Fredric Effects Bug Crusher

The BugCrusher is an Analogue Sample Rate Reducer – a Sample & Hold circuit run at audio rates – which produces aliasing effects on your signal. With the Rate set high this imparts a clear fizzle & crunch, while at low rates any high frequencies will seem to wrap-around in an effect somewhat akin to a clean ring-mod.

Despite the name, the BugCrusher is not an actual BitCrusher – most BitCrusher effects will have Sample Rate (x-axis quantization) and Bit Depth (y-axis quantization) and are typically digital in nature. Tom Bugs, the creator, says “Back when I was making BugCrushers, they were well liked for processing synths & drum machines, but the effect also has found favour with bassists as the low frequencies can pass through cleanly while the highs are crunched”.