PCM2612 Retro Decimator Unit

The sound of the machine

Meet the PCM2612 Retro Decimator Unit, a bitcrusher effect plug-in with a distinctive legacy. Based on the work we made on the RYM2612 Iconic FM Synthesizer, our tribute emulation of the Sega Genesis sound chip, the 8-bit decimation is inherited from the FM synth’s PCM playback feature, packed in a simple and compact effect unit. Bonus: it's free!

VST, AU, AAX plug-in (Win, Mac, Linux, DRM-free)

Free download via SendOwl

Download
Rack Extension (Windows, macOS)

Free download via the Reason Studios Shop

Download
AUv3/IAA (iPad, iPhone)

Free download via the App Store

Download

Sound examples

Beat — before/after PCM2612

Piano — before/after PCM2612

Synth — before/after PCM2612

Keys — before/after PCM2612

Organ — before/after PCM2612

Noise — before/after PCM2612

Two form factors in one

You can choose from box to rack graphic user interfaces.
The box GUI is suited for vertical displays while the rack GUI is logically at ease with widescreens.

Digital is the new vintage

Modern music styles that are composed in a digital environment evolve in a paradox: powered by highly capable and transparent digital converters, they rely on effect simulations to add imperfections and get a vintage soul. Either in an analog or digital fashion, the induced sonic flaws give charm and character to a sound signal that’s otherwise too perfect or too cold.

Is digital decimation of the ’90s the new vintage? We think it is!

Key features

  • Free!
  • 32-steps scalable 8-bit decimation
  • Dry / Wet level knob
  • Stereo / Mono switch
  • Switchable output filtering between Legacy (modeled after the Sega Genesis Model 1 amp output circuitry) and Crystal Clear (purely digital)
  • Graphical interface scaling options (1x, 1.5x, 2x)
  • Switchable graphical form factor (vertical box or horizontal rack)
  • Our first native Linux and Apple Silicon plug-in

Welcome to the retro future

You may remember (if you're as old as we are) how hearing an audio sample in a videogame during the 90's was simply out of this world. It was nothing less than an exciting avant-goût of the future, and the overly-presence of the 8-bit resolution and aliasing due to modest sample rates couldn't mask the amazement. Even more, it was associated with the delight of accessing new voices and sounds on our favorite games. The PCM2612 brings back these memories when applied to voices or drums parts.

Sega and Yamaha brand names are trademark of their respective owners. This product is in no way affiliated with these companies.

Availability

64-bit VST 2, VST 3, 64-bit AAX plug-in for Windows (Vista and higher)
64-bit VST 2, VST 3, AU, AAX plug-in for macOS (Intel & Apple Silicon, 10.7 and higher)
64-bit VST for Linux
Rack Extension for Reason (10.1 and higher for Windows and macOS)
AUv3/IAA app for iOS (11 and higher for iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch)

VST, AU, AAX plug-in (Win, Mac, Linux, DRM-free)

Free download via SendOwl

Download
Rack Extension (Windows, macOS)

Free download via the Reason Studios Shop

Download
AUv3/IAA (iPad, iPhone)

Free download via the App Store

Download

PCM2612 versions history

1.0.2

  • [macOS] [Fixed] The installer package was requesting Rosetta 2 eventhough the plug-in binaries are Apple Silicon compatible.

1.0.1

  • [Windows] [Fixed] Some system display settings could cause the GUI to appear black.
  • [Linux] [Fixed] The product archive was broken.

1.0.0

  • First public release.