FabFilter

I'm demoing Saturn currently on Studio One 3.2.1.

I'm surprised at the high CPU hit I'm getting.

At a 128 buffer size, with the "Default Setting" loaded it's idling between 2% and 7% with frequent little spikes up to 11 or 12% it looks like.

With 3 bands activated, all at Default Setting, it's idling between 5% and 8% with spikes up over 20%

At a 2048 buffer size, what I'd use for mixing
Default Setting sits at 2% idle
"Clean Tape Base - 6 Bands SM" fluctuates between 7% and 11%.

Does this seem normal? Is Studio One to blame, or can Saturn be a little demanding on the CPU?

I'd like to withdraw this comment/question. Especially at higher buffer settings, Saturn remains very reigned in when it comes to CPU usage. Around 128 buffer and below on Studio One, most 3rd party plugins go a little crazy with the peaking.

I'm trying iZotope Trash 2 right now and it's WAY worse with CPU usage.

You need a new PC. Saturn is one of the most cpu-efficient saturation plugins I've ever used.

Thanks for the follow-up! If you want to reduce CPU usage in Saturn, best to use not too many bands, and avoid the HQ mode.
www.fabfilter.com/help/saturn/using/inputoutput

Cheers,