BTW I recently posted about distortion Trash 2 vs Omnicide but there is some great feedback about different plugins.
 
Here is the link for reference.  People here give such great advice, I really mean it.
http://forum.cakewalk.com/iZotrope-Trash-2-or-Ohmforce-Ohmicide-m2844516.aspx

robbyk: I have never used any presets in Ozone, so I can't comment on them.
 
But I can tell you that in each new version of Ozone it's been the exciter module that's changed the most sonically. Each new version has been more subtle ("musical" they say) than the one before. It's the main reason I passed on Ozone 5: I didn't care for its new, more civilized exciter. Sometimes I go back to O3 when I want to really add some grit, but for the most part O4 is the sweet spot for me. It makes a dramatic difference, even when used with very conservative settings.
 

Fabfilter Saturn gets a lot of good reviews here on CW forums.

Including from me. But I gotta tell you in all honesty that even after nearly a year with it I'm still working on taming that beast of a plugin. It's either too subtle or too raunchy with too few options in the in-between area where I like to live. I thought it would be a one-stop do-all distortion tool, but so far it hasn't worked out that way.
 
Which is not to say that I don't like it, because I do. It's just not as versatile as I'd hoped. What I like best about it is the modulation features, which nothing else I've got offers. But I'd happily trade that for a preset named "Here's That Sound You're Looking For".

bitflipper
 
But I can tell you that in each new version of Ozone it's been the exciter module that's changed the most sonically. Each new version has been more subtle ("musical" they say) than the one before. It's the main reason I passed on Ozone 5: I didn't care for its new, more civilized exciter. Sometimes I go back to O3 when I want to really add some grit, but for the most part O4 is the sweet spot for me. It makes a dramatic difference, even when used with very conservative settings.
 

Thanks for the tip, I have Ozone 4 as well and I will re-visit that plugin and check it out. Thanks!

I've put two versions of one tune on Soundcloud. They are identical except that one's got Ozone 4's exciter on it, so you can A/B them. Even though the exciter settings are very conservative, the difference can be clearly heard if you switch between them. 
 
The "without" version is labeled "Currently Untitled Work in Progress"; the exciter version is labeled "Work in Progress, with Ozone's Exciter". Listen for the brighter lead instruments brought forward in the mix, and the fuller bass and kick.

bitflipper
 Listen for the brighter lead instruments brought forward in the mix, and the fuller bass and kick.

Most definitely, wow, the difference is clear just as you point out; I will be spending a lot more time with that module than previously; plus it's cool bringing a plugin out of retirement:)
 
Thanks again (and extreme kudos on the music, double-wow!)

MachineClaw
I bought CamelAudio Phat3 which while not a distortion plugin itself has some nice little sprinkles on top I like.
 

Speaking of Camel Audio, I still really like their little freebie CamelCrusher.  When you combine the compressor's phat mode with some tube distortion, it can really warm up any track.
 
http://www.camelaudio.com/camelcrusher.php
 
 

Trash 2 is definitely my go-to distortion plug-in, it's so powerful. That being said, sometimes I use the other modules within Trash 2 (filter, eq, dynamics, delay) to process my sound. At times it's almost all I need on an audio track.

Friends,
 
My take on this, struggling with attaining credible distortion.
 
Lots of good stuff in Scuffham, in Amplitube, in Guitar Rig and a sea of free offerings getting better and better daily.
 
Not the greatest guitarist, but got a trench into what sounds good when I can hit the note.
 
IMHO nothing does it right yet. Nothing properly emulates a Fender Twin tube amp that is roasting the nalgahyde off the head after warming up to a meltdown after 4 hours, just getting to the sweet spot. And definitely nothing comes close to real, vst plug in isolation.
 
Patchwork mode is needed with at least 3 components to get a far distant semblance. Progressive approach, nothing out there so far can’t be improved or closed in on the sound without an upstream compressor. Second, a responsive noise gate after the comp to keep the noise flood down. Third, the core distortion unit of choice.
 
Some boxes like Amplitube, Line 6 Platinum, Kuassa, Guitar Rig have these components internal, but subjectively got better results going modular.
 
My go to secret sounds… End point  Ken’s AcmeBarGig Head Case. Another end point gem, the Plug&Mix California head and a couple other of their mega simple overdrive boxes. Latter just the right amount of overdrive and gnarl to replicate the Rick ambience in the Who’s “My Wife”. Unsung heros not getting the deserved press. Check it out if not already
 
Links:
 
http://www.acmebargig.com/head-case/
 
http://www.plugandmix.com/
 
Noted Plug&Mix still has the free offering for the Facebook like. Each to his or her own on this one…
 
My local favorite free comp first in line is the beautiful Citrus comp. If you guys don’t have this one, you are back in the ozone.
 
https://sites.google.com/site/distorque/home/vsts/vitaminc
 
Compressor into gate. Using payware Nomad Liquid Gate second in the chain. There are other freeware gates out there. Nomad does it great from the default preset.
 
http://nomadfactory.com/products/liquid_II/
 
Compressor, into the noise gate, into the overdrive unit.
 
Cool stuff if only in my book.
 
John

I've been messing around with Saturn and I like the broken tube setting on a bass track I'm working on. It's very light (20% maybe)....sounds like a speaker is just starting to break up a bit. I've only had it for a few days so at this point I really don't know what I'm doing, but it sounds good.