8BitM8 - Hardware Bit Crusher with Arcade Button

Published on Jun 4, 2020 midierror
Update: Re-Published on Jun 5, 2020

via tindie

"The 8BitM8 is a brand new bit-crusher pedal inspired by the tonal qualities of vintage samplers, MPCs and the love of lo-fi sounds. It comes hand made in a rugged metal enclosure packed with high quality components which include a genuine arcade button.

Hardware bit crushers are hard to come by and are often simply 'sample rate reducers' without any effect on the number of bits. The 8BitM8 is a fully digital bit crusher with settings for 4, 6 and 8-Bit - meaning the sounds of early samplers, lofi keyboards and digital effect units at your fingertips.

The 8BitM8 processes sounds using an 8-Bit AVR Microcontroller, sampling the input signal from the pre-amplifier at high speed, going to the DAC at an adjustable interval set by the RATE knob. Prepare for a heady audio spectrum spanning subtle glitchy overtones to supercharged distortion, with a WET/DRY MIX knob to set how much of the signal is processed.

A simple LOW PASS FILTER is available for the wet signal to swoop from sparkly brightness to low end warbles. The LEDs reflect the outputted audio rate, and provide a snazzy representation of the processed audio, be it smooth and musical or edgy and raw!

The pedal has true bypass, controlled and engaged by a relay which is triggered by the arcade button; a genuine arcade cabinet component built to withstand extreme button bashing. It functions as a momentary switch or as toggle by simply pushing the button during power on or not. This gives you the chance to create quick staccato chops or engage the crusher for a more sustained period.

Bit crushing is a superb effect to use in conjunction with other effects and works supremely well on keys, vocals and bass sounds. If you're a fan of the EMU SP1200, Akai S3000, Akai S950 or even the Casio SK-1, this pedal will process your sound with authentic degraded digital goodness.

The 8BitM8 comes in a heard-wearing metal enclosure spray painted and varnished to order. Choose from a single colour or two tone model, with a myriad of arcade button colours to choose from.

Choice of paints are Red, Turquoise, Yellow, Magenta, Green, Black, White, Pink and Gold. Buttons come with a choice of Yellow, Green, Blue, Red, White, Black, White, Grey, Pink, Black & Red, Black & Yellow, Black & Green and Black & White.

The pedal is powered by a 2.1mm barrel connection, and requires a 9V 100mA power supply with a negative centre (not included). If you require a power supply, please get in touch before purchase.

Each one comes fully constructed, tested and is shipped from the south coast of England. Please allow a couple of days for painting and varnishing before shipping."