Available for download, the Audified U78 is a saturator plug-in that models the same circuitry as the company’s U73b (an emulation of a vintage vari-mu dynamics processor), but places its emphasis more on distortion/saturation than compression. With its gain and filter controls, the U78 is suitable for adding dirt to strings and string-sections, crunch to claps, and grit to kicks. Also suitable for aggressive vocal processing, the plug-in provides a tone control which helps with the overall dark/bright balance. A mix knob lets you blend the effect in with the dry signal, mitigating any possible phase issues that might occur if blending the effect together across two different tracks.

The low-pass filter gives you a range of 1 to 8 kHz, while the high-pass filter starts at 30 Hz and goes up to 800 Hz. Both filters come before the saturation circuit. The plug-in is loaded with presets programmed by Baby Brown and Boris Carloff.

The U78 Saturator uses iLok protection, so you will need an iLok account and the License Manager to authorize the product. The physical iLok itself is not necessary, only PACE’s licensing software. This plug-in is compatible with both Mac and Windows computers. It will work in AAX, VST, and AU formats.