Berzerk Distortion

Name: Berzerk Distortion
Price: 32.93 USD
Author: Waves

by Waves · Distortion · Waveshaper

Not rated yet

Ten original distortion shapes with feedback, dynamics and mid/side options for creative experimentation.

The "Go Berzerk!" button randomizes settings when you want to be surprised.

Best for: Sound Design, Drums, Bass. Genres: Electronic & EDM, Rock & Indie.

Keywords: randomize, extreme, creative, bass, drums, mid/side, experimental, dirty, external sidechain, mixing, sidechain input, single-band, sound design, subscription, synths, warm.

What it does

Waves calls Berzerk "the go-to plugin for wild, deranged, creative distortion". It's aimed at extreme sounds rather than subtle warmth.

10 distortion shapes: original shapes with names such as Squashed, Loony, Trippy, Frenzy and Clipped.
Feedback: a feedback section with pitch and speed controls and internal or external side-chain.
Dynamics: gate, expand or ride the input into the distortion.
Tone and stereo: low, mid and high EQ, a Temperature control for warmth, and mid/side processing in the stereo version.
Go Berzerk!: a button that randomises the settings.

It's part of Waves' Essential and Ultimate subscriptions, and its price changes with Waves' frequent sales.

Source: Waves product page

When to use it

Berzerk is an inexpensive way into extreme distortion. It doesn't have the modulation of Rift or COLDFIRE, or the range of Saturn 2, but its feedback and dynamics sections can make noisy, unstable textures quickly.

Best for: wild distortion and feedback on drums, bass and synths, and happy accidents with the randomise button.
Genres: electronic, industrial, rock and experimental.
Look elsewhere if: you want subtle saturation or automatic modulation.

What producers say

Seen as a fun, niche tool rather than an everyday distortion.

MusicTech (2020) found it easy to get a dirty tone and good value, but said it "really isn't for you" if you want subtle distortion.
Gripes: the controls aren't always obvious and there's no built-in modulation.

MusicTech review

Where to buy

Best Service: $32.93
Sweetwater: $34.99
Plugin Boutique: $34.99 (regular $99)
PluginFox: $34.99
AudioDeluxe: $34.99 (regular $99)
Waves: see store (Price changes with Waves' weekly sales)

Tutorials and reviews

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