In recent years, audio production has shifted from large commercial studios to more compact, purpose-driven project and home studios. These smaller studios typically revolve around Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs) and utilize fewer outboard devices, partly due to space constraints. However, the demand for classic analog sounds and characteristics remains strong in the industry.
This demand has led to the development of saturators that offer distinctive sound and extensive adjustment options, allowing users to instantly add analog warmth to any recording—whether applied to individual tracks, buses, or during mastering—all within a compact form factor.
Many Gainlab Audio users have reported that the most frequently used feature on their devices is the Tube Boost. This feedback inspired the creation of a device that provides fully adjustable tube saturation, ensuring the sound is suitable for a wide range of production scenarios.
This device is the GLA-TS1 Wizard Stereo Tube Saturator. The Input and Output controls allow users to easily adjust the saturation level to match the character of the source material and personal taste, with further refinement possible via the Feed function. Which, using the clean signal taken from the input, is capable of suppressing the clean signal content of the output signal, thereby providing additional control for setting the desired level of saturation.
As a tube-based device, it naturally includes Bias control. Notably, the Wizard offers the ability to shape the tonal character of the saturation, featuring not just a high-pass filter but a three-band preset equalizer. This unique solution enables the sound character to vary across unprecedentedly wide ranges. The device provides visual feedback on both output levels and the amount of saturation. Additionally, users can influence the dynamic aspects of the saturation using the Vari-u control, which operates on the principle of tube compressors and also has a dedicated indicator.
• Stereo tube saturator
• Onboard equalizer
• Onboard dynamics control
• Feed control
• Bias control
• Precise output meter
• Saturation indicator
• Dynamics indicator
