Soundtoys Decapitator: The Reference Analog Saturator
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Developer | Soundtoys |
| Price | $199 (Bundle Soundtoys 5 = $499) |
| Formats | VST, VST3, AU, AAX |
| Models | 5 circuits (A, E, N, T, P) + Punish mode |
| Drive | 0 to 10 (saturation control) |
| Mix | Parallel processing (dry/wet blend) |
| CPU | Light |
The Soundtoys Decapitator is THE analog saturation plugin used by the world's biggest studios. It emulates 5 legendary analog circuits to add warmth, grit, harmonics, and that "glued" sound of vintage productions.
Price: $199. Expensive? Yes. Essential? Absolutely. Let's see why.
🔥 What is Analog Saturation?
Saturation is the harmonic distortion that occurs when an audio signal pushes an analog circuit (preamp, console, magnetic tape) beyond its linear limits.
Why saturate?
- ✅ Adds harmonics: Enriches the sound, makes it fuller
- ✅ Warmth: Vintage, organic coloration
- ✅ Glue: Makes mix elements sound together
- ✅ Presence: Stands out in the mix without increasing volume
- ✅ Transient control: Softens aggressive peaks
🎵 Modern Production
"Cold digital" sound = no saturation. "Warm vintage" sound = saturation on every element. Decapitator = your secret weapon.
🎚️ The 5 Emulated Analog Models
| Model | Emulation | Character | Usage |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | Ampex 350 (tape) | Vintage warmth, smooth | Vocals, mix bus, master |
| E | Chandler/EMI TG | British punch | Drums, rock mix |
| N | Neve console | Midrange warmth | Everything (most versatile) |
| T | Thermionic Culture | Smooth tube saturation | Vocals, piano, strings |
| P | Custom Soundtoys preset | Aggressive, hi-fi | EDM, modern hip-hop |
🔥 Punish Mode
Double-click the model button = PUNISH mode. Extreme saturation, creative destruction. Perfect for sound design, dubstep, glitch.
🎨 Creative Uses of Decapitator
1. Lead Vocals (Model A, Drive 3-5)
Adds warmth and makes vocals stand out in the mix without aggressive EQ. Use Mix at 50% to keep natural transients.
2. Drum Bus (Model E, Drive 4-6)
The British rock sound. Glues drums, adds punch. Combine with parallel compression = explosive.
3. 808 Bass (Model N, Drive 7-9)
Adds high harmonics to hear bass on small speakers. Saturate hard, then filter with Tone.
4. Master Bus (Model A, Drive 1-2)
Subtle saturation on master. Glues everything together, adds analog warmth. Minimal drive for transparency.
5. Parallel Saturation (Model T, Drive 8-10, Mix 20-30%)
Pro technique: Saturate a parallel copy hard, blend at 20-30%. Controlled aggression.
💡 Advanced Technique
Use Decapitator before your compressor. Added harmonics excite the compressor differently = more alive sound, less "digital".
⚖️ Decapitator vs Alternatives
| Plugin | Price | Quality | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Soundtoys Decapitator | $199 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Absolute reference |
| FabFilter Saturn 2 | $169 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | More versatile but less "analog" |
| Waves J37 Tape | $80 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Specialized tape saturation |
| Plugin Alliance Black Box | $199 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Good but less intuitive |
| Slate Virtual Mix Rack | Subscription | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Excellent but requires iLok |
🎯 Final Verdict
The Soundtoys Decapitator is a must-have plugin. $199 may seem expensive, but it's the equivalent of 5 hardware units at $2000 each. Investment paid back immediately.
✅ Strengths
- 5 authentic analog models
- Exceptional audio quality
- Simple interface and fast workflow
- Mix control (easy parallel processing)
- Punish mode for creative sound design
- Auto Output Gain (automatic gain staging)
❌ Weaknesses
- High price (but justified)
- No multiband (Saturn 2 better for that)
- Interface a bit small
🛒 Where to buy Decapitator?
Price: $199 (Bundle Soundtoys 5 = $499)
View on Soundtoys.com View on Plugin Boutique