From the beginning, the idea of modularity has been central to Bitwig Studio. While digital audio workstations (DAWs) aren’t known for taking a modular approach, creating Bitwig Studio from the ground up allowed us to rethink previous assumptions. This led us to focus not just on individual devices but on strengthening the ways they interact with and support one another. Within the Bitwig Studio 1 cycle the concepts of Nested Device Chains as well as Modulator Devices made it already one of the most flexible DAWs in the industry – in Bitwig Studio 2 the modularity concept has been developed further – The entire modulation system has been reworked and the idea of modulators has been reclaimed. Today we’re proudly presenting this next step on our journey towards a fully modular device architecture. Beside our focus on modularity, we also refined all other areas of the Bitwig Studio workflow.
KEY FEATURES OF BITWIG STUDIO 2
Modulators
Bitwig Studio 2 comes with 24 brand new modulators; from standard modulators like envelopes and LFOs – to more unique modulator types like Random, Select-4 and Math.
Each device in Bitwig Studio 2 (internal devices and external plug-ins) has individual modulation slots where an unlimited number of modulators can be added to a device and assigned to any number of parameters. Furthermore, the Modulators can also be interconnected for truly dynamic and expressive sound design possibilities. When using internal Bitwig instruments, many modulators can be set to polyphonic mode – enabling per-voice modulation – something previously only seen in closed systems.
New Devices
Apart from totally re-conceptualizing the modulation system and introducing an entirely new class of Modulator devices, we’re also expanding the standard device collection.
Here’s a list of the new additions:
- Spectrum Analyzer
- Pitch Shifter
- Phaser
- Treemonster
- Multi-Note
- Note Echo
- Note Harmonizer
- Note Latch
- Note Length
- Note Velocity
Better Hardware Integration
We’ve done a lot of work under the hood to revamp MIDI handling in Bitwig Studio; improving sync, note timing and adding MIDI Time Code.
We are also introducing a set of devices that will seamlessly integrate hardware via MIDI and CV/Gate:
- MIDI CC
- MIDI Program Change
- HW Clock out
- HW CV Instrument
- HW CV Out
Fades and Crossfades
We introduce fades and crossfades for audio clips not only in the arranger timeline but also audio editor and for audio events inside clips – for truly fast yet flexible editing. Naturally, the curve slopes of all fades can be adjusted.
VST3 Support
We’re happy to announce that we now support the VST3 plug-in standard – including per-note expression and sample accurate automation.
Device Updates
We’ve made lots of enhancements to our existing devices, improving both sound quality and usability. Several devices now include a spectrum analyzer and dynamic display panels. In many devices, we’ve re-organized, re-designed and added new features. With Bitwig Studio 2 we’ve also improved visualization of parameters, movement and signal flow.
Polysynth Updates
Since Bitwig Studio first came out, Polysynth has been our go-to synth for musicians and sound designers. With Bitwig Studio 2, we’ve expanded our Polysynth’s feature set further, by adding several oscillator mix and filter waveshaping modes. These new modes open up new possibilities for sound exploration; adding complex overtones and frequency modulation options to your sound palette.
Smart Tool Switching and improved Editor Workflow
With Bitwig Studio 2, we’ve improved the efficiency of our tools. You can now achieve many standard tasks without having to swap tools: depending on where you click, you can select multiple objects or time segments, edit fades or zoom and scroll.
Dashboard
The Dashboard handles many tasks that were previously available only in menus and other windows – such as locating and opening projects, configuring settings, installing packages and accessing help resources.
Notifications
We’re introducing a new notification system, showing different types of messages in a clear, streamlined and non-intrusive format.
New Menu System
We’ve reworked the menu system extensively. Bitwig Studio 2 now features a context-aware menu system to keep the focus on the task at hand.
and more…
AVAILABILITY AND PRICING
Bitwig Studio 2 will be available from selected retailers worldwide and from bitwig.com.
A free demo version will be available for download upon launch at www.bitwig.com.
Bitwig Studio 2 Upgrade from Bitwig Studio 1: 159 EUR / 169 USD (MAP)
Bitwig Studio 2: 379 EUR / 399 USD (MAP)
Grace period for customers, that purchased Bitwig Studio 1 on, or after, December 10th, 2016They will get the Bitwig Studio 2 upgrade for free.
12 MONTHS FREE UPGRADES
Alongside the announcement of Bitwig Studio 2 we are also introducing a new license model. Starting with the release of Bitwig Studio 2, our customers get 12 months of free updates, upgrades and email support when purchasing Bitwig Studio.
After the 12 months they can renew their upgrade plan for 159 EUR / 169 USD.
Learn more here.
