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 Tone Projects Kelvin Tone Shaper
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
8.4Great
Tone Projects Kelvin Tone Shaper by Tone Projects. Dual-stage saturation with push/pull EQ tone shaping—creative color that stays mix-usable.
Score verdict
Which should you buy?
On the Dubspot Score, Soundtoys Decapitator comes out ahead (8.7). That said, the right pick depends on your workflow and budget — read both reviews before deciding.
Technical matrix
Specs compared
| Signal | Soundtoys Decapitator | Tone Projects Kelvin Tone Shaper |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $199 | €99 |
| Dubspot Score | 8.7 | 8.4 |
| Formats | AAX Native, AAX AudioSuite, VST, VST3, AU | VST3, AU, AAX |
| 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 / tone shaper |
| Formats | — | VST3, AU, AAX |
| Platforms | — | macOS and Windows |
See the full plugin database for more comparisons.