The whole concept of HEAT 2 is to apply twin distortion and then shape the signals so that your audio is powerful, yet retains musicality. The starting point for this are the 10 different types of modelled distortion. These models all have adjustable drive levels. With a wide range of different distortion type you can easily craft every timbre from subtle harmonics to blow-the-doors-off distortion. Each of these 10 types of processing will produce a different character and timbre, so experiment by blending between them using the central dial.

TWIN FILTERS

These two filter controls allow you to shape your distortion far more musically than stock plugins. Separately adjust the High and Low frequency cut off parameters for the two different distortion modules. For example, you might only want to crush the mid-range of a synth part, giving it more crunch and power. Or maybe just distort the lowest frequencies of a fat kick drum. Combine two different types of distortion with two different filter shapes and get your audio production-ready with the precision of surgical saturation.

Use the Input and Output sliders to compensate for any gain boost or reduction caused by the distortion chambers with up to +/- 48dB attenuation. This allows for very accurate comparisons when A/Bing. Use the Mix ratio control at the bottom centre of the interface to dial in as much (or as little) of the distortion types as you need. Apply a conservative ratio for subtle saturation and sweetening, or push the control further to hear the 100% destroyed signal.

VISUAL FEEDBACK

The new and improved live frequency meters at the top of the interface show exactly what’s happening to the signal as it’s being processed in real time. This allows for accurate monitoring each time you decide to make a change to the distortion type or level. The output of the right-hand module is shown as an orange waveform, the output of the left-hand module shown in yellow. This makes it easy to tell the difference between the two types of distortion that you’re applying to the signal and exactly which parts of the signal the filters are targeting.

PRESETS

With many included presets, it’s easy to select starting points for your own distortion adventures. Tailored to specific instruments, genres and effects, these factory options can be used on many types of audio. The presets include everything from delicate distortion to all-out smashed saturation.