EarthQuaker Devices Bit Commander

Turn your guitar into a full-blown analog synth with the EarthQuaker Devices Bit Commander! This pedal delivers thick, vintage-inspired synth tones that make your guitar sound like an old-school chiptune machine or a retro-futuristic bass. Whether you’re after deep, growling lows or sharp, soaring highs, the Bit Commander V2 gives you total control over the octaves, letting you build massive, layered sounds with ease.

EarthQuaker Devices Bit Commander Review

The EarthQuaker Bit Commander is a monophonic analog guitar synthesizer that brings a world of bold, square-wave tones to your setup. It features four different octave settings—sub, down, base, and up – so you can sculpt everything from fat bass lines to high-pitched lead sounds. Unlike digital synth pedals, it delivers a raw, vintage feel, perfect for players who love the nostalgic sound of classic synths.

EarthQuaker Devices Bit Commander Pedal Features

• Turns your guitar or bass into a vintage-style analog octave synth
• Lets you mix different octaves for thick, layered sounds
• Works great for single-note playing, especially above the 7th fret
• Below the 7th fret creates glitchy, unpredictable effects
• Pairs well with fuzz for gritty, raw, bit crushing synth tones
• Features soft-touch switching for silent on/off operation

EQD Bit Commander Pedal Specs

• Power requirements: 9V DC power supply (center negative)
• Analog circuit design for warm, vintage synth tones
• Monophonic tracking optimized for single notes
• True bypass relay-based switching for a clean signal when disengaged
• Compact and durable enclosure built for heavy use

EarthQuaker Bit Commander Octave Synth FAQs

Does the Bit Commander Pedal Work With Bass Guitars?

Yes! The EarthQuaker Devices Bit Commander bass​ pedal is designed to work well with both guitar and bass. When used with a bass, it can produce deep, growling synth tones that add a rich texture to your sound. Whether you’re laying down heavy basslines or experimenting with higher octave effects, this pedal uniquely shapes your low-end frequencies.

Can I Play Chords With the EQD Bit Commander?

No, the Bit Commander is a monophonic synth pedal, meaning it only tracks single notes effectively. If you try playing chords, the tracking may become unstable, leading to unexpected and glitchy results. For the best performance, stick to playing individual notes, especially above the seventh fret, where tracking is the most accurate.

Can I Use the Bit Commander With a Synth?

Yes, you can use the EarthQuaker Devices Bit Commander on a synth. While it’s designed for guitar and bass, it can be used with synths to add unique octaving and glitch effects, transforming the synth’s sound with its sub-octave rumble and octave-up shrieks. Just ensure your synth output is compatible with the pedal’s input.

Does the EarthQuaker Bit Commander Require a Specific Pickup Type?

For the best tracking results, use the neck pickup on your guitar and roll off some of the treble. The pedal responds best to strong, clear signals, and adjusting your tone settings can help you achieve a more consistent response.

How Does the Bit Commander Pedal Handle Lower Notes?

Above the seventh fret, the Bit Commander EarthQuaker Devices V2 delivers tight and predictable tracking. Below that, it becomes more unpredictable, producing glitchy, stuttering effects that can add character and excitement to your playing. This can be great for creating experimental sounds, but if you need precise tracking, sticking to higher notes is recommended.

What Is the Difference Between the EarthQuaker Devices Bit Commander V1 vs V2?

The V2 of the Bit Commander features silent soft-touch relay switching, improved tracking for better high-fret accuracy, and better pairing with fuzz for richer textures. These upgrades make it more reliable and user-friendly compared to the V1.

Is the Pedal True Bypass?

Yes! The EarthQuaker Devices Bit Commander octave synth guitar effects pedal features true bypass switching, ensuring your signal remains completely unaffected when the pedal is turned off. This means no tone loss or unwanted noise when it’s not in use.

Can It Be Used With Other Pedals?

Absolutely! The EarthQuaker Devices Bit Commander octave synth effect pedal pairs exceptionally well with fuzz pedals, allowing you to create thick, aggressive synth tones. Try stacking it with overdrive, delay, or modulation effects to unlock even more sonic possibilities and craft a truly unique sound.

What’s in the box of our EarthQuaker Devices Bit Commander V2?

• EarthQuaker Devices Bit Commander Pedal
• Pedal box
• Cloth pedal bag
• EarthQuaker Devices sticker
• EarthQuaker Devices Bit Commander Manual
• DeathCloud merch
• Candy

EarthQuaker Devices Bit Commander Guitar Synthesizer Dimensions

• Height: 2.25″
• Width: 2.50″
• Depth: 4.75″
• Weight: 0.6 lbs

More From EarthQuaker Devices