Summary

FabFilter Saturn 2 is a multiband distortion and saturation plug-in designed to enhance music production with a wide range of distortion styles, from subtle tube saturation to aggressive guitar amp effects. It offers advanced multiband processing, modulation options, and a redesigned interface for increased creative control.

Key Features and Functions

• 28 different distortion styles inspired by vintage tubes, tape, transformers, and guitar amps, plus five creative FX distortion styles
• Multiband processing with up to 6 bands and optional linear phase processing suitable for mastering
• Adjustable crossover slopes with 6, 12, 24, and 48 dB/oct options
• Per-band controls including drive, mix, feedback, dynamics, tone, and level
• Extensive modulation section featuring XLFOs, envelope generators, envelope followers, MIDI sources, XY controllers/sliders, and a 50-slot drag-and-drop modulation matrix
• Live visualization of modulation sources and targets in real-time
• High-quality oversampling modes: Good (8x) and Superb (32x)
• Mid/side processing and per-band solo/mute options
• Smart Parameter Interpolation for smooth transitions
• Support for common Pro Tools hardware control surfaces
• Interface features including resizing, full screen mode, and GPU-powered graphics acceleration
• Compatibility with various plugin formats: VST, VST3, Audio Units, AAX Native, AudioSuite, and CLAP

Intended Users

Saturn 2 is suitable for music producers and sound designers looking to add warmth, color, harmonics, and distinctive distortion effects to their tracks, from vocals and 808s to guitars and other instruments. Its extensive modulation capabilities and multiband processing make it appropriate for both subtle enhancement and creative sound mangling.

Additional Notes

The plug-in includes carefully curated factory presets and supports presets from its previous version. It includes interactive help hints and offers undo, redo, and A/B switching features. There is a 30-day trial available. Saturn 2 has received multiple industry awards recognizing its quality and usability.