8.7Great
Soundtoys Decapitator is an analog saturation plugin that models hardware consoles, preamps, and studio distortion units to add subtle to extreme warmth.
Plugin comparison
Soundtoys Decapitator vs KNOCK 2
Specs, price and the Dubspot Score, side by side — with our verdict on which effect to buy.
Independent score / workflow fit / buying signal
Contenders
The side-by-side
KNOCK 2 by KNOCK Audio (DECAP): modular drum processor with six reorderable modules, new COMP and Zero Latency Mode. $119 at Plugin Boutique until 1 Dec 2026.
Technical matrix
Specs compared
| Signal | Soundtoys Decapitator | KNOCK 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $199 | $119 (intro, until 1 Dec 2026) |
| Dubspot Score | 8.7 | — |
| Formats | AAX Native, AAX AudioSuite, VST, VST3, AU | VST3, AU, AAX, VST2 (macOS), macOS, Windows |
| Saturation models | Five analog saturation models modeled on vintage and modern hardware | — |
| Key controls | Analog-modeled Tone control, Mix knob for parallel processing, and a Punish button for extra gain | — |
| Sample rates | 44.1 kHz minimum to 192 kHz maximum | — |
| Architecture | 64-bit only; Apple Silicon compatible | — |
| OS requirements | macOS 10.15 or later; Windows 10 or later (not compatible with ARM-based Windows) | — |
| Current version | 5.5 (requires internet connection for activation) | — |
| Type | — | Modular drum processor (multi-effect) |
| Modules | — | PUNCH (multiband transients), COMP (multiband, hardware-modelled), SATURATE, SUB, AIR (dynamic EQ), CLIP |
| Global | — | PURR flutter effect, MAGIC button, intensity visualiser, global MIX, Zero Latency Mode, Linear Phase Mode |
| macOS | — | macOS 11+, AU, VST2, VST3, AAX; Intel or Apple Silicon M1 to M5 |
| Windows | — | Windows 10/11 64-bit, VST3, AAX |
| RAM and disk | — | 8 GB RAM required (16 GB recommended), 500 MB disk |
| Licensing | — | Lifetime licence; free 7-day full trial; $49 upgrade from KNOCK 1 |
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