I was wondering – what is the best “Hardware Bit Crusher” around for getting that crunchy, lo-fi, grit sounds which you can get by using older samplers like Akai S-950, Akai Mpc-60 and E-mu sp1200.
With a fast Google search I came around:
OTO Biscuit
Frostwave Sonic Alienator
WMD Geiger Counter
Any advices?
Can’t speak for the other two but the Biscuit really is amazing.
It goes way beyond what I expected when I bought it, plus it has loads more to offer including additional effects and (with the latest firmware) a synth too…
Be quick though as I think the latest batch is the last due to discontinued parts.
The Biscuit is an amazing box. It can go from subtle filtering with all 8 bits present to total sonic destruction and back again. It’s nice to use in parallel as well for adding density. The analog filter is really good. With the free addition of Der Oto you get an 8 bit synth with step sequencer already built in so you get a lot for your money. I picked one up used for $450.
I also have an S 950 and while the Biscuit can do a lot more it does it’s own thing very well especially on drums. I will take samples and run them through the 950 and then use them in the OT. I picked it up for $200. Even the ones with no memory expansion are fine because I rarely have the sample rate over 8-10K which gives you 20 sec.
AFAIK the Frostwave is practically unobtainable. The WMD is mono only so that is limiting to me but I’v never tried one.
Cheers
+1 for the Biscuit - it’s freaking amazing - check the specs and you’ll see you get a lot more than just a bitcrusher - get one if you can - bear in mind that OTO are about to announce a new unit so…
Wouldn’t say its in S950 territory though - the old Akais have more than just the sample rate thing going on - something to do with the dacs maybe and the old school algos - if that’s what your really after buy one on the bay - there’s always some for sale and for no money - but they’re huge compared to a biscuit, so maybe not practical if desk space is limited - oh and you’ll need some 3.5 inch disks 
In my case its actually my problem, hate for dieing 3.5 inch disks and limited space 
However, are we far from the crunchy, lo-fi, grit, grimy, boombap, dirt, analog sounds?
· I know that we cannot emulate the sound 100 % from those old samplers but we can capture the goal tags with OtO?
WMD Geiger Counter is actually very exciting too. From what I understand, then it has tone control with 255+ wavetables.
You really can’t go wrong with the biscuit.
Agreed. The Biscuit has a huge range to its sound - and that’s before you even tap into the brain.
Any idea what this new unit will be? buy a used one or wait for the new product
Oto said the new box will not compete with the biscuit. It will be a different kind of effects box not a bit crusher filter. Beyond that no one knows. It is supposed to be released in the next month or two.
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Oto said the new box will not compete with the biscuit. It will be a different kind of effects box not a bit crusher filter. Beyond that no one knows. 
It is supposed to be released in the next month or two.
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Thanks for the Info, i will add it to the wishlist but wait til i have seen their new product.
Regards price - they are quite rare - it was limited to four of five runs - so don’t be surprised to pay close to full retail…
I got mine off Craigslist for $450. I think that is a good price. I have seen them as low as $400 but they go very quickly.
I have one for sale on here for $490 plus shipping. Seems like a fair price considering it’s like new. Might be interested in trades as well. Hit me up.
I have a Biscuit, but besides that, i’ve only tried software bit crushers.
I don’t know how the Biscuit does it, but it’s got amazing harmonics to the sound which I haven’t even nearly heard from anything else. So what you get out of it is tends to be very musically interesting and useful
Recommended!
gotharman’s has sp-1200 clone stuff.
This is an expansion for Deformer 2 if I remember correctly, but also quit expensive…but on the other hand…
· His products is hand-made one man work
· High quality
· Unique and in very limited production (so you can be sure, that they will keep their value) 
(If he don’t make a Deformer 3)
Another idea, mutable-instruments Shruthi should have a “Bit crusher” for “Sample rate reduction” and “Bit depth reduction”
· But I haven’t heard it in use with samples, so I cannot speak for it 
Patchblocks are 10-bit 20KHz and also have a bit crusher and sample rate reducer you can program one for. The Kickstarter just ended, though, won’t be at retail until February at least, but they might be around 35 GBP/ $50 USD or so.
a simple patch in a micro modular would be another way to achieve the same goal.
Yeah I had a look at these Patchblocks too, but there are a few leaks, which made me reluctant for this unit.
There are no real power input
There are no real mid-interface.
It uses mini-jacks
//TeeVee//