The letters stand for Ampex analog tape machine, EMI channel, Neve channel, and the Triode and Pentode settings on the Thermionic Culture Vulture valve enhancer. Choosing one of the five lettered buttons engages a different saturation algorithm modelled after each of five pieces of classic gear. As with other Soundtoys plugins, it’s easy to set up several settings and demo them against each other with the “compare” knob.īeyond this, Decapitator also has a really cool “Style” selector feature. Recommended!Īvailable for: Mac, PC | VST, VST3, AU, AAX, RTAS BUY NOW via Plugin Boutique.Įxcellent sound, great interface and simple controls. The latest update, Saturn 2, saw the interface get a welcome refresh and improved modulation visualisation, new subtle saturation and linear phase processing for mastering, and a range of additional distortion types in the processing Style menu. In between that feature and the simple mix knob, you have a whole bunch of options for how, and to what degree, you process your sounds. Saturn 2 can produce effects ranging from warm and subtle analogue saturation to full-on crunchy bit-crushed digital distortion, and for many users this plugin is a potential one-stop shop for saturation as it’s so flexible – the modulation, panning and even compression options are excellent (as always with FabFilter), and the clickable spectrum analyser field at the back is where you can visually set up the crossover points for your different frequency bands, that can then all be treated independently. Saturn 2 is a pro-grade distortion and saturation plugin with a fantastic interface and workflow for multi-band saturation, allowing you to apply broad strokes or get very detailed and clinical with equal ease when applying warmth and distortion to the parts and frequencies of your sounds that need it while avoiding the rest. Take a look at this selection of the best saturation plugins around:

In either case, and whether your budget is $0.00 or $200+, there’s something for everyone here. Or you want to take your analogue experiments up a notch while still keeping everything In The Box? So you know you want to use saturation to improve your mixes and increase their punchiness, warmth and presence, but don’t know where to start? We previously covered why you might want to use saturation plugins to add life, character and warmth to your mixes (see that post here).

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