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This black beauty is one of the many semi-unknown Italian synthesizers of the ’80s. It is a typical digital/analog hybrid, sporting two DCOs, VCF, VCA, and two LFOs. The programming on this synth can be a little cumbersome – it was the era of knob-gone digital after all… so programming is similar to other synths of the time: a keypad to change the parameter, and two up-down buttons to alter the value of the parameter dialed. The parameter list and flow diagram are stenciled on a large graphic in the middle of the front panel.
Several keyboard modes are provided; you can split the keyboard, or layer two sounds (double). There’s even a very cool Unison button that makes for some excellent, fat sounds. The pitch and mod wheels are above the keyboard, and on top of each other, as opposed to a more traditional side-by-side – for this reason, the Bit One is a nice, compact five-octave synthesizer.
The Bit One is a “stereo” synth, providing Upper (left) and Lower (right) separate outputs. The notes will come out of each channel at random. I’m not sure if it is a problem with my machine in particular or if all Bit Ones are like this. Best to stay in mono (Upper) if you don’t like the resulting effect.
There are four two-character displays: (parameter) value, address (the parameter selected), Lower Prg and Upper Prg. A compare button is also provided.
Crumar Bit One audio demos
Crumar Bit One photos
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Crumar Bit One specs
great analog sound;
dynamic keyboard allows for nice expression;
unison mode;
two LFOs
Bottom line: If you want the “Sound of the ’80s”, this is a good choice.
Here’s a .pdf of the original Factory Preset Name List, kindly provided by Don Turnock – who used to sell Crumar synths in the ’80s- thank you very much, Don, for providing all of us with precious, rare information on this synth!
And here’s a .pdf of the original Factory Preset Name List of Version II and III of the Bit One, plus MIDI information on the Bit 01, also provided by Don Turnock – thank you, Don!
