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.

16 VISITOR COMMENTS

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

jabathaslut

March 20, 2011 @ 7:36 pm

I've got one and it's fully restored. Yeah it's midi is crap (but so were others around that time). Put it through a decent chorus and it runs rings around a juno. You can't judge this synth by the presets, they are rubbish. Take some time to get to know it and it will surprise you. The SSM based ones do sound a little warmer but the CEM based later ones come real close to the OB brassiness. It's quirky true, but fire up the double or unison modes and enjoy. I added a semi weighted keyboard (it uses a fatr unit very similar to the ESQ1) and it has improved the playability immensly

<4321>

 

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