What is the EarthQuaker Devices Bit Commander V2?

It is a monophonic guitar synthesiser pedal that generates square wave tones across four different octaves. It is designed to turn a standard guitar signal into a vintage-style synth sound.

Is the Bit Commander V2 polyphonic?

No, it is a monophonic pedal. It tracks one note at a time and will produce glitchy or unstable sounds if chords are played.

What octaves are available on this pedal?

The pedal features controls for a sub-octave (two octaves down), one octave down, one octave up, and the base square wave (unity) signal.

What is the 'Base' control for?

The 'Base' control adjusts the volume of the squared-off input signal at its original pitch. It acts as the foundational tone that the other octaves are blended with.

Does it have true bypass?

Yes, the Bit Commander V2 features true bypass switching. This ensures that your guitar's tone is not affected when the pedal is turned off.

How does the V2 differ from the V1?

The V2 features upgraded silent relay-based switching and a slightly revised aesthetic. The core analogue-style synth circuitry remains identical to the original version.

What is the typical price for this pedal?

In the United Kingdom, the Bit Commander V2 typically retails for approximately £195. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer.

What kind of power supply does it require?

It requires a standard 9V DC power supply with a centre-negative barrel. Like most EarthQuaker pedals, it does not typically run on batteries.

Can I use this with a bass guitar?

Yes, it can be used with a bass, though the tracking may be more sensitive to lower frequencies. It is particularly effective for creating deep, synth-bass textures.

What does the Filter knob do?

The Filter knob acts as a master tone control for the synthesised signal. It allows you to roll off high frequencies for a darker sound or boost them for sharper lead tones.

Where should I place it in my signal chain?

For the best tracking results, it is recommended to place the Bit Commander V2 early in your signal chain, preferably before any drive or modulation pedals. A clean, strong signal helps the monophonic tracking perform accurately.

How does it compare to a Roland TR-08 or Behringer Neutron?

Unlike the TR-08 drum machine or the Neutron semi-modular synth, the Bit Commander is a guitar effects pedal. It lacks the sequencers and patching capabilities of those units, focusing instead on real-time instrument processing.

Gear article

EarthQuaker Devices Bit Commander V2 Octave Synth

The EarthQuaker Devices Bit Commander V2 is a monophonic guitar synthesiser pedal designed to generate vintage-style square wave tones. It provides users with four octaves of simultaneous sound, ranging from deep sub-frequencies to high-pitched lead tones, packaged in a compact, true-bypass enclosure.

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Overview

The Bit Commander V2 is a specialised guitar synthesiser that transforms a standard instrument signal into a square wave synth tone. Unlike polyphonic octave pedals, the Bit Commander is monophonic, meaning it is designed to track single notes at a time. The V2 iteration maintains the core circuitry of the original while introducing silent relay-based switching for improved reliability and performance.

The device is housed in a pedalboard-friendly chassis and features a straightforward control interface. It is intended to bridge the gap between traditional fuzz-octave effects and dedicated desktop synthesisers, offering a 'beast-like' sonic character that is synonymous with vintage analogue synthesis.

Features and Controls

The Bit Commander V2 provides four distinct octaves that can be blended to create complex timbres. The interface includes:

Sub: Controls the level of the frequency two octaves below the input.
Down 1: Adjusts the level of the frequency one octave below the input.
Up 1: Adjusts the level of the frequency one octave above the input.
Base: Sets the level of the input signal converted to a square wave.
Master: Controls the overall output volume.
Filter: A tone-shaping control that adjusts the brightness and frequency response of the synthesised signal.

The pedal employs true bypass switching, ensuring that the guitar's original signal remains uncoloured when the effect is disengaged.

Sound Character

The sonic profile of the Bit Commander V2 is defined by its square wave architecture, which produces a thick, saturated, and slightly unstable vintage synth vibe. Because it tracks monophonically, it often exhibits 'glitching' or 'fluttering' when playing chords or complex intervals, a characteristic that is frequently utilised for experimental textures.

The range of the pedal allows for thumping sub-octave growls that mimic bass synthesisers, as well as sharp, screeching lead tones that cut through a mix. The 'Base' control is essential to the character, providing the foundational square wave grit that the octave voices build upon.

Comparisons and Alternatives

Within the EarthQuaker Devices range, the Bit Commander V2 stands out for its specific focus on vintage synth square waves. When compared to the Electro Harmonix Mono Synth, the Bit Commander offers a more tactile, knob-per-function approach without the need for digital presets.

While it shares some tonal characteristics with analogue desktop units like the Behringer Neutron or the Oberheim OB-X8, the Bit Commander is purpose-built for guitarists and lacks the complex patching or polyphony of those larger units. For users requiring full keyboard functionality, instruments like the Yamaha MX49 II or the Viscount Legend 70s Compact EX are more appropriate, though they do not offer the specific 'pedal-style' interaction of the Bit Commander.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the EarthQuaker Devices Bit Commander V2?: It is a monophonic guitar synthesiser pedal that generates square wave tones across four different octaves. It is designed to turn a standard guitar signal into a vintage-style synth sound.
Is the Bit Commander V2 polyphonic?: No, it is a monophonic pedal. It tracks one note at a time and will produce glitchy or unstable sounds if chords are played.
What octaves are available on this pedal?: The pedal features controls for a sub-octave (two octaves down), one octave down, one octave up, and the base square wave (unity) signal.
What is the 'Base' control for?: The 'Base' control adjusts the volume of the squared-off input signal at its original pitch. It acts as the foundational tone that the other octaves are blended with.
Does it have true bypass?: Yes, the Bit Commander V2 features true bypass switching. This ensures that your guitar's tone is not affected when the pedal is turned off.
How does the V2 differ from the V1?: The V2 features upgraded silent relay-based switching and a slightly revised aesthetic. The core analogue-style synth circuitry remains identical to the original version.
What is the typical price for this pedal?: In the United Kingdom, the Bit Commander V2 typically retails for approximately £195. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer.
What kind of power supply does it require?: It requires a standard 9V DC power supply with a centre-negative barrel. Like most EarthQuaker pedals, it does not typically run on batteries.
Can I use this with a bass guitar?: Yes, it can be used with a bass, though the tracking may be more sensitive to lower frequencies. It is particularly effective for creating deep, synth-bass textures.
What does the Filter knob do?: The Filter knob acts as a master tone control for the synthesised signal. It allows you to roll off high frequencies for a darker sound or boost them for sharper lead tones.
Where should I place it in my signal chain?: For the best tracking results, it is recommended to place the Bit Commander V2 early in your signal chain, preferably before any drive or modulation pedals. A clean, strong signal helps the monophonic tracking perform accurately.
How does it compare to a Roland TR-08 or Behringer Neutron?: Unlike the TR-08 drum machine or the Neutron semi-modular synth, the Bit Commander is a guitar effects pedal. It lacks the sequencers and patching capabilities of those units, focusing instead on real-time instrument processing.