Berzerk Distortion by Waves distortion plugin interface

Berzerk Distortion: Experimental Distortion Plugin by Waves

Berzerk Distortion is a distortion plugin from Waves that combines multiple distortion shapes, a feedback oscillator, dynamics processing and parametric EQ in one effect. It is available in VST2, AU and AAX formats.

VST2AUAAXWindowsmacOS

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01Overview

Berzerk Distortion is an effects plugin from Waves built around aggressive, experimental distortion. Its 10 distortion shapes can be randomized with a single "Go Berzerk" control, and a feedback section adds pitched resonance. Dynamics controls can pump, gate, duck or expand the distorted signal, while three parametric EQ stages shape the color. The developer positions it for creative musicians and sound designers who want more options than a standard distortion effect offers.

Best for

Drum loop distortion
Synth line mangling
Sound design textures
Rhythmic distortion pumping
Mid/side distortion
Experimental feedback tones

Developer: Waves
Category: Distortion
Store: Plugin Boutique

02Key features

What you get

10 original distortion shapes with a Go Berzerk randomizer
Feedback oscillation with pitch and speed controls
INT/EXT sidechaining in the feedback section
Dynamics that pump, gate, duck and expand the distortion
M/S distortion to process mids or sides only
Three fully parametric EQ stages
Temperature control for signal color and warmth
Over 100 presets

03In depth

Distortion Shapes, Feedback and Dynamics

The core of Berzerk Distortion is its set of 10 distortion shapes. The Go Berzerk randomizer generates unexpected combinations of these shapes, which is useful when you want to find a starting point rather than dial in a sound by hand.

The feedback oscillation section uses a resonant feedback network with pitch and speed controls, plus INT/EXT sidechaining. Waves says the feedback network can create pitched tonalities and frequency-based effects from a level-tracking oscillator. The dynamics section can pump, gate, duck or expand the distorted audio, which lets rhythmic movement come from the effect itself.

Mid/Side Processing, EQ and Oversampling

Berzerk Distortion includes M/S distortion, so you can distort only the mid or only the side signal and leave the rest clean. Three fully parametric EQ stages let you further color the distortion, and a temperature control sets the overall signal color and warmth.

Oversampling is available for a cleaner result, or you can leave it off to keep the sound dirtier. Waves includes over 100 presets, and the developer notes they were created by Grammy-winning producers.

04Specs

Will it run?

Formats, systems and requirements as listed by Plugin Boutique. Missing details are left out, not guessed.

Developer	Waves
Type	Plugin
Category	Distortion
Formats	VST2, AU, AAX
Operating systems	Windows, macOS

05FAQ

Questions, answered

What formats does Berzerk Distortion support?

Berzerk Distortion is available in VST2, AU and AAX formats. It runs on Windows and macOS.

Which operating systems does Berzerk Distortion support?

The plugin supports Windows 10 and later, and macOS Monterey 12 through Sequoia 15. On Windows it is available as VST and AAX; on Mac as VST, AU and AAX.

What can I do with the Go Berzerk randomizer?

Go Berzerk randomizes the distortion shape settings across the 10 available shapes. It is a fast way to generate unexpected starting points for a sound.