Output Thermal is a versatile distortion plugin that goes beyond traditional distortion effects. It combines multi-stage distortion processing with additional effects and modulation capabilities, making it a powerful tool for sound design and creative audio manipulation. The plugin features a user-friendly interface with an XY pad for intuitive control over multiple parameters simultaneously. Thermal’s core functionality is built around a three-stage distortion engine, where each stage can be tailored to specific frequency ranges and includes various distortion types and additional effects. The plugin also offers extensive modulation options, including two customizable LFOs that can be routed to almost any parameter within the plugin. With over 250 presets organized by sound source, Thermal provides a wide range of starting points for users to explore and customize. The plugin’s visual design is sleek and modern, with a circular XY controller that not only looks appealing but also serves as a practical tool for blending multiple distortion parameters. Thermal is designed to be CPU-efficient, allowing users to apply it liberally across their projects without overtaxing their system resources.
Pros:
• Versatile distortion engine with multiple stages and additional effects
• Intuitive XY pad for easy parameter control and creative sound manipulation
• Extensive modulation options with customizable LFOs
• Well-organized preset library with over 250 options
• CPU-efficient design for use across multiple tracks
Cons:
• Steep learning curve for accessing and utilizing all features
• Limited MIDI control options for LFOs
Thermal’s core functionality revolves around its three-stage distortion engine. Each stage offers a band split option with high and low cutoff controls, allowing users to target specific frequency ranges for processing. This multi-band approach enables precise sound shaping and the creation of complex distortion effects. The distortion section in each stage provides 19 different wave types, each with adjustable tone and time controls. This variety allows users to achieve a wide range of distortion characteristics, from subtle warmth to aggressive digital clipping. Complementing the distortion, each stage also includes a multi-effect slot that can host one of nine effect types, including compression, filtering, delay, reverb, and modulation effects.
Thermal’s signal flow is further enhanced by two master multi-effect slots and a master section with high- and low-cut filters and a compressor. This comprehensive signal path provides users with extensive control over the final output, allowing for fine-tuning and polishing of the distorted sound.
One of Thermal’s standout features is its modulation system. The plugin includes two customizable looping envelopes that can be routed to almost any parameter within the effect. These envelopes come with a variety of preset shapes and a randomization tool, offering users the ability to create complex, evolving distortion effects. The envelopes can be synced to the host tempo and include humanize options for adding subtle variations to the modulation.
The plugin’s user interface is designed for both simplicity and depth. The main view presents users with an XY pad and two macro controls, allowing for quick and intuitive adjustments. Switching to the Advanced View reveals the full extent of Thermal’s capabilities, providing access to all parameters and modulation options.
Thermal also includes mid-side processing capabilities and time-based width controls, enabling users to manipulate the stereo field of their distorted sounds. This feature is particularly useful for creating wide, immersive distortion effects or for precisely controlling the stereo image of processed material.
The preset library in Thermal is extensive and well-organized, with over 250 presets categorized by sound source. This thoughtful organization makes it easy for users to find appropriate starting points for their specific needs, whether they’re processing drums, synths, guitars, or any other sound source.
When compared to other distortion plugins, Thermal stands out for its comprehensive approach to sound processing. While plugins like FabFilter’s Saturn 2 offer similar multi-band distortion capabilities, Thermal goes further by incorporating a wider range of additional effects and more extensive modulation options. Unlike many traditional distortion plugins that focus solely on emulating analog hardware, Thermal embraces digital processing to create unique and modern distortion sounds. In terms of user interface and workflow, Thermal’s XY pad and macro controls offer a more intuitive and performative approach compared to many other distortion plugins. This makes it particularly well-suited for live manipulation and creative sound design. However, plugins like iZotope’s Trash 2 or Audio Damage’s Kombinat Tri might offer more straightforward interfaces for users seeking quick, traditional distortion effects. Thermal’s modulation capabilities are more extensive than many competing distortion plugins, putting it closer to the realm of multi-effect plugins or modular systems. This positions it as a powerful tool for sound designers and electronic music producers who want to create evolving, complex distortion effects.
This plugin is best for:
• Electronic music producers seeking creative distortion and sound design tools
• Sound designers working on film, TV, or game audio
• Mix engineers looking for a versatile distortion plugin with precise control
• Musicians and producers who enjoy experimenting with audio processing
• Users who want a distortion plugin that goes beyond traditional analog emulations
Output Thermal is a powerful and versatile distortion plugin that offers users a wide range of creative possibilities. Its multi-stage processing, extensive modulation options, and additional effects make it stand out in the crowded field of distortion plugins. The intuitive XY pad and macro controls provide an engaging and performative interface, while the advanced view offers deep editing capabilities for those who want to dive into the details. The well-organized preset library serves as an excellent starting point for exploration, and the CPU-efficient design allows for liberal use across projects. While the learning curve may be steep for accessing all features, the payoff in terms of sound design potential is significant. Thermal excels at creating everything from subtle warmth to aggressive, evolving distortion effects, making it a valuable tool for electronic music producers, sound designers, and mix engineers alike. Its ability to transform static sounds into dynamic, rhythmic elements is particularly noteworthy. Despite some limitations in MIDI control for LFOs, Thermal remains a highly capable and inspiring plugin that pushes the boundaries of what’s possible with distortion processing.