Audio distortion is a coin with two faces. On one side, it is an omen of sonic destruction that could ruin a mix. On the other, it’s a tool that can enrich the character and harmonics of your audio.
Fortunately, the development of music technology has led to the good of distortion being refined and captured into easy-to-use plugins. Let’s go through the distortion plugins in Logic Pro, so you don’t miss out on their sonic qualities.
Why You Should Use Distortion
While audio distortion technically means any alterations to a sound’s waveform, specific forms of sound manipulation have gained enough utility and acclaim to take over the effect category of distortion.
Distortion effects are capable of both extremes of sonic alteration, ranging from the crunch and edge in death metal music to the subtle touches of saturation that enrich melodic parts. This makes distortion a tool that is not just beneficial but is in fact necessary to fulfill the potential of your audio.
Bitcrusher
Bitcrusher applies its unique form of distortion by drastically reducing or crushing the bit depth and sampling rate. This leads to a notable reduction in sonic quality that takes your music back in time to the years when digital music was distinctly different from analog music (think of the first blocky-sounding Nintendo Games).
You may think that this old-school sound has been left in the past. However, its unique blocky and digital sound gives audio a desirable edge that makes it a relevant tool in the present.
Parameters
Clip Distortion
Clip Distortion is a good example of how distortion that used to be avoided at all costs has been converted into manageable and desirable sonic effects. The dangers of ruining the balance of your audio are remedied as Clip Distortion offers you control over many features, such as the clipping intensity, the input/output signal, and the form of the clipping effect.
The main sonic quality that controlled clipping offers you is an aggressive edge to your audio. It is frequently used on electric guitars, bass parts, and rhythmic instruments in need of extra punch.
Overdrive and Distortion
The Distortion and Overdrive effect in Logic Pro have the same graphic display and parameters, so we’ll look at them together.
The Distortion plugin emulates the lo-fi distortion produced by a bipolar transistor. What this means is that you’re able to create both subtle and very in-your-face distortion. Notch up the drive, and you’ll get the edge you hear in aggressive lead guitars. Apply subtle boosts, and you can add presence and weight to diverse audio elements.
Overdrive emulates a field effect transistor (FET), a component found in hardware such as compressors and solid-state amplifiers. For an in-depth look at different compressors and their uses, see ourguide on the different types of audio compressors.
In comparison to the Distortion effect, Overdrive produces a warmer sound. Unsurprisingly, you can also push it into intense aggression or maintain a softer touch.
Distortion II
Distortion II gives you a unique distortion effect as it emulates the distortion circuit of a Hammond B3 organ. While it works similarly to other distortion effects—intensive use leads to aggressive sounds, and vice versa—this distortion plugin adds in some unique colors you will want to try out.
If you want to learn more about distortion, see ourguide on the different types of audio distortion.
Phase Distortion
Phase Distortoin lets you change the phase of your audio signal. While analog and parametric equalizers (EQs) also shift the phase of your audio, Phase Distortion allows you to up the intensity of this effect to produce a gritty, almost metallic sound. However, it’s still worth learning thedifferent types of EQs and when to use them.
Phase Distortion uses a modulated delay line to shift its phase position as well as a high-cut filter of the input signal. This distortion can work great on synths and other hard-hitting instruments where you want its unique edge and sonic movement.
Use the Good Side of Distortion
It is easier than ever to experiment with different kinds of distortion without putting the balance of your audio at risk. For a digital and blocky feel, use Bitcrusher. Go for Clip Distortion, Distortion, and Distortion II when you want an aggressive edge, or Overdrive for an extra touch of warmth.
Add in the use of Phase Distortion for a unique metallic sound, and your creative possibilities expand significantly.
