HOFA'S new Colour Saturator plugin models 34 analog hardware units from mic preamps to guitar amps, featuring innovative BiasEQ for frequency-specific saturation control.
HOFA has released the Colour Saturator, a saturation and distortion plugin that brings analog hardware character into digital production. Built using neural modelling technology, the plugin offers 34 different saturation models derived from hardware units in the HOFA-Studios facility.
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The Colour Saturator’s library spans multiple categories:
- 4 iconic mic preamps with distinct harmonic behaviour
- 3 analog tape machines delivering characteristic warmth and compression
- 7 legendary tube guitar and bass amps ranging from crunchy to heavy
- 6 stompbox pedals modelled for authentic drive and fuzz
- 5 curated pedal and amp chain combinations for ultimate distortion tones
- 4 studio hardware favourites with intriguing harmonic textures
- 5 CPU-efficient legacy algorithms from the HOFA SYSTEM Saturator
Rather than offering a one-size-fits-all approach to saturation, the plugin addresses a common mixing challenge: applying saturation where you need it without affecting areas that should remain clean.
The plugin’s standout feature is BiasEQ, which shapes how saturation distributes across the frequency spectrum. Using nine bands with an optional fully parametric expert mode, producers can emphasise or reduce distortion in specific frequency ranges. This means saturating only the mids of a bass while keeping the low end tight and the highs clean, or focusing additional harmonics on snares and toms in a drum loop, while leaving cymbals and kicks largely unaffected.
By default, any frequency boost before distortion is automatically compensated after the saturation stage, maintaining a balanced overall tone. For more precise or extreme modifications, the fully parametric expert mode provides additional control.
Beyond saturation models and frequency-specific processing, the Colour Saturator includes features for LoFi textures and tonal shaping. Wow and flutter add natural tape movement, while noise, crackle and hum options create authentic vintage character. An integrated dynamics parameter either restrains or enhances the processed signal’s dynamic range.
A tilt EQ-style tone control provides quick shifts towards brightness or warmth, while dedicated high and low cut filters after the saturation stage offer additional refinement. The dry/wet control enables parallel saturation without requiring extra routing.
For guitarists and bass players, the seven tube amp models and six pedal emulations—plus five pre-configured chains—offer immediately usable distortion tones without the need for elaborate signal chain construction.
The HOFA Colour Saturator is now available for download with a free trial version, so producers can test the plugin’s neural modelling accuracy and BiasEQ capabilities before committing.
Head here to learn more and hear examples of the Colour Saturator in action.
