Gorilla Drive V2 by Safari Audio saturation plugin interface

Gorilla Drive V2: Saturation and Distortion Plugin by Safari Audio

Gorilla Drive V2 is a saturation and distortion plugin from Safari Audio that adds weight, grit and character to audio sources. It runs as VST3, AU and AAX on Windows and macOS.

VST3AUAAXWindowsmacOS64-bit

AVAILABLE ATPlugin Boutique

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01Overview

Gorilla Drive V2 is an effects plugin from Safari Audio in the saturation category. Safari Audio describes it as a vintage-voiced distortion and saturation tool meant to add weight, grit and attitude to a sound. The second version adds a new Transient Shaper, independent drive stages for lows and highs, an Ape Mode for extra distortion and compression, and a redesigned interface with a new preset system.

Best for

Drum saturation
Bass distortion
Guitar grit
Synth warmth
Vocal character
Bus saturation

Developer: Safari Audio
Category: Saturation
Store: Plugin Boutique

02Key features

What you get

Transient Shaper that balances snap against body on one control
Independent Lows and Highs drive stages
Ape Mode for extra distortion and compression
Battery emulation for worn, unstable vintage grit
Smart Gain and Link Gain for level matching
A/B compare and short-term LUFS readout
New oversampling algorithm
Redesigned V2 interface with a new preset system

03In depth

Transient Shaper and Drive Stages

The Transient Shaper in V2 uses a single control to balance attack against body. Turning it toward snap sharpens the initial hit so the attack stays audible. Turning it the other way pushes weight and sustain forward.

Independent Lows and Highs drive stages let you shape the low end and top end separately. Safari Audio says this range runs from deep, warm thickness to crisp, cutting top end without needing a separate EQ.

Battery emulation drains the voltage for worn, unstable, extra-vintage grit, and Smart Gain and Link Gain help match levels while you adjust the drive.

Common Uses for Saturation and Distortion

Gorilla Drive V2 is intended for drums, bass, guitars, synths, vocals and busses. Safari Audio says it can range from subtle analog-style warmth to thick, aggressive distortion while keeping dynamics under control.

A/B compare and a short-term LUFS readout make it easier to check how the processing changes the level as you work. The new oversampling algorithm is part of the V2 update.

04Specs

Will it run?

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

Developer	Safari Audio
Type	Plugin
Category	Saturation
Formats	VST3, AU, AAX
Operating systems	Windows, macOS
Architecture	64-bit

05Upgrades

Upgrade and crossgrade options

Option	Store link
Gorilla Drive V2 Upgrade from V1	Plugin Boutique ↗

06FAQ

Questions, answered

What formats does Gorilla Drive V2 support?

Gorilla Drive V2 is available in VST3, AU and AAX formats. The VST3 and AAX formats are listed for Windows 64-bit, and all three are listed for macOS.

What operating systems are required for Gorilla Drive V2?

The plugin supports Windows and macOS. Safari Audio lists Mac OS X 10.15 or later and Windows 8 or later. The system requirements also list a 2 GHz Intel dual-core or AMD equivalent processor and at least 8GB of RAM, with 16GB recommended.

What is new in Gorilla Drive V2?

V2 adds a new Transient Shaper, independent Lows and Highs drive stages, Ape Mode, battery emulation, Smart Gain and Link Gain, A/B compare, a short-term LUFS readout, a new oversampling algorithm and a redesigned interface with a new preset system.