Looptrotter SA2RATE-2

Looptrotter SA2RATE-2 is a two-channel solid-state saturator with a soft-limiting function, built to add density and even out RMS levels without the obvious squeeze of a compressor. Version 2 adds an instrument-level TRS input and two new frequency-management controls that guard against the usual side effects of pushing saturation hard.

Saturation without losing the top or bottom

LO SAFE is a pre/de-emphasis circuit that protects the lowest frequencies from overdriving, so kick and bass stay defined even with the Drive pushed hard. HI SMOOTH works the other way, boosting the top end before saturation and pulling it back after, so cymbals and sibilants pick up harmonic richness instead of turning harsh. That solves a real problem with wideband saturators, which usually need a multiband workaround to avoid exactly this.

Dry/Wet instead of all-or-nothing

Independent level control over the dry and processed signal keeps the effect parallel instead of forcing a choice between full saturation and none at all. Two LEDs mark THD at 4% and 8%, so Drive gets set by eye rather than by guesswork. The PROCESS button runs true bypass, making A/B comparison instant and keeping no extra circuit in the signal path when it is off.

KEY FEATURES

• Two-channel solid-state saturator and soft limiter
• Instrument-level TRS input at -10dB (new in v2)
• LO SAFE – protects low frequencies from overdriving
• HI SMOOTH – harmonic richness on top end without harshness
• Independent DRY/WET control
• THD LEDs at 4% and 8%
• True bypass PROCESS switch

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

• Channels: 2
• Circuit type: solid-state, saturation + soft limiter
• Instrument input: TRS, -10dB
• Indicators: 4% and 8% THD LEDs
• Bypass mode: true bypass (PROCESS)
• Controls: DRIVE, DRY/WET, LO SAFE, HI SMOOTH