Plugin comparison
Specs, price and the Dubspot Score, side by side — with our verdict on which effect to buy.
Independent score / workflow fit / buying signal
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Contenders
Effect / FabFilter
FabFilter Saturn 2 is a multiband distortion and saturation plug-in with 28 distortion styles and extensive modulation options.
SSL Native X-Saturator blends valve-style second-order and transistor-style third-order saturation, with Shape and Wet/Dry controls. $10 at Plugin Boutique to 1 Nov.
Technical matrix
| Signal | FabFilter Saturn 2 | SSL Native X-Saturator |
|---|---|---|
| Price | — | $10 to 1 Nov 2026 (list $49) |
| Dubspot Score | 8.7 | — |
| Formats | VST, VST3, Audio Units (AU), CLAP, AAX Native, AudioSuite | VST, VST3, AU, AAX, macOS, Windows |
| Distortion styles | 28 different models | — |
| Multiband processing | Up to 6 bands with optional linear phase processing | — |
| Crossover slopes | 6, 12, 24, and 48 dB/oct | — |
| Modulation sources | 16-step XLFOs, XY controllers, envelope generators, envelope followers, and MIDI sources | — |
| Modulation matrix | 50 slots | — |
| Platforms | Windows (64-bit and 32-bit) and macOS (64-bit only) | — |
| Type | — | Saturation and distortion |
| Harmonics | — | Second-order valve style, third-order transistor style, or a blend |
| Controls | — | Saturation type blend, Shape (smooth to hard), Wet/Dry |
| Formats | — | AU, VST2, VST3, AAX Native (64-bit) |
| Systems | — | macOS 11 to 13 (Apple Silicon supported), Windows 10 and 11 |
| Authorisation | — | Free iLok account |
See the full plugin database for more comparisons.