Das perfekte Distortion-Tool für deine TB-303 oder andere Bassline-Synthesizer, als 1-Knob Effekt-Plugin in der Pro-Version.
For everyone who loves the classic acid distortion sound shaped by Hardfloor, Josh Wink, Emanuel Top or DJ Misjah & DJ Tim, this distortion plugin is exactly the right tool. Acid Distortion is now available as a Pro version with significantly more under the hood.
What's new in the Pro version?
The free version delivers a single, classic distortion algorithm with one-knob control. The Pro version fundamentally expands the concept:
Statt eines Algorithmus stehen jetzt 9 schaltbare Distortion-Typen zur Verfügung: Classic Hardfloor, Acid Fuzz, Tape Saturator, Diode Clipper, Wavefolder, Rectifier, Bitcrusher, Valve Screamer und Hard Clip. Jeder Typ bringt einen eigenen Klangcharakter mit, von warmer Bandsättigung über aggressives Fuzz und scharfen Brick-Wall-Clip bis hin zu experimentellem Wavefolding und digitalem Bitcrushing.
Im DRIVE-Tab regelt der Input-Trim das Eingangssignal um ±24 dB direkt in die Sättigung, kombiniert mit der automatischen Gain-Kompensation entsteht so „mehr Grit bei gleicher Lautstärke“. Ein True-Drive Oversampling-Modus (2×, 4× oder 8×) glättet die rekursive Intermodulation auf heißen 303-Linien: linear-phasig, latenz-kompensiert, ohne Klangfärbung im Off-Modus.
Dazu kommt ein einstellbarer Post-Highpass-Filter (30 bis 500 Hz), um tieffrequenten Matsch gezielt rauszunehmen. Ein übersichtliches Tab-Interface (DRIVE / FILTER / DYNAMICS) gibt direkten Zugriff auf alle Parameter, mit Werks-Preset-Auswahl direkt im Plugin sowie über das Host-Preset-Menü deiner DAW.
The visual highlight: the acid smiley morphs in real time with the dry/wet parameter. 14 frames at 60 FPS, from a friendly smile at 0% to a distorted grimace at 100%, directly controllable via mouse drag.
The Pro version features true stereo processing with two independent DSP instances per channel, stores all settings in a DAW compatible XML format and also runs as a standalone application.
More Under the Hood: Extended Signal Chain
What sets the Pro version apart from other distortion plugins lives deeper in the signal chain. Before the actual distortion, a Pre-Highpass Filter (20 to 1000 Hz) with adjustable slope from 6 to 24 dB per octave and resonance up to Q 10 removes sub-bass before it ever hits the distortion circuit, keeping the low end clean and tight.
The Acid Focus input narrows the bandwidth from above using a lowpass filter. This concentrates the distortion into a focused frequency range and creates that typical tight, aggressive acid character.
Ein Envelope-Follower trackt den Eingangspegel in Echtzeit und moduliert die Pre-Highpass-Frequenz dynamisch. Bei positivem Wert öffnet sich der Filter beim Attack, bei negativem schließt er sich. Das gibt der Verzerrung eine lebendige, atmende Dynamik.
Der Crossover Mix teilt das Signal in Bass und Höhen. Der Sub-Bass wird sauber am Distortion vorbeigeleitet, nur Mitten und Höhen laufen durch die Verzerrung. Das Ergebnis ist massive Distortion oben, ohne den Punch und die Klarheit unten zu opfern.
Inspired by the internal feedback routing of the KA-303 Synthesizer, the plugin features an AC-coupled Feedback Loop. The feedback signal runs through a highpass at 150 Hz so bass frequencies are never fed back into the circuit. The signal stays stable and controlled even at high feedback levels. Soft-clipping prevents runaway resonance.
Eine neue Accent Engine macht den KA-303-Highpass spielbar: ein Transient im Eingangssignal triggert einen Drive- und Cutoff-Sprung, hebt das Q kurz an und lässt den Filter rhythmisch „schlagen“. Komplett audio-getriggert ohne MIDI-Routing. Mit den drei Reglern ACCENT (Tiefe), SENSE (Empfindlichkeit) und SNAP (Decay) wird aus dem Insert eine spielbare Acid-Stimme.
An automatic Gain Compensation circuit balances out the volume increase caused by distortion. The output level stays consistent no matter how far you push the Drive.
10 Factory Presets to Get You Started
Ten curated starting points are available directly in the plugin as a dropdown and integrate seamlessly with your DAW's preset system:
- Init: neutral starting point for your own sounds
- Chicago Acid Bass: classic 303 drive, solid deep bass
- Screaming Lead: wailing through Valve Screamer, musically controlled
- Hardfloor Reso: high resonance, Hardfloor vibe
- Vocal Grit: gentle saturation for vocals and lead lines
- Techno Brutalizer: aggressive drum-bus distortion
- Hoover Stab: fat stab sounds with bandwidth
- Dub Sub: sub-focused with crossover trick
- Bitcrush Mangler: Lo-Fi destruction with controlled character
- Diode Warmth: analog diode saturation, warm and musical
What is the plugin designed for?
Acid Distortion Pro is a specialised distortion plugin for electronic music production. It works for acid basslines that need more pressure and character, for synth leads with tube warmth and bite, for drums with grit and analogue saturation, and for experimental sound design with wavefolder and bitcrusher — wherever acid vibes are needed.
Formats & Systems
Formats: VST3, AU, Standalone
Systems:
- macOS (Universal Binary, Intel and Apple Silicon)
- Windows 10/11
- Linux (x86_64 und ARM64)
Audio: 32-bit Float, 44.1 kHz bis 192 kHz, bis zu 8× True-Drive Oversampling (linear-phasig).
License Information
This product includes a professional license system with the following features:
- Online activation with hardware fingerprinting
- Up to 3 device activations included
- Automatic license delivery via email
- Customer portal for license management
After purchase, you will receive your license serial number via email within minutes.