Bitcrushers employ distortion to simulate the distinct flavor of earlier digital technology. It divides the sample into bits via quantization, allowing you to change the digital audio resolution by rejecting some of the data. It’s necessary for achieving certain crunchy effects.
Bitcrushers are used by music producers to impart a nostalgic touch to their tunes. You could use it as an intro by automating it, or you could make one instrument stand out with a gritty sound while the others stay clean. Bitcrushers, on the other hand, differ depending on the algorithm they employ. As a result, when choosing a bitcrusher plugin, keep your needs and genre in mind.
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D16 Group Decimort 2
Producers of electronic music (particularly Hip-Hop) have long recognized that vintage samplers (such as early Akai and E-MU units) had their own distinct character and sound: they contributed “grit” and “color” to the samples and loops they played back, making them sound “fat” and fit nicely in a mix. The encoding techniques, lower sample rate and bit depth, and conversion circuits used by these early samplers all contributed to the sound coloration. Decimort recreates this coloration and restores the vintage sampler charm to any loop, bassline, or sound that passes through it! It’s also the ideal bit-crusher with filter, capable of severe settings for dramatic results, in addition to classic sampler emulation.
Decimort 2 is a bitcrushing software developed by D16 Group that brings the distinctive qualities of earlier bitcrushing hardware. The plugin has a fuzzy, rich, gritty sound from the 1990s, and it includes everything you’ll need to reproduce some classic Hip-Hop tracks. It also has a retro-style user interface. Decimort 2 is a secret treasure in the bitcrushing market, used by David Guetta, DJ Michael Trance, and James Sanger.
Optional Anti-Aliasing filters, Dithering, and Adjustable Jitter of your samples are just a few of the plugin’s distinctive features. Let’s look at the essential aspects of this plugin that your workflow might be missing.
Adjustable jittering can be used to create minor random effect jumps in your sample. The plugin simulates the sound of a damaged potentiometer in older hardware with variable effects. You could discover that the jitter effect is a little too steady or noisy on your samples after applying it. Controllable dithering can be used to accomplish this. Dithering allows you to reduce harmonic distortion and ensure that the sample is pure.
You may notice that some of the sounds provided by the plugin have mild aliasing. To remedy this, the D16 Group included two anti-aliasing filters that can be turned on or off. The anti-aliasing filter allows you to fine-tune the amount of aliasing above and below the resampling frequency.
Decimort 2 gives creators a wonderful “hardware-like” experience, allowing them to replicate audio aberrations seen in gear. The jitter effect, as well as the extra dithering effect that corrects any faults, adds a unique touch to your music. The plugin is simple to use and has a large number of helpful presets. This is the Best Bitcrusher Plugin in 2023.
Denise Bite Harder
Bite Harder is a sound distortion plugin that offers a wide range of effects. It can do common driving distortion, bit reduction, resampling, and other functions. The push-pull graph, which uses an EQ-like technique to add distortion to specific frequencies, is my favorite feature.
Furthermore, the Bitcrusher plugin can be completely automated. So, simply by adding modulation to the graph, you may create elaborate and innovative sound designs. Another tip I have is to apply distortion to basslines to make them stand out more in the mix. Take a peek at My Crush by the same creator before we go into Bite Harder. It’s Bite Harder’s free edition, which simply includes the bitcrusher and resampler.
The plugin includes a resampler, bitcrusher, glitch, and drive distortion for messing with sounds. The bitcrusher reduces the bit depth while the resampler alters the sample rate. After crushing, glitch adds ring-modulation to your sound.
The volume of the signal entering the plugin is controlled via the EQ graph at the top of the interface. Increasing a node’s volume increases gain and causes more distortion. However, by doing so, the volume of that frequency increases as well. As a result, the Pull slider can be used to reduce the output volume and find a sweet spot. Finally, the input and output (before and post) high-pass and low-pass filters help tame the signal even more.
Below the EQ graph, there are five tabs, the first of which is Random. It will shuffle the graph to offer you some ideas. Both Repeat and Stutter are toggles and sliders that can be automated. The slider regulates the repeat/stutter rate, while the toggle toggles it on and off. You can also synchronize the effect with your host.
Denise Bite Harder is a highly versatile plugin that allows you to create sounds that would otherwise be impossible to achieve. Misusing the plugin will result in complex sonic devastation. In terms of efficiency and ease of use, it’s nearly unbeatable for the price. This is the Best Bitcrusher VST Plugin in 2022.
Klevgrand Degrader
Degrader is a plugin that combines a resampler and a bit crusher. It can be used as a lofi-effect or distortion unit to mimic the sound of vintage digital electronics. It’s a useful plugin for building unique and fascinating drops, sweeps, and other transitions because all parameters are fully automatable.
Klevgrand has created a user-friendly plugin that is ideal for quick and painless sample degradation. This plugin is appropriate for both beginners and advanced users. It’s easy to use, provides visual feedback, and has a lot of features. Jitter, sampling rate, bit-depth, and saturation can all be adjusted with the plugin’s knobs. If your audio has to be loudened, mastering choices are also available.
The Klevgrand Degrader lets you adjust your sample rate from 250 Hz to 96 kHz, ensuring that you may create a genuinely distinctive sound. A lower sample rate will completely eliminate portions of the high-end, whilst a greater sample rate will allow for a small distortion effect. Try out some of the presets available, which do a great job of emulating old vintage sounds. The settings range from subtle tweaks to full-on destruction, which is best suited to heavier genres.
Degrader makes it simple to ruin your sample by providing useful tools like jittering, sample rate reduction, and saturation enhancement. The plugin has a simple UI with just the right amount of functions to keep your music sounding new. You can also listen to some custom presets developed by the developers using their best bitcrusher plugins expertise.
BeatSkillz SampleX V3
The BeatSkillz SampleX V3 is a powerful audio destroyer and distortion tool. Sample rate, bit rate, shift, drive, and width are the four sliders. The width, for example, allows you to enlarge or reduce the sound of a sample in your stereo field. The old ladder filter is also faithfully recreated in SampleXV3. This plugin is ideal for anyone wishing to add hardware sampling into their mix, as it is based on real-life circuitry and has unique sample configuration capabilities.
With the easy resonance and cutoff controls on the right side of the plugin, you can apply extra modifications to your sample when using low and high-pass filters. For each filter, there are two knobs that allow you to fine-tune the resonance from 0 to 1. Use the self-oscillation mode for a more analog sound.
The bitcrushing section’s five settings do an excellent job of giving you complete control over sample alteration. The shift slider creates unusual aliased sounds, while the Drive slider creates a crunchy vintage sound reminiscent of classic rock bands. The signal quality is adjusted using the bits and sample rate sliders.
Machine mode can be used to simulate older samplers. You can choose from six different settings, each with its own distinct sound. The first three modes deliver crisp audio, which is best suited for rhythmic portions, while the latter three provide a fun lo-fi, muted sound. The lo-fi sounding sounds are generally best employed for intros and outros in mellow tracks.
Plugin developers rarely focus on creating an experience that feels like you’re playing your song on real hardware. SampleX V3 perfectly captures that feel with an exceptional UI that resembles vintage technology from the 1980s and 1990s. A cassette tape loader for your samples, on/off switches, and a simple LED display with all the information you need are all included in the plugin.
SampleX V3 is a lovely nostalgia tool that faithfully reproduces the sound and appearance of classic audio sampling devices. The plugin does its best to provide you with high-quality effects, including superb resonance controls, fascinating high and low-pass ladder filters, and comprehensive wet/dry controls.
FAQ
Q: What is a Bitcrusher VST plugin?
A: A Bitcrusher VST (Virtual Studio Technology) plugin is a type of audio plugin that is used to recreate the sound of vintage digital hardware. It reduces the bit depth of the audio signal, which can add a distinct grittiness and bring out the harmonic content of the sound.
Q: What are some of the best Bitcrusher VST plugins?
A: Some of the best Bitcrusher VST plugins include D16 Group’s Decimort 2, Kilohearts’ Bitcrush, Tal-Bitcrusher, and Tritik’s Krush. The choice depends on the specific sound and features you are looking for.
Q: What factors should I consider when choosing a Bitcrusher VST plugin?
A: You should consider factors such as the plugin’s sound quality, user interface, versatility, price, and the specific features you need for your project. Some Bitcrusher plugins offer features like downsampling, drive, mix, and modulation options.
Q: Are there free Bitcrusher VST plugins available?
A: Yes, there are several free Bitcrusher VST plugins available. Some popular options include Tritik’s Krush, TAL-Bitcrusher, and CMT Bitcrusher. However, keep in mind that paid plugins often offer more features and higher sound quality.
Q: Can I use Bitcrusher VST plugins on any DAW (Digital Audio Workstation)?
A: Most Bitcrusher VST plugins are compatible with any DAW that supports VST plugins. This includes popular DAWs like Ableton Live, FL Studio, Logic Pro, and Pro Tools. However, you should always check the plugin’s specifications to ensure it’s compatible with your specific DAW.
Q: How do I install a Bitcrusher VST plugin?
A: The installation process varies depending on the plugin and your DAW. Generally, you will need to download the plugin, extract the files if necessary, and place them in your DAW’s designated plugin folder. Then, you may need to scan for new plugins within your DAW to make it recognize the new addition.
Q: Can Bitcrusher VST plugins be used for live performances?
A: Yes, many Bitcrusher VST plugins can be used for live performances. They can add a unique, gritty texture to your sound and can be controlled in real-time with MIDI controllers or automation within your DAW.
Q: Can Bitcrusher plugins harm my speakers?
A: No, Bitcrusher plugins themselves won’t harm your speakers. However, like any audio effect, using them excessively or at very high volumes can potentially cause damage. Always monitor your levels and listen at a safe volume.