EarthQuaker Devices Bit Commander Analog Synth

Continuing with their unpredictable, innovative and original lineup of pedals, EarthQuaker Devices has done it again with today’s pedal, the Bit Commander. Billed as an analog synthesizer, this gray beast is that, for sure, but much more as well. With four octaves of square wave synth tones, the Bit Commander will leave you speechless at first, but once you tame it, it’ll be your audience that will be in for the real treat.

The top row of controls allows you to adjust 3 different octave knobs. Sub tackles the frequencies 2 octaves below your original note, Down 1 produces sounds one octave below, and Up 1 goes an octave up. These three controls really work together to form the basis of the Bit Commander’s overall sound, allowing a ton of blending to occur between the three. Mixing more of one, less of two or any combination of all of them yields explosive and exciting sounds, great for creating layered musical compositions, or adding a hint of flavor to any arpeggio or solo run.

The bottom row of controls also plays into the specific sounds the Bit Commander will produce, and works with the top row to really gain all the power you can from this pedal. Filter is a tone control, beefing up the low end or cutting through the mix easily with accentuated high frequencies. Level is the master volume control, and Base adjusts the input signal level, for an even-keel sound when the wet and dry signals are mixed. These controls essentially shape and form the craziness that is executed by the top row of controls, and helps to either calm or exasperate the sonic medleys those 3 produce.

Although not the best for chords, the Bit Commander works wonders on single notes, preferably past about the 7th or 9th fret while utilizing your guitar’s neck pickup. But, as with a lot of these EQD pedals, experimentation is the key to unleashing their true powers, so feel free to mix it up and try all the combinations and settings you can think of. Again, this is another pedal NOT for the faint of heart, designed specifically for the tone fiddler and knob tweaker, and might work better with your own original music than in a cover band. Keep checking back for more pedal reviews from EarthQuaker Devices, as we love to twist, turn and tackle our way into their sonically blissful pieces of guitar gear.