Decimation

Decimation is an effect in digital signal processing where the sample rate is reduced. Bitcrushing is a similar effect that reduces the bit depth of the signal.

Decimation creates crunchy sounds with ringing artifacts, especially if the sampling frequency is at an audible rate (below 20kHz). Bitcrushing, best noticeable when crushed to four bits or less, adds more subtle ringing effects. Crushing to one bit is very, very harsh and identical to extreme clip distortion.