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Distortion: Difference between revisions
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[[file:Distortion_OS.png|300px|right|thumb|The default screen of distortion and volume control seen on OS]]'''Distortion''' is an audio effect that was implemented in the test server in November 2021, being fully released in its present state in January of 2022. It is found under advanced settings | [[file:Distortion_OS.png|300px|right|thumb|The default screen of distortion and volume control seen on OS]]'''Distortion''' is an audio effect that was implemented in the test server in November 2021, being fully released in its present state in January of 2022. It is found under advanced settings and is typically used to give a harsher timbre to instruments. It can also be used to change one instrument to mimic another, like adding distortion to a flute to make it sound more like strings. This second use is mostly specific to Online Sequencer. | ||
This is not to be confused with audio distortion or hard distortion caused by a sound exceeding the threshold of the speaker causing an increase in harsh harmonics. Generally speaking, hard clipping/distortion should be avoided as it is hard on the hearing and could potentially lead to hearing loss. | This is not to be confused with audio distortion or hard distortion caused by a sound exceeding the threshold of the speaker causing an increase in harsh harmonics. Generally speaking, hard clipping/distortion should be avoided as it is hard on the hearing and could potentially lead to hearing loss. | ||
OS's distortion works by changing the amplitude of a signal based on a distortion function. | 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. 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. | ||
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*''Zircon - ?'' | *''Zircon - ?'' | ||
*''Hornet -?'' | *''Hornet -?'' | ||
*''Shear - Subtle distortion that does not effect loud sounds, but clips | *''Shear - Subtle distortion that does not effect loud sounds, but clips of the quietest of sounds. Unlike most distortion, quiet sounds are affected more than loud ones.'' | ||
== Distortion Technique == | == Distortion Technique == | ||
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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 | 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. | ||
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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 | 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. | ||