Distortion is an effect that most music producers learn to appreciate along the way. Especially if you are working outside of a professional environment, you’ll find that distortion is your friend. It helps your productions sound as if they were completed in a studio and not on your personal laptop.
Distortion Plugin With Bite CamelCrusher is a free multi-effect distortion effect by Camel Audio. The VST plugin features two different distortion sounds: a warm analogue sounding 'Tube' and a more nasty and digital sounding 'Mech'. The two distortion.
- Without a doubt, distortion and saturation VST plugins will for the foreseeable future remain essential in sound production.
- VST 4 FREE - Free Audio Plug-ins and Archives. Free VST downloads: Ouradrive (Valve overdrive by Ourafilmes) - Metal Clone (Distortion stompbox by Mokafix) - Distorder (Stereo distortion by novaflash) - CharBooster (Overdrive / booster by AXP) - DoDoD (Vintage overdrive / booster by Analog Obsession ) - Temper (Digital distortion.
The best distortion plugins typically emulate analog equipment that is way outside the budget of most people. They give us the opportunity to harness that same gritty tone without breaking the bank. So today we’re going to take a look at some of the greatest distortion plugins currently available. Check them out and see how they can take your mix to a new level.
Top 13 Distortion Plugins
1. Soundtoys Decapitator Analog Saturator
If you’ve taken to Google to see what you can find about distortion plugins, Soundtoys Decapitator is a name you’ll see pop up again and again. There’s a good reason for that—it’s probably the number one distortion VST’s currently on the market. It’s able to produce a wide range of saturation tones. If you want to take it to the edge, just click on the ‘Punish’ button and see what 20dBd of power can do for your sound.
The Decapitator is modeled after five highly respected pieces of gear. These are the Thermionic Culture Vulture, the EMI TG Channel, the two Neve 1057 preamps, and the Ampex 50. This plugin makes it easy to work with whichever of these saturation types you prefer thanks to the buttons conveniently located on its interface. You can also play with the Drive knob to amp up the sound.
One exciting feature is the added Mix control, which works great for parallel processing. You’ll definitely want to take advantage of this if you are using the Punish button in order to avoid a flat sound. Other features include a tone knob and a low and high-pass filter, which collaborate to “eq” the sound you produce. The Decapitator is compatible with just about any vocals or instrument you can imagine.
Pros
- Awesome hardware emulation
- Very user-friendly
- Helpful automatic drive and output linking for gain control
Cons
- There’s no transient control or de-esser
2. FabFilter Saturn Distortion Unit
FabFilter is known worldwide for their incredible plugins that provide distinctive interface designs and superior sounds. Saturn is their top-level distortion and saturation plugin. It offers incredible range for producers from subtle saturation to hard-hitting amp distortion. You’ll find an amazing selection of distortion models and three distinct distortion styles to work with.
The multi-band design and the feedback per-band feature will allow you to shape your signal throughout the frequency range, resulting in varying tones, dynamics, and modulation options. And if modulation is your focus, you’ll be impressed by the incredible modulation section that will help you inject life into your input signals. You can also add slight modulation to crossover frequencies to give them better clarity. In this section you’ll find an ample supply of XY controllers, EGs, MIDI sources, envelope followers, and LFOs.
One great thing about FabFilter plugins is that they offer you helpful hints as you work, and you’ll find that on the Saturn as well. This plugin will help boost your creativity and give you amazing results in the distortion realm.
Pros
- Superb sound
- Crossover setup is super easy with interactive display
- Impressive modulation system
Cons
- Not enough control over the compressor/expander
- Not able to see real-time modulated parameter movements
3. Softube Harmonics
As a producer it’s way too easy to add distortion to your mix with the best of intentions only to end up with a flat sound that’s devoid of all life. Softube Harmonics helps you avoid that unfortunate fate by working to preserve a track’s dynamics. It is among the very few distortion plugins currently available that tracks incoming dynamics. This gives you incredible control over the output signal, which is an absolute game changer.
On this plugin you’ll find mix control for parallel processing, high and low-cut filters, THD (total harmonic drive) metering, and other control parameters. You’ll also have five unique distortion models, each with their own analog processes. You’ll have all the tools required to capture that distinctive analog sound.
Softube’s Dynamic Transient Control technology is an incredibly powerful tool for producers. It allows you to achieve amazing warmth and grit without backing off on signal integrity. This is just one of many reasons Softube Harmonics comes so highly recommended.
Pros
- Beautiful analog sound
- Five different distortion styles
- THD metering for the best possible results
Cons
- No automatic gain compensation option
- Preset manager is disappointing
4. Soundtoys Radiator
Soundtoys Radiator is modeled after the Altec 1567A, a popular five-input, rack-mounted tube mixer from the 1960s. The Altec 1567A featured removable transformers, a two-knob EQ, and a distinctive green faceplate. It also offered an incredible 97dB of gain. The Radiator emulates that as a dual drive tube input channel and EQ unit. It faithfully recreates the grit and warmth found with the original hardware unit.
On this plugin you’ll find treble and bass controls along with parallel processing mix control. Its basic interface doesn’t limit your creativity as you explore the harmonic and saturation effects to create a wide range of tones that seem to come straight from the 1567A. You can also activate the “Noise” button for a little more analog goodness.
The Radiator comes with Little Raider, which is more ideal for working with individual tracks and also takes up less CPU. Radiator won’t overwhelm those who are just starting to explore distortion, and it offers enough effects to please even the most seasoned producer.
Pros
- Has a very wide sweet spot
- Awesome for all kinds of sources
- Incredibly user-friendly
Cons
- Eats up a lot of CPU
5. iZotope Trash2
The iZotope Trash2 originated with the iZotope Trash multi-band distortion plugin. It has been rebuilt from the ground up to make your job easier and give you better results in your audio distortion. It offers wave-based distortion, so customizing your own distortion settings is no problem. You also have 60 algorithms to choose from in addition to any you come up with yourself along with four individual frequency bands to distort.
There are 20 filter types and several versatile oscillators found on each band. This plugin also provides various speaker models, cabinets, amps, and other simulation devices to help you create space in your mix. Then check out the effects module to add character and depth to your signals. The Trash 2 includes just about everything you could imagine to meet your distortion needs. If you’re just starting out with producing, it might be too much to take in all at once. But if you want one of the most versatile distortion plugins that will give you optimal results, the Trash 2 should be in your collection.
Pros
- Great selection of distortion sounds
- Impressive filter section
- Strong waveshaper section
Cons
- Doesn’t have filter-modulated presets
- No panned split routing
6. OhmForce Ohmicide: Melohman
The Melohman is the go-to distortion VST for many of the most successful producers in the game, including Armin Van Buuren and Skrillex. There are many reasons for this, including its incredible versatility and user-friendly interface. DJs also love all of the features this plugin offers that are designed with performance in mind. The Ohmicide: Melohman can go from the subtle to the extreme in terms of distortion effects. So whether you need to just add a little grit to your signal or launch an all-out assault on your sound, this plugin has you covered.
The Melohman gives you four different frequency bands to work with so that you can individually process points within the frequency spectrum. While working in a single band, you can adjust a number of parameters like distortion, dynamics, mixer, noise gate, and feedback. You will have your pick of 80 distortion types that range from classic analog saturation to harsher modern tones.
Melohman also features MIDI capability, which gives you the option to adjust the presets using almost any MIDI controller. You can make changes to the morphing speed, distortion levels, and so much more, which makes this an ideal plugin for live performers.
Distorted Guitar Vst Plugins
Pros
- Great selection of distortion types
- Awesome three-dimensional GUI
- Plenty of presets to pick from
Cons
- MIDI control is a bit buggy
7. D16 Group Devastor 2
At first it might seem that the Devastator 2 is doing way too much, but once you get into it, you’ll find that it’s actually quite simple and easy to use. D16 developed it as an extension of their well-known Phoscyon plugin with increased control for multi-band distortion.
There are four primary blocks found on this plugin. These include three multi-mode filter sections, an optionally activated signal limiter, diode-clipper distortion, and the Dynamics Flattener Module, which is an input signal processor that’s operated by a single knob. It comes with nine distinct connection topologies with the diode-clipper and its filters. This gives you a lot of freedom and creativity to process your sounds in a variety of ways.
You’ll find that the filters included with this plugin are similar to the band-pass, band-reject, low-pass, high-pass filters typically found in synthesizers rather than the peaking EQ type filters you might expect. This gives you customizable cutoff and resonance parameters to produce a unique distortion sound. The Devastator 2 gives you much more functionality and amazing sounds in a compact distortion than you would expect for the price.
Pros
- Incredible sound
- Impressive library of high-quality presets
- Practical routing options
Cons
- No modulation options
8. McDSP FutzBox Native
FutzBox is an interesting noise generator and lo-fi distortion effects box that can be effectively used to develop low-fidelity versions of dry signals. If you are involved in post production, you’ll want to have this plugin in your corner. It can recreate the sounds of cell phones, radios, televisions, and much more with its user-friendly interface. FutzBox features three distinct simulation technologies that offer accurate modeling without taking up too much CPU, which isn’t common with convolution-based products.
In addition to the SIM libraries found on this plugin, you’ll also have distortion, gating, EQ, filtering, and a noise generator to work with for your distortion needs. You can then combine the distorted audio with the original audio for parallel processing. Users will also be able to record while using the Futzbox because of its impressive low latency.
Pros
- Lots of authentic simulations
- Great range of processing options
- CPU-friendly
Cons
- Not quite as realistic as true convolution
9. D16 Group Redoptor 2
Redoptor 2 is modeled after a tube distortion module, and it authentically recreates the distinctive sounds that are produced by actual tube saturation units. If you are looking for breakup sounds, the tube amplifier is where it’s at. This plugin gives everyone an opportunity to play with overdriven or distorted sounds. You can use its tools to give life and strength to a signal. You can apply subtle compression and create a beautiful harmonic blend.
Redopter reacts to the dynamics of your signal like only a tube amplifier can, so you can be sure that your results will not fall flat. Loud incoming signals will be crunchy and heavily saturated. This plugin gives you the tools to cut your highs and lows. You can also attack any unwanted peaks in your audio with the four-band parametric equalizer.
This plugin also gives you independent stereo channel processing capability with a separate path for each signal. This will improve your signal’s clarity and stereo imaging by avoiding cross-blending. The Redopter 2 is a fantastic option if you are looking for a top-level vintage tube distortion emulator that gives you the freedom to be creative with your distortion.
Pros
- Impeccable tube simulation
- Great valve behavior control
- Diverse selection of presets
Cons
- Could be more versatile
10. Kuassa EFEKTOR Distortion Bundle
You may not be familiar with Kuassa, but you’ll want to check out the EFEKTOR Distortion Bundle, which includes many of the most in-demand dirt effect pedals out there. The bundle comes with three distortion devices, including the FZ3603 Fuzz, the OD3603 Overdrive, and the DS3603 Distortion. These pedals are emulations that include parameters from a total of 30 pedals, offering you the amazing opportunity to explore different sounds. These parameters are easily controlled through three knobs, including one wet-dry knob. This simple setup is very approachable for beginners and professionals alike.
You’ll be impressed with the tones that you are able to dial in with your guitar or other signals. The low-latency quality also means that it’s possible to use in live situations. There is also a rack extension available that gives you additional versions of the included pedals.
Pros
- Three essential guitar effects to pick from
- CPU-friendly
- Get a lot for what you pay
Cons
- Doesn’t have a rack module like other pedal plugins
11. Softube Saturation Knob [FREE]
Softube is offering a free gift with its Saturation Knob plugin. It’s designed with only one knob, so it couldn’t be any easier to use. It’s an ideal option for modeled output distortion if you want to add grit to almost any type of signal. You can use it in several other ways, for example, to fatten up the low end of your bass lines, add shimmering harmonic distortion to your vocals, or completely mangle a drum loop. It can be integrated as a module in Softube’s Eurotrack Module Platform, or you can also use it as an insert in your DAW.
You’ll find three modes included in the Saturation Knob: Keep Low, Neutral, and Keep High. Each of these gives you varying options for how you can apply distortion to your signals. Use the Keep Low mode if you want to preserve your low end while distorting your drums, for instance. The functionality of the Saturation Knob is fairly limited, but it’s free so we’re definitely not complaining.
Pros
- Can get as a free standalone VST3 plugin
- Very user-friendly
- Offers three different modes
Cons
- Requires an iLock to run
12. PSP Audioware PSP VintageWarmer2
The PSP VintageWarmer was a game changer when it was first introduced years ago, and it is still one of the most popular saturation plugins on the market today. It stands toe to toe with any of its competitors in the saturation arena. It was designed to be used by professionals, so it has all the tools and features you’ll need to produce a professional sounding mix.
Like many others out there, it’s based on an analog-style single or multi-band compressor and limiter. It offers a user-friendly interface and an extensive collection of presets to make the job easier. You’ll be able to achieve everything from soft, warm compression to hard-hitting limiting. This plugin works well for both mixing and mastering. If you’re looking to create analog tape recorder saturation effects, the VintageWarmer 2 has you covered.
Beyond what you would expect, the VintageWarmer 2 also includes VU and PPM metering with reliable overload indicators, which will help to elevate your sound even further. Your purchase also comes with MicroWarmer, which features a basic single-band interface. It also gives you the option of using the VintageWarmer LE, which provides the same functionality as the VintageWarmer 2 but takes up less resources.
Pros
- Awesome sound
- Auto-release is very beneficial
- The FAT mode is amazing
Cons
- Without proper use, it can ruin your mix
13. Waves GTR3 Amps
The Waves GTR3 Amps is an awesome distortion plugin to have in your arsenal even if you don’t play guitar. The number of sound options it includes is way more than you would expect for the price. Waves found a way to emulate a range of vintage and modern amplifiers with this plugin, including models from Mesa/Boogie, Vox, Marshall, Fender, and many others. The GTR3 also features innovative sampling technology with techniques that far exceed the standard modeling that’s typically used by amplifier companies. This means you can get high-quality amp tones just by using the software.
You’ll be able to use this plugin in the live realm thanks to its low-latency quality. You will also have an incredible range in your work thanks to the more than 30 cabs, 30 guitar amps, and 25 stompboxes that are included. Each amplifier is made up of 25 custom guitar amps with nine models geared toward high-gain tones. You’ll also have the freedom to work with different equipment since you can play through two cabinets simultaneously and record with two separate microphones.
Among the 25 stomps you’ll find Flanger, doubler, Delay, Phaser, distortion, Fuzz, and almost any guitar pedal imaginable. The pedals also include real-time MIDI control and sync-to-host BPM features that make life easier for you. The six studio microphones are from reputable brands like RCA, Sennheiser, Neumann, AEA, and others. With the GTR3, you will expand your horizons in a big way with countless guitar tones.
Pros
- Impressive selection of different guitar tones
- Very user-friendly
- Ideal for live use
Cons
- Not possible to integrate with floorboards
- Expression pedals are quite fidgety
Warm up to Distortion
That wraps up our collection of some of the best distortion VST’s you can currently get your hands on. These will give you an opportunity to explore the sounds you can create while embracing the classic warmth of analog hardware. Your mixes will definitely only improve as you add more of these plugins to your toolbox.
Distortion is one of those effects that can have a use in any recording or music production setting. Even if you aren’t particularly into brash and dirty sounds, distortion plugins will have value for warming up sounds and introducing a bit of analog-style tone and response to your productions.
Here we rundown some of the best free distortion VST plugins available. Whether you are looking to give your tracks a slight edge or you are after total industrial mayhem, these plug-ins will deliver at a price that your wallet will love.
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Introduction: About Distortion Plugins
Distortion plug-ins replicate the sound of analog circuitry being pushed to the limit.
With tube amps or op-amp circuits, feeding excessively high levels early on in the chain results in a warm, gritty, and present sound that sounds bigger, louder, and more exciting.
Distortion is used to marvelous, effect by guitarists, but it can also add life to synth parts, drums, and even vocals. In fact, if you work in a studio long enough, you would be hard pressed to think of a sound source that wouldn’t benefit from varying degrees of distortion in some way.
Free Distortion Plugins
The List
Distortion Plug-in Roundup
Creative Intent’s Temper Distortion is a distortion plug-in that has a rich saturation stage.
The variable saturation curve helps produce a warmer and edgier sound than most distortion plug-ins are capable of.
It also employs phase distortion that helps enhance clarity and produces a more characterful drive. A resonant lowpass filter and a feedback control further aids in tone shaping.
One of the best qualities of Temper is how it can be pushed to extreme levels of distortion while still retaining clarity.
As far as digital distortions go, this is one of the few that manages to be pleasant sounding even as it mangles your sound.
TNT by Ourafilmes was originally intended as a drum and distortion plug-in that is also useful for creating special effects.
It is actually a suite of distortion plug-ins consisting of a single band and a multi-band unit, each of which come in mono and stereo versions. The single band version is further enhanced with the addition of a tone knob.
Later versions of the plug-in come with a 6dB crossover filter that enables the separation of the low and high bands.
With the ability to set different saturation algorithms for each band, TNT is quite a bit more versatile than your typical distortion plug-in.
Audio Damage is well known for its quality plug-ins, and FuzzPlus 3 holds up the company’s reputation admirably.
An updated version of the company’s original FuzzPlus pedal emulation, the FuzzPlus delivers the same great-sounding fuzzy distortion and enhances it with a filter modeled after the filter on Korg’s classic Microsoft-20 analog synthesizer.
Along with the ability to feed the processed signal back to the distortion circuitry, this results in increased sound-shaping possibilities.
The FuzzPlus 3 works amazingly well for processing drum loops and synths, transforming them into weird and wonderfully bizarre rhythms and textures.
But it is also quite capable of restraint, producing subtle saturations and tonal coloration when adjusted to moderate settings.
Distorque’s Plusdistortion is a plug-in emulation of the MXR Distortion+ pedal, which is favored by guitarists for its wide range of tones.
From light grit to all-out fuzz, the Distortion+ pretty much covers all the bases, and Plusdistortion is every bit as versatile.
The secret to the Distortion+ is the germanium diode clipping circuitry and the lo-fi op amp that produce the pedal’s distinctly characterful tone. The Plusdistortion somehow manages to capture the spirit of the pedal, with the added tweakability afforded by software.
Also from Distorque is Rangebastard, which is an emulation of another classic guitarists’ tool, the Dallas Rangemaster.
Like the Plusdistortion, the Rangebastard builds on the tone-shaping capabilities of the original with added features and tweakability.
With 2x oversampling, stereo and mono modes, and controls for input filtering, transistor, and even grid current, the Rangebastard is pretty much the Dallas Rangemaster on steroids.
More mangled textures are in the offing from Distorque, by way of the Face Bender.
Fans of classic fuzz pedal circuits will recognize the name as a combination of the Fuzz Face and Tone Bender MKII, both of which are still highly regarded in the guitar world.
Like those two pedals, the Face Bender delivers nasty, spitting distortion that walks the fine line between musicality and all-out sonic mayhem.
Full-on, retro-style fuzz is the primary domain of this plug-in, but it can also be dialed back for more tasteful saturation.
Vst Plugins Free
Finally, DistoCore’s Disto::FX is every bit the “Dirty Sound Destructor” as the marketing copy so proudly boasts.
Designed for all-out sonic assault, this is a loud and proud distortion plug-in that specializes in a surprising variety of distortion flavors.
Top Pick
Creative Intent’s Temper Distortion is the clear winner in this roundup. With the ability to get as down and dirty as any of them, it also cleans up nicely for more sedate and sensible saturation.
This is not to say that the rest of the entrants are slouches. Ourafilmes’ TNT and Audio Damage’s FuzzPlus 3 are certainly quite capable of delivering everything from a slight touch of grit to end-of-the-world sonic devastation.
Distortion Guitar Vst Plugin
Distorque’s pedal emulations for their part are all potentially useful for more traditional, stomp box flavors. And you just gotta love Disto::FX’s ability to make a heaving, bristling mess out of anything.
So while Temper Distortion gets the nod as our “top pick”, we wholeheartedly suggest that you download them all and have all your distortion bases covered.
After all, you can’t beat the price!