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Output level
Blend control
Power: 9V center negative, 100 mA
Audio output
Expression/CV input (controls freq)
Audio input (also switches power)
Bit reduction / modulation rate
Sampling frequency
Bit reduction (crush) / modulation (mod) selection
mod - waveform (triangle/square/random)
crush - input gain (low/medium/high)
On/bypass indicator
True bypass footswitch
Thank you for purchasing the Red Panda bitmap. The bitmap is a bitcrusher, which reduces the sampling rate and
resolution of your signal. When a digital signal is resampled at a lower sampling rate, it creates copies of the signal
(aliasing). These copies fold back down to lower frequencies, creating new partials that are not harmonics of the original
signal.
When too few bits are used to represent a signal, each sample is rounded to the nearest allowed value and no longer
matches the true signal level. The rounding errors cause noise, called quantization noise, because the actual signal is
approximated using a small set of values.
Crush Mode
In crush mode, the middle knob sets the number of bits used to represent the signal, from 24 bits down to 1 bit includ-
ing fractional bits. Middle settings add quantization noise and nonlinear distortion, similar to early samplers. Extreme
settings create square wave fuzz or dying battery sounds.
The freq knob sets the sampling rate. To see how it works, tune the Freq knob so that it sounds good on the root note,
then play a scale. Higher sampling rates can add sizzle to drum sounds. Middle rates create inharmonic sounds similar
to ring modulation, but which track the notes in strange ways. Low sampling rates warp the signal into new inharmonic
melodies.
Use the level (hi/lo) switch to adjust the input gain based on signal level:
- hi for single-coil pickups, or light strumming
- middle for most guitars
- lo for drum machines, synthesizers, and line-level signals
Choosing a level that does not match the input signal causes no harm and creates interesting eects. Using the lo
setting on quiet signals will cause the signal to sputter and cut out. Using the hi setting on line-level signals will give a
more saturated sound.
Mod Mode
In mod mode, the freq knob sets the sampling rate, as in crush mode. Instead of bit reduction, the middle knob sets
the modulation rate for the sampling rate. Sample rate modulation causes aliasing frequencies to shift above and below
the set rate. Lower rates add motion, while higher rates shred the signal into new textures. The waveform switch selects
the modulation waveform. Use the mix knob to blend with your original signal.
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