Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 5 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
5.0 (19)
$199.00
Thomann
4.8 (46)
$194.00 $189.00 $5.00
Vintage King
5.0 (1)
$199.00

Average Price: $197

High-end/Boutique

$39

$100+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 5 merchants for "Soundtoys Decapitator". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

Transform your digital mixes into warm, analog masterpieces with the Soundtoys Decapitator. This powerful distortion plugin replicates the soulful essence of analog hardware, bringing the richness of tubes, transistors, and circuits straight to your digital workstation. Whether you're looking to add subtle warmth or push your track to the brink with extreme saturation, Decapitator offers a versatile range of options to suit your creative needs.

Dive into the depths of analog saturation with five meticulously modeled hardware styles, each offering a unique character that echoes the subtleties of vintage and modern equipment. The Punish button is your best friend when subtlety just won't cut it, delivering an extra dose of gain that transforms polite tracks into bold, dynamic statements. From vocals and guitars to drums and synths, Decapitator provides that signature analog touch that makes your music stand out.

With its thoughtfully designed interface, Decapitator offers intuitive control over your sound. The analog-modeled tone control allows for precise shaping of the saturation, while the mix knob facilitates seamless parallel processing. These features, combined with the reliability and flexibility of a Soundtoys plugin, ensure a seamless integration of analog warmth into your digital mix.

Key Features:

  • Five distinct analog saturation models based on renowned studio hardware
  • Unique Punish button for high-gain saturation
  • Analog-modeled tone control for nuanced sound shaping
  • Mix knob for easy parallel processing without complex routing
  • Compatible with macOS and Windows, supporting VST2, VST3, AU, and AAX formats
  • Supports sample rates from 44.1 kHz to 192 kHz
  • Requires a free account at ilok.com (no physical USB iLok needed)

Product specs

Software Type Saturation effects
Platform Mac, PC
Upgrade/Full Full
Download/Boxed Download
Bit Depth 32-bit, 64-bit
Format AAX Native, VST, AU, AudioSuite
Authorization Type iLok Account required
Hardware Requirements - Mac Intel processor
Hardware Requirements - PC Intel compatible processor
OS Requirements - Mac OS X 10.10 or later
OS Requirements - PC Windows 7 SP1 or later

FAQs

What kind of saturation effect does the Soundtoys Decapitator provide?

The Soundtoys Decapitator offers an analog saturation effect, simulating the warmth and character of classic analog hardware. It allows users to add subtle warmth or intense distortion to their audio tracks.

Is the Soundtoys Decapitator compatible with my DAW?

Soundtoys Decapitator is compatible with most major DAWs, supporting formats such as AAX Native, VST, AU, and AudioSuite. Ensure your DAW supports these formats for seamless integration.

Does Soundtoys Decapitator require an iLok account for authorization?

Yes, an iLok account is required to authorize the Soundtoys Decapitator. However, a physical iLok dongle is not necessary; you can authorize the software directly to your computer.

Can I use Soundtoys Decapitator on both Mac and PC?

Yes, Soundtoys Decapitator is compatible with both Mac (OS X 10.10 or later) and PC (Windows 7 SP1 or later) systems, requiring an Intel or Intel-compatible processor.

What are the standout features of the Soundtoys Decapitator?

The Soundtoys Decapitator features five different analog saturation models, a tone control for shaping the high and low frequencies, and a mix control for blending the dry and wet signals, offering versatile sound shaping options.

Geoff Manchester

Geoff Manchester

Soundtoys Decapitator: Why is everyone in love with this thing?

Video thumbnail for Soundtoys Decapitator: Why is everyone in love with this thing? by Geoff Manchester

Soundtoys Decapitator: Why is everyone in love with this thing?

Geoff Manchester

Geoff Manchester

Video thumbnail for (Vocals) Mixing | Using Soundtoys Decapitator On A Lead Vocal by Puremix

(Vocals) Mixing | Using Soundtoys Decapitator On A Lead Vocal

Puremix

Puremix

Video thumbnail for Decapitator - 808 Kick by soundtoys

Decapitator - 808 Kick

soundtoys

soundtoys

Video thumbnail for Why Pro Mixers Are OBSESSED With Decapitator by Plugin Alley

Why Pro Mixers Are OBSESSED With Decapitator

Plugin Alley

Plugin Alley

Video thumbnail for A deep look to the DECAPITATOR by Soundtoys- Guide tutorial by XNB

A deep look to the DECAPITATOR by Soundtoys- Guide tutorial

XNB

XNB

Reviews

PROS

  • Offers five distinct emulation modes for varied sound coloration

  • Features a "Punish" button for aggressive 20dB signal boost

  • Excellent for both subtle saturation and intense distortion effects

  • Includes integrated low- and high-pass filters for sound shaping

  • Highly versatile, suitable for vocals, drums, bass, and synths

  • Easy-to-use interface with auto-makeup gain and mix knob

  • Enhances sound with analog warmth or digital grit

  • Popular among top-level engineers and producers

  • Can replace physical gear for live performances

CONS

  • High CPU usage when used on multiple channels

  • Some users prefer other plugins for saturation effects

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Soundtoys Decapitator.

Features and functionality

  • The Decapitator lacks an oversampling option, leading to noticeable aliasing issues according to some users.

    Source
  • The Decapitator's various settings (A, E, N, T/P) mimic specific hardware preamps, providing versatility in tonal applications, like using the N setting for vocal preamps.

    Source
  • Devil-Loc acts as a highly aggressive limiter with distortion, ideal for thickening drum room sounds, particularly effective in metal and rock genres.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Soundtoys Decapitator often goes on sale significantly below its $200 price, with bundle deals offering greater savings during holiday promotions.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Audio Assault Head Crusher is frequently recommended as a budget-friendly alternative to the Decapitator for similar distortion and saturation effects.

    Source
  • Arturia's Culture Vulture model and Soundtoys Decapitator offer different tonal qualities, with some users preferring Arturia for its dynamic and EQ circuits.

    Source
  • Decapitator's A mode emulates the tube preamp from a vintage tape recorder, distinct from true tape effects like Kramer Tape, which emphasize tape saturation and wow&flutter.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Many users consistently apply the Decapitator lightly on bass and vocals, enhancing tracks by subtly altering brightness or darkness.

    Source
  • Decapitator excels on drum busses, providing a crunchy texture that enhances the drum mix's cohesion and impact.

    Source
  • It's effective for creating aggressive tones in EDM bass genres, helping sounds cut through the mix with added saturation.

    Source
  • Ableton's Drum Buss and Roar in Multiband are recommended for drum processing and general sound enhancement, respectively, offering viable alternatives to Decapitator.

    Source
  • Radiator excels when cranked on kicks and toms, leveraging its EQ section to enhance brightness, providing a unique tonal option compared to Decapitator.

    Source

User experience

  • Despite being widely used in studios, some owners find little differentiation from other distortion plugins, questioning its necessity in their workflow.

    Source
  • E mode in Decapitator introduces amplitude modulation via DC clipping on bass-heavy signals, adding a unique texture to the sound.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • For Ableton users, the new Roar plugin is touted as a strong alternative for distortion effects, providing impressive results without needing additional hardware.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Soundtoys: A Swiss-Army Knife for Harmonic Distortion: Pete Weiss Reviews Soundtoys Decapitator | Tape Op Magazine | Longform candid interviews with music producers and audio engineers covering mixing, mastering, recording and music production.

tapeop.com

Soundtoys Decapitator is a versatile saturation plug-in that excels in delivering a wide range of harmonic distortion. It’s praised for its ease of use, with minimal learning curve and intuitive controls. The plug-in offers five distinct harmonic styles, modeled after classic hardware, providing users with flexibility in sound shaping, from subtle warmth to aggressive distortion. The inclusion of user-friendly features like the Mix control for blending wet and dry signals and the Auto switch for consistent gain levels is particularly appreciated. While the sound quality is commendable, the real standout is its convenience and adaptability in various mix scenarios. Overall, Decapitator is a valuable tool for enhancing tracks with rich harmonic textures, making it a staple in many mixing projects.

positive

Sound Toys Decapitator & PanMan

soundonsound.com

Soundtoys Decapitator is a powerhouse for analog-style saturation and distortion, delivering exceptional warmth and character. Its intuitive interface and automatic output level adjustment make it user-friendly, while its diverse algorithms offer versatility from subtle warmth to aggressive distortion. Though not a guitar amp simulator, it's impressive on bass and drums, offering rich tonal possibilities. The lack of cons in the review underscores its quality. Soundtoys' Decapitator stands as a must-have for those seeking a blend of ease and sonic depth, securing its reputation as a top-tier plugin.

positive

Soundtoys Decapitator | Grade-A Saturation - Produce Like A Pro

producelikeapro.com

Soundtoys Decapitator stands out as a top-tier saturation plugin known for its versatility and ease of use. It captures the essence of analog warmth, offering five distinct styles modeled after classic hardware units. The plugin excels in adding character and richness to digital recordings, from subtle enhancements to intense distortion. However, some users have noted minor aliasing issues at lower sample rates, though these are typically inaudible. Despite this, Decapitator remains a highly regarded tool for both mixing and mastering, praised for its ability to emulate analog saturation's charm and complexity.

positive
Add

5.0 out of 5

Based on 6 Reviews and 54 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
the_last_factory

Something to warm up or incinerate your signal with

I have two dirt pedals that I utilize to either beef up my signal or absolutely destroy it, but when I don't want to go through the trouble of hooking up my outboard gear to setup I just open up Decapitator. It's one of those saturation/dirt plug-ins that can be used with subtlety to add warmth to your tracks or you can be abrasive by initiating the "punish" button and turn your signal into a glitchy fuzzed out mess. It goes great with everything and I'll probably be using it in place of my Life Pedal when I tour or play shows in town.

freezeetch

Endless distorted joy

I can't begin to express how much I love this plugin and I've barely had time to use it. It feels like it has unlimited possibilities and can give you any kind of distortion tone you could possibly want, from subtle and warm to severely mangled, and yet everything sounds musical somehow. Magic!

P

PUNISH IT...!!!

The 'Decapitator' by Soundtoys is one of my favorite 'Saturators'... it has 4 different modes and all of them have unique sonic character... Try it on BASS.... !!! In fact, insert it into the chain of your main bass track and then PUNISH IT...!!!

T

Usable

Good saturator, but to me, there are better plugins, like Softube's One Knob or Gem Sculptube.

tommyvarekai

Inspiring, Incredibly useful

The Decapitator from SoundToys is incredible, I use it on all my synth tracks, really adds a fantastic "color" to the sound that compliments whatever project i'm working on. One of the best plugins ever!!

torturecrush

SATURATION RULES EVERYTHING AROUND ME

I don't know what else to say other than that.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Alessandro Cortini uses Soundtoys Decapitator

Alessandro Cortini

Keyboardist, Music Producer

Nine Inch Nails

...
Verified via YouTube

After 03:58 into this video Alessandro says "I have Decapitator on everything".

See how Odesza uses Soundtoys Decapitator

Odesza

Music Producer

...
Verified via Photo

In an interview, when asked what some of their favorite VST / FX Racks are, Odesza reply, "Right now, my go to is Soundtoys. They have the best delay I’ve ever used, some really nice compressors and the saturation they have, this thing called Decapitator, is absolutely fantastic." (original interview here).

See how Moderat uses Soundtoys Decapitator

Moderat

Music Producer

...
Verified via Emusician

In this article Sascha Ring states "Logic played a central role for everyone involved, hosting such tools as iZotope’s Iris sample-based synthesizer and many instances of SoundToys Decapitator analog saturation modeler."

See how Olafur Arnalds uses Soundtoys Decapitator

Olafur Arnalds

Keyboardist, Composer

...
Verified via Soundonsound

"I might have a drum beat and send it out to an external bus as well with a filter and distortion and just layer that on top of the drum beat to give it a little bit more character and life. I like the Sound Toys Decapitator for distortion.”

See how Junkie XL uses Soundtoys Decapitator

Junkie XL

Composer, Music Producer

Tiësto vs. Junkie XL

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video at 6:32 we can see Soundtoys Decapitator

See how Illenium uses Soundtoys Decapitator

Illenium

Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

In a production livestream hosted by Meta 8D on YouTube, Illenium is seen using the Soundtoys Decapitator plugin.

See how San Holo uses Soundtoys Decapitator

San Holo

Guitarist, Music Producer

...
Verified via Cymatics.fm

See at 33:38, he is using it to add some distortion on a sample in “Light”

See how Thomas Gold uses Soundtoys Decapitator

Thomas Gold

Music Producer

Thomas Gold and Chriss Ortega

...
Verified via YouTube

Thomas Gold seen using Decapitator in video around 1:45

See how Fehrplay uses Soundtoys Decapitator

Fehrplay

Music Producer, DJ

...
Verified via MusicRadar

“Soundtoys are my go-to creative plug-ins. Crystallizer, EchoBoy and Decapitator are so much fun to work with.

See how JAUZ uses Soundtoys Decapitator

JAUZ

Music Producer

...
Verified via Twitch.tv

In this Twitch livestream @02:29:01, Jauz can be seen using Decapitator. (Stream: Oct 21, 2020. Making of 'Oceans & Galaxies'.)

See how Benny Blanco uses Soundtoys Decapitator

Benny Blanco

Music Producer

Bangers and Cash

...
Verified via Soundonsound

Benny says at the bottom of the article "My go-to plug-ins? There are tons of them. The Sound Toys stuff is probably my favourite. I love the Decapitator, I love Echo Boy "

See how Celldweller uses Soundtoys Decapitator

Celldweller

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via MusicRadar

"FabFilter EQs, in fact the whole FabFilter suite sounds incredible - there's not a session that doesn't have a ton of Fab Filter Pro-Q2s and Simplons on it. Soundtoys also makes great sounding plugins that can really destroy or sweeten your sound, and they're all over my productions."

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Soundtoys Decapitator, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

More Soundtoys Saturation Plugins

Accessories & Related Items

Community setups

Similar

  • Added to Equipboard on by

    gchiaren
    gchiaren

    Gear IQ 37552