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 voltage controlled 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.

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

SvendG

March 14, 2011 @ 4:07 pm

Hi,
I've bought this (too) cheap, wellknowing it was out of order. Does anyone know of a Bit One-manual download, Diagram or a repairshop in northern europe?

Mob Boog

October 4, 2010 @ 3:47 pm

lol about the negative comments ! Lets keep the prices down so that we can have the opportunity to buy another one ;)
Truth is that is instrument has character and sounds phat when played in double or unison mode. Dont let the presets fool you, you can get quality sounds with just a little bit of programming.
I would not recommended this synth to beginners or to people that want to make everything with just one synth.
The only drawback I see is the poor midi implementation and the button style of programming.
If you can find one, just grab it !

<4321>

 

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