Multiband distortion and saturation plug-in with 28 distortion styles and modulation.
VST3supportedAUsupportedAAXsupportedCLAPsupportedWINsupportedMACsupportedLNXnot supported
Checked September 2026
FabFilter Saturn 2 vs Chow Tape Model (2026)
FabFilter Saturn 2 is best for multiband saturation and creative distortion sound design; Chow Tape Model is best for tape saturation and wow/flutter. FabFilter Saturn 2 starts at $149 one-time and Chow Tape Model at Free.
A free physical model of an analog reel-to-reel tape machine.
VST3supportedAUsupportedAAXsupportedCLAPnot supportedWINsupportedMACsupportedLNXsupported
| FabFilter Saturn 2 | Chow Tape Model | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | multiband saturation and creative distortion sound design | tape saturation and wow/flutter |
| Starting price | $149 one-time | Free |
| Free version | No | Yes |
| Free trial | Yes | — |
| Formats | VST3, AU, AAX, CLAP | VST3, AU, AAX, 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 | Models the Sony TC-260, Physical modeling backed by DAFx 2019 research, Standalone and iOS versions, User manual, Nightly builds |
| Developer | FabFilter | ChowDSP |
Questions people ask
FabFilter Saturn 2 starts at $149 one-time; Chow Tape Model 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.
Models the Sony TC-260, Physical modeling backed by DAFx 2019 research, Standalone and iOS versions, User manual, Nightly builds.