The latest version of Bitwig’s popular DAW software has just arrived, delivering a whole host of new features, additional Grid modules, an updated Bitwig Drum Machines sound package and more.
There’s a focus on drums, with Bitwig Studio 5.3 introducing 25 modern percussion devices that cover a range of classic and modern sounds. Two of the three families are inspired by iconic drum machines, but come equipped with an array of additional parameters and possibilities. Here’s Bitwig’s descriptions of the new arrivals:
- The v8 family is borne of the 808. The ten devices in this family include v8 Kick, v8 Snare, and v8 Tom, as well as some of the characteristic percussion instruments (maracas, cowbell etc.). While the original hardware often gave each instrument one tone control, Bitwig Studio’s v8 devices average five ‘colour’ parameters, along with extended ranges for breaking away from the familiar.
- New sounds also appear in the v9 family, Bitwig's answer to the 909. These nine devices cover all the original's instruments, from open and closed hats to the v9 Ride and a v9 Crash. You can experiment with the additional Impact, Tone and Punch knobs, or connect them to Bitwig's modulators so they vary with velocity or bar position.
- The v0 family brings together six digital mavericks: v0 Kick, Zap Kick, Tom, Snare, Hat and Cymbal. They represent a diverse set of digital drum-synthesis techniques, such as detuned oscillator banks, FM, physical models and sets of filters that are harmonic (sometimes). These different approaches make for highly flexible instruments that can sound electric, acoustic, or not much like a drum at all.
- Each family is made to work well as a unit or mixed and matched in custom kits. Use them along with samples, plug-ins or Grid patches. Like the rest of Bitwig Studio, the Drum Machine has a soft spot for modular thinking and the added Keytracking Mode turns any drum into a playable instrument.
Many of the features included in the latest update were developed and introduced during its recent beta test. One such example is the inclusion of Freq Shifter+, a new device that is based on the software’s analogue-inspired Freq Shift+ module and kits users out with a range of classic effects, rhythmic moves, and radiophonic feedback. Another new module joining the ranks is Pitch Shift Grid, a which offers phase modulation of any incoming signal. As with other Grid modules, it can be used on both monophonic and polyphonic sources, and also boasts key-tracking capabilities. The company have also added the following four additional Grid modules:
- Step Access (Phase): Designed to make tricky drum sequencer ideas easier.
- Accents (Data): Offers a range of new sequencing options.
- Dome (Filter): Capable of transforming any signal into “a pile of phase and other information, some of it real!”
- CV Pitch In (I/O): a new specialised input module with DC and AC modes, as well as Octave Range, Root Key and Smoothing parameters.
As always, the update delivers a range of behind-the scenes improvements as well as enhancing some of the DAW’s existing functions. With the official launch of 5.3, Bitwig now includes a Master Recording section that allows users to capture the main audio output and render it to a new audio file — it can be used to record a performance, capture some audio to load into the DAW’s sampler, or anything in between! Audio hardware devices can now have their I/O routing auto-configured — there’s also a new dedicated editor for those who’d prefer to take matters into their own hands — and everything from patches and presets to entire project files will now enjoy faster loading times.
Compatibility
Bitwig Studio 5.3 is supported on PCs running Windows 7 and above, Macs running macOS 10.14 and higher, and Linux systems running Ubuntu 20.04 or later, or any modern distribution with Flatpak installed. As of version 5.3, Bitwig Studio runs natively on Windows on ARM. The company say that due to the software’s unique sandboxing architecture, even those plug-ins that haven't yet been recompiled for ARM can run seamlessly in Bitwig Studio under emulation.
Pricing & Availability
Bitwig Studio 5.3 is a free upgrade for all license holders with an active Upgrade Plan. Bitwig Studio Producer and Essentials license holders will receive the v8 family of drums and the Stepwise Sequencer.
