FabFilter Saturn 2 distortion plugin interface

FabFilter Saturn 2: Multiband Distortion Plugin for Effects Free Download

Rated 4.9/5 on Plugin Boutique (344 ratings)

FabFilter Saturn 2 is a multiband distortion plugin for music production, offering 28 distortion styles, from subtle tube saturation to heavy guitar amp and bit-crushing effects, in VST3, VST2, AU and AAX formats.

VST3VST2AUAAXWindowsmacOS64-bit

AVAILABLE ATPlugin Boutique

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Free trial available from the developer

01Overview

Saturn 2 is FabFilter's distortion and saturation effect, built for shaping sounds across multiple frequency bands. Its distortion models range from subtle, warm saturation to aggressive multiband amp effects. The modulation section lets you apply movement to crossover frequencies, dynamics, band levels and tone controls, with a visualization that shows how each modulation source is routed in real time.

Best for

Mix bus saturation
Guitar amp-style distortion
Bass saturation
Bit-crushing effects
Multiband mastering color
Modulated sound design

Developer: FabFilter
Category: Distortion
Store: Plugin Boutique

02Key features

What you get

28 distortion styles, from tube saturation to guitar amps and bit crushing
Multiband processing with up to six bands
Optional linear phase processing
Adjustable crossover slopes at 6, 12, 24 and 48 dB/oct
Per-band drive, mix, feedback, dynamics, tone and level controls
Modulation matrix with 50 slots and drag-and-drop routing
Optional HQ modes at 8x and 32x oversampling
Mid/side processing and per-component presets

03In depth

Distortion Styles and Multiband Processing

Saturn 2 offers 28 distortion styles, covering tube, tape and transformer-inspired saturation as well as guitar amp and bit-crushing character. Processing can be split into up to six bands, each with its own drive, mix, feedback, dynamics, tone and level controls. Per-band solo and mute make it easier to hear what each band is contributing.

Crossover slopes are adjustable at 6, 12, 24 and 48 dB per octave. Mid/side processing is available, and an optional linear phase mode is included for processing where phase behavior matters.

Modulation, Presets and Workflow

The modulation system includes 16-step XLFOs, XY controllers and sliders, envelope generators, envelope followers and MIDI sources. EGs offer curve control and EFs include transient detection. A 50-slot modulation matrix supports drag-and-drop routing.

Optional HQ modes run at 8x (Good) or 32x (Superb) oversampling. The interface can be resized, switched to Full Screen, and supports MIDI Learn, undo, redo and A/B comparison. Factory presets are included, along with support for V1 presets.

04Specs

Will it run?

Formats, systems and requirements as listed by Plugin Boutique. Missing details are left out, not guessed.

Developer	FabFilter
Type	Plugin
Category	Distortion
Formats	VST3, VST2, AU, AAX
Operating systems	Windows, macOS
Architecture	64-bit
Free trial	Yes

05Upgrades

Upgrade and crossgrade options

Option	Store link
FabFilter Saturn 2 Upgrade from Saturn 1	Plugin Boutique ↗

06FAQ

Questions, answered

What formats is FabFilter Saturn 2 available in?

Saturn 2 is available in VST3, VST2, AU and AAX formats. Operating systems are Windows and macOS.

What do I need to run FabFilter Saturn 2?

On Mac, it requires macOS 10.12 or higher on Intel or M1 Apple Silicon processors, and supports 64-bit only. On Windows, it runs on Windows 11, 10, 8, 7 or Vista, in 32- or 64-bit, in VST2, VST3 and AAX Native formats.