Saturation on the master – Page 9 – Effects Forum

There are mastering grade saturation units like Black Box HG2 and others. If not that, then saturation/warmth often comes from other devices like EQs. If recording is sterile and “digital sounding”, and client wants to have a bit 9f “analog goodness”, then saturation is added during mastering process. Some will even send track to the tape, if this is what is needed. One of my EPs (trailer/epic style) went through Culture Vulture and damn, result was phenomenal.

I don’t know where you’re taking it from, that during mastering, only “crystal clear with absolutely no saturation” hardware is used. Sounds like urban legend.