Plugin Boutique’s DriveMod distortion plugin is free for a limited time. The plugin normally costs $49, but you can grab it with the coupon code “MASTERMOD” at checkout.
We covered DriveMod on BPB back in 2024 when it was available for $1. This time around, it’s completely free, so if you missed it then, now is an even better opportunity to pick it up.
DriveMod, if you haven’t guessed from its name already, combines distortion with modulation. You choose from six distortion algorithms, shape the signal with filtering and gain controls, and then add movement by modulating any parameter with custom-drawn LFO shapes.
To me, that’s the main differentiator from most distortion plugins out there. Custom LFO shapes are always fun, as you can use them for anything from subtle automation and blending to crazy glitch effects.
The six distortion types cover a lot of ground, and each offers a unique flavor. Plugin Boutique included a couple of options I haven’t found in too many other distortions.
But let’s start with the basics.
Digital is a classic bitcrusher. Tube mimics high-gain guitar preamp saturation, ranging from warm overdrive to crisp distortion.
Diode is a modern take on the classic diode-clipper, covering everything from bright modern tones to vintage fuzz (for more diode-style saturation, check out our free BPB Saturator Plus plugin).
And now onto the more peculiar stuff.
Lin Fold folds the signal linearly for an FM-like quality. This one is my favorite for processing synths.
Zero Sq interleaves random square waves into the original signal for more extreme results. Rectify flips the negative side of the signal to the positive side, adding harmonics one octave higher.
The control setup is pretty intuitive, even with the advanced modulation features.
The main controls are Input, Drive, Tone, Destroy, and Output. Drive pushes the signal into distortion, Destroy takes things further, and Tone shapes the frequency balance of the distorted signal.
There’s also an auto-gain function, a stereo panner to place the wet signal in the stereo field, and a filter to focus the distortion on a specific frequency band.
The Movement panel is where DriveMod sets itself apart.
You can draw your own LFO shapes or use pre-built sine, square, sawtooth, and triangle waves, with time intervals from 1/64 up to 32 bars. Playhead reversal, waveform smoothing, and pulse width modulation are also available for fine-tuning.
The plugin comes with 75 presets, but I think that experimenting manually is the way to go with this one. Just pick a distortion flavor and go crazy with the modulation.
DriveMod is available in VST, VST3, AU, AAX, and Standalone formats (64-bit only) for macOS (10.15 or higher, Apple Silicon compatible) and Windows (7 or higher).
Download: DriveMod by Plugin Boutique (FREE with code “MASTERMOD”, regular price $49)
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Last Updated on March 17, 2026 by Tomislav Zlatic.
