Aberrant DSP Cataclysm, a distortion multi-FX plugin inspired by forbidden circuitry

Aberrant DSP Cataclysm is a new distortion multi-FX plugin inspired by forbidden circuitry, such as malfunctioning test equipment.

Distortion plugins are often modeled after designs found in guitar pedals, such as transistors and germanium diodes, as well as emulations of pedals like the Big Muff. There are also more synthesizer-oriented distortions, such as waveshapers/wavefolders, that are becoming more popular.

One can also take a completely different approach. Aberrant DSP, developers of highly original effect plugins like Lair and Digitalis, present Cataclysm, a distortion plugin that explores forbidden circuitry.

Aberrant DSP Cataclysm

Cataclysm is a new distortion multi-FX plugin for macOS and Windows, inspired by malfunctioning test equipment and illegal wiretaps, which fall under the term forbidden circuitry. Aberrant DSP says that Cataclysm brings chaotic circuitry into the digital age.

If you’re familiar with the developers’ plugins, the UI style of it will seem very familiar. It evokes nostalgia with its retro comic book look and is visually pleasing without distracting from the sound.

Catalystism features a colorful mix of intriguing sound-shaper modules. At the core is the central drive module with in-depth waveshaping, gating, and tone controls, including filtering.

Next to this is the tone circuitry module, which features an unfaithfull approximation of three classic guitar amps (Fullerton…). You read that right: the goal here wasn’t to perfectly emulate them.

Multi-FX

In the same row, you can work with a time-domain-based pitch shifter with two independent voices with mixing, each with a pan control.

Then, you have a LoFi looper with three recording mediums (tape, BBD, and Data) with adjustable quality. A great option to create distortion loops. Hum is a low-frequency drone oscillator that can be locked to various destinations.

An advanced stereo chorus module with four waveshapes and bass frequency preservation adds movement and depth to your sounds.

Next to this is an amplitude modulation module with four waveshapes for tremolo, ring mod effects, or even very experimental, quirky sounds. Also onboard is a delay-based stereo resonator module with tunable resonant pitch. These allow you to beautifully introduce harmonious content into sounds, both subtle and aggressive.

At the end of the signal path is a stereo delay with three recording modes: tape, BBD, and data, plus adjustable quality.

There is also an envelope follower that can modulate the drive, resonator, and hum modules. It’s your best friend if you want to play Aberrant DSP Cataclysm expressively. Unfortunately, the exact signal order of the effects is unknown.

First Impression

A very exciting distortion plugin that even triggers PAS (plugin acquisition syndrome) in me. Not only because of the original choice of algorithms, but also the way they sound is fascinatingly fresh and inspiring.

They beautifully mangle sounds, distort them, and introduce oddities—everything we love about quirky gear. At $24 intro, it’s almost an impulse buy. Lovely release, and I think this is at least a must-try.

Aberrant DSP Cataclysm is now available for an introductory price of $24 instead of $36 until November 30th, 2025. It runs as a VST3, AU, and AAX plugin on macOS (native Apple Silicon + Intel) and Windows 

They also launched their Black Friday 2025 sale on their website. Best deal: either take the bundle with all seven plugins for $75 or make your own bundle with plugins for $36. The new Cataclysm plugin is also available here, so you get it for $18. 

More information here: Aberrant DSP

Available from my partner 

Plugin B.

Plugin news