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Description

Step into the world of vintage synthesis with the Crumar Bit 99, a hidden gem among classic synthesizers. This Italian marvel, released in the mid-1980s, offers a rich analog-digital hybrid sound that continues to captivate musicians and producers alike. Boasting 6-voice polyphony, the Bit 99 allows you to craft lush, multi-layered textures and harmonies. Its dual DCOs per voice provide a robust sonic foundation, while the extensive modulation capabilities let you shape and sculpt tones with precision.

The Bit 99 features a full-sized, 61-key keyboard, which is rare for synthesizers of its era, providing a more expressive playing experience. Its straightforward interface, complete with a numeric keypad and a vibrant LED display, makes navigating through its parameters intuitive and efficient. This synth also supports MIDI, making it a flexible choice for both studio setups and live performances. Whether you're looking to recreate iconic 80s sounds or explore new auditory landscapes, the Crumar Bit 99 offers a unique blend of vintage charm and adaptability.

Key Features:

  • 6-voice polyphony with dual digitally controlled oscillators (DCOs) per voice
  • 61 full-sized keys for expansive playability
  • Comprehensive modulation options including LFOs and envelopes
  • User-friendly interface with numeric keypad and LED display
  • MIDI connectivity for seamless integration with modern setups
  • Classic analog-digital hybrid construction for versatile sound design
Susan Gardener

Susan Gardener

Crumar Bit99 synth demo - instant 80s

Video thumbnail for Crumar Bit99 synth demo - instant 80s by Susan Gardener

Crumar Bit99 synth demo - instant 80s

Susan Gardener

Susan Gardener

Video thumbnail for CRUMAR BIT99 | Analog Synthesizer 1985 | HD DEMO by AnalogAudio1

CRUMAR BIT99 | Analog Synthesizer 1985 | HD DEMO

AnalogAudio1

AnalogAudio1

Video thumbnail for CRUMAR BIT 99 ANALOG SYNTH | JAM by Synth Cloud

CRUMAR BIT 99 ANALOG SYNTH | JAM

Synth Cloud

Synth Cloud

Video thumbnail for CRUMAR BIT99 (1985) by Synthesizer Home

CRUMAR BIT99 (1985)

Synthesizer Home

Synthesizer Home

Video thumbnail for Crumar Bit99 + Wersi Wersivoice by ohm_studi_ohm

Crumar Bit99 + Wersi Wersivoice

ohm_studi_ohm

ohm_studi_ohm

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Crumar Bit 99.

Features and functionality

  • The Crumar Bit 99 uses Curtis filters, providing a sharper edge in sound compared to the Juno series.

    Source
  • Programming the Bit 99 involves selecting parameters and changing values incrementally with up and down buttons, similar to the Matrix 6.

    Source
  • The Bit 99 can engage all waveshapes simultaneously, offering a feature rarely seen in synths, enhancing its versatility.

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Comparisons

  • Owners note that the Bit 99 offers a distinct sound that rivals the Alpha Juno, often preferred for its unique tonal qualities.

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  • The interface is likened to the DW8000 but lacks a slider, making parameter changes slower and more tedious.

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Value and pricing

  • At $375, the Bit 99 is considered a bargain for those seeking an authentic 80's analogue sound without the higher price of more popular models.

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Use cases and applications

  • Ideal for achieving fat analogue sounds, particularly in pads and bass that define the 80's music era.

    Source
  • The Bit 99 excels at creating funky filtered organ-like patches and dynamic bass sounds with velocity-sensitive parameter assignments.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Parts availability could be an issue due to the Bit 99's lesser popularity compared to other synths from the same era.

    Source
  • It's essential to replace the internal battery promptly to prevent potential mainboard damage from leakage.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • A ROM update by Bob Grieb is available, allowing easier programming via software and enabling sysex out with basic soldering.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Crumar Bit One, Bit 01, Bit 99

soundonsound.com

The Crumar Bit 99 is a fascinating relic from the '80s, offering rich analog sounds with its dual-oscillator setup and bi-timbral capability. It stands out for its affordability and versatility, delivering impressive lead and pad sounds reminiscent of pricier synths. However, its flaws are hard to ignore—awkward modulation and pitch-bend controls, lack of fine-tuning, and a lackluster MIDI implementation detract from its appeal. While it provides a rewarding sonic experience, its timing amidst the FM synthesis wave and digital trend worked against its success. Ideal for retro enthusiasts but with limitations that modern users might find frustrating.

Crumar BIT ONE, BIT 99, BIT 01: Little gems of expressivity - GreatSynthesizers

greatsynthesizers.com

Crumar's Bit 99 synthesizer shines with its unique expressivity and compelling sound palette, rivaling iconic synths like the Jupiter-8. While it lacks some modern features and has a clunky design, its affordability and distinctive analog tones make it a worthwhile vintage find. However, the programming can be tedious, and its hardware isn't the most robust, necessitating careful handling. Despite these quirks, the Bit 99 offers a rich audio experience with dynamic lead and bass lines, making it a sound investment for those seeking characterful synths on a budget.

positive

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 2 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Legowelt uses Crumar Bit 99

Legowelt

Music Producer

...
Verified via Legowelt

This page can be found on Legowelt's official website, on the section called "synthesizers", which contains info about several pieces of gear that he owns/owned. One of these is the Crumar Bit 99: "Made in Italy in the mid 80s its a chunky sounding double oscillator analog polysynth. Difficult to place or compare with anything else from that time its definitely a little bit ahead of its competition. Its slow with the envelopes making it good for brassy sounds. The BIT 99 has a rather vexatious interface, nevertheless – its obscure sloppy character and unruffled design still make the BIT 99 a joyfull experience to work with."

There's a different model called LEM Bit 99. It's technically identical to the Crumar version, but with a different appearence, convenient for programming it. By the picture, we can tell that Legowelt owns the black cover version of the Crumar Bit 99.

See how Graham Massey uses Crumar Bit 99

Graham Massey

Guitarist, Keyboardist

808 State

...
Verified via 808state

"The only other digital stuff we've got is a Bit One and a Bit 99, these weird Italian keyboards that Chase used to bring in, which are great for hard, digital sounds."

See how Orgue Electronique uses Crumar Bit 99

Orgue Electronique

Music Producer, DJ

...
Verified via Sternstudio

Orgue Electronique uses the Crumar Bit 99, a synthesizer designed by Mario Maggi, noted for its dual oscillators, full MIDI implementation, and versatile features like velocity sensitivity and bi-timbrality. This information is detailed on Sternstudio's website.

See how Johan Berlin uses Crumar Bit 99

Johan Berlin

Keyboardist

Eclipse

...
Verified via Gig Performer Community

Johan Berlin used a Crumar Bit 99 synthesizer in 1986, as confirmed by the Gig Performer Community article titled "Johan Berlin - The Journey to Gig Performer!"

M

Mamman Sani Abdullaye

Keyboardist, Music Producer

...
Verified via BandCamp

Used on Taarit, as specified in the Bandcamp notes for the album.

Instruments include Crumar Bit 99, RCA Victor 70, Yamaha RX5, and Roland TR-505.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Crumar Bit 99, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Roland Juno-106
Roland Juno-106 Synthesizers
2
Roland JX-8P
Roland JX-8P Synthesizers
2
Commodore Amiga 1200
Commodore Amiga 1200 Computers & Peripherals
1
Yamaha RS7000
Yamaha RS7000 Keyboards, Synthesizers & MIDI
1
Roland TR-505
Roland TR-505 Drum Machines
1
Korg DW-8000
Korg DW-8000 Synthesizers
1
Casio CZ-1
Casio CZ-1 Synthesizers
1
Akai S1100
Akai S1100 Audio Samplers
1

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