Saturn 2

Name: Saturn 2
Price: 129 USD
Author: FabFilter

by FabFilter · Distortion · Multiband

vst3s Score 9.4/10 · rated #1 of 10 distortion

Multiband distortion with up to six bands and 28 styles covering tube, tape, amp, transformer and effects distortion. Each band has its own dynamics, feedback and tone controls.

FabFilter's drag-and-drop modulation system can move any parameter. It ranges from transparent mastering saturation to total destruction.

Best for: Bass, Drums, Mix Bus, Vocals, Sound Design. Genres: all genres.

Keywords: multi-band, bus processing, subtle, mastering, mix bus, tape, transformer, tube, vocals, warm, bass, clean, creative, electric guitar, linear-phase, mixing, oversampling, sound design, A/B compare, drum bus, drums, full mix, heavy, mid/side, modulation matrix, transparent.

What it does

Saturn 2 is FabFilter's multiband distortion and saturation plugin. It covers everything from subtle, clean tube or tape warmth to heavy multiband guitar-amp and effects distortion.

28 distortion styles: from subtle tube, tape and transformer saturation through heavy guitar amps to creative FX distortion.
Up to six bands: crossover slopes of 6, 12, 24 or 48 dB/oct, with optional linear-phase processing for mastering.
Per-band controls: drive, mix, feedback, dynamics, tone and level for each band.
Modulation: a 50-slot drag-and-drop matrix with XLFOs, XY controllers, envelope generators, envelope followers and MIDI sources.
Extras: mid/side processing, Good (8x) and Superb (32x) oversampling, per-component presets, A/B switching and a full-screen mode.

There's a 30-day trial.

Source: FabFilter product page

When to use it

Saturn 2 is the all-rounder of the rated distortions. Output Thermal, Minimal Audio Rift and Arturia Dist COLDFIRE lean towards sound design with built-in effects and macro-driven presets; Saturn 2 is equally at home adding a touch of warmth to a mix bus or vocal as it is wrecking a synth. Its linear-phase multiband mode and clean visual feedback make it the safest choice for mixing and mastering work.

Best for: multiband saturation on the mix bus and drum bus, warming vocals and bass, and modulated distortion effects when you need them.
Genres: all of them; the subtle styles suit pop, rock and acoustic mixes, the amp and FX styles suit electronic and hip-hop.
Look elsewhere if: you want instant, preset-led mangling with delays and reverbs built in (Thermal, Rift, COLDFIRE) or one specific vintage box.
Tip: split off the low end and leave it clean while you drive the mids and highs, so the track gets louder and brighter without the bass going muddy.

What producers say

Widely regarded as the benchmark multiband saturator; reviews of version 2 were very positive.

Attack Magazine (2020) found it flexible, easy to get your head around and "just plain fun to use", and preferred it to iZotope Trash 2 for subtle work.
MusicTech (2020) praised the interface and the depth of its modulation, calling it a "Pandora's box of creativity".
Tape Op (Dave Hidek, 2020) singled out the new envelope curve control, transformer styles and oversampling.
Gripes: some labels only appear on hover, the output controls sit behind a menu, and 32x oversampling can tax older computers.

Where to buy

Tutorials and reviews

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