Bitcrusher-like digital distortion with Complex and Complex Pro Warp Algorithms

Discuss music production with Ableton Live.
Post Reply
benmuetsch
Posts: 79
Joined: Wed Sep 28, 2011 8:45 pm

Bitcrusher-like digital distortion with Complex and Complex Pro Warp Algorithms

Post by benmuetsch » Mon Feb 17, 2025 10:20 pm

Hi everyone,

I sometimes encounter an issue where, for example, when I try to warp a vocal and select the Complex Warp Algorithm, the track starts sounding like it has a bitcrusher effect on it. Usually, switching between the algorithms a few times helps, but it always happens with Complex or Complex Pro, sometimes one, sometimes the other—there seems to be no consistent pattern. Has anyone else noticed this issue? It even sometimes happens in nearly empty projects, so it's not related to CPU / DSP performance.

My specs:

Intel Mac Pro 2019
12-Core Xeon W
48GB RAM
Universal Audio Apollo Thunderbolt Interface
44.1kHz / 256 Samples Buffer Size
latest Ableton Live 12 (release version, no beta)
latest macOS Sequoia 15.3.1

Other than that, everything is running great. The problem first occurred when I updated from macOS Monterey to Sonoma. However, since I was having other issues with Sonoma (not Ableton related), I decided to take the plunge and update directly to the latest macOS (I'm usually quite behind on updates). Aside from the warping issue, everything is working perfectly, as mentioned. :D

Thanks in advance for any support and/or opinions :)

benmuetsch
Posts: 79
Joined: Wed Sep 28, 2011 8:45 pm

Re: Bitcrusher-like digital distortion with Complex and Complex Pro Warp Algorithms

Post by benmuetsch » Tue Feb 18, 2025 2:20 pm

Just happened again today, I opened up a project I started last Friday which sounded abolutely fine but today, the warped vocals sound distorted.
Switched from Complex Pro back to Complex and then it's fine again. Really annoying. :(

Post Reply