I have just downloaded the new fxpansion plugin to give it a go, hoping for good things but we will see.
It has made me think though, I have tried several but have not been overly impressed with any Distortion/saturation plugins as yet.
 
Any recommendations would be great!
looking for something that can do subtle instead of just grit.
 
Thanks

FabFilter Saturn and SoundToys Decapitator or Radiator are my go-tos when I want subtle distortion/saturation.

cryophonik
FabFilter Saturn and SoundToys Decapitator or Radiator are my go-tos when I want subtle distortion/saturation.

+1 on Saturn for sure (can't say anything about Decapitator or Radiator).  Saturn can do subtle or aggressive or anything in between, and it has beau coup modulation options and other features as well.  Not cheap, but definitely the usual high-quality offering we've come to expect from FabFilter.
 
I was impressed with the capabilities of Maul, but never picked it up ... there's only so much distortion capability you need on your DAW.  If I didn't already have Saturn, I might have sprung for Maul.  I do have FXpansion's Etch plug-in and, like Maul, it's a very innovative and flexible piece of gear.

dmbaer
I was impressed with the capabilities of Maul, but never picked it up ... there's only so much distortion capability you need on your DAW.  If I didn't already have Saturn, I might have sprung for Maul.  I do have FXpansion's Etch plug-in and, like Maul, it's a very innovative and flexible piece of gear.

I do have Maul as well, but I don't really think of it as excelling in the subtle department.  To me, it seems more like Ohmicide - great for all-out mangling and multi-band sonic mayhem, but not as much range at mild settings as something like Saturn offers.
 
I agree that Saturn really is the obvious choice here IMO.  Very diverse, sounds great, excellent support, frequent updates, no dongle (I personally don't mind them, but many Cakewalk users do), and priced commensurately with similar plugins.  Don't forget that FabFilter offers a refer-a-friend 10% discount.

FF Saturn for subtle, vox
Voxengo Boogex for bass
D16 Redopter for drums
Ozone for full mixes
 
These are the ones that get the most use here. I've tried a great many, including most of the more popular ones. But most disappointed, usually because of a) limited usefulness, b) artifacts/fizz/aliasing, or c) were too difficult to dial in a particular effect. 
 
What I'd be willing to spend money on would be a single plugin that can replace the Tube mode in Ozone's harmonic exciter, but I haven't found one yet.
 

For me it's UAD Fatso Sr. or PSP MixSaturator2 (from their MixPack2).

Have you tried the free IVGI plugin from Klanghelm?  Full-on version coming soon ...
 
http://www.klanghelm.com/IVGI.html
 
Other than that, I like brainworx bx_saturator, Studio Devil VTP, and WaveArts Tube Saturator.
 
Cheers,
Eddie
 

I've played with IVGI (stands for "Is Very Good Indeed"), and although it's not going to replace anything I've already got, I am definitely going to check out the full-featured version (SDRR: "Sex Drugs and Rock 'n Roll") when it's released. Lots of promise in that one, I think.

bitflipper
 
What I'd be willing to spend money on would be a single plugin that can replace the Tube mode in Ozone's harmonic exciter, but I haven't found one yet.
 

I'm curious how you use the Tube Mode within Ozone to such a credit.
 
I have Alloy v.1 and Ozone 5 (not the advanced though) and use the tube mode for vocals and guitar. However, I have mine setup and adapted from a preset (vintage vocal, I think) with a low drive setting. I  find it VERY subtle as I attempt to configure the settings (tube to digital, etc.), barely perceptible sometimes, not that I have deviated from the preset that much.
 
As experienced as you are, how are you making effective use of this module? I am hoping to learn something new here :)
 
Thanks!

Fabfilter Saturn is next on my wish list to pick up.  liked it very much but price was a consideration for me.  SoundToys are on my list too but price/iLok.
 
I have Ohmforce Omnicide - definitely not subtle but a LOT of bang for the buck.  thing is deep.
iZotope Trash 2 is nice but it has some latency for me.  I bought CamelAudio Phat3 which while not a distortion plugin itself has some nice little sprinkles on top I like.
 
Depends really on what your using it for in your music.  Fabfilter Saturn gets a lot of good reviews here on CW forums.