So many distortion pedals use an op amp to run a signal into antiparallel diodes to create distortion. I’ve spent a few weeks trying to emulate it, and it’s a lot of fun.

Different flavors of diode make significant changes to the way it sounds. Even things like LEDs can be used (they are Light Emitting Diodes, after all).

Andy Simper of Cytomic is some kind of mad genius at this stuff. He’s created a painstakingly accurate emulation of the Ibanez Tube Screamer that allows you to change the values of basically every component in the circuit diagram. It’s jaw dropping: https://cytomic.com/product/scream/

He’s also shared a ton of incredible information about how he emulates circuits. The math can get really intense. If anyone is looking for a fun project, I strongly suggest experimenting with circuit modeling. It’s a great workout for the brain.

As someone also doing audio circuit modeling, Andy is so far ahead of everyone in this game. Have you seen his latest? https://www.kvraudio.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=9149872#p9149...