Dynamic Distortion block

Available on which products

• Axe-Fx III: 2 blocks
• FM3: no
• FM9: no
• Axe-Fx II: no
• FX8: no
• AX8: no

Channels or X/Y

• Axe-Fx III: 4 channels

About dynamic distortion

The Dynamic Distortion block was added in firmware 20 for the Axe-Fx III. It's not available on the FM3 and FM9.

The effect distorts the input signal dynamically, applying more distortion to different frequency ranges depending upon the shape of the filter. When the signal level is low, the output will be the same as the input. As the signal level increases more distortion will occur in those bands, boosted by the filter shape. It's a powerful tool for final shaping/mastering of the tone. The block contains a handful of presets (types) which demonstrate the basic technique.

The functionality is reminiscent of legacy Amp block parameters such as Character and Dynamic Presence/Depth, and is related to Speaker Drive in the Amp block.

Dynamic Distortion block position on the grid

The block is designed to be placed directly after the Amp block, and can process the signal in mono or stereo.

Tips, tricks and troubleshooting

Using modulation and delay effects

You can use the block to add some vintage drive to delay and modulation effects.

See Axe-Fx III Firmware Version 20.00 Public Beta (Beta 4) for forum member javajunkie's example.