Hello everyone! I’m Jooyoung Kim, a mixing engineer and music producer.
Recently, Brainworx released a plugin emulation of the SPL Machine Head, a classic saturation device. Since it’s currently on sale, I thought it would be a great opportunity to introduce not only this plugin but also two other renowned Brainworx saturators: SPL Vitalizer MK2-T and Elysia Karacter.
I received an NFR (Not for Resale) copy of this plugin from Plugin Boutique for review. If you purchase through the links in this blog, I receive a small commission, which helps me continue my work. Your support is greatly appreciated!
SPL Machine Head
The SPL Machine Head was originally released in 1997 as a tape machine saturation simulator. Unlike traditional analog tape machines, this hardware version was fully digital, eliminating wow, flutter, and noise while allowing precise control over the saturation process.
Brainworx has faithfully recreated this in plugin form, bringing its unique sonic characteristics to the digital domain.
Controls Overview:
- The Original version has 4 knobs, while the Ultimate version has 5.
- Besides Input and Output levels, the main controls include Drive, High Frequency, and Low Frequency.
In the default state, it slightly boosts the high frequencies and enhances third-order harmonics.
When increasing the Tape Speed, an actual tape machine would typically alter the frequency response by rolling off both low and high frequencies. However, in this plugin, it seems to achieve a similar effect by adjusting volume and high-frequency slope.
Key Takeaways:
- Functions as an EQ (HF knob boosts/cuts highs, LF knob boosts/cuts lows)
- Adds third-order harmonics for natural saturation
- Slight compression effect at higher input levels
Compared to other saturators I’ve used, the effect is subtle and very natural. I find it particularly useful for enhancing high frequencies, similar to the Maag EQ4 or Baxandall EQ.
🔹 On Sale Until April 22 🔹
Plugin Alliance plugins typically see deeper discounts about a year after release, so if you’re not in a rush, you can wait for an even better deal.
🔹 Recommended Master Bus Settings: 🔹
- Ultimate mode
- Drive at 0.5
- High Tape Speed On (30 IPS)
SPL Vitalizer MK2-T
The SPL Vitalizer MK2-T is a tube-based saturator with versatile tone-shaping capabilities.
I once debated whether to buy this hardware unit or another compressor. I went with the compressor, but the Vitalizer remains an incredibly flexible tool.
The SPL Vitalizer offers four main processing areas:
- Drive
- Bass & High-Frequency Control
- LC (Inductor-Capacitor) Filter-based High Shelf EQ
- Stereo Expander
Control Breakdown:
- Drive: Determines how much effect is applied, not just input gain.
- Bass (Soft <0> Tight):
- Soft: Boosts overall bass
- Tight: Slightly reduces overall levels while enhancing only the bass region.
- Compression: Works only on the bass frequencies, with automatic Threshold, Attack, and Release settings. The Compression knob adjusts the ratio.
- Mid-Hi Tune: A shelving EQ for the mid-to-high range.
- Process: Controls the overall amount of bass, compression, and mid-high tuning applied.
- LC-EQ: A high-shelf EQ using LC circuits.
- Stereo Expander: A stereo enhancement tool.
Initially, the controls may feel unfamiliar, but once you get used to them, you’ll find many creative applications.
This plugin goes on sale frequently, so check out the demo before purchasing!
Elysia Karacter
The Elysia Karacter is a highly regarded hardware saturator, now available as a plugin.
It features automatic oversampling:
- 4x oversampling for sample rates below 50kHz
- 2x oversampling for sample rates below 100kHz
- No oversampling for rates 100kHz and above
It also includes MS mode, Turbo Boost mode, and FET Shred mode.
On the left, we have the default settings, while the right shows the FET mode, which emulates the classic “Smile EQ” curve.
⚠️ Caution:
- If driven too hard, it automatically compresses the signal.
- This isn’t standard compression but rather an emulation of analog clipping.
Increasing the Drive lowers the compression Threshold, so careful gain staging is crucial.
Color Knob:
- Turn left: Boosts ultra-low frequencies (5–50Hz)
- Turn right: Boosts overall low frequencies (below 100Hz)
I love the saturation in FET mode, but due to its aggressive nature, I recommend placing gain plugins before and after it to control input and output levels.
This plugin also goes on sale frequently, so keep an eye out!
Plugin Alliance vs. Plugin Boutique Pricing
Recently, Plugin Alliance started adding a 10% tax at checkout. Because of this, Plugin Boutique often offers a better deal, especially considering their loyalty points and free plugins.
That’s it for today’s review! Hope this helps you decide which saturator fits your needs.
See you in the next post!
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