Free modeled analog output distortion plugin for adding grit and warmth.
VST3supportedAUsupportedAAXsupportedCLAPnot supportedWINsupportedMACsupportedLNXnot supported
Checked September 2026
Saturation Knob vs Chow Tape Model (2026)
Saturation Knob is best for quick analog-style saturation on bass, vocals, and mix bus; Chow Tape Model is best for tape saturation and wow/flutter. Saturation Knob starts at Free and Chow Tape Model at Free.
A free physical model of an analog reel-to-reel tape machine.
VST3supportedAUsupportedAAXsupportedCLAPnot supportedWINsupportedMACsupportedLNXsupported
| Saturation Knob | Chow Tape Model | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | quick analog-style saturation on bass, vocals, and mix bus | tape saturation and wow/flutter |
| Starting price | Free | Free |
| Free version | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Formats | VST3, AU, AAX | VST3, AU, AAX, 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 | Models the Sony TC-260, Physical modeling backed by DAFx 2019 research, Standalone and iOS versions, User manual, Nightly builds |
| Developer | Softube | ChowDSP |
Questions people ask
Saturation Knob starts at Free; Chow Tape Model 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.
Models the Sony TC-260, Physical modeling backed by DAFx 2019 research, Standalone and iOS versions, User manual, Nightly builds.