This is Chapter 2 of Mixing Foundations – Saturation Explained: Everything you need to now about Saturation. Learn the differences between transformers, tape, and tubes, discover what harmonics are, and learn how to add warmth and depth to your mixes. (12–15 minute read)

The Importance of Saturation in Mixing

Saturation is so vital in mixing. I can tell you in half a second whether a producer or mixer is skilled or not with their use of saturation. More often than not, I bet the tracks that you really love have high-quality, thoughtful, and intentional saturation. But what exactly is saturation?

I always explain it like this: 

Someone went to the kitchen one day to warm up bread. They warmed it up in a pan on the stovetop and left it on too long, which caused it to change color and become hard and crunchy. But then they tried it, and it was incredible.  

When you take soft bread and toast it, its molecular makeup changes from soft and bland to sweet and crunchy. That's the sa...