Bitwig Studio 5
Description
Bitwig Studio 5 is OUT NOW and it introduces five new MSEGs.
Developing this family of modulators and modules led to a major upgrade for entire modulation system. In version 5, modulators can do more, like control track- and project-level parameters and expand into pop-out windows. Bitwig also created new ways to perform live with new software, and overhauled the browsers to make it easy to find what you need.
A multi-segment envelope generator (MSEG) is a tool for drawing custom envelopes, automation shapes, looping patterns — and just about anything else. Bitwig created five different kinds that can be used as Grid modules, two of which are also available as modulators.
Segments allows you to draw your own envelope with as many points as you need and loop it if you want, while Curves enables you to paint geometric patterns onto a changing beat grid for a unique LFO. And if you can draw your own control signals, why not draw oscillators, too? That's a job for Scrawl, an MSEG with clever math to make handmade waveforms sound good at any pitch. You can even make custom waveshapers with Transfer, or use the phase-driven sequencer Slopes for a deeper level of control.
Segments is an envelope with global time-scaling and loop modes. Use it as a Grid and Polymer module or as a modulator controlling any parameter.
Curves is an LFO modulator and Grid module that can sync to the beat time or groove.
Drawing in the MSEGs' Pop-out Editor windows is a breeze, with tools for freehand entry or shapes, and shortcuts for jumping to double time or triplets — even while still holding the mouse.
Scrawl is an anti-aliasing oscillator for The Grid and Polymer.
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.
All your designs can be saved as a BWCURVE file and loaded in another MSEG. And a visual browser lets you see your content (and our presets) 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. Now modulators aren't limited to devices — they can grab the mixer and project controls as well.
New Performance Gestures
In Bitwig's Clip Launcher, you press a clip to launch it. But what should happen when you let go? Maybe this clip should stop when you pick up your finger, or it could return to whatever was playing before. In fact, any of our Next Actions can be used, so just pick what you want from the clip’s On Release menu.
Browse Better
The browser improvements are more than just a fresh coat of paint. Now, search results for plug-ins, presets, and wavetables (etc. etc.) all live in one place. The updated browsers also provide better ways to find our devices, customizable shortcuts, and a more visual way to browse your content.
By The Numbers
v5 is 20th major release of Bitwig Studio, which currently has 112 native instruments, note FX, and other devices. The semi-modular Polymer synth now has 270 combinations (9 oscillators × 6 filters × 5 envelopes). With the new MSEG family, Keytrack+, and Wavetable LFO, there are 42 modulators for controlling everything from the project mixer to CLAP/VST plug-ins. And The Grid now has a fleet of 200 modules, including all five MSEGs, Wavetable LFO, and some other helpful new friends.
Compatibility
Bitwig Studio 5 is supported on PCs running Windows 7 and above, Macs running macOS 10.14 and higher, and Linux systems on Ubuntu 20.04 or later, or any modern distribution with Flatpak installed.