Cataclysm by Aberrant DSP distortion effects plugin interface

Cataclysm: Chaotic Distortion and Effects Plugin by Aberrant DSP Free Download

Rated 4.7/5 on Plugin Boutique (85 ratings)

Cataclysm is a distortion effects plugin from Aberrant DSP that combines waveshaping, gating and tone shaping with pitch shifting, looping, modulation and delay modules. It runs as VST3, AU and AAX on Windows and macOS.

VST3AUAAXWindowsmacOS64-bit
AVAILABLE ATPlugin Boutique
Free trial available from the developer
01Overview

Cataclysm is built around chaotic signal processing. Aberrant DSP draws its inspiration from malfunctioning test equipment, illegal wiretaps and classic analog hardware, and carries those ideas into a digital plugin. Its signal chain brings together a central drive section, a tone circuitry module, a two-voice time-domain pitch shifter and a lofi looper, along with several modulation and delay tools. A global mix control lets you blend the processed signal with the dry input.

Best for

  • Sound design distortion
  • Lofi rhythmic looping
  • Pitch-shifted layering
  • Experimental glitch textures
  • Drone and ambient beds
  • Creative bass processing
Developer
Aberrant DSP
Category
Distortion
Store
Plugin Boutique
02Key features

What you get

  • Central Drive module with waveshaping, gating and tone controls
  • Separate Tone Circuitry module for additional coloration
  • Time-domain Pitch Shifter with two independent voices
  • Lofi Looper with preset length in beats
  • Hum low-frequency drone oscillator
  • Stereo Chorus with bass frequency preservation
  • Amplitude Modulation and Envelope Follower modules
  • Delay-Based Stereo Resonator and Stereo Delay modules
  • Global Mix control and Pitch Detector Calibration
  • 92 factory presets and built-in instructional display
03In depth

Drive, Tone and Pitch Processing

The Central Drive module is the core of Cataclysm. It offers in-depth waveshaping, gating and tone controls, so you can move from mild grit to heavy, broken distortion. The separate Tone Circuitry module adds another stage of coloration.

The time-domain Pitch Shifter provides two independent voices, which lets you create layered pitch effects from a single source. A Pitch Detector Calibration control selects which part of the signal the pitch detector analyzes, which helps when the input contains mixed material.

A Hum low-frequency drone oscillator is also included for adding sustained, low-end texture.

Looping, Modulation and Delay Tools

The Lofi Looper records and repeats audio with a preset length in beats, useful for rhythmic stutters and tape-style repetition in a tempo-synced workflow.

Modulation options include a Stereo Chorus with bass frequency preservation, an Amplitude Modulation module and an Envelope Follower. The Delay-Based Stereo Resonator and Stereo Delay modules add spatial movement and repeats.

An instructional computer display provides built-in operational assistance, and the 92 factory presets show how the signal processing can be used in practice.

04Specs

Will it run?

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

DeveloperAberrant DSP
TypePlugin
CategoryDistortion
FormatsVST3, AU, AAX
Operating systemsWindows, macOS
Architecture64-bit
Free trialYes
05FAQ

Questions, answered

What formats does Cataclysm support?

Cataclysm is available in VST3, AU and AAX formats, all at 64-bit.

Which operating systems does Cataclysm run on?

Cataclysm runs on Windows 10 or later and on macOS 10.13 High Sierra or later, with support for Intel and Apple Silicon Macs.

Does Cataclysm include presets?

Yes. It includes 92 factory presets that demonstrate its signal processing across the modules.

Is there a trial version?

Yes, a trial version is available.

07Developer

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