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.

Hideaway Studio

March 24, 2013 @ 10:08 am

I have really very surprised by this old beast and rendering some really very nice responsive analog guitars almost like an analog DX7. It was designed by Mario Maggi, the same engineer who created the wonderful Elka Synthex. Both synths are indeed DCOs into analog filters but there is something much less "homologous" about the Bit One than similar synths eg. JX8P. The user interface is terrible but it's made up for in its response to velocity, it's detune function and unison mode which produces much better results than the Juno-106 because of it's dual free-running master oscillators.

Kendo

November 1, 2012 @ 3:41 pm

I absolutely loved this synth, and I think some of the negative comments on here miss the point: The bit one has a sound all of it's own..
The one I had was on it's last legs, and by the time I reluctantly parted company with it, the oscillators had drifted so far out of tune they'd made it almost unplayable. Yes, the MIDI was dreadful (omni mode, anyone?). It didn't have the fat, squelchy filters of the 106, but it's range was more versatile - and the sounds more usable (even today).
Without doubt my personal fave from the 80's (and 90's). If only I could find one for sale now..!
..anyone?

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

<4321>

 

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