via BugBrand:
"It has been a while since I made BugCrushers, but I'd still get emails asking for the old Micro version. These would always poke my brain and get me wondering - I knew I couldn't head back to pedal designs due to production methods, so instead I looked around for someone take it on themselves and that's where Tim of Fredric came in. I provided him a slightly updated design of the Micro/WorkshopCrusher and he's now brought it into production - so do please support him and buy direct!Will I ever do another BIG BugCrusher version? I don't know for sure - I did try a couple of design attempts this year, but nothing quite stuck. It would be a good thing to have in the Red lineup though."
via Fredric Effects
"The BugCrusher is an Analogue Sample Rate Reducer - a Sample & Hold circuit run at audio rates - which produces aliasing effects on your signal.
With the Rate set high this imparts a clear fizzle & crunch, while at low rates any high frequencies will seem to wrap-around in an effect somewhat akin to a clean ring-mod.
Despite the name, the BugCrusher is not an actual BitCrusher - most BitCrusher effects will have Sample Rate (x-axis quantization) and Bit Depth (y-axis quantization) and are typically digital in nature.
Tom Bugs, the creator, says 'Back when I was making BugCrushers, they were well liked for processing synths & drum machines, but the effect also has found favour with bassists as the low frequencies can pass through cleanly while the highs are crunched'."
