Effect / FabFilter
FabFilter Saturn 2
8.7Great
FabFilter Saturn 2 is a multiband distortion and saturation plug-in with 28 distortion styles and extensive modulation options.
Plugin comparison
FabFilter Saturn 2 vs Tonal Balance Control 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
8.3Great
Tonal Balance Control 2 (iZotope) — effect from iZotope. Score 8.3/10, price $99, formats and comparisons.
Score verdict
Which should you buy?
On the Dubspot Score, FabFilter Saturn 2 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 | FabFilter Saturn 2 | Tonal Balance Control 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | — | $99 |
| Dubspot Score | 8.7 | 8.3 |
| Formats | VST, VST3, Audio Units (AU), CLAP, AAX Native, AudioSuite | VST3, AU, AAX |
| 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) | — |
| Product type | — | effect from iZotope |
| Developer | — | iZotope |
| Typical price | — | $99 |
| Formats | — | VST3, AU, AAX |
| Primary job | — | focused effect work in modern sessions |
| Catalog status | — | Current as of 2026 |
See the full plugin database for more comparisons.