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
Soundtoys Decapitator is an analog saturation plugin that models hardware consoles, preamps, and studio distortion units to add subtle to extreme warmth.
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 | Soundtoys Decapitator | SSL Native X-Saturator |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $199 | $10 to 1 Nov 2026 (list $49) |
| Dubspot Score | 8.7 | — |
| Formats | AAX Native, AAX AudioSuite, VST, VST3, AU | VST, VST3, AU, AAX, 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 | — | 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.