Vivisect Manual
Advanced Waveshaping Processor - 89+ Algorithms with Dual Architecture
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Overview
VIVISECT is an advanced waveshaping plugin that transforms audio through mathematical distortion algorithms. With over 89 unique waveshaping types and flexible dual-processor architecture, it offers everything from subtle harmonic enhancement to extreme sound design possibilities.
Key Features
- • Dual Waveshaper Architecture - Two independent waveshapers (A & B) with morphing capabilities
- • 89+ Waveshaping Algorithms - From classic distortion to exotic quantum-inspired effects
- • 5 Chain Processing Modes - Different ways to combine the two waveshapers
- • Real-time Morphing - Smoothly blend between waveshapers A and B
- • Advanced Audio Processing - Oversampling, anti-aliasing, and dynamics preservation
- • Web-based Interface - Modern, responsive user interface
Main Controls
Waveshaper A & B Sections
Drive (0-100%)
Controls the intensity of the waveshaping effect. Higher values create more distortion and harmonics. Maps to 1x-16x internal gain multiplication.
Bias (-50% to +50%)
Adds DC offset before waveshaping. Shifts the signal up or down, creating asymmetric distortion. Useful for adding even-order harmonics.
Type (Dropdown)
Selects the waveshaping algorithm. 89+ options from classic to experimental.
Symmetry (0-100%)
Controls algorithm-specific parameters. Affects the character and intensity of each waveshaper type.
Global Controls
Input Gain
Adjusts signal level entering the waveshapers
Output Gain
Final output level adjustment
Mix
Dry/wet blend control
Morph
Controls blending between waveshapers A and B
Chain Types
Both waveshapers process the input simultaneously. Morph blends their outputs.
Use for: Smooth transitions between different distortion characters
Waveshaper A feeds into waveshaper B. Morph controls the series amount.
Use for: Complex, multi-stage distortion effects
Low frequencies go to one waveshaper, highs to the other. Morph controls the split frequency.
Use for: Frequency-dependent processing, multiband distortion
Left channel uses waveshaper A, right channel uses waveshaper B.
Use for: Stereo width effects, asymmetric processing
Mid (center) information processed by one waveshaper, Side (stereo width) by the other.
Use for: Stereo field manipulation, creative effects
Advanced Settings
Oversampling (1x, 2x, 4x, 8x, 16x)
Reduces aliasing artifacts from nonlinear processing. Higher values = better quality but more CPU usage.
Recommended: 2x-4x for most uses, 8x+ for extreme settings
DC Filter (Off/On)
Removes unwanted DC offset that can build up.
Recommended: On, especially with high bias settings
Limiter (-12dB to 0dB)
Safety limiter to prevent output clipping. Set threshold where limiting begins.
Recommended: -1dB to -3dB for safety
Dynamics (0-100%)
Preserves original signal dynamics after processing. Compensates for level changes caused by waveshaping.
Use for: Maintaining punch and dynamics in heavy processing
Usage Tips
Getting Started
- Start simple: Try Parallel mode with classic waveshapers
- Use moderate drive: High drive values can be extreme
- Watch your levels: Use Input/Output gain to manage signal levels
- Enable oversampling: At least 2x for clean results
- Mid/Side Processing: Make sure your audio has some stereo width.
Creative Techniques
Subtle Enhancement
- • Low drive values (10-30%)
- • Soft Clipping or Tanh waveshapers
- • High mix values (70-100%)
Extreme Sound Design
- • High drive values (70-100%+)
- • Experimental waveshapers (Chaos, Fractal, etc.)
- • Serial or Frequency Split chain types
Stereo Effects
- • Left-Right or Mid-Side chain types
- • Different waveshaper types on A vs B
- • Moderate morph values for width
Dynamic Processing
- • Use Dynamics control to maintain punch
- • Frequency Split to process bass differently
- • Lower mix values for parallel compression effects
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