gain - that's possible, but its sent to the codec , so I don't think you would want to change it rapidly, and its very 'stepped.' (not sure if it would cause audio glitches, id have to try to see)
.. its more a coarse adjustment. e.g. like switches on mixers used for line/instrument level.
but yeah, I plan to add it, just not got around to it really.
(anyone could do it if they want to, just lift the code out of the relevant config object, and convert it to a parameter or inlet - just be careful to keep it in the relevant range!)
8bit is depth, not SR... and given the processor is 32bit, unless you do some special algorithms, its not going to save you anything.
I think (from memory, and to lazy to go recheck codec datasheet) the codec supports other sample rates, so its possible, its just you wont be able to use any objects that use SR dependent data/algorithms, ... as I said this was discussed in a thread on VSTs if you want more info.
.. and yeah, real time switching, would not be worth the overhead in cpu processing.
see, the thing is... what is clever about what Johannes has done, is his bringing the native DSP coding necessary for these kind of boards to everyone, before it was just (embedded) developers. and these boards have huge potentially because they are cheap/low power/flexible...
That's why I love Axoloti, its got a lovely niche, for creating small instruments easily ... sure you can do bigger things too, but like all complex things, your gonna have to roll your sleeves up 