Asymmetric Distortion

The Asymmetric Distortion contains 2 diode clipping circuits, selectable using the toggle switch on the front panel. The hard clipping circuit clips the signal with a hard cut-off, meaning that a sine wave signal will be clipped to a square wave at high levels of distortion. The soft clipping circuit has a softer limiter giving the wave form a more rounded shape.

At a Glance

Distortion module containing 2 diode clipping circuits
Toggle switch to choose between hard and soft clipping
Symmetry controls (knob and CV) for asymmetric clipping and PWM effect

As well as the signal input and output jacks, there is also a symmetry input where an LFO or similar signal can be patched in. This causes the clipping to happen asymmetrically, so that either the top or bottom of the input waveform is clipped more. If you pass in a slow LFO to this input, feed a sine wave into the input and have the distortion set very high you will see a PWM square wave on the output.

There are knobs for the distortion level, offset to the symmetry input (so that you can do asymmetric clipping without an external voltage) and a volume control.

This module can add subtle overdrive to oscillators and drums all the way to crunchy distortion.

Front panel is made from FR4 fibreglass (PCB material).

Module width: 7HP.

Box contains module, power cable and 2 mounting screws.

We've uploaded a video with an overview and sound demo below:

Asymmetric Distortion Eurorack Module by Little Fish Audio

DIY kits available from Thonk: Asymmetric Distortion - Full DIY Kit