8.5Great
Softube Console 1 Mk III is a hardware control surface system with matching console channel software for hands-on mixing.
Plugin comparison
Softube Console 1 Mk III vs FabFilter Saturn 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
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.
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 | Softube Console 1 Mk III | FabFilter Saturn 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | From ~$899 (system) | — |
| Dubspot Score | 8.5 | 8.7 |
| Formats | VST3, AU, AAX, hardware | VST, VST3, Audio Units (AU), CLAP, AAX Native, AudioSuite |
| Type | Hardware controller + console channel software system | — |
| Developer | Softube | — |
| Typical system price | About $899+ depending on configuration | — |
| Software formats | VST3, AU, AAX (channel/console processors) | — |
| Primary job | Hands-on console-style mixing control | — |
| Catalog status | Current as of 2026 | — |
| 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) |
See the full plugin database for more comparisons.