If you want the character of the saturation but don't want to lose the clarity of your original sound, use a "Mix" or "Dry/Wet" knob. Blend in just enough of the saturated signal to add body.
: As you drive a tube harder, it naturally squashes the loudest peaks (transients), making the sound feel denser and more controlled. soft tube saturation
The Magic of Soft Tube Saturation: Why Your Digital Mixes Need It If you want the character of the saturation