Using Ultrabeat’s Distortion Circuit

The Distortion unit provides either a bit crusher or distortion effect.

The distortion effect is modeled on an analog distortion unit, which distorts the sound by overdriving the level. The bit crusher uses a process that deliberately reduces the digital resolution of the sound, measured in bits, achieving an intentionally digital coloration of the sound.

Both methods lead to distortions that are as tonally divergent as the two approaches. Distortion offers a more analog feel while the bit crusher can’t hide its digital origins, nor is it supposed to.

Note: The arrow in the Filter section determines whether the Distortion circuit is inserted before or after the multimode filter (see Getting to Know the Ultrabeat Filter and Distortion Section).

• Crush and Distort buttons: Activate the desired mode. The name of the active effect type is indicated in red. If neither button is active, the Distortion circuit is bypassed.
• Drive knob: Controls the amount of distortion.
• Color knob: Determines the basic tone of the distortion. Higher values result in a brighter sound. Lower values lead to a darker, warmer tone.
• Level/Clip knob: Sets the output level of the Distortion effect when in Distortion mode. In Bit Crusher mode, this knob sets a threshold level for incoming signals from the sound sources that must be reached before distortion (bit crushing) begins.