Distortion & Saturation
Almost everything can cause distortion. Sometimes it is wanted, and other times it is not, but deciding when and how, is the fun part. The challenging part, however, is learning the sound characteristics of the different kinds of distortion.
In general, distortion is achieved by “driving” a signal (increasing a sounds level/volume) to the point that it overloads whatever it is passing through.
Here are a couple articles that discuss the various types of distortion and how/when to use them.
Distortion vs. Saturation
Distortion and Saturation are the exact same thing, but Saturation is usually on the subtle end, and Distortion is on the aggressive end of the same spectrum.
Free Distortion VSTs
Please don’t be mislead by the advertising in this video. The Distortion plugin it features is free to everyone and no purchase is necessary.
Free Phase Distortion VSTs
Free Bit Crusher VSTs
Ableton
- Amp
- Cabinet
- Drum Buss
- Dynamic Tube
- Erosion
- Overdrive
- Pedal
- Redux
- Saturator
- Vinyl Distortion
- Auto Filter
Bitwig
- Amp (see devices pop-up help window)
- Bit-8 (see devices pop-up help window)
- Distortion (see devices pop-up help window)
- Saturation (see devices pop-up help window)