Inphonik has announced the release of a free bitcrusher effect plugin for Windows, macOS, GNU/Linux, and iOS.

The PCM2612 Retro Decimator Unit is based on the RYM2612 Iconic FM Synthesizer, an emulation of the Sega Genesis sound chip.

Taken from the synth’s PCM playback feature, the 32-steps scalable 8-bit decimation effect comes packed in a simple and compact unit.

You may remember (if you’re as old as we are) how hearing an audio sample in a videogame during the 90’s was simply out of this world. It was nothing less than an exciting avant-goût of the future, and the overly-presence of the 8-bit resolution and aliasing due to modest sample rates couldn’t mask the amazement. Even more, it was associated with the delight of accessing new voices and sounds on our favorite games. The PCM2612 brings back these memories when applied to voices or drums parts.

PCM2612 Retro Decimator Unit features a dry/wet level knob and stereo/mono switch, and switchable output filtering between Legacy (modeled after the Sega Genesis Model 1 amp output circuitry) and Crystal Clear (purely digital). The unit can be displayed as a vertical box or horizontal rack, and the interface comes with some scaling options.

The effect is available in 64-bit VST/VST3, AU and AAX plugin formats, as a Rack Extension for Reason 10.1 and higher, and as an AUv3/IAA app for iOS.

More information: Inphonik