Bitwig Studio 5

Bitwig Studio 5 introduces five new MSEGs. Developing this family of modulators and modules led to a major upgrade for our entire modulation system. In version 5, modulators can do more, like control track- and project-level parameters and expand into pop-out windows. We also created new ways to perform live with our software, and overhauled the browsers to make it easy to find what you need.

MSEGs: Beyond Envelopes
A multi-segment envelope generator (MSEG) is a tool for drawing custom signals for envelopes, automation shapes, looping patterns, oscillator curves, waveshapers, sequencers etc. We created five different kinds of MSEGs that can be used as Grid modules, and two of them are also available as modulators. Separate devices means each one is focused on and optimized for its particular task. 

Segments is a customizable envelope that can be used as a Grid and Polymer module or as a modulator that controls any parameter. Four Play Mode options are available for Segments:

• ●  One-shot ( ) – Plays through the entire shape (while the voice is alive) when a note is triggered
• ●  Hold (𝄐) – Can use any one of the curve’s points as the hold/sustain level, which also acts as the release start
• ●  Looping (⇉) – Can loop forwards between any two of the curve’s points on sustain; the loop end point is also the release start
• ●  Ping Pong ( ) – Can loop forwards and backwards between any two of the curve’s points on sustain; the loop end point is also the release start
  Curves is an LFO modulator and Grid module that can sync to the beat time or groove.

Scrawl is a draw-your-own oscillator for The Grid and Polymer Bitwig’s hybrid modular synth. Its anti-aliasing helps make any shape work and sound good.
Slopes is a pattern sequencer for The Grid with stereo phase options.
Transfer is a waveshaper for transforming incoming audio or other signals in The Grid.<

Clicking any curve display opens the curve editor in a Pop-out Editor window that allows for easy freehand drawing. There are also shortcuts for jumping to double time or triplets.
All your designs can be saved as a BWCURVE file and loaded in another MSEG. A visual browser displays all presets and user content at a glance. 

Modulation, Elevated
Bitwig’s modulation system sets itself apart with a powerfully simple approach: Any control source — including audio or CV signals — can affect any device or plug-in. In Bitwig Studio 5, our modulators are no longer limited to devices — they can grab the mixer and project controls as well. That means one LFO can modulate any device on the same track, as well as the track’s panning, sends, and other parameters. Move that LFO to the project level to add modulations to all devices, channel strips, and transport targets.

Furthermore, MSEGs aren’t the only 5.0 modulators with Pop-out Editor windows. The Steps and Keytrack+ modulators, as well as The Grid‘s data sequencers, also got resizable panes for cleaner editing and some helpful new functions.

New Performance Gestures
Performing live with Bitwig Studio just got more exciting with updates to the Clip Launcher. Users can now set Next Actions to occur when a key or pad is released in addition to when it’s launched. ALT triggers offer a second option for activating scenes or clips. These features allow performers to decide how their set will unfold in the moment, as they can (for instance) tap a clip to launch it at the next bar line, or ALT-trigger to immediately swap to the new clip.<

Project-wide normal and ALT-trigger gestures can be set in one place, and you can customize any clip or scene to have its own settings. That includes release options for both normal and ALT gestures, legato options for following the playing clip or the project transport, and a revamped Next Action section with simple loop counts.

Since all tracks now have their own remotes, the mixer offers a bird’s-eye view of the most important parameters. That way, building a customized set of mix and performance controls is easy. And new mapping options allow users to launch scenes and clips with any hardware.

Updated Browsers
Bitwig Studio 5 also introduces overhauled browsers for a more streamlined experience and a visual way to access content. Now, search results for plug-ins, presets, and wavetables (etc. etc.) all live in one place. There’s also a customizable shortcuts pane that allows users quick access to their favorite sound packages, content types (e.g. wavetables, drum hits, or samples) or folders.

Some More
The foundations got some attention as well, with a new onset detector that makes audio work better from the moment you drag it in. We’re also introducing Spanish and Korean language support for Bitwig Studio. The Keytrack+ modulator has an embedded curve editor so you can simply draw your settings or save/load them as BWCURVE files. And for morphing control signals, there’s a new Wavetable LFO modulator/Grid module, equally suited for irregular shapes.<

● Dribble bounces notes, until gravity wins. It bounces each note, relative to the velocity of the incoming note. The main parameter is “Damping,” which when all the way down means bounces stay the same length forever — another kind of note repeat. And the heavier the “Damping,” the shorter each bounce becomes. And don’t miss the “Shortest Bounce” parameter, for either removing or enhancing the ‘zipper’ effect when notes get too close to the floor.

● Randomize adds chaos to any note expression, including pitch. Since Bitwig’s audio engine does ‘true polyphony,’ this could mean randomness on the “Pan” position of each note. Or variety added to each notes “Timbre” or “Pressure,” particularly for MPE control sources (or compatible plug-ins). And while randomizing “Pitch” might seem of limited use, setting it to “Quantized” pitches would give you a drum groove whose notes occasionally shift from snare to tom, and so on.

● Strum fragments your chords, playing them one (or more) note at a time. Like the Arpeggiator, Strum is a device that collects all played notes and then pushes them out one at a time. Sequences can even be defined, with up to four steps for alternating between strumming up (lowest note to highest note) or down. And with the bonus “Stride” parameter, you can define how many notes are played at a time, in case you want to try more than one. But you could also think of this as a musical speed limiter, so try putting it at the end of a busy note stream to calm things down.

● Bend bends every incoming note from a different starting pitch to the pitch that was played. Every note has the same relative starting point, so this is like an alternative version of glide or portamento. And bending all notes before an Instrument Layer means each layer will receive an identical pitch curve.

● And Note Repeats retriggers each note. In its simple mode, this is a flexible, modulatable version of the Repeats Operator, setting a speed, gate length, velocity decay percentage, and chance for each note retrigger. There is even a performance ready “Disable” parameter, for flipping the repeat effect on and stuttering any notes already playing. But then come the pattern modes that shape the coming repeats into rhythmic patterns. “Burst” puts all notes in a row, and “Euclid” gives them a nice pattern, as if provided by nature herself. And with the various accent options, the results become richer for each note played.

Every device is a tool offering new musical possibilities, and 70 new factory presets showcase some of what can be achievable with each of them. But these note effects are made to mix and match. Try a Dribble to make your chords kinetic, followed by a Strum to clean things up as a speed limiter. Or Bend a single note into Multi-note so that all notes glide together, then Humanize the output so they aren’t perfectly aligned. And when taken together with the Arpeggiator, Micro-pitch, HW CV Instrument, or your favorite plug-in — new ideas are just waiting to be found.

More

● Color palettes are now available for clips and layers. So if you want to turn an image into a palette, just drop a JPG or PNG into the Bitwig Studio window.

● Track MIDI output is now directly available in the track (and or via the HW Instrument device when you need delay compensation).

● Bitwig Studio’s Sampler now has a Release chain, where each note release triggers an instrument of your choice. So you can now import an SFZ file with both press and release samples, or try out a synth or VST to make any sound newly responsive.

● Multi-note (Note FX) still turns individual notes into chords of up to 8 notes, and it now offers “Chance” and velocity “Spread” settings for each of the 8 note slots. And modulating the enable switch or the pitch of each note is now realized immediately as well.

● Note Length (Note FX) can still trigger an instrument or layer on note release, and like the new options in Sampler, you can now select whether the note on or note off velocity is used.

● Note Filter (Note FX) will still “Keep” only notes in a set pitch and velocity range, and it now has a “Reject” mode as well. So once a range is defined, just duplicate the device and flip the mode to get all the other notes. And then the note processing can begin…

New Audio FX
They may look like three new devices — Chorus+, Flanger+, Phaser+ — but they’re really more like 12. Each device has four unique Characters that have their own DSP architecture, similar to different eras of vintage studio hardware. And each was designed to have range and sound good. Like, really good.
When searching for new sounds, do you focus on the processors? Or is it the generators that make the difference? Bitwig Studio 4.3 is here, bringing space and tone, with a convolution device for real and imagined spaces, a new delay that loves the spotlight, and some downright electric components for our synths.

New Convolution Device
Our new device, Convolution, can take any sound anywhere — even places that don’t exist. All convolutions imprint sound with an “impulse,” and ours comes ready-made with 270 of them, ranging from 12th-century cathedrals and legendary studio effects to more abstract “environments.” Using the impulse of a room or hall creates a realistic reverb, but Bitwig’s Convolution and content offers so much more.

They may look like three new devices — Chorus+, Flanger+, Phaser+ — but they’re really more like 12. Each device has four unique Characters that have their own DSP architecture, similar to different eras of vintage studio hardware. And each was designed to have range and sound good. Like, really good.
When searching for new sounds, do you focus on the processors? Or is it the generators that make the difference? Bitwig Studio 4.3 is here, bringing space and tone, with a convolution device for real and imagined spaces, a new delay that loves the spotlight, and some downright electric components for our synths.

New Convolution Device
Our new device, Convolution, can take any sound anywhere — even places that don’t exist. All convolutions imprint sound with an “impulse,” and ours comes ready-made with 270 of them, ranging from 12th-century cathedrals and legendary studio effects to more abstract “environments.” Using the impulse of a room or hall creates a realistic reverb, but Bitwig’s Convolution and content offers so much more.

You can easily adjust color and tone, or draw your own envelope to reshape the impulse itself. Plus, since we support “true stereo” (four-channel) files as well as loading any audio as an impulse, you can drag and drop anything onto Convolution and see what impossible space you land in.

Delay+
Delay+ is Bitwig’s latest boutique audio effect. By balancing familiar controls along with a few thoughtful new ones, Delay+ can either add a little character or fully transform your sound as it ping-pongs along.
Set the delay in seconds or beats, then nudge each channel a few milliseconds for instant stereo. Pick from five Blur options to go from a lightly animated feedback to a full, blown-out reverb. A Ducking control keeps things under control by quieting your delay cloud when strong signals arrive.
Bitwig’s nested structure allows you to drop our Pitch Shifter, or Flanger+, or any VST plug-in into the feedback loop. So whether you just need a little slapback or a colorful wash of sound, Delay+ has you covered.

Polymer Overhaul and New The Grid modules
Polymer and The Grid use the same modules, so when something new comes along, everybody wins. For Bitwig 4.3, some analog-inspired goodies have arrived.
Two modules are new. Union is an oscillator that plays it straight, blending three waveshapes into one pleasant, drifting output. And for filtering, Low-pass MG honors Mr. Moog by imitating both his classic filter and mix buss.
But plenty of other features have also arrived. The Low-pass SK filter is now Sallen-Key, with 16 modes on tap. Our Comb filter gained a Damping control for a touch of finesse. ADSR and two other envelopes now have added modes for Digital precision, or Analog simplicity and feel. Plus all filters get a Q Limit to rein in their resonance, and all oscillators have more phase mod range for more brittle, digital sounds. So whether starting a sound in Polymer or growing a world in The Grid, new sounds are at hand.

And Some More
As always, a few more new features came along for the ride.

• FX tracks now have sends of their own. And yes, direct feedback routings are available — and clearly labeled. (Achtung!)
• ADSR module with added “bias” out port for a bipolar signal that centers around sustain.
• Comments can be freely added to tracks, layers, Arranger cue markers, and Launcher scenes — in any language.
• Linux installers are now Flatpak files, and Bitwig Studio is supporting PipeWire, a new audio system available on Linux.

Linear and non-linear workflows for sound design, recording, live performance, and beyond
A complete package with 90+ instruments, effects, and other creative tools
Modular structure and flexibility in all aspects of the software
Enjoy over 10 GB (and counting) of world-class sound content from Bitwig and selected partners
Bitwig Studio is the single solution for realizing any musical idea across every stage of production.

All The Creative Tools
Built on modern foundations, Bitwig Studio offers everything you can expect from a contemporary music creation system. And then some.

Modulation Heaven
The modulation system in Bitwig Studio allows you to use Macro controls, Note Expressions, LFOs, and Envelopes to modulate any device, VST plug-in, or hardware parameter. With 30+ modulators (and counting) the potential for creative expression is endless.

Hardware Integration
Hardware integration is a large part of what makes Bitwig Studio unique. MIDI handling, note timing, and latency compensation are aspects of this. Other prominent features include MIDI Clock Sync and Ableton LINK. But where Bitwig Studio really stands out is our collection of hardware integration devices.

Enter The Grid
The Grid is a sound designer’s dream. It can be a synth, an audio effect, or most things you can imagine. It’s a modular sound design environment, open for you to build your own creations from scratch.

Sampler, Resampled
Meet Bitwig Studio’s Sampler, featuring several playback modes, dynamic note-based modulations, and a powerful multisample editor.

Audio Comping, Anywhere the Clip Goes
Since the invention of studio recording, our task has been to create the perfect performance. Comping allows you to combine the best parts of many takes, and Bitwig Studio provides this and more.

Operators: Maybe the Best Loops Don’t
Modulation has always been a centerpiece of Bitwig Studio. Modulators have been there all along, putting device parameters into motion. And now with Operators, sequenced note and audio events can become electric too. This leads to clips that go to different possibilities and timelines, either by programming, by performance control, or by destiny.

Anti-Loops
Bitwig Studio 4 sees the arrival of comping for audio clips and Operators for all sequenced events. The brand-new sound package Anti-Loops uses these features to push the idea of what a loop is to the breaking point, with 100+ clips crafted by expert sound designers like Cristian Vogel, Pat Cupo, Polarity and others.

Expression Spread, with a Splash of Total Control
Bitwig’s engine uniquely allows expression automation for notes and audio.
And since randomness was in the air, we brought a visualized Spread range to any expression point. Yes, you can give note velocities randomization, but you could also give each piece of a chord its own panning. Or create a note that starts in tune and then drifts to a random pitch. Or give each slice of an audio clip a slightly randomized gain.

Native on Apple Silicon, and your VSTs can come
When new computers arrive, software must follow. Apple is making their own M1 processors, so now Bitwig Studio runs natively on Apple Silicon.

Bitwig Studio is now localized in Chinese, Japanese, and German. The interface remains the same, but functions, labels, and in-app documentation — including the Interactive Help for our 300+ devices and modules — can be displayed in any of these languages.

Record and Arrange
Streamline your creative process and quickly evolve your ideas into complete songs, tracks, and compositions.
Bitwig Studio offers intuitive tools to record, edit, and arrange any material.

Improve and Perform
Take your music out of the studio and onto the stage.
Bitwig Studio is built for live performance, let your music flow, always on the beat.

Design Sounds
Bitwig Studio is a sound designer’s dream, with modular device architecture and a wealth of instruments and effects.
Browse a rich library of presets and sounds, or build your own instruments and FX from scratch using The Grid.

Powerful Editing Tools
We want to help you make your musical ideas happen, in as few steps as possible. Focus on the music, not the tool.

Audio Editing
The Detail Editor optimizes audio editing by letting you make edits within a clip. This allows you to stretch, split, pitch, pan, copy, reverse, add, move, and rearrange audio as you choose.

Expressive MIDI Support
In addition to standard note-editing features and per-note expressions such as velocity, gain, pan, timbre, and pressure, Bitwig Studio features unique tools like quick actions, micro pitch, and sophisticated layered editing, and is a forefront runner in supporting MPE.

Time-Stretching
Keep your audio material in time regardless of project tempo using Bitwig Studio’s state-of-the-art time stretching. Let Bitwig Studio analyze and automatically stretch your audio, or take full control and use our advanced stretching and editing tools.
Bitwig Studio comes with 8 different time stretch algorithms to cover all your musical needs, including the renowned Zplane Elastique in four flavors.

Instruments & Effects
Here’s a taste of the vast and ever-growing device library that comes with Bitwig Studio. With over 90 different instruments, audio and note FX, container devices, and signal routers you can translate any idea into music.

Polymer
Polymer starts simple: pick an oscillator, a filter, and an envelope generator. Swapping out Grid modules within a dedicated synthesizer is both fast and quick, helping you craft production-worthy sounds from minimal controls immediately.

Sampler
The Bitwig Studio Sampler is a powerful tool for playing and manipulating audio. It boasts several playback modes, advanced looping features with crossfades, endless modulation possibilities, a massive multisample editor, and more.

Phase-4
Meet Phase-4, a four-oscillator synthesizer powered by phase modulation and phase distortion. This unique synth can do classic, modern, and beyond.

EQ+
EQ+ is a feature-packed graphical equalizer with up to 8 bands, mouse gestures, and excellent visualization and algorithms.

Drum Machine
The Drum Machine is a container device that you can fill with sonic goodness. It’s never been easier to create unique and great-sounding kits.

Arpeggiator
Individual controls for step velocity, note length, and pitch. 17 note patterns, and three modes for handling octaves. Full MPE support. Even modulate the timing for shifting patterns. Holding chords has never been so musical and dynamic.

Micro-pitch
Micro-pitch is a Note FX device that allows you to re-tune your note streams in new ways. Transform scales, fine-tune individual notes, shrink or expand octaves, or even slice the octave into a different number of pieces. Play something unimaginable, today.

Amp
Inject a bit of virtual analog grit into your sounds with the Amp device, a remarkable piece of amplifier-simulation technology.

Enter The Grid
The Grid is a sound designer’s dream. It can be a synth, an audio effect, or most things you can imagine.
The Grid is a modular sound design environment, open for you to build your own creations from scratch.
It’s also an expressive instrument with hundreds of high-quality patches for you to explore, ready to play. It’s sophisticated yet easy and fast at the same time.
Explore it, build it, play it.

Modulation Heaven
The modulation system in Bitwig Studio allows you to use Macro controls, Note Expressions, LFOs, and Envelopes to modulate any device, VST plug-in, or hardware parameter. With 30+ modulators (and counting) the potential for creative expression is endless.

Hardware Integration
We love hardware. We also love software. That’s why we want to blur the boundaries between the two.
Let Bitwig Studio control your hardware, or let your hardware control Bitwig Studio, or both, via MIDI, CC, CV, Gate, analog and MIDI Clock, and MIDI Timecode. Enjoy a collection of straightforward tools that allow you to take advantage of the best of two worlds, and that scales with your setup.

Modern Foundations
Building a DAW from the ground up allowed us to think differently and solve old problems in new ways.
Bitwig Studio is made for the future…

Crash Protection
Bitwig Studio handles VST plug-in hosting in a unique way, allowing for different hosting modes and plug-in crash protection. With plug-ins, the audio engine, and other processes running in separate threads, a technical issue won’t bring your whole project down.

Touch Support
With extensive touch-screen support (multi-touch with unlimited touch points, gestures, pen support, and simulated pressure), Bitwig Studio is on the forefront of new ways to create music. Overall, the user interface of Bitwig Studio is touch-friendly; in addition there is a dedicated tablet display profile, perfect for any touch screen, or devices such as Microsoft Surface computers.

A Rich Library of Sounds
We’ve partnered with some of the best sound designers in the business to give you several thousand quality presets, Clips, and samples right out of the box.

Includes 12 months of FREE upgrades