UB DSP has launched Grit Blender, a saturation effect plugin designed to blend multiple saturation models in real time through an interactive mixing interface. The plugin introduces a triangle-based control system that allows users to combine different nonlinear processing types while audio is playing.
Grit Blender centers around a triangular blending interface. Users assign three of the available saturation types to the triangle’s corners and move a cursor within the shape to continuously blend between them. This approach is intended to provide fluid control over tonal character during playback.
In addition to the triangle workflow, the plugin includes a 12-way Advanced Mode. This mode provides individual sliders for each of the 12 saturation types, allowing direct control over their respective amounts. A Dual Stage mode is also available, enabling two blend stages to be chained in series. In this configuration, automatic inter-stage filtering is applied between the stages. All individual saturation levels can be assigned to DAW automation.
The 12 included saturation types model a range of analog and digital nonlinearities:
- Tape
- Tube
- Transistor
- Digital
- Diode
- Fuzz
- Desk
- Ribbon
- Pentode
- Rectifier
- Wavefolder
- Asymmetric
Each type represents a distinct saturation curve or circuit-inspired behavior, providing a range of harmonic shaping options within a single interface.
Grit Blender also includes several additional processing features. A control labeled PUNCH performs automatic transient restoration without requiring threshold or ratio settings. SMOOTH is described as a dynamic three-band de-harshing stage operating at 2.5 kHz, 6 kHz, and 12 kHz.
Mid/Side processing is supported, with independent drive and mix controls available for Mid and Side channels. The plugin also offers MIDI key tracking, intended to help maintain clarity in fundamental frequencies while applying saturation to upper harmonics.
Five selectable tone curve types are included:
Additional functionality includes loudness-matched bypass using K-weighted compensation, A/B comparison, and a 30-level undo system. Oversampling is available at up to 8x. The plugin ships with 39 factory presets organized across seven categories.
Grit Blender is available in CLAP, VST3, and AU formats, with AAX support planned. It runs on macOS 10.13 and later as a Universal Binary, Windows 10 and later (64-bit), and Linux (64-bit). A perpetual license is offered, and a full-featured trial version is available with periodic silence.
UB DSP is a one-person plugin company based in France, and Grit Blender marks its first release.
Grit Blender is available at an introductory price of $29 USD until April 3rd, after which it will be priced at $58 USD.
Click here to find out more about Grit Blender by UB DSP.
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