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.

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.

. The best VST plugins 2020: the finest synth effects and instruments. The 25 best VST/AU plugin synths in the world right now However, those who would rather stick with the regular DAW piano roll will be relieved to learn that in all cases, these internal playback engines can be switched off, effectively turning the plugin into a static. We have collected for you the top 15 VST plugins Sampler according to PluginBoutique. VST list navigation: Serato Sample. Regroover Essential.

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.

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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

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