Hot Sauce

HOTSAUCE is a powerful nonlinear gain processor designed to add harmonic richness to audio signals while reducing peaks, similar in behavior to tape saturation or the characteristics of push-pull power amplifiers. It operates in two distinct modes:

Saturator Mode provides smooth waveform compression with the addition of odd harmonic distortion, effectively thickening sounds and increasing average volume levels without inducing the undesirable pumping side effects often associated with traditional compressors and limiters.

Exciter Mode, on the other hand, adds odd harmonics without compressing the waveform, allowing for a brighter and more excited tonal character. This makes it particularly useful for enhancing detail and brightness without altering the dynamic integrity of the original source.

HOTSAUCE is internally oversampled at all standard input sample rates (from 44.1kHz up to 192kHz), which ensures minimal aliasing and a clean, high-fidelity output.

This versatile processor can be strategically applied at various stages of the signal chain:

• Before compressors or limiters to help control transients and reduce the need for aggressive compression
• After compressors and limiters to add consistent harmonic content
• As a standalone saturation or distortion effect, comparable to tape-style compression
• As an exciter, adding harmonic content without compression to enhance clarity and brightness

Key Features:

• Dual Processing Modes: Choose between Saturator and Exciter for flexible harmonic shaping
• Odd Harmonic Distortion: Adds character and warmth to any source material
• Nonlinear Peak Reduction: Smoothly controls transients without traditional compression artifacts
• Internal Oversampling: Ensures minimal aliasing across all supported sample rates (44.1kHz–192kHz)
• Versatile Signal Placement: Effective before or after dynamics processing, or as a dedicated harmonic enhancer