Bitcrushers
Bitcrushers reduce the resolution of digital audio signals by converting your guitar signal to a digital format, then reducing the number of bits in the signal – which makes it lo-fi and a bit nasty!
This is similar to the audio quality of early video games and other digital devices from the 1980s and 1990s. There are a number of manufacturers that reference these old games in their product descriptions.
This reduction in bits creates a distorted, gritty, or crunchy sound. The effect can be further tweaked by reducing the sample rate of the audio signal. Doing this reduces the frequency range and adds additional distortion.
These are really great fun pedals and often use at the more experimental end of the musical the scale.
From fractional bit reduction and wavefolding in the Red Panda Bitmap 2 to sequenced and stuttered mayhem from the Meris Ottobit Jr, sample-rate reduction in the Malekko Scrutator and multi-effect lo-fi textures from the Alexander Pedals Syntax Error 2, you can go from subtle digital edge to full 8-bit meltdown. All with free UK delivery options and 30-day returns.
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Bitcrusher Pedals – Frequently Asked Questions
How does a bitcrusher pedal work?
A bitcrusher reduces the resolution (bit depth) and often the sample rate of your signal. Lower bit depth makes the waveform more “stepped” and grainy, while reduced sample rate limits the frequencies that can be reproduced, adding aliasing and digital artefacts. Pedals like the Red Panda Bitmap 2 let you dial in everything from light, crunchy textures to completely shattered, 8-bit tones.
Are bitcrushers only for extreme or experimental sounds?
They are brilliant for extreme and experimental music, but can also be used more subtly. A touch of bit reduction on the top end can add character to clean or driven tones, or make a part sit in a mix like a sampled instrument. Pedals such as the Malekko Scrutator or Syntax Error 2 can both do tasteful lo-fi as well as full-on glitch.
Where should I place a bitcrusher in my signal chain?
There are a few popular approaches. Placing a bitcrusher after drives and before delay and reverb lets it chew on an already harmonically rich signal, then your ambience smooths out the edges. Putting it early in the chain before fuzz or distortion can produce a different, more compressed flavour of digital-sounding gain. Multi-effect units like the Meris Ottobit Jr often reward experimentation, so try a few positions and see what works best.
Can bitcrusher pedals be used with bass, synths or drums?
Yes. Bitcrusher pedals are great tools for bass lines, synths and drum machines, where you might want vintage sampler and early console tones. The Ottobit Jr and Bitmap 2 are particularly popular on synths and electronic sources thanks to their flexible modulation and filtering options.
Can I combine bitcrushing with other effects?
Absolutely. Bitcrushing works well with filters, delays and reverbs for evolving, glitchy soundscapes. The Syntax Error 2 and Ottobit Jr build this in with onboard modulation, pitch and sequencing, while reverb pedals like the AC Noises Ama V2 even add bitcrushing to their reverb tails for shimmering, broken ambience.
If you are not sure whether you need a simple bitcrusher or a multi-function lo-fi workstation, contact us and we can help you pick the right pedal for your board.
