Top 10 saturation VSTs of 2023

Top 10 Saturation VSTs of 2023: A Comprehensive Guide

Saturation is a crucial aspect of music production and sound engineering, and having the right VSTs can make all the difference. That's why we've compiled a list of the top 10 saturation VSTs of 2023, to help you elevate your tracks to the next level.

1. Saturation Knob by Softube

   Pros: The Saturation Knob by Softube is a versatile and easy-to-use saturation plugin that can be used to add warmth and depth to any track. It features a simple, intuitive interface that makes it easy to dial in the perfect sound.

   Cons: Some users have reported that the plugin can be a bit CPU-intensive, and it may not be the best choice for users with older or less powerful computer systems.

   What Makes it Special: The Saturation Knob is a great choice for users looking for a versatile and easy-to-use saturation plugin that can add warmth and depth to any track.

2. Decapitator by Soundtoys

   Pros: The Decapitator by Soundtoys is a powerful saturation plugin that offers a wide range of vintage-inspired saturation models. It's also highly customizable, allowing you to fine-tune the saturation to your specific needs.

   Cons: Some users have reported that the plugin can be a bit difficult to use at first, and it may not be the best choice for beginners.

   What Makes it Special: The Decapitator is a great choice for users looking for a powerful and customizable saturation plugin that offers a wide range of vintage-inspired saturation models.

3. FerricTDS by Variety of Sound

   Pros: The FerricTDS by Variety of Sound is a free saturation plugin that offers a wide range of saturation modes and a high level of customization. It's great for adding warmth and character to any track.

   Cons: Some users have reported that the plugin can be a bit difficult to use at first, and it may not be the best choice for beginners.

   What Makes it Special: The FerricTDS is a great choice for users looking for a free saturation plugin that offers a wide range of saturation modes and a high level of customization.

4. Saturn by FabFilter

   Pros: The Saturn by FabFilter isa powerful and versatile saturation plugin that offers a wide range of saturation modes and a high level of customization. It's great for adding warmth and character to any track. It has a great graphical user interface that makes it easy to use.

   Cons: Some users have reported that the plugin can be a bit expensive, and it may not be the best choice for users on a budget.

   What Makes it Special: The Saturn is a great choice for users looking for a powerful and versatile saturation plugin that offers a wide range of saturation modes, a high level of customization and a user-friendly interface.

5. ToneBoosters Barricade

   Pros: The ToneBoosters Barricade is a versatile saturation plugin that offers a wide range of saturation modes and a high level of customization. It is great for adding warmth and character to any track.

   Cons: Some users have reported that the plugin can be a bit difficult to use at first, and it may not be the best choice for beginners.

   What Makes it Special: The ToneBoosters Barricade is a great choice for users looking for a versatile saturation plugin that offers a wide range of saturation modes and a high level of customization.

6. Voxengo Tape Bus

   Pros: The Voxengo Tape Bus is a high-quality saturation plugin that is modeled after a classic tape machine. It offers a warm and natural sound that can be used to add depth and character to any track.

   Cons: Some users have reported that the plugin can be a bit CPU-intensive, and it may not be the best choice for users with older or less powerful computer systems.

   What Makes it Special: The Voxengo Tape Bus is a great choice for users looking for a high-quality saturation plugin that offers a warm and natural sound modeled after a classic tape machine.

7. TDR Kotelnikov by Tokyo Dawn Records

   Pros: The TDR Kotelnikov by Tokyo Dawn Records is a versatile saturation plugin that offers a wide range of saturation modes and a high level of customization. It's great for adding warmth and character to any track.

   Cons: Some users have reported that the plugin can be a bit CPU-intensive, and itmay not be the best choice for users with older or less powerful computer systems.

   What Makes it Special: The TDR Kotelnikov is a great choice for users looking for a versatile saturation plugin that offers a wide range of saturation modes and a high level of customization.

8. Satson by Klanghelm

   Pros: The Satson by Klanghelm is a versatile saturation plugin that offers a wide range of saturation modes and a high level of customization. It's great for adding warmth and character to any track.

   Cons: Some users have reported that the plugin can be a bit difficult to use at first, and it may not be the best choice for beginners.

   What Makes it Special: The Satson is a great choice for users looking for a versatile saturation plugin that offers a wide range of saturation modes and a high level of customization.

9. SDRR 2 Saturation by Sound Radix

   Pros: The SDRR 2 Saturation by Sound Radix is a versatile saturation plugin that offers a wide range of saturation modes and a high level of customization. It's great for adding warmth and character to any track.

   Cons: Some users have reported that the plugin can be a bit CPU-intensive, and it may not be the best choice for users with older or less powerful computer systems.

   What Makes it Special: The SDRR 2 Saturation is a great choice for users looking for a versatile saturation plugin that offers a wide range of saturation modes and a high level of customization.

10. iZotope Ozone 9 Vintage Tape

    Pros: iZotope Ozone 9 Vintage Tape is a versatile tape saturation plugin that can add warmth and character to your tracks. It comes with various presets that can help you achieve the desired effect quickly. The plugin also includes various parameters, such as saturation, bias, and level, that give you control over the tape saturation effect.

    Cons: iZotope Ozone 9 Vintage Tape can be resource-intensive, which means it may slow down your computer if you use it on many tracks. It also lacks some of the advanced features found in other tape saturation plugins.

    What makes it special: iZotope Ozone 9 Vintage Tape has a unique feature called the "system noise" control, which lets you add noise to your tracks for a more authentic vintage sound. It's an excellent plugin for adding warmth and character to your tracks. Not sure if this counts as "special..."

11. PSP VintageWarmer2

    Pros: PSP VintageWarmer2 is a classic analog-style saturation plugin that can add warmth, depth, and character to your tracks. It features various parameters, such as saturation, drive, and mix, that give you control over the saturation effect.

    Cons: PSP VintageWarmer2 can be a bit overwhelming for beginners because it has so many parameters. It can also be resource-intensive, so you need to be careful when using it on many tracks. It's a classic!'

    What makes it special: PSP VintageWarmer2 has a unique "Fat" switch that can add more body and thickness to your tracks. It's an excellent plugin for adding warmth, depth, and character to your tracks.

12. Black Rooster Audio VPRE-73

    Pros: Black Rooster Audio VPRE-73 is a vintage-style preamp saturation plugin that can add warmth and character to your tracks. It features various parameters, such as gain, output, and tone, that give you control over the saturation effect. (Also check Out Magnetite!)

    Cons: Black Rooster Audio VPRE-73 lacks some of the advanced features found in other saturation plugins. It can also be resource-intensive, so you need to be careful when using it on many tracks.

    What makes it special: Black Rooster Audio VPRE-73 is modeled after the classic Neve 1073 preamp, which is known for its warm and musical sound. It's an excellent plugin for adding warmth and character to your tracks, especially if you're looking for a vintage vibe.