The Volt Node is a creative 3-in-1 distortion module that combines analog-inspired saturation, multi-band compression, and digital bit-shaping with a dynamic feedback delay network. Volt excels at adding warmth, punch, and unpredictable resonances to any signal, from subtle tube-inspired drive to radical bit-crushing chaos.
How It Works
Incoming audio passes through three core distortion stages — Heat, Crush, and Charge — before entering the Filter section. The whole chain is wrapped in a Feedback delay network inspired by analog guitar feedback.
- Heat introduces a warm, asymmetrical tube-like saturation. Low values provide gentle coloration. Higher values push the signal toward raw, broken-up amplifier fuzz.
- Crush manipulates the underlying bits of the audio for crunchy digital artifacts. Subtle settings add a crisp edge; higher settings produce intense bit-reduction effects.
- Charge applies a multi-band compression in a similar style to OTT compression. Low settings add subtle brightening and dynamic punch, while higher values deliver a more pronounced, shimmering lift with mild saturation.
After shaping the signal with Color and Contour in the Filter section, audio flows into a Feedback Delay Network. This network, consisting of two interconnected delay lines merges the distortion stages into a single loop, creating resonant flare ups reminiscent of overdriven guitar amps. Control the timing and intensity of the feedback for dense, swirling overtones or controlled rhythmic echoes. Finally, the universal Depth knob dials in the overall intensity of Volt’s processing.
Parameters
- Heat - Warms and distorts the signal via asymmetric overdrive. Push higher for raw tube-like breakup
- Crush - Applies digital bit manipulation. Subtle values add grit; extreme values create heavy glitch effects
- Charge - Multi-band compression with added shimmer and sparkle. Higher values enhance transients and add saturation
- Color - ****Adjusts the brightness of the distortion, from darker to brighter
- Contour - Emphasizes or de-emphasizes midrange frequencies, shaping the body of the distorted signal
- Freq - Sets the delay time of the feedback lines
- Scatter - Offsets one feedback line’s time from the other, creating rhythmic or harmonic interplay
- Diffusion - Smears resonances by mixing the two feedback lines together