Doepfer Bit Crusher A-189-1, WMD Geiger Counter, Alienator

[stikygum]

Looking for some decimation. These all seem to do it pretty well. I've used the Frostwave Alienator and thought it sounding quite nice, but the Doepfer module sounds good and is more versatile from what I can tell from the sound clips and vids of it. I haven't heard a lot of the Geiger Counter, which seem sounded pretty good. I like the fact the Doepfer and WMD is VC. The Doepfer is the cheapest, probably about half the price of the WMD. There is the Harvestman Malgorithm also, but for some reason I kind of like the Doepfer bit crusher sound over it... not sure completely though. Just my initial impression.

I want something versatile and useable in a number of applications. I didn't find the Frostwave Alienator that way, more like a one trick pony. Anyone have any opinions on these, which sound the best?

[Cat-A-Tonic]

I usually use a Blacet (Wiard) MiniWave when I want to crush some bits.

The BugBrand BugCrusher seems like it would be a good candidate for this as well.

I don't have any of the devices you mentioned, but the word on the street seems to be that the Doepfer and the Harvestman have very different characters.
The Doepfer apparently being more extreme all the time, and the Harvestman having a bit better control from subtle to extreme.
Again this is just hearsay, so take it with a grain of salt.

Another thing to think about is using one of these 'bit crushers' (sample rate reducers) to process CV as well as audio.

I think the best thing to do would be to buy both the Harvestman, and the Doepfer, and then start a Frac rack.

Sure the stand-alones look nice too, but VC FTW!

[stikygum]

I doubt if I could find a bugcrusher though and they are expensive.

How did you mean that the Harvestman has better control? The Geiger Counter also has a CV input to control the sample rate and bit reduction, controlling either or both at the same time. For some reason I thought the Harvestman was more extreme, but I'll have to listen to compare next time. I'm not sure why, but the Doepfer has a sound I like and seems to have more options possibly. It has 16 modes on it, not sure what the Harvestman has.

[Cat-A-Tonic]

This video should give you a pretty good idea about the range of sounds available with the Harvestman Malgorithm.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZMxmxuA4LZg
Notice the part about VC Bit Depth and VC Sample Rate halfway through.

Here is a review and YouTube demo of the Doepfer A-189-1.
http://noisesource.blogspot.com/2008/09/i-want-to-crush-you-to-bits.html

This is what Doepfer says about the A-189-1.
http://www.doepfer.de/a1891.htm

It is interesting that it uses Logic functions for 3 of its modes.
I have gotten some pretty weird Lo-Fi results by patching audio through a MetalBox Divider & Logic.

You're right that the Doepfer has alot more modes of operation (and an expansion port for who knows what in the future).

If you can only afford 1...
the Doepfer is $140.
http://www.analoguehaven.com/doepfer/a189-1/
and the Harvestman is $285.

I guess you've got a point.
Get the Doepfer because it is half the price and has several modes.
If you find yourself still needing more than get the Malgorithm later.

BugBrand has a modular version of the BugCrusher in development.
It is an analog version of this type of effect.
Basically it is an audio rate Sample&Hold.
It can be slowed down for traditional S&H effects too.
I think it is very reasonably priced.
It is in Frac format though (which is how I roll).

[stikygum]

Thanks for the input. I think I will get the Doepfer as that was the sound I liked most and it's half the price of everything else. Do you know if the metalbox stuff is for Euro?

[Cat-A-Tonic]

I don't think MetalBox does Euro, but there are Logic modules available from Doepfer and Plan B.
I'd be surprised if A.Sys. didn't have an offering as well.

As an aside note, there are various Dividers available too.
I really dig odd divisions and a reset; handy features if you don't want to stick to 4/4 all the time.

This stuff is really more for rhythm and sequencing though.
The way it screws up audio is merely a bonus.

[Adam-V]

Metalbox are frac only.

Cheers,
Adam-V