Bitcrushers

Bitcrushers are digital audio effects that reduce the resolution of an audio signal, typically by reducing the bit depth of the audio data. This process involves quantizing the audio signal to a lower number of bits, which can result in a distorted or "crushed" sound. Bitcrushers are often used in electronic music production to create unique textures and sounds, as well as to emulate the sound of older, lower-quality audio equipment.

The effect of a bitcrusher can be controlled by adjusting the bit depth and sample rate parameters. Reducing the bit depth will result in a more pronounced distortion, while reducing the sample rate will create a "lo-fi" or "glitchy" sound. Bitcrushers can be applied to individual tracks or to the entire mix, and can be used to create a wide range of sounds, from subtle distortions to extreme glitches.

Bitcrushers are commonly used in genres such as glitch hop, IDM, and chip music, where the distorted and glitchy sounds are a defining characteristic of the music. They can also be used to create unique textures and sounds in other genres, such as hip-hop and pop.

In summary, bitcrushers are digital audio effects that reduce the resolution of an audio signal, creating distorted or glitchy sounds. They are commonly used in electronic music production and can be controlled by adjusting the bit depth and sample rate parameters.