Electro Harmonix Mainframe Bit Crusher
Professional music gear - detailed information and where to buy
Electro Harmonix
Mainframe Bit Crusher
Product Info
Article Number:
504430
Brand:
Electro Harmonix
Model:
Mainframe Bit Crusher
Category:
Guitar Effects
Price:
$189.20
* Prices may vary. Check retailer for current pricing and availability.
The Mainframe Bit Crusher nails the authentic sound of vintage digital artifacts – think early video games and lo-fi synths. It’s a blast for anyone chasing those 8-bit textures or wanting to add a unique, gritty edge to their riffs, though it's definitely a specialized tool, not a subtle enhancement.
Product Description
- Electro Harmonix Mainframe Bit Crusher
- Effects Pedal for Electric Guitar & Bass
- Bit Crusher
- Produces 80s-style lo-fi sounds reminiscent of early arcade games
- home consoles and home computers
- Reduces the sample rate from 48 kHz to 110 Hz
- which leads to reduced audio quality and aliasing
- ranging from fairly "clean" sounds to unrecognizable "crushed" sounds
- Bit crushing from 24 bits to 1 bit increases sampling errors that creatively degrade the sound quality for dirty "old school" sounds
- Selectable high / low / band pass filter
- Sample Rate Tuning mode analyzes the input signal in real time and adjusts the sample rate to match the pitch of your signal or a specified interval above your signal
- Programmable preset or expression pedal setting allows the sound to be saved or any combination of the controls on the mainframe to be controlled with an external expression pedal
- Controls: Vol
- Blend
- Bit Depth
- Sample Rate
- Peak
- Freq
- Push buttons: EXP / Preset
- Switch: Filter HPF / BPF / LPF
- LED: EXP / Preset Mode
- Effect On
- Foot switch: Effect bypass
- Input: 6.3 mm jack
- Output: 6.3 mm jack
- Expression pedal input: 6.3 mm stereo jack
- Power supply connection: barrel connector 5.5 x 2.1 mm
- negative polarity inside
- Power supply via 9 V DC power supply (included)
- Dimensions (W x D x H): 70 x 114 x 53 mm
*Note:* Battery operation is not supported.
PROS
- • Unique, authentic 8-bit digital degradation sounds
- • Sample Rate Tuning mode offers creative pitch-based manipulation
- • Flexible filter options add tonal shaping versatility
- • Preset and expression functionality expands performance potential
CONS
- • Can be overly harsh or noisy with extreme settings
- • Limited tonal palette; not a general-purpose effect
- • Mainframe system can feel slightly clunky to navigate
Product Video
Key Features
Effect Type
Bit Crusher / Sample Rate Reduction
Controls
Bit Depth, Sample Rate, Filter, Mode, Preset Select
Bypass Type
True Bypass
Power Supply
9V DC Adapter (center negative), not included
Connections
1/4 in Mono Input, 1/4 in Mono Output, 1/4 in Expression Pedal Input
Dimensions
4.75 in x 2.625 in x 1.75 in
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Frequently Asked Questions
It analyzes your input signal and dynamically adjusts the sample rate, creating interesting pitch-shifted and mangled textures – experiment with intervals above the fundamental note.
Yes, it's designed to seamlessly integrate with other Mainframe pedals, sharing power and MIDI capabilities, although navigating the system’s menus can take a bit of getting used to.
Yes, the sample rate reduction inherently introduces a slight amount of latency, though it's generally minimal and unlikely to be a significant issue for most players.
