Soundtoys
Decapitator
Analog saturation modeler delivering subtle to extreme hardware-modeled distortion.
VST3supportedAUsupportedAAXsupportedCLAPnot supportedWINsupportedMACsupportedLNXnot supported
Checked September 2026
Decapitator vs Chow Tape Model (2026)
Decapitator is best for analog-style saturation and drive on drums, bass, and mix bus; Chow Tape Model is best for tape saturation and wow/flutter. Decapitator starts at $199 one-time and Chow Tape Model at Free.
$199once
A free physical model of an analog reel-to-reel tape machine.
VST3supportedAUsupportedAAXsupportedCLAPnot supportedWINsupportedMACsupportedLNXsupported
| Decapitator | Chow Tape Model | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | analog-style saturation and drive on drums, bass, and mix bus | tape saturation and wow/flutter |
| Starting price | $199 one-time | Free |
| Free version | No | Yes |
| Free trial | Yes | — |
| Formats | VST3, AU, AAX | VST3, AU, AAX, LV2 |
| OS | Windows, macOS | Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Key features | Five analog saturation models based on vintage studio hardware, Punish button for extreme distortion, Analog-modeled tone control, Mix knob for parallel processing, Sample rates from 44.1 kHz to 192 kHz | Models the Sony TC-260, Physical modeling backed by DAFx 2019 research, Standalone and iOS versions, User manual, Nightly builds |
| Developer | Soundtoys | ChowDSP |
Questions people ask
Decapitator starts at $199 one-time; Chow Tape Model starts at Free.
Five analog saturation models based on vintage studio hardware, Punish button for extreme distortion, Analog-modeled tone control, Mix knob for parallel processing, Sample rates from 44.1 kHz to 192 kHz.
Models the Sony TC-260, Physical modeling backed by DAFx 2019 research, Standalone and iOS versions, User manual, Nightly builds.