8/16 Bit Instruments

[TheImagineer]

I just need to know how to turn some instruments into 8/16 bit sounds. [optional] It would also be great to know what instruments sound good in 8/16 bit.

[Acoustica Greg]

Hi,

What do you mean by "8/16 bit sounds"? What are you trying to do?

Greg

[jlouvar]

I didn’t understand either... But I think they want to convert 32 bit and 64 bit plug-ins or VSTs to 8 bit and or 16 bit (8/16 bit)?

[Mark Bliss]

@theimagineer, Greg, Joe
I am pretty sure this explanation applies to the question/topic.

Early computer music, specifically digital synthesis was limited by the processing power of the time and resulted in a "certain sound"
Think early video gaming. That Atari/Sega signature sound.

Some people like that sound, and like to recreate music in the style of that period.
You can get soft synths that emulate that sound. I think there are also effect plug ins intended to help create similar sounds.

Do they sound "good"?
Well that a matter of taste, and maybe should be re-phrased more as "do they recreate that sound well" or something. To me "sounding good" isnt the point.
But thats my taste talking.

Similarly, I cant make any specific recommendations as it is not my thing.....
But I am sure with some research you could find a like minded group, and some examples to demo. Very likely free...

If I have missed the base here, a better description is needed.

[Thomas]

My initial thought was similar to Mark's, but without further explanation from the OP, we can just speculate. There are plugins out there that are sometimes referred to as bitcrushers and these will dial down the bit value of the audio. Some are FREE. Dead Duck and TAL both make a Bitcrusher plugin.