Today’s edition of BPB Freeware Studio features a list of the best free bitcrusher VST/AU plugins for Windows and Mac.

A bitcrusher is a very straightforward type of effect – it simply reduces the bit depth of the processed audio signal, resulting in audible degradation. It’s a very “digital” sounding type of distortion which works well for a variety of mixing and sound design tasks. Slight amounts of bit reduction can make sampled drums sound more crunchy and crisp, an effect that’s reminiscent of old-school hardware drum samplers like the legendary E-mu SP-12. Of course, higher amounts of bitcrushing will result in more distortion, suitable for creating distorted bass sounds, glitchy sound effects, etc.

Despite the fact that bitcrushing is a straightforward effect, there’s definitely some contrast in sound character between various bitcrusher plugins, probably due to the different algorithms being used “under the hood”. Also, some plugins come with neat extra features like sample rate reduction, smoothing, modulation, and various other goodies. Thus, I’ve decided to make a big list of all useful freeware bitcrushers I know of and let you choose your own favorites from the bunch. There’s some well-known stuff in the list, but also some gems I’m sure you’ve never heard of!