Waves Berzerk Distortion is your go-to plug-in for crazy creative distortion. Packing ten unique, original distortion shapes, advanced feedback, pitch, dynamics, sidechaining, and M-S options for versatile experimentation — plus the “Go Berzerk!” button for randomized, deranged distortion lunacy. Whether you’re producing beats, experimenting with a synth line, or putting together an arrangement on the fly; you often need that jolt of inspiration — a sound that reinvents the music and moves it forward. Waves developed Berzerk to help you do just that.
Ten original custom wave shapes
In developing Berzerk Distortion, Waves engineers started by collecting a sizable selection of much-loved distortion units of all types: amps, tube devices, stompboxes, and vintage analog effects units. They then created ten original custom wave shapes based on their all-time favorite distortion curves. Berzerk features these ten unique shapes, each with its own personality. Some transform the signal to add grit, dirt, and character; others are calibrated to melt your face off. Turn the Density knob to shift a waveshape’s amplitude. The Go Berzerk! button creates random variations in each waveshape — instant customization!
Feedback: like having an analog synth onboard
Berzerk Distortion’s unique Feedback section is like having an analog synth onboard. It can either run a tunable sine wave through the signal to produce compelling bass lines, melodies, or rhythms; or it can oscillate while “riding” the signal to produce results akin to wild, synthesized vocal effects. The Feedback section also includes a Speed knob (a favorite here) to shape the groove, as well as octave, pitch, range, and blend controls — all of which are sidechainable.
Dynamics section and M-S processing
The Dynamics section sits before the distortion module and morphs the character of the generated harmonics. The Up/Down knob controls a gate/expander which, after setting the threshold, will affect the range of sound affected by the clipper. The Rider option rides the amount of gain hitting the distortion, giving you complete dynamic control. Berzerk also offers Waves’ M-S processing, which allows you to apply the distortion to the mid or sides separately. In addition to a wet/dry mix knob for instant parallel processing, there’s also a master Temperature knob to control the overall color and feel of the output.
Features:
- Creative distortion plug-in designed to inspire musical ideas
- 10 original distortion shapes with wildly different personalities
- Go Berzerk! button for randomizing each distortion shape
- Versatile Feedback oscillation section with pitch/speed controls, int/ext sidechain, and more
- Dynamics section to gate, expand, or ride the input into the distortion
- M-S processing allows distortion to affect just mid or just sides
- Temperature knobs to control output color and warmth
- Presets by Grammy-winning engineer/producers Lu Diaz, Joe Barresi, Dave Pensado, and more
- SoundGrid operation requires Waves SoundGrid Server hardware