BIT 2.0

Name: BIT 2.0
Price: 93.13 USD
Author: Rob Papen

by Rob Papen · Synth · Analog-modeled synth

Not rated yet

BIT 2.0 ("Back In Time") is an analog-modeled synth with SuperSaw and SuperSquare waves, two analog-modeled filters and per-voice distortion.

It has an arpeggiator/sequencer with a Magic parameter, a ribbon controller and a modulation matrix, for $99.

Best for: Keys & Synths, Bass, Sound Design. Genres: Electronic & EDM, Pop, Hip-Hop & Trap.

Keywords: analog-sounding, analog, arpeggiator, modulation matrix, sequencer, classic, subtractive, basses, digital classic, hardware emulation, leads, pads, 90s, deep, metallic, modular, musical, preset-driven, sound design, surgical.

What it does

BIT 2.0 is Rob Papen's analog-modeled synth; the name stands for "Back In Time" (or "Be Inspired Today"). It pairs classic subtractive sounds with a modular-style modulation matrix, all on one page.

Oscillators: two oscillators with SuperSaw and SuperSquare waves, which stack multiple voices inside oscillator 1 and/or 2.
Cross-modulation: oscillator 1 can phase-, frequency- or ring-modulate oscillator 2 for harder, metallic tones.
Filters: two analog-modeled filters, with expanded filter modes in version 2.0.
Distortion: per-voice distortion with several modes, so each note distorts on its own rather than the whole chord.
Modulation: a full modulation matrix for patching without cables, plus an advanced panel under the oscillators for quickly linking LFOs and envelopes.
Arpeggiator/sequencer: dynamic start and end steps for changing patterns live, a Magic parameter that varies a pattern musically, and an extra free row so it can act as a modulation source.
Ribbon controller: moves several parameters at once, by mouse or from an external MIDI controller.
Effects: an improved FX section with a reverb the developer calls "top-notch".

The current version is 2.0. A demo is available. A Rack Extension version (B.I.T.-RE) is sold separately.

Source: Rob Papen product page

When to use it

BIT 2.0 is a straightforward analog-style workhorse for basses, leads, pads and arpeggios, with more modulation depth than its simple layout suggests. Compared with u-he Diva, it is less about reproducing specific vintage circuits and more about quick, playable patches with a mod matrix, arpeggiator and ribbon built in. Next to Sylenth1, it adds per-voice distortion, oscillator cross-modulation and a full modulation matrix. Unlike Hive 2 or Serum 2, it has no wavetable engine, so it stays in classic subtractive territory.

Best for: classic analog leads, basses, SuperSaw pads and patterns driven by the arpeggiator/sequencer.
Genres: electronic, synthwave, trance, pop and hip-hop.
Look elsewhere if: you want the most detailed circuit modeling (Diva) or wavetable sound design (Serum 2, Hive 2).
Tip: use the advanced panel below the oscillators to link an LFO or envelope quickly instead of opening the full mod matrix.

What producers say

Reviews of the original B.I.T. were positive about the sound and layout; no reviews of version 2.0 turned up.

MusicRadar (2019, original B.I.T.) said it "sounds the business" and holds its own against pricier rivals, praising the rich analog tone, deep modulation, oscillator feedback, effects, oscillator display and 950+ presets.
KVR user (2022, version 1.0.2d) gave it 5 out of 5, the only rating there, praising a "superb rich analog sound", the filters and a well laid-out one-page interface.
Criticisms: MusicRadar's one complaint was the lack of visual feedback for modulation.

Where to buy

Tutorials and reviews

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