Distortion: Difference between revisions

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OS's distortion works by changing the amplitude of a signal based on a distortion function. Without distortion, signals at a low amplitude are played at a low amplitude, and high-amplitude signals are played back at a high amplitude. This can be described as a linear response to amplitude. A distortion function takes the instrument's amplitude and applies a function that modifies it to behave non-linearly.     
OS's distortion works by changing the amplitude of a signal based on a distortion function. Without distortion, signals at a low amplitude are played at a low amplitude, and high-amplitude signals are played back at a high amplitude. This can be described as a linear response to amplitude. A distortion function takes the instrument's amplitude and applies a function that modifies it to behave non-linearly.     


Distortions can sound wildly different from instrument to instrument. Also, note that these names often are not very helpful to understand what they do so it's recommended to listen to each one and understand the effect it has on an instrument.   
Distortions can sound wildly different from instrument to instrument, like [[#Percussion|the percussion]], where their sound varies. Also, please note that these names often are not very helpful to understand what they do so it's recommended to listen to each one and understand the effect it has on an instrument.   
==List of distortions==
==List of distortions==
*''Limit - Clipping''
*''Limit - Clipping''
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== Percussion ==
== Percussion ==
To start, distortion on drums is possibly the easiest way to add distortion to a sequence, as the rhythmic function of drums is not likely to be impaired by distortion. Adding shear distortion is a good way to make things sound a bit tighter and make lingering sounds like cymbals and open hi-hats cut off earlier. Quasar and Styx both add intensity to any percussion track, but may also require you to lower the note velocity of the effected notes, as these distortions can be too much at times.
To start, distortion on drums is possibly the easiest way to add distortion to a sequence, as the rhythmic function of drums is not likely to be impaired by distortion. Adding shear distortion is a good way to make things sound a bit tighter and make lingering sounds like cymbals and open hi-hats cut off earlier. Quasar and Styx both add intensity to any percussion track, but may also require you to lower the note velocity of the effected notes, as these distortions can be too much at times.


When using intense distortions, it may help to use such distortions only on the kick and snare, and reserve another drum kit for everything else so that only the kick and snare are distorted.
When using intense distortions, it may help to use such distortions only on the kick and snare, and reserve another drum kit for everything else so that only the kick and snare are distorted.


Be careful when using distortion on 808 Drum Kit, as it can cause the toms and kick drums to become too tonal (sound as if they are playing a note rather than a drum).  These notes can sound out of place to other notes playing in the song. If you are aware of which notes the drums are creating and/or match these notes to the key of your dong using detune, this tonal quality of distorted 808s can sound great.
Be especially careful when using distortion on 808 Drum Kit, as it can cause the toms and kick drums to become too tonal (sound as if they are playing a note rather than a drum).  These notes can sound out of place to other notes playing in the song. If you are aware of which notes the drums are creating and/or match these notes to the key of your dong using detune, this tonal quality of distorted 808s can sound great.
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