Waveshaper

Waveshaper is an audio processing device or software function that alters the waveform of an audio signal by applying a nonlinear transfer function to its amplitude. By mapping input samples through a curve y = f(x), the device introduces harmonics and changes timbre without simply amplifying or filtering the signal.

Implementation can be analog or digital. Analog waveshapers commonly use nonlinear components such as diodes, transistors, or tubes arranged in feedback or clipping configurations with an amplifier, producing distortion with characteristics that depend on the circuit. Digital waveshapers implement the transfer function in software or DSP, using look-up tables, polynomial approximations, or fixed-point math. The result is a controlled amount of shaping determined by parameters such as drive (input gain before shaping), amount, bias or asymmetry, blend or dry/wet mix, and, in some designs, tone or high-frequency emphasis.

Common transfer curves include hard clipping, soft clipping (saturation-like), and smooth saturating curves such as hyperbolic tangent or cubic shapes. Asymmetrical shapes can emphasize odd or even harmonics, enabling different tonal colors. Applications include distortion, overdrive, saturation, and timbre sculpting in guitars, basses, synthesizers, and sound-design workflows. Waveshapers are used both to emulate vintage amplifier behavior and to create aggressive digital textures, from warm tube-like saturation to buzzy or futuristic tones.

See also: distortion, saturation, nonlinear processing, clipping.