distortion & coloration
Anything that changes the original sound (like adding 'color' to it) is a form of distortion. However, we do not refer to it as distortion because when a device only colors (adds small changes to) the original sound the distortion is very low.
Simple harmonic distortion occurs when an audio processing device adds low level signals of harmonically related frequencies to the original (input) signal. If for instance the frequency of the input signal is 1kHz and the device adds a small amount (say 1% of the output) of a 2kHz signal onto the original (signal), which is twice the original frequency, we can then say that the device produces 1% of second (even) harmonic distortion.
If the device adds a 3kHz signal (x3 the input signal frequency) to the original then the output signal will contain third (odd) harmonic distortion products, and so on.
So when for instance a speaker is connected to a hi-fi monitor the sound coming out of it may be clean and transparent but this amp/speaker system still 'colors' (distorts very, very slightly) the signal. READ MORE
distortion unit
““Theo built me a valve distortion unit which I am extremely happy with. The audio and build quality of the unit is exceptional. He has included parameters and functions that are not found on ‘off the peg’ units”. Theo was very thorough and very helpful in explaining and demonstrating the functions of the unit to me, you can clearly see he is genuinely passionate about his work.””
Distortion unit v1
Version 2
distortion unit with EQ
spring reverb distortion/amplifier unit
This unit has a selectable triode/pentode driver, able to drive all types of springs. This driver can also be used as a 'valve conditioner' to liven-up drum loops or drum machines before being processed by digital recording equipment. Adds ‘valve warmth’ to digital sound, passing a signal from a digital source (like a PC soundcard or a digital synth or sampler) makes it sound warmer, thicker, and plummier. Works well with vocals, acoustic instruments, analogue and digital synths, and whole mixes. You can make gentle distortion effects in which distortion harmonics fade in and out gradually, adding very beautiful movement to pads and atmospheres. Higher master drive settings will create harder, harsher distortions. A hint of extreme distortion has the effect of adding “sparkle” to the sound, and the effect is different to adding a lot of mild distortion