Multiband distortion and saturation plug-in with 28 distortion styles and modulation.
VST3supportedAUsupportedAAXsupportedCLAPsupportedWINsupportedMACsupportedLNXnot supported
Checked September 2026
FabFilter Saturn 2 vs ToTape9 (2026)
FabFilter Saturn 2 is best for multiband saturation and creative distortion sound design; ToTape9 is best for free tape saturation and brightness compression. FabFilter Saturn 2 starts at $149 one-time and ToTape9 at Free.
Free, open-source tape emulation and brightness-compression plugin.
VST3supportedAUsupportedAAXnot supportedCLAPsupportedWINsupportedMACsupportedLNXsupported
| FabFilter Saturn 2 | ToTape9 | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | multiband saturation and creative distortion sound design | free tape saturation and brightness compression |
| Starting price | $149 one-time | Free |
| Free version | No | Yes |
| Free trial | Yes | — |
| Formats | VST3, AU, AAX, CLAP | VST3, AU, CLAP, LV2 |
| OS | Windows, macOS | Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Key features | 28 distortion styles, Multiband processing up to 6 bands, Extensive modulation (XLFOs, envelope generators, MIDI), Per-band drive, mix, feedback, dynamics, tone, level, 8x and 32x oversampling | Tape emulation with flutter and bias controls, Tilt control for brightness shaping, Shape parameter for tonal character, Integrated clipping/output stage without oversampling, MIT-licensed, open source |
| Developer | FabFilter | Airwindows |
Questions people ask
FabFilter Saturn 2 starts at $149 one-time; ToTape9 starts at Free.
28 distortion styles, Multiband processing up to 6 bands, Extensive modulation (XLFOs, envelope generators, MIDI), Per-band drive, mix, feedback, dynamics, tone, level, 8x and 32x oversampling.
Tape emulation with flutter and bias controls, Tilt control for brightness shaping, Shape parameter for tonal character, Integrated clipping/output stage without oversampling, MIT-licensed, open source.