Audiority Pyros is an aggressive multimode distortion plugin designed to add grit, warmth, and character to audio signals. This versatile tool offers a wide range of distortion types and sound-shaping options, making it suitable for various genres and production styles. Pyros features six different distortion algorithms, each with its own unique sonic signature, allowing users to achieve anything from subtle harmonic enhancement to full-on audio destruction. The plugin’s intuitive interface provides easy access to its powerful features, including a 3-band EQ, a mix control for parallel processing, and a limiter to tame unwanted peaks. Pyros excels at adding depth and excitement to drums, bass, guitars, and synths, but it can also be used creatively on vocals, busses, or even entire mixes. With its ability to generate harmonics and add analog-style warmth, Pyros has become a go-to tool for producers and sound designers looking to inject life and character into their productions.
Pros:
• Versatile range of distortion types suitable for various sound sources
• Intuitive interface with easy-to-use controls
• Capable of both subtle and extreme distortion effects
• Includes a 3-band EQ for precise sound shaping
• Mix control allows for parallel processing
• Built-in limiter prevents unwanted clipping
Cons:
• Can be CPU-intensive when using multiple instances
• Some users may find the lack of a dedicated preset browser limiting
Audiority Pyros offers a comprehensive set of features designed to give users maximum control over their distortion effects. At the heart of the plugin are six distinct distortion algorithms: Tube, Diode, Germanium, Silicon, Fuzz, and Foldback. Each algorithm imparts its own unique character to the audio signal, ranging from warm tube-like saturation to aggressive digital distortion.
The Tube algorithm emulates the smooth, even-order harmonic distortion characteristic of vacuum tube circuits, ideal for adding warmth and depth to a signal. The Diode algorithm simulates the non-linear behavior of diode clipping circuits, providing a more aggressive distortion with pronounced odd-order harmonics. Germanium and Silicon algorithms mimic the distortion characteristics of transistors made from these materials, offering vintage and modern flavors of distortion respectively.
The Fuzz algorithm delivers a thick, saturated distortion reminiscent of classic fuzz pedals, perfect for guitar-heavy genres or experimental sound design. Lastly, the Foldback algorithm introduces a unique type of distortion where the signal is folded back on itself, creating complex harmonic content and aliasing effects.
Pyros features a 3-band EQ section that allows users to shape the frequency content of the distorted signal. This EQ can be placed either before or after the distortion stage, offering flexibility in how the distortion interacts with different frequency ranges. The low and high bands are shelving filters, while the mid band is a fully parametric bell filter with adjustable Q.
The plugin also includes a mix control, enabling parallel processing. This feature allows users to blend the dry and wet signals, making it easy to achieve subtle enhancements or create complex layered textures. The built-in limiter at the output stage helps prevent unwanted clipping and allows for more aggressive processing without fear of digital overs.
Pyros offers additional sound-shaping options through its drive and bias controls. The drive parameter adjusts the input gain into the distortion circuit, allowing for fine-tuning of the distortion intensity. The bias control alters the symmetry of the distortion, which can dramatically change the harmonic content and overall character of the effect.
The plugin’s user interface is designed for ease of use, with clear visual feedback provided by the input and output meters. The large central display shows the waveform of the distorted signal, allowing users to visually monitor the effect of their parameter adjustments.
When compared to similar distortion plugins, Audiority Pyros stands out for its versatility and ease of use. While plugins like FabFilter Saturn 2 offer more advanced modulation options and multiband processing, Pyros provides a more straightforward approach that many users find appealing. Compared to Soundtoys Decapitator, Pyros offers a wider range of distortion types but lacks some of the more esoteric features like the “Punish” button. In terms of sound quality, Pyros holds its own against more expensive options like Softube Harmonics or Waves Abbey Road Saturator. Its ability to generate both subtle and extreme distortion effects makes it a versatile choice for many production scenarios. While it may not have the analog modeling depth of some boutique plugins, its digital algorithms offer a unique flavor that many producers find useful in modern productions.
This plugin is best for:
• Producers looking for a versatile distortion tool capable of both subtle and extreme effects
• Sound designers seeking to add character and grit to synths and samples
• Mix engineers wanting to add warmth and depth to individual tracks or busses
• Electronic music producers needing aggressive distortion for bass and drum sounds
• Guitar-based productions requiring a range of overdrive and fuzz tones
Audiority Pyros is a powerful and flexible distortion plugin that offers a wide range of sound-shaping possibilities. Its six distinct distortion algorithms provide a palette of tonal options suitable for various genres and production styles. The intuitive interface and thoughtful feature set make it easy for both beginners and experienced producers to achieve desired results quickly. While it may lack some of the advanced features found in more expensive plugins, Pyros delivers excellent sound quality and versatility at a competitive price point. Its ability to handle both subtle harmonic enhancement and extreme signal destruction makes it a valuable tool in any producer’s arsenal. Whether you’re looking to add warmth to a vocal, grit to a synth, or completely transform a drum loop, Pyros offers the flexibility and sonic character to get the job done. Despite its occasional CPU-intensive nature, the plugin’s overall performance and sound quality make it a worthy consideration for anyone seeking to expand their distortion toolkit.