Bitcrusher

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Bitcrusher is a digital audio effect that creates distortion by reducing the volume resolution of digital audio data. The effect is often combined with a reduction in the sampling rate .

A digital recording has a resolution of the level of n bits , i.e. i.e. there are (partly ) possible states of the level. If you reduce the number n, this reduces the number of possible states and thus the resolution. The standard for CDs is a resolution of 16 bits, i.e. possible states. With approx. 8 bits and less, distortions and thus a decrease in the recording quality can be perceived. This distortion adds overtones to the output signal in such a way that the waveform becomes "square". In contrast, with an analog distortion unit , which also generates overtones, the waveform is rounded off, which gives a warmer sound impression. ${\displaystyle 2^{n}}$ ${\displaystyle n\in \mathbb {N} }$ ${\displaystyle 2^{16}}$

application

The effect is often used in electro and similar forms of electronic music that deliberately forego sound quality (“ Lo-Fi ” instead of Hi-Fi ). Typical Bitcrusher sounds can also be found in current pop music . An example of a sound distorted by the Bitcrusher can be found in the opening sequence of the song Chemicals by The Notwist . The samples of the Roland TR-909 drum computer have z. B. a resolution of 6 bits. Even your own drum samples can be made “crisp” and more concise with the help of a bit crusher. The effect is included as standard in many music software. It also occurs in hardware, e.g. B. in the Nord Modular / Micro Modular from Clavia or in the Korg Electribe EMX, where the effect is called "Decimator".