BIT-2 by Rob Papen analog synth plugin interface

BIT-2 (Upgrade from BIT): Analog-Modeling Synth by Rob Papen

BIT-2 (Upgrade from BIT) is an analog-modeling synthesizer plugin by Rob Papen with 16 voices, two oscillators, two filters and an arpeggiator/sequencer. It is an upgrade path for existing owners of Rob Papen BIT.

VST3VST2AUAAXWindowsmacOS64-bit

AVAILABLE ATPlugin Boutique

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01Overview

BIT-2 is built around classic analog-style synthesis rather than the hybrid approach found in other Rob Papen synths. Rob Papen says the idea was to cover analog synthesis in the form the brand had not yet offered. The Modulation Matrix handles patching, and an advanced panel below the oscillators lets you route an LFO and an envelope to oscillator parameters quickly. Over 1500 presets are included.

Best for

Analog bass sounds
Pads and supersaw leads
Arpeggiated sequences
Modulated textures
Electronic music production

Developer: Rob Papen
Category: Synths
Store: Plugin Boutique

02Key features

What you get

16-voice virtual analog synthesizer
Over 1500 presets included
Two oscillators with LFO and envelope advanced panel
Super Saw and Super Square waveforms (1/2/3)
Oscillator 2 FM, PM and ring modulation options
Two analog-modeled filters with 38 types
11 per-voice amp distortion types
16-step arpeggiator/sequencer with magic mode
Ribbon controller with tempo-based spring back
Chorus, flanger or phaser, delay and reverb effects

03In depth

Oscillators, Filters and Sound Shaping

Each oscillator offers classic waveforms plus a Tuned Noise option. Super Saw and Super Square waveforms (1/2/3) generate a three-oscillator sound inside a single oscillator. Oscillator 2 adds a sub-oscillator with sine, square and saw waveforms, and can be modulated by Oscillator 1 in FM, PM or ring mode or synced to it. A dedicated noise oscillator provides white and pink noise.

The two analog-modeled filters offer 38 different character types and modes, with serial, split-oscillator and split-noise routing. Each filter has its own envelope with attack, decay, sustain, fade and release, and filter envelopes can sync to tempo and be inverted.

Arpeggiator, Playing Modes and Effects

The 16-step arpeggiator/sequencer offers many modes and options. Its loop start and step count can be automated for changing patterns, and a magic mode adds intelligent variations. The arpeggiator can also act as a modulator through a free row in the Modulation Matrix.

Play modes include Poly, Poly MPE, Mono and Legato, with many unison modes. A ribbon controller with tempo-based or quantized spring back can change several parameters at once. The built-in effects are chorus, flanger or phaser, stereo delay and a high-quality reverb. The interface can be scaled to 100%, 125%, 150% or 200%.

04Specs

Will it run?

Formats, systems and requirements as listed by Plugin Boutique. Missing details are left out, not guessed.

Developer	Rob Papen
Type	Plugin
Category	Synth
Formats	VST3, VST2, AU, AAX
Operating systems	Windows, macOS
Architecture	64-bit

05FAQ

Questions, answered

What formats does BIT-2 support?

BIT-2 is available in VST3, VST2, AU and AAX formats.

What operating systems does BIT-2 run on?

BIT-2 runs on Windows and macOS. On Windows it supports 32 and 64-bit VST and VST3 and 64-bit AAX, requiring Windows 7 or higher. On Mac it supports 64-bit AU, VST, VST3 and AAX on OS X 10.13 or higher, including M1 ARM processors.

Is BIT-2 an upgrade or a standalone purchase?

BIT-2 is an upgrade path for existing owners of Rob Papen BIT.

How is BIT-2 activated and how many computers can it run on?

The activation system is offline, with no direct connection between the plugin and the robpapen.com website. The software can be installed on two of your own computers. Native Instruments NKS support is planned.