The Distortion circuit provides either a bit crusher or distortion effect.
The bit crusher reduces the digital resolution of the sound, measured in bits, achieving an intentionally digital coloration of the sound. The distortion effect is modeled on an analog distortion unit, which distorts the sound by overdriving the level.
Both methods lead to distortions that are as tonally divergent as the two approaches. Distortion offers a more analog tone while the bit crusher sounds unmistakably digital.
Note: The arrow in the Filter section determines whether the Distortion circuit is inserted before or after the multimode filter (see Set signal flow order through the Ultrabeat filter and distortion unit).
Crush and Distort buttons: Activate the mode you want to use. The name of the active effect type is indicated in red. If neither button is active, the Distortion circuit is bypassed.
Drive knob: Control the amount of distortion.
Color knob: Determine the basic tone of the distortion. Higher values result in a brighter sound. Lower values lead to a darker, warmer tone.
Level knob: Set the output level of the Distortion effect in Distortion mode. In Bit Crusher mode, set a threshold level for incoming signals. Sound sources must reach this threshold before distortion (bit crushing) begins.