Thermal by Output distortion plugin interface with XY control

Thermal: Multi-Stage Distortion Plugin by Output

Rated 4.8/5 on Plugin Boutique (762 ratings)

Thermal is a multi-stage distortion plugin from Output that uses an interactive XY control to shape harmonics, grit and width. It runs as VST3, VST2, AU and AAX on Windows and macOS.

VST3VST2AUAAXWindowsmacOS64-bit

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01Overview

Thermal is an effects plugin in the distortion category, built for shaping sounds with layered distortion stages. Its circular XY control is linked to the distortion parameters, so one gesture can move several settings at once. The plugin ships with more than 250 presets to start from, and an Advanced page exposes waveform editing, modulation envelopes and built-in effects for deeper sound design.

Best for

Sound design distortion
Harmonic enhancement
Bass processing
Stereo width shaping
Synth and drum grit

Developer: Output
Category: Distortion
Store: Plugin Boutique

02Key features

What you get

250+ presets for instant playability
Circular XY control linked to distortion parameters
Multi-stage distortion and effects processing
Mid-Side and time-based width
15+ custom distortion types
Nine built-in effects with a master compressor and filter
Value readout panel for control values
Favoriting in the Presets menu
Built-in tooltips on the Advanced page

03In depth

Sound Shaping With the XY Control and Distortion Engines

Output describes Thermal as going beyond traditional multi-band distortion. The XY control is the main way in: it is linked to distortion parameters and is intended to enhance harmonics across its layered engines.

The Advanced page offers 19 analog and digitally modeled distortion algorithms, with options to add harmonics and grit, shape amplitude and apply frequency modulation. Band split can be turned on to activate crossover filters, and the handles on the waveform display narrow in on a specific frequency range.

Workflow Tools: Width, Tone and Effects

Each processing stage ends with Mid-Side and time-based width, followed by the Tone panel for shaping highs and lows. Nine built-in effects are available, along with a master compressor and filter.

A value readout panel shows the current setting of each control, and tooltips on the Advanced page explain its functions. Presets can be marked as favorites in the Presets menu to keep frequently used starting points within reach.

04Specs

Will it run?

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

Developer	Output
Type	Plugin
Category	Distortion
Formats	VST3, VST2, AU, AAX
Operating systems	Windows, macOS
Architecture	64-bit

05FAQ

Questions, answered

What formats does Thermal support?

Thermal is available in VST3, VST2, AU and AAX formats. It runs on Windows and macOS.

What do I need to run Thermal?

On macOS it needs Mac OS X 10.14 or macOS 13 Ventura, with an Apple Silicon M1 or better, or an Intel Core i5 or better, plus 8GB of RAM (16GB recommended) and at least 430 MB of free drive space. On Windows it needs Windows 10 or 11, an Intel Core i5 or AMD equivalent, 8GB of RAM (16GB recommended) and at least 185 MB of free drive space. An internet connection is required for download and product activation.

Which DAWs are supported?

The plugin is listed for Ableton Live, Bitwig, Cubase, Digital Performer, FL Studio, GarageBand, Logic Pro, Maschine, Pro Tools, Studio One, Reason, Reaper and Cakewalk by BandLab. Format support varies by host, so check the compatibility list for your DAW and platform.