Thermal from Output is a multi-stage distortion plugin that processes audio through several distortion stages with a mid-side width option for each stage.
Thermal at a glance
| Developer | Output |
|---|---|
| Type | Effects / Distortion |
| Formats | VST3, VST2, AU, AAX |
| Operating systems | Windows 10 or later, macOS 10.14 or later |
| Apple Silicon | Native |
| Architecture | 64-bit |
| RAM | 8 GB or more |
| Hosts named by the developer | Ableton Live, Logic Pro, Pro Tools, Cubase, FL Studio, Reaper, Studio One, Bitwig, Reason, Digital Performer, GarageBand, Maschine |
| Price on Plugin Boutique (October 2026) | €147.76 |
What Thermal does
Thermal goes beyond a traditional multi-band distortion, and its processing is organized into stages that each apply one of 19 analogue and digitally modelled distortion algorithms. Each stage can add harmonics and grit, shape amplitude, add frequency modulation, and then add width through a Mid-Side control. The developer lists 15 or more custom distortion types on top of the built-in set.
A circular XY control links several distortion parameters together so they can be moved at once, and a waveform display lets the user hone a specific frequency range by dragging handles on the waveform and adjust its volume. Band split activates crossover filters for separate processing.
Key features
- Multi-stage distortion. Distortion is applied in stages, and each stage can use one of 19 analogue and digitally modelled algorithms, with harmonics, grit, amplitude shaping and frequency modulation controls.
- Circular XY control. A circular XY control links distortion parameters together, so several settings change at once when the control is moved.
- Waveform display and handles. Dragging handles on the waveform display sets a specific frequency range and adjusts its volume.
- Mid-Side width. Each stage can add width through Mid-Side processing with time-based adjustment, applied as a final touch.
- Presets and favorites. Over 250 presets can be browsed in the presets menu, and favorites can be marked for quick recall.
- Value readout and tooltips. A value readout panel shows the current setting of each control, and built-in tooltips explain the controls.
Compatibility
It is hosted in Ableton Live, Logic Pro, Pro Tools, Cubase, FL Studio, Reaper, Studio One, Bitwig, Reason, Digital Performer, GarageBand and Maschine, and it needs 8 GB of RAM.
Thermal compared with similar plugins
Thermal is an effects plugin for distortion, with formats VST3, VST2, AU and AAX for Windows and macOS. Rift 2.0 from Minimal Audio is in the same type and covers the same operating systems, while Dist COLDFIRE from Arturia is offered in VST2, AU and AAX only.
| Plugin | Developer | Type | Formats | Systems | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thermal | Output | Distortion | VST3, VST2, AU, AAX | Windows, macOS | €147.76 |
| Motion: Harmonic | Excite Audio | Distortion | VST3, VST2, AU, AAX, Standalone | Windows, macOS | €3.26 (regular €78.34) |
| Rift 2.0 | Minimal Audio | Distortion | VST3, VST2, AU, AAX | Windows, macOS | €127.93 |
| Dist COLDFIRE | Arturia | Distortion | VST2, AU, AAX | Windows, macOS | €98.18 |
| FabFilter Saturn 2 | FabFilter | Distortion | VST3, VST2, AU, AAX | Windows, macOS | €127.93 |
Price and availability
Thermal was listed on Plugin Boutique in October 2026 at €147.76. Prices change often, so the store page shows the current one.
Thermal FAQ
Does Thermal run on Apple Silicon Macs?
Yes. The developer lists native support for Apple Silicon, and macOS 10.14 or later is required.
Which hosts can load Thermal?
Thermal is listed for Ableton Live, Logic Pro, Pro Tools, Cubase, FL Studio, Reaper, Studio One, Bitwig, Reason, Digital Performer, GarageBand and Maschine.
Where can I download Thermal crack for free?
Thermal crack builds are shared as torrent and magnet link files, often in a repack with .rar and .iso packaging.