CrushShaper 2 by Cableguys bitcrusher plugin interface

CrushShaper 2: Bitcrusher Plugin by Cableguys Free Download

CrushShaper 2 is a bitcrusher effects plugin by Cableguys that uses drawable LFOs and envelope followers to create rhythmic, lo-fi and multiband bitcrushed effects. It runs inside ShaperBox 3 or on its own.

VST3VST2AUAAXWindowsmacOS64-bit

AVAILABLE ATPlugin Boutique

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Free trial available from the developer

01Overview

CrushShaper 2 focuses on time-based and dynamic bitcrushing rather than a single static crush setting. Its waveform editor lets you draw how the Bits and Resample parameters move over time, and those waveforms can be synced to the beat or triggered by MIDI or audio. Envelope followers let the crushing respond to the level of the input. Up to three bands can be processed separately, so you can crush the top end and the bass independently.

Best for

Rhythmic bitcrushed patterns
8-bit videogame sounds
Vintage sampler drums
Gnarly bass textures
Lo-fi melodies
Vocal high-end sizzle

Developer: Cableguys
Category: Bit Crushers
Store: Plugin Boutique

02Key features

What you get

Drawable LFO waveforms for Bits and Resample parameters
Up to three bands with dry/wet mix per band
Loop length from 1/128 to 32 bars with sample-accurate sync
Audio-rate modulation up to 5.24kHz
Envelope followers for dynamic bitcrushing
Nine slots for Custom Waves saved with the patch
Resizable interface from 75% to 200% with Retina/HiDPI support
Smoothed bypass and Master Mix for click-free blending

03In depth

Sound Design and Lo-fi Character

The two core controls are Bits, which reduces audio resolution toward 8-bit and beyond, and Resample, which adds digital overtones and a retro lo-fi tone. Cableguys says the built-in anti-aliasing keeps the result closer to vintage digital hardware.

Push, Dither, Jitter and Pre Filter give finer control over the character. Push preserves low-level dynamics and reverb tails, Dither reduces quantisation distortion, Jitter imitates the random fluctuations of real hardware, and Pre Filter reduces aliasing. An Adaptive Treble control is included for reducing harshness.

Rhythm, Modulation and Workflow

The LFO can be expanded for detailed editing and its loop length set in beats and bars, Hertz or milliseconds, from 1/128 to 32 bars with sample-accurate sync. Audio-rate modulation reaches up to 5.24kHz for more extreme sound design.

Waveforms can be flipped, resized, moved, randomized or skewed, and copied between Shapers. Unlimited undo and redo apply to LFO wave edits. Nine slots store Custom Waves with the patch, and Wave Presets cover common uses. The interface resizes from 75% to 200% and includes hover help for every control.

04Specs

Will it run?

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

Developer	Cableguys
Type	Plugin
Category	Bit Crusher
Formats	VST3, VST2, AU, AAX
Operating systems	Windows, macOS
Architecture	64-bit
Free trial	Yes

05FAQ

Questions, answered

What formats and operating systems does CrushShaper 2 support?

CrushShaper 2 is available in VST3, VST2, AU and AAX formats. It runs on Windows and macOS, and is 64-bit only.

What do I need to use CrushShaper 2?

You need a compatible host: a VST2, VST3, AU or AAX DAW on macOS, or a VST2, VST3 or AAX DAW on Windows. On macOS, OS X 10.13 or later is required, and on Windows, Windows 7, 8, 10 or 11.