MIDBOSS Free VST Saturator
MidBoss Mid-Frequency Focused Saturator and Sweetener
MidBoss is an audio processing plugin designed with a clear objective: to model and saturate the mid-frequencies while offering control over how that saturation impacts the high and low ranges. It is presented as a “saturator and sweetener,” which indicates its versatility in adding anything from subtle warmth to more noticeable saturation.
Primary Function: Saturation with Tonal Focus
MidBoss’s primary function is to inject saturation into the mid-band, the crucial zone for clarity and presence in essential mix elements like vocals, snares, and guitars.
The plugin offers 6 different types of saturation (Type), allowing you to select the desired harmonic character and tonal color. This variety is key, as each type will differently model the response of the highs and lows, enabling the producer to add mid-range presence without creating harshness in the high end or mud in the low end. The DRIVE control adjusts the intensity of the saturation and non-linear compression, while the MIX (Dry/Wet) control is essential for parallel mixing, allowing the fusion of the saturated signal with the original signal to preserve transient punch.
Architecture and Workflow Controls
MidBoss’s design prioritizes efficiency with direct controls, facilitating its quick use during the mixing phase. In addition to the Type, DRIVE, and MIX selectors, the plugin includes an OUT control for Clean Gain (+/- 15dB) to ensure a healthy output level, and an I/O Bypass button for quick A/B comparison of the processing.
An important usability feature is its resizable interface, allowing the GUI size to be adjusted from 50% up to 200%. The developer notes that if the adjusted interface state is saved as the default preset in the DAW, new instances will open at the same size, improving workflow.
Compatibility and Studio Use
MidBoss is available in industry-standard formats (VST3, AU, AAX Native) for Mac (Intel / Apple Silicon) and Windows (10-11). It is important to note the graphical requirements: the plugin requires compatibility with Metal on Mac and OpenGL on Windows, which is common in modern interfaces.
In Conclusion: MidBoss is positioned as a specialized and versatile saturation tool. With six distinct tonal algorithms and intuitive control over intensity and blend, it is a valuable addition for any engineer looking to add presence, harmonic thickness, or warmth to key mix elements without relying on complex effects chains.
