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FabFilter Saturn 2 Upgrade from Saturn 1 distortion plugin interface
FabFilter·DistortionFree trial

FabFilter Saturn 2 Upgrade from Saturn 1: Multiband Distortion Plugin Free Download

Rated 4.9/5 on Plugin Boutique (13 ratings)

FabFilter Saturn 2 Upgrade from Saturn 1 is a distortion and saturation plugin from FabFilter that offers multiband processing and 28 distortion styles. It is an upgrade for existing owners of Saturn 1.

VST3VST2AUAAXWindowsmacOS64-bit
AVAILABLE ATPlugin Boutique
Download Now
Free trial available from the developer
01Overview

This upgrade is for existing owners of Saturn 1. It brings the Saturn 2 feature set, including a redesigned interface, live modulation visualization and new distortion styles, to users who already own the earlier version. The plugin covers everything from subtle tube and tape-style saturation to heavy guitar amp tones and bit crushing. Formats include VST3, VST2, AU and AAX on Windows and macOS.

Best for

  • Guitar amp distortion
  • Tape and tube saturation
  • Multiband mix saturation
  • Mastering warmth
  • Creative sound mangling
  • Modulated sound design
Developer
FabFilter
Category
Distortion
Store
Plugin Boutique
02Key features

What you get

  • 28 distortion styles from tube saturation to bit crushing
  • Multiband processing with up to six bands
  • Crossover slopes of 6, 12, 24 and 48 dB/oct
  • Per-band drive, mix, feedback, dynamics, tone and level
  • Live modulation visualization for targets and sources
  • Optional 8x and 32x oversampling HQ modes
  • 50-slot drag-and-drop modulation matrix
  • Mid/side processing and per-band solo and mute
03In depth

Distortion Styles and Multiband Processing

Saturn 2 offers 28 distortion styles, ranging from subtle tube saturation to heavy guitar amps and bit crushing. Processing can be split across up to six bands, each with its own drive, mix, feedback, dynamics, tone and level controls.

Crossover slopes are adjustable at 6, 12, 24 and 48 dB/oct, and optional linear phase processing is available. Mid/side processing and per-band solo and mute options give further control over where the distortion is applied.

Modulation, Interface and Quality Settings

The modulation section includes 16-step XLFOs, XY controllers and sliders, envelope generators, envelope followers and MIDI sources. Drag-and-drop connections are made through a 50-slot modulation matrix, and modulation targets and sources are shown live.

Optional HQ modes use 8x (Good) or 32x (Superb) oversampling. The interface can be resized and used in Full Screen mode, and GPU-powered graphics acceleration is included. Interactive MIDI Learn and support for common Pro Tools hardware control surfaces are also included.

04Specs

Will it run?

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

DeveloperFabFilter
TypePlugin
CategoryDistortion
FormatsVST3, VST2, AU, AAX
Operating systemsWindows, macOS
Architecture64-bit
Free trialYes
05FAQ

Questions, answered

Who is this upgrade for?

It is an upgrade for existing owners of Saturn 1. The full version of Saturn 2 is also available as a separate product.

Which formats and operating systems are supported?

The plugin is available in VST3, VST2, AU and AAX Native formats. It runs on Windows and macOS, with Windows 11, 10, 8, 7 or Vista and macOS 10.12 or higher listed as supported.

Does it support Mac Apple Silicon?

The system requirements list macOS 10.12 or higher on Intel or M1 Apple Silicon processors, and the plugin is 64-bit only on macOS.

Can I use my Saturn 1 presets?

Yes, the plugin supports V1 presets, and it also includes curated Factory Presets.

Is a trial available?

Yes, a trial version is available.

07Developer

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