A bitcrusher is a vital tool for creating a vintage or old-school sound in music production. This article highlights some of the best bitcrushers on the market, including VSTs from Softube and D16 Group.
Bitcrushers are tools used to create unique, gritty sounds that add interest and variety to any audio. They produce a jagged and sometimes harsh tone, reminiscent of a corrupted file or a damaged audio disc. Bit crushing is a technique of digital sound manipulation that deliberately lowers the quality of an audio file for artistic effects. Similar to distortion, bit crushing reduces the sample rate and bit depth, which results in artifacts, aliasing, and other imperfections. This technique evokes the gritty sounds of vintage samplers and old-school recording methods, such as bit reduction and sample rate reduction, commonly found in genres like Lo-fi, Experimental, and Hip Hop.
We’ve compiled a list of the best bit-crushing plugins recommended by Reddit users to help you find the right one for your mixing needs. Let’s explore these options to add that crispy, crunchy, old-school flavour to your audio tracks.The top 10 best bitcrusher plugins recommended by Reddit users are:
- Cableguys- CrushShaper 2
- Denise Audio – Bite Harder
- Klevgrand – Degrader
- Softube – OTO Biscuit
- D16 Group – Decimort 2
- Solid State Logic – SSL DigiCrush
- Excite Audio – Lifeline Format
- Camel Audio – Camel Crusher (Free)
- TAL-Bitcrusher (Free)
- Unison Audio – Zen Master (Free)
1. Cableguys- CrushShaper 2:
Our first recommendation from Reddit is CrushShaper 2 by Cableguys. This user-friendly drawable LFO and flexible envelope follower allows you to crush specific hits and frequency ranges. With CrushShaper, you can create inspiring distortion patterns and apply tasteful mixing techniques. It can take your sound to 8-bit levels and beyond! CrushShaper operates within Cableguys’ ShaperBox 3 effects plugin. You can use CrushShaper on its own or in conjunction with other Shapers, all of which function similarly. These tools can be stacked to create elaborate, multilayered effects that help achieve a vintage sampler sound. If you make experimental music as well as dubstep, this Bitcrusher plugin is a must-have. Its easy-to-use interface and flexible LFOs make it one of the most loved bit-crusher plugins on Reddit. You can get this plugin for a regular price of $39.
Features:
- Switch User Waves via MIDI
- Dry/wet mix for each band
- 2x/3x button — double or triple patterns with a click
- Flip/resize/move/randomize wave or selection
- Copy/paste waves between any Shapers, and more
2. Denise Audio – Bite Harder:
Bite Harder by Denise is a bitcrusher plugin that doesn’t just focus on bit and sample reduction but also offers precise frequency targeting. The plugin features a revolutionary “push-pull graph” which gives you complete control over which frequency bands get crushed. This level of control opens up endless sonic possibilities, from subtle distortions to intense, scream-like resonances. What sets Bite Harder apart is its set of Refined Crush Controls. In addition to standard bit-crushing features, it adds special controls to refine or aggressively mangle your sound. For example, the “Silky” dial allows you to smooth out an individual bit and sample effects, complemented by a layer of FX and drive control for added sonic complexity.
Bite Harder also includes a collection of presets, from Berlin-based electronic music producers Florian Meindl and Denise themselves. These presets range from subtle sonic nuances to wild soundscapes, giving you a head start for your productions. What’s unique about this bit crusher plugin is the addition of wild effects for experimenting and destruction, and that’s the reason this VST is one of the most recommended Bitcrushers on Reddit. You can get this budget friendly bitcrusher plugin for just $19.
3. Klevgrand – Degrader:
Next on this list is Degrader by Klevgrand, a versatile audio tool that combines a bit crusher, resampler, and distortion unit into a single plugin. It can simulate the sound of vintage digital gear, create lo-fi effects, and add unique textured distortions to your mix. All parameters are fully automatable, allowing for precise control over your sound. One of Degrader’s standout features is its resampling capabilities, which range from as low as 250 Hz to as high as 96 kHz. Additionally, it offers a low-pass filter that can be applied both before and after resampling, providing a wide range of sonic possibilities.
The bit depth is also adjustable, from a super lo-fi 3 bits to a cleaner 24 bits, giving you control over the level of crunch or clarity in your sound. Degrader also includes an additional distortion algorithm and parameter linking, offering even more control. These features make Degrader one of the best bit crusher plugins available in 2025. You can purchase this plugin for $39.99.
Features:
- Parameter linking (control several parameters with one knob)
- Resamples between 250 Hz and 96 kHz
- Low pass filter with different characteristics both pre and post resampling
- Bit depth can continuously be altered between 3 and 24 bits
- Additional distortion algorithm
4. Softube – OTO Biscuit:
Softube’s OTO Biscuit is a plugin inspired by an obscure French hardware device that was introduced in the late 2000s. This device became popular among DJs and electronic producers for its gritty bit-crushing capabilities and lo-fi multi-effects. It also features an excellent analog filter that provides additional tone-shaping options. With its smooth and sweet analog filter, high-quality design, and extensive use in clubs and studios, this plugin has become a go-to choice for creating remarkable sounds. The hardware version is favored by many renowned artists, including the band Air. The plugin successfully captures a fully analog feel, making it suitable for producers of all levels. This is why it is considered one of the best bitcrusher plugins of 2025. You can purchase this multi-effect plugin for $199. While it is a bit on the expensive side, many users on Reddit believe it is worth every penny.
Features:
- Take control on a bit-by-bit level.
- Slow the sample rate and hear that aliasing glitter fall.
- Smooth analog filter.
- Built in digital effects – waveshaping, delay, pitch-shifting.
- 8-step sequencer to drive the filter.
5. D16 Group – Decimort 2:
D16 Group’s Decimort 2 is a high-quality, analogue-style bit crusher plugin designed to replicate the sound of vintage digital gear. It provides precise control over bit depth and sample rate, allowing users to recreate classic samplers’ warm, gritty textures and digital effects units. With its advanced filter section and adjustable jitter, Decimort 2 adds character and lo-fi charm to any audio, making it a versatile tool for creative sound design. Additionally, the stock presets offer the sound of vintage samplers such as the MPC60, the SP1200, ASX10, and S20, providing a wide range of options to explore.
Features:
- Adjustable jitter
- Quantization with controlled dithering
- Two quantization methods (mid-raiser, mid-tread)
- Analogue-like filters with adjustable resonance and cutoff
- 64bit internal processing
- No unwanted harmonic distortions at the output
Also Check out: Best Afro House Vocal Sample Packs in 2025
6. Solid State Logic – SSL DigiCrush:
Digicrush is the first bitcrusher plugin from SSL, designed to enhance audio material with unique coloration. Whether you’re working on a single track, a group of tracks, or an entire mix, SSL Digicrush effectively achieves lo-fi and vintage sounds through a variety of techniques. Plugin Boutique.
One notable feature is overdriving, which reduces the quantization scale while increasing the output level, resulting in a “blown speaker” effect. Additionally, lowering the sample rate emulates the sound of vintage equipment, especially older samplers. The jitter effect introduces a certain degree of imprecision, and these random variations contribute to a more authentic sound. This release from SSL is a game changer and has already gained popularity among producers worldwide. You can purchase this bitcrusher plugin for $99 atBit Mode – Changes the sound of the bit depth reduction:
- Gate – Mid-Tread + No Dither
- Destroy – Mid-Riser + No Dither
- Smooth – Mid-Tread (DC Shift) + Rectangular
- Noisy – Mid-Riser + Triangular
7. Excite Audio – Lifeline Format:
Lifeline Format is part of the Lifeline module series by Excite Audio. This module includes various plugins such as Width, Space, and more. The Format plugin is designed to reduce audio resolution and replicate the digital distortion found in early digital systems, imparting a distinctive character to your audio. It adds intriguing textures and enhances your sonic creativity. Plugin Boutique.
By restricting digital audio data, Format can produce warm, grainy layers or create much harsher digital deconstructions, making it an excellent choice for lo-fi producers. As the newest release in this lineup, there aren’t many reviews available on Reddit yet. However, Excite Audio is known for its experimental effects, which is why we recommend this plugin for those seeking a completely new experience. It is available for purchase for $19 onAlso, check out the Lifeline Bundle here
8. Camel Audio – Camel Crusher (Free):
CamelCrusher is a versatile multi-effect plugin that enhances audio through distortion, compression, and filtering. It features various distortion algorithms that can add grit, crunch, and harmonic excitement to your sound. This user-friendly plugin can be applied to drums, lead instruments, and more. Many renowned artists, including Martin Garrix, Tiësto, and Mura Masa, have utilized this plugin. Best of all, it’s available as a free download, making it one of the best bitcrusher plugins of 2025.
9. TAL-Bitcrusher (Free):
TAL Bitcrusher is a free bitcrusher plugin that features both low- and high-shelf EQ, as well as a noise cross modulator. It is particularly useful for processing drums, especially hi-hats, and for adding distortion to leads. One of the standout features of this plugin is its zero cost, coupled with very low CPU usage. It offers 10 presets for bass, leads, and drums, which can inspire creative ideas for your tracks. Additionally, the plugin has an analog feel that enhances its appeal, making it one of the most recommended bitcrusher plugins among FL Studio users on Reddit.
10. Unison Audio – Zen Master (Free):
Zen Master is an easy-to-use plugin that delivers high-quality results, featuring a variety of lo-fi effects. At its core is the “Electrify” knob, which applies classic lo-fi bit crushing to enhance vocals and instruments. This plugin is suitable for musicians of all levels and includes a straightforward five-knob control layout, allowing users to transition from a clean sound to a lo-fi masterpiece effortlessly. In addition to bit crushing, Zen Master offers detune effects, tape-style pitch wobbling, vinyl crackle, white noise, and a rich reverb. Its simplicity ensures that you can quickly achieve your desired sound—just tweak the knobs, and you’re all set. The “Electrify” knob unlocks a wide range of sonic possibilities, adding texture and depth to your soundscapes. Zen Master is recommended for all types of music producers, but it is particularly essential for those who love making lo-fi music.
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