Distorters

DACS Break On Through FET Distorter and Limiter

DACS Break On Through is a brick wall limiter with release adjust, variable distortion threshold, and amplitude modulation on the output. The distortion lovers distorter, unmatched. It is based on a classic analogue microphone limiter design that was, legend has it, hijacked by an electronics-savvy record producer, and used on numerous records for ‘breaking through’, particularly with drums and percussion. We’ve upgraded and updated the circuit to produce a coloring block with a vast pallet.

The DACS Break On Through is a FET distortion unit based on a heavily modified microphone-level limiter circuit. It features three primary interactive controls and dedicated CV integration: Brick wall limiter, CV variable distortion threshold, release setting and CV input for amplitude modulation on the output. Our CV inputs use opto-couplers for very smooth modulation – DC coupled. Unlike most distortion units, this beast gives you clean to the threshold, then you break it hard or soft. Clean kit but dirty snare. Push the peaks, leave the rest. Or hit it all. There’s plenty of input and output gain so you can tailor your crushing.

Features:

• Input Gain and Threshold adjustments for limiting and fine-tuning distortion
• CV Input to amplitude-modulate output – subsonic or audio frequency modulation
• CV input to Threshold for detailed control (e.g., synced oscillator or envelope)
• Release control to further shape the distortion
• LED visual indication for distortion
• Output Gain for setting level
• Solid metal sleeve jacks for longevity and stability
• Fitted with DACS custom aluminum knobs

Knobs:

• In Gain: Drives the incoming signal into the FET circuit. Higher settings push them: Controls the limiter threshold. It determines how hard the signal hits the FET circuit, moving from transparent compression into harsh overdrive.
• Release: Controls the recovery speed of the limiter circuit. Low settings create rapid, aggressive pumping/squashing (ideal for drums), while higher settings smooth out the decay.
• Out Gain: Controls the final output volume. It prevents the heavily saturated signal from clipping the next module in your chain.
• Distortion LED: Visual feedback anchor that glows brighter as the signal increasingly squares and clips against the FET threshold.

I/O Ports:

• Audio In: The main input patch point for processing mono signals (e.g., drum loops or synth voices).
• Threshold CV In: An opto-coupled, DC-coupled CV input mapped to the “Break” control. It provides exceptionally smooth analog modulation of the threshold via external envelopes or synced oscillators.
• Audio Out: Outputs the final brick-wall limited or distorted audio signal.
• Output CV In: A control voltage input mapped to the output stage. This allows you to modulate the overall output amplitude, creating automated tremolo or gated effects on top of the distortion.

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