Shape
Key Features
- Six distinct shaping curves covering soft clip, hard clip, tube saturation, triangle folding, sine folding, and more
- Up to four morph parameters per curve type for deep tonal sculpting beyond default shapes
- Offset control for asymmetric distortion that produces warm even harmonics
- Real-time oscilloscope display showing both the shaping curve and audio signal range
- Oversampling up to 4x to reduce aliasing artifacts from nonlinear waveshaping
- Minimal, focused interface with input gain, dry/wet mix, and output level controls
Description
Shape Lite 2 is a single-stage waveshaper and wavefolder effect from Audec that delivers everything from subtle saturation to aggressive distortion. It is the free edition of Shape 2, offering six shaping curves with up to four adjustable morph parameters per curve.
The plugin centers on a clean visual scope that maps the shaping curve in real time, showing exactly how the input signal is being transformed. Each of the six curve types produces a distinct harmonic character, and the morph knobs let you sculpt the curve shape beyond its default behavior.
An offset control adds asymmetric distortion by shifting the waveform bias, which generates warm even harmonics rather than the odd harmonics you get from symmetrical clipping. This technique is commonly used in electronic genres like dubstep and drum and bass to create wilder, more characterful tones.
Oversampling up to 4x is included to reduce aliasing artifacts that waveshaping inherently introduces. Users have noted that this is a standout feature for a plugin at this price point, as many competing free distortion tools lack any oversampling at all.
Shape Lite 2 runs as a VST3 plugin on Windows and as both VST3 and AU on macOS, with full Apple Silicon support. The interface stays deliberately minimal, putting the focus on the scope display and a handful of well-chosen controls.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Shape Lite 2 and Shape 2?
Shape Lite 2 is a single-stage waveshaper with 6 curve types and up to 4x oversampling. Shape 2 ($29) adds a second shaping stage with serial or parallel routing, expands to 21 curve types, and increases oversampling to 16x.
What does the Offset control do?
The Offset control shifts the waveform bias to create asymmetric distortion. Symmetrical clipping produces odd harmonics, while asymmetric distortion generates even harmonics that sound warmer and more musical.
How does waveshaping differ from wavefolding?
Waveshaping clips or reshapes the signal according to a transfer function, while wavefolding inverts the waveform back on itself when it exceeds a threshold. Shape Lite 2 includes both techniques across its six curve types, letting you move from smooth saturation to complex folded timbres.
