Turbulent Audio NYQUIST Analog Bitcrusher

Checking out new gear from a new (to me) pedal company is always a thrill – the things these creative builders come up with boggles the mind, and excites musical creativity. Today’s effect does just that as well, providing new, unique sounds that chage the way you might approach sonic creation. The NYQUIST Analog Bitcrusher from Turbulent Audio might not be for everyone, but if you like to think a little outside-the-box, you’re really gonna dig it…

NYQUIST is a bitcrusher made with all analog components designed to deliver everything from subtle sample-rate reduction to unpredictable aliasing. It’s core is a sample and hold circuit – an architecture more commonly found in synthesizers. Frequency and Depth are the primary controls here: Frequency adjusts the sample rate, ranging from lo-fi degradation to heavy digital distortion; Depth adjusts the clock’s pulse width, effectively blending in clean signal for optional clarity. The Slew switch introduces decay to the held signal to alter the body and character of the effect. The Glitch footswitch drastically lowers the sample rate to create intense aliasing artifacts and ultra-glitchy sounds.

Opening up the back reveals an internal bass mode switch that adjusts the clock speed to allow NYQUIST to better suit a bass’s frequency range. Additional features include overvoltage/reverse polarity protection, true bypass, and aluminum knobs. Note that, like other clock-based and sample and hold effects, NYQUIST’s clock can be inherently noisy. Maxing out the volume knob, using the highest slew setting, gain staging prior to this pedal in the chain, or a noise gate can help keep things clean if necessary.

John started Turbulent Audio back in 2022, building all his pedals in northern New Jersey, as an interdisciplinary venture that encompasses engineering, art, and business. The NYQUIST Analog Bitcrusher is an exciting way to jump into his creative world, and I cant wait to see what’s next. Be sure to head to the Turbulent Audio website for ordering and more info, and don’t skip out on our rad demo video…cheers!