The Bit One is a 6 voice programmable polyphonic analog synthesizer with digital control that rivals the Roland Juno-106 synthesizer. The 61-note keyboard is equipped with velocity which is a rare option among similar synths! The 2 computer controlled oscillators, 6 VCF filters, 6 VCAs and 2 LFOs each per voice, easy hands-on editing and a double/split mode keyboard make this one phatt analog polysynth! A few let-down features of the Bit One stand in the way of an otherwise great synth. The MIDI implementation is useable but poor and there are only 63 memory patches. The Bit One has been used by 808 State and Cirrus.

17 VISITOR COMMENTS

Richard

March 9, 2012 @ 4:02 am

A great specced analog which fails at the crucial first hurdle: the DCO's sound pretty horrible to me, especially in the low range. With that inimitable analog bass being my first reason to still desire analogs (that certain warm string sound being the second), that firmly puts the Bit One in the category "obsolete". I'd take almost any other analog poly over this any day. Soundwise, it reminded me of the pretty rare but not desirable either Kawai SX-240. It looks and feels pretty bad too, and programming it is a drag. It might fit the bill if you're not big on sound, but not for long.

fluent

October 8, 2011 @ 10:58 am

Very underrated synth. The Bit One can create beautiful sounds quite easily and it has a ton of character. It's great for spacey keys and soft sounds, but the Unison mode is also great for ripping lead sounds. It's also very expressive. You can control the LFO via key velocity, which is a nice feature. I guess one problem these synths had was that they weren't too reliable. Mine had several problems and would also occasionally lock up while creating a sound. Other than that though, it's a great instrument.

Kamil

September 14, 2011 @ 5:09 pm

Hello,

Has any one the view(picture, manual ) how to create some factory or other interesting patches?

Best

SvendG

March 23, 2011 @ 4:24 pm

@jabathaslut Thanks for putting me to work! Will contact regarding manuals.

jabathaslut

March 20, 2011 @ 7:44 pm

@ svendg You need to replace ALL the electro and tantalum capacitors in a synth this age. Sometimes the CEM filter IC's drop dead as well but these can be real hard to get and you need to do the caps first. All the interconnect plugs need to be pulled and "re-seated". Replace the battery and reload the prestes via the tape interface (this can be done via wav file and a PC)
I can provide you with all the manuals etc if u contact me =)
warlandr63@bigpond.com
Don't expect any virtual analog supersynth, it isn't but it does have a "life" of it's own. Was designed by chap who did elka synthex

<4321>

 

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