Free modeled analog output distortion plugin for adding grit and warmth.
VST3supportedAUsupportedAAXsupportedCLAPnot supportedWINsupportedMACsupportedLNXnot supported
Checked September 2026
Saturation Knob vs ToTape9 (2026)
Saturation Knob is best for quick analog-style saturation on bass, vocals, and mix bus; ToTape9 is best for free tape saturation and brightness compression. Saturation Knob starts at Free and ToTape9 at Free.
Free, open-source tape emulation and brightness-compression plugin.
VST3supportedAUsupportedAAXnot supportedCLAPsupportedWINsupportedMACsupportedLNXsupported
| Saturation Knob | ToTape9 | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | quick analog-style saturation on bass, vocals, and mix bus | free tape saturation and brightness compression |
| Starting price | Free | Free |
| Free version | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Formats | VST3, AU, AAX | VST3, AU, CLAP, LV2 |
| OS | Windows, macOS | Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Key features | Three distortion modes: Keep High, Neutral, Keep Low, Single-knob analog saturation modeling, Available as native, Modular (Eurorack), and Amp Room versions, Extended Features panel option | 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 | Softube | Airwindows |
Questions people ask
Saturation Knob starts at Free; ToTape9 starts at Free.
Three distortion modes: Keep High, Neutral, Keep Low, Single-knob analog saturation modeling, Available as native, Modular (Eurorack), and Amp Room versions, Extended Features panel option.
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.