• Introduction (01:33) - Alkane, by Kalifornia Dynamic, has completely redefined the limits of analog emulation in the field of saturation. Four emulation models - Tubes/Valve, Tape, Transformer, Synth - form the base of Alkane's saturation engine, but they're nothing but a first step in the euphonic, vibrant, and lively processing of this plug-in. Join Alberto as he explains the interface and features of Alkane, working with a real-world scenario of a video game score he recently composed. Here, he showcases years of experience in this field to demonstrate how saturation is one of his signature moves to achieve a powerful and modern sound, enhancing any composition and mix, regardless of style.

• Interface (10:28) - Alberto goes over the user interface elements of Alkane, guiding you through the various features and its signal flow. Getting to know the different components of Alkane will make it easier, in the next chapters, to understand its behavior, sound, and interactions between the single components.

• Tech Analysis Pt. 1 (17:59) - There's more than meets the eye in Alkane. While it's a simple plug-in in terms of controls, it's not simple when it comes to exploring the relationship between its different components. Alberto begins to dig in here.

• Tech Analysis Pt. 2 (07:47) - We continue our exploration of Alkan's components in this video, as Alberto highlights its features in both frequency and time domains.

• Session Overview (09:37) - It's time to get to the music. In this chapter, we'll familiarize ourselves with Alberto's session and its layout, signal flow, and general feng shui. We'll listen to the track we're going to use for the examples and prepare to explore its components.

• Strings & Brass (13:11) - Saturation plays a major, yet subtle role in most of the orchestral arrangement and tone that we hear in modern soundtracks. A little goes a long way here, as saturation can help us achieve a wider, more enticing and deeper soundstage, highlighting harmonics that will help the parts stand out and pull the listener into the soundscape.

• Drums, Percussion, Pads & Bass (13:27) - We start by applying saturation to drums and percussion to add contrast, attitude, and edge. Alberto discusses how committing to a sound is more important than retaining the sheer amount of timbrical information within a track. He shapes the driving force of his rhythm section with bass and pads to maximize the emotional drive of the song, extend the subwoofer energy, and augment the perceived caliber of the whole song.

• Guitars & Vocal Textures (17:09) - Saturation is key to designing electric guitars in a soundtrack, as the power, grit, and forwardness of the rhythmic elements travel through the soundstage and help the rhythmic section connect with the other instruments. Additionally, Alberto covers sound design elements of his vocal textures to shape atmospheric, emotional phrases that instantly connect the audience with the sound of modern AAA soundtracks in film and video games.

• Synth Bus (14:25) - Next, we apply saturation as a power multiplier for an entire synthesizer bus. Alberto demonstrates how a single instance of Alkane is capable of enlivening the soundstage of an instrument section, highlighting the score and arrangement choices of the composer.

• Mix Bus (09:41) - Last but not least, saturation works great on an entire mix. Alkane takes this idea to a whole new level, thanks to its unique capability of highlighting and micromanaging strong transients without crushing them. Alberto applies Alkane in various methods and compares the pros and cons of different models, explaining what sonic characteristics are best highlighted in each one of them to help you find the perfect setting for your mix.