# Audio Bitcrusher Reduce the sample rate and bit depth for a lo-fi effect > Canonical page: https://elysiatools.com/en/tools/audio-bitcrusher - **Category:** Media - **Keywords:** audio, bitcrusher, lo-fi, sample rate, bit depth, digital, retro, effect ## Overview Simulates low-quality digital audio by reducing sample rate and bit depth. Creates gritty, crunchy sounds reminiscent of early digital samplers, video game consoles, and lo-fi music production. ## Inputs - **Audio File** (file): Select an audio file - **Bitcrush Intensity** (select): Choose the intensity of the bitcrushing effect. Mild = subtle degradation, Heavy = extreme digital distortion. - **Sample Rate (1000-48000 Hz)** (number): Target sample rate. Lower values = more aliasing and gritty digital artifacts. - **Bit Depth (1-16 bits)** (number): Target bit depth. Lower values = more quantization noise and harsh digital distortion. - **Dithering** (select): Dithering reduces quantization artifacts by adding noise. None = raw quantization noise. - **Wet/Dry Mix (0-1.0)** (range): Balance between dry (original) and wet (bitcrushed) signal. - **Output Format** (select) ## When to use - When you want to add a lo-fi or retro effect to audio tracks for creative sound design. - To simulate low-quality digital audio reminiscent of early samplers or video game consoles. - For creating distorted, crunchy sounds in music production, game audio, or experimental projects. ## How it works - Upload your audio file in a supported format like MP3 or WAV. - Select a preset intensity (mild, medium, heavy) or choose custom settings to manually adjust sample rate and bit depth. - Configure additional parameters such as dithering and wet/dry mix to fine-tune the effect. - Download the processed audio file in your preferred output format, such as MP3 or WAV. ## Use cases - Music producers adding vintage digital distortion to vocals or instruments for a lo-fi aesthetic. - Sound designers creating authentic retro video game sound effects with 8-bit or 16-bit characteristics. - Experimental musicians crafting unique textures by combining bitcrushing with other audio effects. ## Frequently asked questions ### What audio file formats can I upload? The tool accepts common audio formats including MP3, WAV, AAC, and others, with a file size limit of 200 MB. ### Can I preview the bitcrushed audio before downloading? No, the tool processes the audio and provides the output file directly for download. ### What does the wet/dry mix control? It balances the original (dry) audio with the bitcrushed (wet) effect, from 0 (only original) to 1.0 (only effect). ### Is there a way to reduce artifacts in the output? Yes, enabling dithering (e.g., rectangular or triangular) can help reduce quantization noise when lowering bit depth. ### Can I use this tool for batch processing multiple files? No, the tool processes one audio file at a time; you need to upload and configure each file individually. ## Related tools - [Audio Podcast Loudness Compliance Report](https://elysiatools.com/en/tools/audio-podcast-loudness-compliance-report): Compare integrated LUFS, true peak, LRA, stereo/mono, bitrate and sample rate against Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, ACX and broadcast targets. - [Audio Stutter](https://elysiatools.com/en/tools/audio-stutter): Create a stutter or glitch effect - [Audio Telephone Effect](https://elysiatools.com/en/tools/audio-telephone-effect): Simulate the sound of a telephone call - [Blur Background Image Extender](https://elysiatools.com/en/tools/image-extend-blur-background): Extend image canvas with blurred background, perfect for portraits, product photos, and professional presentations - [Podcast Chapter Marker Builder](https://elysiatools.com/en/tools/podcast-chapter-marker-builder): Build every podcast chapter format from one timecoded list: Podcasting 2.0 JSON + RSS tag, ID3v2.4 CHAP+CTOC burned into an MP3, Vorbis comments, mp4chaps, YouTube timestamps and SRT, with a per-player support matrix. - [Audio Audiobook Room Tone Inserter](https://elysiatools.com/en/tools/audio-audiobook-room-tone-inserter): Add the required lead-in, lead-out silence, and room tone between audiobook chapters for ACX-compliant submission. - [Audio Channel Swap](https://elysiatools.com/en/tools/audio-channel-swap): Swap the left and right channels of a stereo file - [Audio Chipmunk Effect](https://elysiatools.com/en/tools/audio-chipmunk-effect): Increase pitch and speed for a chipmunk effect ## Samples - [Copyright-Free FLAC Audio Samples](https://elysiatools.com/en/samples/flac-samples): Lossless FLAC audio samples for testing and development, mirrored from MP3 set with nature sounds and meditation music - [Copyright-Free MP3 Audio Samples](https://elysiatools.com/en/samples/mp3-samples): Collection of royalty-free audio samples for testing and development purposes including nature sounds, meditation music, and ambient audio - [Copyright-Free WAV Audio Samples](https://elysiatools.com/en/samples/wav-samples): Uncompressed PCM WAV audio samples for testing and development, mirrored from MP3 set with nature sounds and meditation music - [Copyright-Free Raw PCM Audio Samples](https://elysiatools.com/en/samples/pcm-samples): Raw PCM s16le audio samples featuring nature ambience and relaxing music for waveform, playback, and conversion workflows