always got the answer, "saturation will add more harmonic distortion in areas where it didn't previously exist or perceive well." but that never fully explained how I use it. I always see big artist use the HECK out of saturation to get big and fat basses or their "Fat rack" but I never understood how to get it to sound to such a degree. But the way you explained and demonstrated here helped be MUCH better understand what saturation is doing and how to go about using it/abusing it.

  • @ShroobyBunz

    @ShroobyBunz

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@sseb_music Actually I'm curious now. Would you be willing to do any one on one coaching? Of Course Id be willing to pay for your time but I ask as you explain this stuff in detail that's immensely helpful and my biggest want is to understand how to make basses sound fat and full. If you can help me better understand this side of sound design Id be extremely grateful.

  • @sseb_music

    @sseb_music

    2 жыл бұрын

    sure! Message me on instagram instagram.com/i_am_sseb/

  • @DJKaBz1
    @DJKaBz15 ай бұрын

    Very daft presentation of information! Your videos are great

  • @philippgrunert8776
    @philippgrunert8776 Жыл бұрын

    Very informative content. I always wanted to be able to work with wave shapers more goal oriented. This definitely helped.

  • @mySDK3333
    @mySDK3333 Жыл бұрын

    Your Saturation trilogy is incredible. Thanks for sharing all this. One topic I would love to see more is about Reverb.

  • @HaHaDK
    @HaHaDK6 ай бұрын

    You're a really good teacher. Thanks for all. your work

  • @capnzilog
    @capnzilog Жыл бұрын

    Peak technical distortion content. Bravo.

  • @thimothorin
    @thimothorin2 жыл бұрын

    Dude you deserve a Billion subscriptions or at least much much more. I am an overthinking person and I can't trust my ears without knowing what's going on and your videos cleared up everything...