The Bit One was another disguised release by Italian piano and keyboard company Crumar. The unit was well received in 1984 with its velocity response, dual digitally controlled oscillators, and independent envelopes for both VCA and filter. The original MIDI implementation was somewhat lackluster, but improved in later versions. Subsequent releases, the Bit 99 keyboard and the Bit 01 rack expander, further improved MIDI implementation, reliability, and features. The Bit One is a six voice dual oscillator synth with touch sensitive keyboard. The first production run (approximately 300) had SSM filters and VCAs, whereas later versions featured CEM ICs. The Bit One is also capable of splits and layers, a worthwhile feature since the unit has independent outputs. Two volume sliders are provided, one for each part in split/layer mode. Each patch is comprised of two digitally controlled multi-waveform oscillators, two LFOs, two independent envelope generators, a four pole filter, and VCA. Each DCO has three available waveforms: triangle, sawtooth, and pulse. Velocity response is routable to pulse width and LFO rate among other things. A small knob is fitted on the back panel to adjust velocity response. MIDI implementation is rudimentary at best, and the earliest versions were omni-on/poly. My early unit which has SSM ICs appears to work just fine in omni-off/poly mode, so I assume it has received updated EPROMs. The sound of the Bit One is cross between a Roland JX-3p and a Korg PolySix. It is capable of some fantastic sounds and nice pads. The inherent nature of digital oscillators means that patches can be a little thin compared to VCO synths, but Crumar provided a detune slider on the front panel just for this reason. The Bit One can be very fat in mono mode. Anyone looking for an odd-ball polyphonic synth, tired of the same era Roland units, need look no farther. Christian Haupt's Bit 01 Page The Unofficial Bit One/Bit 99/Bit 01 Page