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Electro-Harmonix Mainframe Bit Crusher

$150.00 to $203.20 Price Tier: High-end

4.0 (1)

2 Critic Reviews

Find out who is using Electro-Harmonix Mainframe

2 community setups

21 wishlisted

45 saved

Page last updated Jun 12, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 9 stores. Prices updated June 12, 2026.

Store

Reviews

Price

5.0 (2)

$203.20

View Deal

3.5 (2)

$203.20

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4.9 (10)

$203.20

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5.0 (4)

$154.96 46 available New

$130.00 11 available Used

$203.20

$203.20

$203.20

4.7 (15)

$150.00

View Deal

£161.50

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Average Price: $184

High-end/Boutique

$80

$181+

Price Tier

In the Distortion Effects Pedals category, Electro-Harmonix Mainframe Bit Crusher is priced in the High-end/Boutique range. This premium gear is built to very high standards and offers premium features.

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 7 merchants for "Electro-Harmonix Mainframe Bit Crusher". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

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Step back in time and rediscover the retro arcade world with the Electro-Harmonix Mainframe Bit Crusher pedal. A unique addition to any musician's collection, this pedal masterfully combines old school sounds with modern technology. It offers a sample rate reduction ranging from 48kHz to 110Hz, allowing you to explore everything from pristine sounds to unrecognizable audio distortions.

With bit crushing options from 24-bit to 1-bit, you can significantly degrade your sound, creating a nostalgic atmosphere reminiscent of the early days of video games and home computers. The Mainframe's Selectable High/Low/Band-Pass filter lets you customize the artifacts of the bit crushing and sample rate, giving you the creative freedom to craft your desired sound.

One of the most impressive features of the Mainframe is its Sample Rate Tuning Mode. This innovative function analyzes your input signal in real time and adjusts the sample rate to match the pitch of your signal or a set interval above it. This allows you to tune the sample rate to match the key of a song, or have it continually adapt to what you play, adding a dynamic and interactive element to your performances.

Key Features:

Sample rate reduction ranges from 48kHz to 110Hz
Bit depth is adjustable from 24-bit to 1-bit
Selectable High/Low/Band-Pass filter for sound customization
Innovative Sample Rate Tuning Mode for real-time input signal analysis
Programmable preset or expression pedal setting for sound saving or control combination
High-quality buffered bypass and silent switching
Includes 9.6-volt DC power supply

Owner's manual

Electro-Harmonix Mainframe Bit Crusher User Manual

Product specs

Pedal Type	Bit Crusher
Analog/Digital	Digital
Effects	Bit Depth Reduction, High/Low/Band-pass Filters, Sample Rate Tuning
Inputs	1 x 1/4"
Outputs	1 x 1/4"
Other I/O	1 x 1/4" (expression)
Bypass Switching	Buffered
Power Source	9V DC power supply required (included)
Height	2.1"
Width	2.75"
Depth	4.5"
Weight	1.4 lbs.

FAQs

What effects does the Electro-Harmonix Mainframe Bit Crusher offer?: The Electro-Harmonix Mainframe Bit Crusher provides bit depth reduction, high/low/band-pass filters, and sample rate tuning, allowing for a wide range of digital distortion effects.
Can the Electro-Harmonix Mainframe Bit Crusher be used with an expression pedal?: Yes, the Electro-Harmonix Mainframe Bit Crusher features a 1/4" input for an expression pedal, enabling real-time control over parameters like sample rate and bit depth.
What type of power supply does the Electro-Harmonix Mainframe Bit Crusher require?: The Electro-Harmonix Mainframe Bit Crusher requires a 9V DC power supply, which is included with the pedal.
Is the Electro-Harmonix Mainframe Bit Crusher suitable for live performances?: Yes, the Electro-Harmonix Mainframe Bit Crusher is designed for live use with buffered bypass switching to maintain signal integrity and prevent tone loss when the effect is disengaged.
How does the Electro-Harmonix Mainframe Bit Crusher affect guitar tone?: The Electro-Harmonix Mainframe Bit Crusher alters guitar tone by reducing the bit depth and sample rate, creating unique digital distortion effects that range from subtle degradation to extreme sonic destruction.

Videos

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EHX

Electro-Harmonix Mainframe Bit Crusher Pedal

EHX

Electro-Harmonix Mainframe: The Weirdest Pedal I Own?!

Ben Eller

Electro Harmonix Mainframe - Sound Demo (no talking)

Guitar Bonedo

Electro-Harmonix Mainframe Demo - Prepare to be crushed.

Tri Pedal Reviews

EHX Mainframe Bit Crusher - Nostalgic for Nintendo Noises

Stompbox Breakdown

Electro-Harmonix Mainframe Bit Crusher Pedal Demo & Review

The Gear Cage

Electro Harmonix Mainframe Bit Crusher

Pedal Experiments

Reviews

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PROS

Offers extensive sound shaping options with downsampling and overtones
Expression pedal connectivity enhances real-time control
Filter options (low pass, band pass, high pass) add versatility
Unique effects achievable with input-triggered sample frequency changes
Low noise level maintains sound clarity
Effective with various instruments, including synths and drum machines
Can produce distinct sounds ranging from slightly glitched to heavily distorted
Works well in combination with other effects for layered sounds

CONS

Knobs are small and closely spaced, complicating adjustments
Expression pedal jack placement can obstruct cable connections
Some users find initial sound modulation capabilities less extensive than expected
Requires patience and experimentation for optimal sound discovery

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Electro-Harmonix Mainframe Bit Crusher.

Features and functionality

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Provides a wide variety of tones from subtle 'damage' to full-on bit-crusher effects, appealing for those wanting more than just robotic tones.
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The Mainframe includes expression pedal functionality, enhancing the dynamic range of sounds, which is especially effective when sweeping through the knobs.
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The Mainframe's monophonic pitch tracking mode adapts algorithms from the EHX Ring Thing, offering a more musical bitcrushing experience by minimizing atonal aliasing.
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Comparisons

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The EHX Mainframe is compared to the Malekko Scrutator, with some users considering their functionality similar in the bit-crushing realm.
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Users compare the Mainframe to the Malekko Scrutator, noting similarities in control layout but highlighting EHX's additional sample rate tracking feature as a unique advantage.
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Use cases and applications

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It's particularly favored for adding subtle texture to instrument sounds, making it versatile for both gentle and extreme sound alterations.
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The pedal's sample rate tuning mode allows users to set the sample rate to a specific pitch, enabling complex chord playing without glitching.
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The auto tracking mode provides a novel experience in the bitcrusher market, allowing for 8-bit sounds reminiscent of FM synthesis that appeal to fans of retro gaming music.
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Value and pricing

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Available second-hand at about 75% of the original price, offering a good deal for budget-conscious musicians.
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Build quality

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Some owners are concerned about the durability of the screen print, mentioning previous EHX pedals with imperfections that detract from the overall aesthetics.
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Setup and maintenance

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Some users experience signal degradation when using non-EHX power supplies, recommending the 9.6-volt EHX-specific power supply to mitigate this issue.
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Software and compatibility

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Issues with signal quality have been reported when using digital EHX pedals like the Pitchfork and Oceans with certain power supplies, such as the Palmer PWT12.
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User experience

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A user noted signal differences on their 12-pedal board when the Mainframe was off, highlighting potential compatibility issues in complex setups.
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Critic Reviews

High on Technology: REVIEW EHX ELECTRO-HARMONIX MAINFRAME BIT CRUSHER DISTORTION PEDAL

highontechnology.tech

The Electro-Harmonix Mainframe Bit Crusher pedals out some seriously gnarly distortion that could alienate many musicians. While its sturdy build and extensive control options show promise, the sound produced is described as overly harsh and unmusical, best suited for heavy metal aficionados. Even with filter controls to soften the output, the reviewer found it difficult to incorporate into their own music. Although adventurous tones can be coaxed from it, the overall impression is one of disappointment, leading to a return. If you're after extreme sounds, this may work for you, but tread carefully if you're looking for something more melodic.

negative

Full Review