ABSTRACT
This chapter presents several different algorithms for creating distortion effects digitally. Audio distortion effects process signals using a nonlinear function. Distortion effects can also be created using Digital signal processing (DSP). This chapter presents several different algorithms for creating distortion effects digitally. One way to visualize nonlinear processing is the characteristic curve, or waveshaper curve. Another method to compare nonlinear processing is the measurment of total harmonic distortion (THD). One of the consequences of a distortion effect is the production of signal harmonics. By using a sine wave as the input signal to the distortion effect, the harmonics produced by the nonlinear processing can be analyzed. Soft clipping is a type of distortion effect where the amplitude of a signal is saturated along a smooth curve, rather than the abrupt shape of hard clipping. There are many nonlinear functions that can be used to create a soft-clipping distortion effect.
