FabFilter Saturn

Active

Country: Netherlands (NL)
Founded: 2002
Developer: FabFilter
Pricing: $149 (one-time purchase)
Open source: No
Platforms: macOS, Windows

Indexes

Audio/Music Production

Overview

FabFilter Saturn 2 is a multiband distortion and saturation plug-in for audio production, offering 28 distortion styles inspired by tubes, tape, transformers, guitar amps, and creative effects. It supports up to six bands with per-band controls for drive, mix, feedback, dynamics, tone, and level, plus extensive modulation options including XLFOs, envelope generators, followers, and MIDI sources. Designed for music producers and sound designers seeking subtle warmth or aggressive effects, it stands out with linear phase processing, adjustable crossover slopes (6-48 dB/oct), high oversampling (up to 32x), and visual modulation feedback.¹⁶

Key Features

28 Distortion Styles - Includes subtle tube/tape saturation, heavy guitar amps, transformers, and creative FX styles.
Multiband Processing - Up to 6 bands with optional linear phase mode and adjustable crossover slopes (6, 12, 24, 48 dB/oct).
Per-Band Controls - Drive, mix, feedback, dynamics, tone, and level adjustments per band.
Modulation System - Endless options with 50-slot matrix, XLFOs, XY controllers, envelope generators/followers, MIDI sources.
Live Modulation Visualization - Interactive display showing modulation targets and sources in real-time.
Oversampling Modes - Good (8x) and Superb (32x) HQ modes for high-quality processing.
Interactive Multiband Display - Visual interface for band adjustments and crossover editing.
Curve Control - Customizable curves in envelope generators and transient detection in followers.

Pricing

Plan	Price	Includes
Standard	$149	Full Saturn 2 plug-in access.
Creative Bundle	Varies	Saturn 2 plus stereo delay, filter, and synthesizer plug-ins.
FX Bundle	Varies	Saturn 2 plus EQ, reverb, compressor, multiband dynamics, limiter, de-esser, gate/expander, delay, filter.
Total Bundle	Varies	All FabFilter plug-ins including Saturn 2.

Platforms & Requirements

Runs as VST, VST3, AU, CLAP, AAX, and AudioSuite plug-ins on macOS and Windows DAWs. Supports Pro Tools control surfaces and offers resizable GUI with full-screen mode. No native mobile or Linux support; requires compatible host software with minimum system specs for oversampling modes.¹⁶

Integrations & Ecosystem

VST/VST3 hosts
AU hosts
AAX/RTAS for Pro Tools
CLAP format
AudioSuite
MIDI sources
Pro Tools control surfaces
DAW automation

Alternatives

App	Difference
Soundtoys Decapitator	Focuses on single-band analog modeling without multiband processing or extensive modulation.
Waves OVox	Emphasizes vocal synthesis and formant effects over general multiband distortion.
iZotope Trash	Offers modular distortion chains but lacks per-band modulation depth of Saturn 2.
Softube Saturation Knob	Simple one-knob interface for basic saturation, no multiband or advanced modulation.

Reputation

FabFilter Saturn 2 is praised for its versatile distortion models, intuitive interface, and powerful modulation, building on the original Saturn's 2012 acclaim among producers and sound designers. Reviews highlight improvements like new saturation types, linear phase processing, and visual feedback as significant upgrades. Some note the learning curve for advanced modulation but appreciate presets and oversampling for professional results.⁶

Sources (8)