Nonlinear filters

Abstract

Many distortion effects can be implemented as nonlinear (NL) filters. We review some common NLfilters, and introduce new ones that combine features from linear filters and wave shaping. The great interest in recent years in analog effects has resulted in several attempts at digital emulations of classic analog products. However, many interresting digital effects can be construed without knowledge of analog counterparts. Although NL-filters seem to require complicated mathematical analysis, much insight can be gained simply by carrying out some relevant experiments.