Focusrite has teamed up with Swedish developer Klevgrand to offer Degrader as a free download for all registered Focusrite and Novation product owners.
Here’s the thing, though. You don’t need to own any hardware to qualify. Software works, too. Even if you only have the free FAST bundle from a past promotion (which you probably do if you follow BPB regularly since we covered it in our news section), you’re eligible.
Degrader is a combined resampler and bitcrusher that can take your pristine audio and chew it into vintage-style grit or obliterate it entirely into glitchy chaos. It’s ideal for adding lofi character, digital distortion, or old-school sampler vibes to your tracks.
The resampling engine lets you drop the sample rate anywhere between 250 Hz and 96 kHz, with an optional low-pass filter placed before and/or after the process. You can choose between different filter characteristics (off, low-Q, high-Q) for subtle roll-offs or steeper cuts.
For extra taste, the Jitter control adds instability to the clock signal (with randomized sample timing), a great way to make sounds feel unstable.
The bitcrusher section lets you continuously dial the resolution from 24 bits down to a gritty 3 bits, and an added saturation stage can push the degradation further into analog distortion territory.
I especially like the Link feature, which allows you to control multiple parameters with a single knob. This is perfect for sweeping between clean and crushed in real time during a transition. It can also help speed up automation in your DAW.
Degrader covers a wide range of tones, as much as you can expect from a solid bitcrusher plugin. It can convincingly emulate older samplers like the Akai S950 for a subtle retro touch, or it can smash sounds into harsh, 8-bit game console territory.
On drums, you can add sizzle to hi-hats and add a bit of crunch to snares, while on vocals or synths, you can create lo-fi textures or completely transform them. I used it to add extra menace to a monster voice design, and it fit the role perfectly.
The interface is clean and intuitive, with visual feedback for bit depth and saturation, plus straightforward master controls for input/output gain and dry/wet mix. Several presets are included, simulating various pieces of vintage digital gear.
If you’ve been looking for a versatile bitcrusher/resampler that can go from tasteful retro to outright destruction — and you qualify for the Focusrite freebie offer — this is an easy win.
Degrader is available for macOS (10.10+, M1-optimized) and Windows 7+ in AU, VST, and AAX formats. Grab it now via your Focusrite or Novation account before the promotion ends.
Get the freebie: Klevgrand Degrader (Focusrite/Novation owners can claim for FREE until October 10th)
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Last Updated on August 13, 2025 by Tomislav Zlatic.
