Best Distortion Vst Plugins

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Best Distortion Vst Plugins 7,3/10 952 reviews

Lots of people are obsessed with the ‘warmth’ of analog studio gear. Sure—it sounds fuller, more human, more present.

But these days, modeling technology has become really good at simulating the effects of analog circuitry. Our computers and DAW apps are powerful enough to handle these VST workhorses.

So forget about spending tons of money on analog gear.

Here’s 7 VSTs (for both PC and Mac) that will give you that sweet analog warmth.

  1. SGA1566 Tube Preamp
  2. TDR Slick EQ
  3. Ace Amp
  4. Molot Compressor
  5. Voxengo Tube Amp
  6. MJUC jr. Compressor
  7. Softube Saturation Knob

A very nice plugin comes free with protools 9hd, dont know if also comes in non hd, its the AIR Harmonics Distortion, Air plugins are amazing, but distortion plugin also has the same oscillation in the highs like wavearts., much better than the tube plugin that comes with cubase/nuendo. Definitely one of the best free VST plugins you ought to have in your VST rig! 33) MX Project T. Rex 606 Modelled after the vintage Roland TR-606 drum machine of yore, The T.REX 606 is a beast in its own right with some added bells and whistles. Best FREE audio distortion effect plugins for Windows & Mac that will give you more variety in your music production. These are 5 free distortion plugins for. Synth-based VST plugins can help you get sounds that are similar to the ones created by instruments as well as the environment. A piano is a large instrument that you possibly cannot lug around wherever you go. Therefore, VST plugins make for great alternatives that give you the right sound quality coupled with convenience.

What’s all the analog fuss about?

Ok, so what does analog circuitry do to your sound? What’s everyone so obsessed about?

What people like about analog sound are the quirks and imperfections.

So when people talk about ‘warm analog sound’ they’re referring to:

  • Subtle distortion and drive
  • Harmonic distortion
  • Tape Saturation
  • Vacuum tubes
  • Preamps

What these processes do to your sound is often hardly noticeable. /microkorg-vst-free.html. That’s what the magic’s about—you won’t hear them, but they’ll make a huge difference in how your track sounds and feels.

The cumulative effect of analog processes is what people are gushing about.

1. SGA1566 Tube Preamp

Shattered Glass Audio’s SGA 1566 gives you a single channel vintage tube preamp. The whole circuit is simulated in real time to get you that authentic analog sound.

Use the SGA 1566 as a saturation compressor to boost the warmth of your track. Or add a bit of grit with the tube overdrive.

The newest version is also lighter on your CPU––so no computer freak outs!!

Download the SGA 1566 for free here.

2. TDR Slick EQ

“This little guy sounds amazing” –Dave Pensado

The TDR Slick EQ is a sleek easy-to-use three-band EQ that gives you amazing sound—like all Tokyo Dawn Records plugins.

Warm up your sound by choosing a non-linear option under Output Stage. That’ll add subtle harmonic distortion and texture.

Download the TDR SlickEQ for free here.


3. Ace Amp

Ace Amp—another Shattered Glass Audio creation—is based on classic 1950s style tube amps.

Control the input, volume, feedback, output. Choose between three resampling options.

This amp plugin has simple controls and doesn’t eat up your CPU.

Hot Tip: Try it on vocals for a cool aesthetic effect.

Download the Ace for free here.

4. Molot Compressor

Vladg’s Molot is a compressor with character. Even the vintage Soviet look is on point.

Molot will give your sound interesting color. I recommend reading the manual to learn how to tune it properly—it’s worth the read.

Download Molot for free here.

5. Voxengo Tube Amp

Voxengo’s Tube Amp gives you warm overdrive, fuzzy distortion and everything in between.

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It imitates tube overdrive in the style of single-tube mic preamps.

Hot Tip: Use the low-pass filter to imitate the texture of lower-quality tubes.

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Download Voxengo’s Tube Amp for free here.

6. MJUC jr. Compressor

Klanghelm’s MJUC jr. compressor is simple and elegant.

Use it for smooth compression or a heavier pumping effect. MJUC jr. is based on vintage compressors of the 1960s––it even looks like one.


Flip the ‘Time Constants’ switch to choose between slow, fast and auto. This changes the attack and release time. It affects other parts of the circuitry too, giving you interesting analog-style saturation.

Download the MJUC jr. Free hoover vst. for free here.

7. Softube Saturation Knob

This Saturation Knob is one the best free analog emulation plugins out there. Even Dave Pensado gives it two thumbs up!

Use it anywhere to add some character and distortion. Drag it on your vocal track to add shimmer.

The great thing about this one is how simple it is: literally one knob and a switch. Change the switch setting to choose between the kind of distortion you’ll get.

Download the Softube Saturation Knob for free here.

Fake It Till Ya Make It

Distortion Vst

These effects are the missing ingredient in your digital sound.

The key with analog emulation is to avoid overdoing it. Bring in the effect until you hear it, then dial it back a notch. It’ll still make a huge difference. Your sound will be fuller and warmer.

Use these plugins and people will be asking for your studio secrets in no time.

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Make sure to grab the whole LANDR-approved free VST plugin collection: