The perfect distortion tool for your TB-303 or any other bassline synth, as a 1-knob effect plugin in the 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:
Instead of a single algorithm you now get 9 switchable distortion types: Classic Hardfloor, Acid Fuzz, Tape Saturator, Diode Clipper, Wavefolder, Rectifier, Bitcrusher, Valve Screamer and Hard Clip. Each type brings its own sonic character, from warm tape saturation through aggressive fuzz and sharp brick-wall clipping to experimental wavefolding and digital bitcrushing.
In the DRIVE tab, input trim pushes the incoming signal into saturation by ±24 dB, and together with automatic gain compensation that gives you "more grit at the same volume". A True Drive oversampling mode (2×, 4× or 8×) smooths out recursive intermodulation on hot 303 lines: linear phase, latency compensated, with no colouration when switched off.
There is also an adjustable post-highpass filter (30 to 500 Hz) for taking low-frequency mud out where you need to. A clear tabbed interface (DRIVE / FILTER / DYNAMICS) gives direct access to every parameter, with factory preset selection inside the plugin as well as through your DAW's host preset menu.
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.
An Envelope Follower tracks the input level in real time and dynamically modulates the Pre-Highpass frequency. With a positive value the filter opens on the attack, with a negative value it closes. This gives the distortion a lively, breathing quality that reacts to your playing.
The Crossover Mix splits the signal into bass and highs. The sub-bass is routed cleanly around the distortion circuit while only the mids and highs go through the processing. The result is massive distortion up top without sacrificing punch and clarity in the low end.
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.
A new Accent Engine makes the KA-303 highpass playable: a transient in the input signal triggers a jump in drive and cutoff, lifts Q briefly and makes the filter "kick" rhythmically. Fully audio triggered, with no MIDI routing needed. With the three controls ACCENT (depth), SENSE (sensitivity) and SNAP (decay), the insert turns into a playable acid voice.
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 and ARM64)
Audio: 32-bit float, 44.1 kHz to 192 kHz, up to 8x True-Drive oversampling (linear phase).
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.