Defining Distortion Through Modern Plugin Design

Defining Distortion Through Modern Plugin Design

Abstract

This project explores the design and implementation of a digital distortion audio plugin, developed first in Max/MSP to prototype sound characteristics and later in C++ to create a fully functional and efficient plugin. The purpose of this project is to bridge creative sound design with technical implementation, addressing the notorious challenge of achieving high-quality, musically expressive distortion without introducing unwanted digital artifacts. The research focuses on analyzing various distortion algorithms, their spectral behaviors, and their perceptual impact on audio signals. The Max/MSP prototyping environment provides a flexible platform for rapid experimentation, design and testing, while C++ offers the necessary performance and scalability for professional plugin development. The resulting plugin aims to provide producers and sound designers with a unique distortion tool that maintains tonal clarity while enhancing harmonic richness. This work contributes to the field of music production technology by demonstrating a practical workflow from conceptual design to optimized coding, highlighting the intersection between audio signal processing and creative sound design.

Publication Date

7-1-2026

Campus

Valencia (Spain) Campus

Keywords

digital distortion; audio plugin development; nonlinear processing; Max/MSP prototyping; C++; harmonic saturation

Defining Distortion Through Modern Plugin Design

Share

COinS