Spoiler: Changes in Bitwig Studio 5.0.10 [released 27 September 2023] BETA

NEW FEATURES

• Controller extension added for Derivative's TouchDesigner
  • This script by Derivative provides an integration between Bitwig Studio and TouchDesigner, for dynamic live visuals and more
  • More info here
• Controller script added for Native Instruments's Komplete Kontrol S-Series Mk3

IMPROVEMENTS

• Browser choices are now preserved when dragging devices from side browser into project and later continuing in the popup browser
• When a controller is pinned to a device, it now remains there — even if the Pop-up Browser is open
• Next Action time settings can now be adjusted, even when disabled [33253]

FIXES

• DAWproject: Files using EQ can be imported regardless of band order/slope parameters
• Fix issue where pinned devices would switch to preview device. Now pinned means pinned.
• After inserting/duplicating a scene, the view no longer autoscrolls to the cursor scene [33461]
• Cutting time from the Arranger — available from [CTRL]+ [SHIFT]+[X] ([CMD] + [SHIFT] +[X] on Mac) — was sometimes copying the wrong data to the clipboard when a plug-in window was open [33611]
• Drum Machine device: Is now correctly retaining internal return automation when copying and pasting [33563]
• Drum Machine device: Send automation for an internal return chain is now maintained when the device is duplicated [33634]
• Controller API: Track.createCursorRemoteControlsPage is now persistent, so that projects will reopen on remote pages that were selected via controller [33571]
• Windows: Opening a project from the Explorer now also works if the path contains special characters [33618]
• Windows: Fixed some random application crashes [30047]

 

https://www.bitwig.com/stories/bitw...-easy-to-share-projects-between-programs-271/

 

Spoiler: Changes in Bitwig Studio 5.0.11 Beta [released 09 October 2023]

FIXES

• DAWproject: Audio expressions (gain/pan/transpose/formant) were being exported but not imported
• Moving note expression events using arrow keys would sometimes scroll the view poorly [33627]
• Recording automation from a manually mapped button (controller or computer keyboard) properly records a discrete change, instead of a slight ramp [33772]
• Fixed various, random audio engine crashes when bouncing in real-time or recording (with write errors) [31749]
• Dragging an impulse file into the device chain no longer crashes the app [33719]
• Note Sidechain modulator: Was not working under certain conditions [33453]
• Tablet display profile was defaults to showing the Clip Launcher or Arranger Timeline exclusively
• Fixed a potential crash when hovering over a beat time field while app is closing [30775]
• Fixed a crash when undoing an insert while hot swapping the same device with a controller connected

 

I would like to share this:

https://www.mossgrabers.de/Software/ProjectConverter/ProjectConverter.html

This tool converts projects from Cockos Reaper to the open DAWproject format and vice versa.

Therefore, Bitwig can import both AL and FLS projects and also facilitate switching them between S1 and Reaper.

 

Spoiler: What's New in Bitwig Studio 5.1, Beta 1 [released 18 October 2023]

10 NEW CHARACTERS — MODERN FILTERS AND WAVESHAPERS, READY TO FX

• Welcome three modern character filters
  • Each use a nested structure, taking a general outer filter and placing a second 'filter' inside the feedback circuit
  • Each algorithm is unique, with a mix of modes for different behavior, tuning controls, inner modulation, and tweak points
  • Drive and Resonance / Feedback are connected, so pulling down Drive a little can often leave more room for resonance to take over, etc. etc.
• Welcome five character waveshapers
  • Each remaps incoming audio to its current shape, transferring each level to the shaper's position
  • Each shaper has its own morphing path, by moving or modulating the single Drive control
  • A little high-level math keeps the shaping tight and smooth via the Anti-aliasing option
• Also along for the ride: a formant filter (Vowels) and a modeled ring Diode shaper

NEW FILTER+/SWEEP/GRID MODULE: FIZZ (FILTER)

• A modern Character filter for spreading harmonic nodes around
• Has a bit of a moving formant sensibility
• Takes place inside a stereo, resonant low-pass filter, with standard options:
  • Drive to affect the incoming signal level
  • Main Cutoff Frequency control
  • Stereo input for cutoff modulation, with Cutoff Modulation Amount set in semitones
  • Key Tracking Amount, for using incoming note pitches to affect the cutoff buss
• For this algorithm, additional controls include:
  • Feedback Gain, which feeds or chokes the nested filter
  • Feedback Cutoff Frequency, for tuning the nested filter
  • A bipolar Color control, which shifts the placement and variation of formant peaks
  • An Alternate Color toggle, for a reorienting and different tuning of the circuit

NEW FILTER+/SWEEP/GRID MODULE: RASP (FILTER)

• A modern Character filter that can scream or whisper
• Creates resonant peaks on top of the standard filter
• Takes place inside a stereo, resonant filter, with standard options:
  • Drive to affect the incoming signal level
  • A Filter Type setting, to switch between an outer Low-pass filter or a Band-pass model
  • Cutoff/Center Frequency control
  • Stereo input for cutoff modulation, with Cutoff Modulation Amount set in semitones
  • Key Tracking Amount, for using incoming note pitches to affect the cutoff buss
  • A Resonance Limit Inspector Panel (or Q Limit via right-click context menu) control, for adjusting when the filter model saturates
• For this algorithm, additional controls include:
  • Resonance, which enunciates or chokes the nested filter
  • A Brightness Mode setting, with various options for how resonance peaks move:
    • Shift - Gently moves past the main cutoff, usually emphasizing a central peak
    • Double - A tuned mixture of the Shift and Gravity modes
    • Gravity - Pulls and pushes toward the main cutoff with a bit of magnetism
  • The bipolar Brightness control applies the set Brightness Mode, bending the new resonant nodes thru various harmonic — and inharmonic — positions

NEW FILTER+/SWEEP/GRID MODULE: RIPPLE (FILTER)

• A modern Character filter with hyper-resonance
• Three elemental modes provide different levels of fun/wreckage that often anchors to harmonics of the incoming signal
• Takes place inside a stereo, resonant filter, with standard options:
  • Drive to affect the incoming signal level
  • Main Cutoff Frequency control
  • Stereo input for cutoff modulation, with Cutoff Modulation Amount set in semitones
  • Key Tracking Amount, for using incoming note pitches to affect the cutoff buss
• For this algorithm, additional controls include:
  • Bipolar Feedback Gain, which feeds or chokes the nested filter
  • Feedback Cutoff Frequency, for tuning the nested filter
  • A Nature setting, with various models for the filter:
    • Earth - Gently moves past the main cutoff, usually emphasizing a central peak
    • Wind - Focused feedback, ready to blow
    • Fire - Broad feedback, with some motion
  • Two additional toggles, Tweak Feedback and Tweak Feedforward, modify those points in the filter circuit, either dampening or expanding resonance
  • A Low Quality toggle (in the Inspector Panel or via right-click context menu), for adjusting the filter's tuning and reducing the CPU load

NEW FILTER+/SWEEP/GRID MODULE: VOWELS (FILTER)

• An Inspired filter that produces vowel sounds
• Can be used several ways, including:
  • Setting (or hard modulating/automating) a single vowel
  • Setting and morphing anywhere between two and five vowels
  • Any combination, all with different configurations and vowel models
• Standard filter controls include:
  • Drive to affect the incoming signal level
  • A Resonance Limit Inspector Panel (or Q Limit via right-click context menu) control, for adjusting when the filter model saturates
• Five Vowel Position choosers are available, located around a central, bipolar Vowel Blend knob:
  • Vowel Blend at -100 % uses only the nearby Vowel Position 1
  • Vowel Blend at 0 % uses only the nearby Vowel Position 3
  • Vowel Blend at +100 % uses only the nearby Vowel Position 5
  • Vowel Blend corresponds to Vowel Position 2 at -50 % and Vowel Position 4 at +50 %; if set to vowel sounds, only those values will be heard; if set to None (the default), the surrounding vowels will be blended perfectly there
  • Each position offers 27 different vowel sounds to choose from:
    • i - As in “see” or “eat”
    • y - With a rounded w-, like “we”
    • ɪ - As in “sit” or “hit”
    • ʏ - A medium oo, like “ooze”
    • ɨ - An exagerated oo, like “eww” (gross)
    • ʉ - A slow oo, like "ooh!" (surprise)
    • ɯ - As in “hook” or “book”
    • u - As in “pool” or “cool”
    • e - As in “say” or “rain”
    • ø - With a closed -l, like “ool”
    • ɘ - Partly closed, as in “eh”
    • ɵ - As in “foot” or “would”
    • ɣ - Partly closed, as in “uh”
    • o - First sound in “coat” or “bold”
    • ə - As in “run” or “ton”
    • ɛ - As in “get” or “rent”
    • œ - With a round -l, like “ole”
    • ɜ - Partly closed, as in “ah”
    • ɞ - Partly closed, as in “aw”
    • ʌ - As in “fun” or “come”
    • ɔ - As in “more” or “floor”
    • æ - As in “cat” or “hat”
    • ɐ - With a subtle -r, like “are”
    • a - First sound in “hi” or “fight”
    • Œ - With an open -l, like “all”
    • ɑ - As in “far” or “star”
    • ɒ - As in “want” or “job”
  • Each Vowel Position can be set in two ways:
    • Clicking on any position opens a pop-up menu of all available vowels sounds and description texts
    • Clicking and dragging on any position starts moving thru the vowels sounds, for a quick workflow with audible results (if audio is passing)
  • In The Grid, a stereo in port (Vowel In) is available for adding to the Vowel Blend value
• Profile selects which set of vowel data to use, with choices including:
  • Women 1 - an older data set, with average values from several women
  • Women 2 - a modern data set, with average values from several women
  • Female - values from one individual female
  • Men 1 - an older data set, with average values from several men
  • Men 2 - a modern data set, with average values from several men
  • Male - values from one individual male
  • Kids - average values from several children
• The Topology chooser (on the right edge of the module) sets the structure of the filter, from three choices:
  • Cascade - Serial low-pass filters; a bit better for traditional text-to-speech sounds
  • LP/BP - Low-pass and band-pass filters, processed in parallel; a synthier, Autobahn-friendly vibe
  • LP/BP/HP - Low-pass, band-pass, and high-pass filters in parallel; adds a slight bit more highs
• Several parameters influence the tuning of the internal filters in use:
  • Cutoff Pitch Offset moves the internal filters by semitones
  • The Cutoff In port and its associated Cutoff Modulation Amount attenuator allows stereo manipulation of the Cutoff Pitch Offset
    • Note: While this is like moving the cutoff of a normal filter up and down, the result is different and you might want to start by disabling pitch modulation
  • The Cutoff Frequency Offset (in the Inspector Panel or via right-click context menu) allowing linear frequency manipulation, which can be interesting for formants
  • Resonance adjusts the relative sharpness of the internal filters

NEW FILTER+/SWEEP/GRID MODULE: PUSH (SHAPER)

• A Character soft clipper with a detailed curve
• One Drive parameter for going thru the module's unique path, with optional high-order Anti-aliasing (AA)

NEW FILTER+/SWEEP/GRID MODULE: HEAT (SHAPER)

• A Character S-shaped clipper that starts soft but can drive hard
• One Drive parameter for going thru the module's unique path, with optional high-order Anti-aliasing (AA)

NEW FILTER+/SWEEP/GRID MODULE: SOAR (SHAPER)

• A Character soft wave folder that makes the quietest parts loud
• One Drive parameter for going thru the module's unique path, with optional high-order Anti-aliasing (AA)

NEW FILTER+/SWEEP/GRID MODULE: HOWL (SHAPER)

• A Character wave folder puts different parts of the signal into loud focus
• One Drive parameter for going thru the module's unique path, with optional high-order Anti-aliasing (AA)

NEW FILTER+/SWEEP/GRID MODULE: SHRED (SHAPER)

• A Character non-linear wave folder for subtle cancellation or big-time artifacts
• One Drive parameter for going thru the module's unique path, with optional high-order Anti-aliasing (AA)

NEW FILTER+/SWEEP/GRID MODULE: DIODE (SHAPER)

• A Parametric shaper modeling the classic circuit in a modern way
• Offset parameter for biasing the signal to be asymmetric
• Drive parameter for pushing the signal to bend
• Low-pass Cutoff Frequency control for rounding it off and restoring some order
• One for going thru the module's unique path, with optional high-order Anti-aliasing (AA)

NEW DEVICE: FILTER+ (FILTER)

• A dead-simple FX box, letting deploy any waveshaper and filter from The Grid directly onto a track
• Pick one of ten filters from three categories:
  • Structural choices for classic circuits:
    • Low-pass LD - A ladder filter, with variable slope and nonlinear option
    • Sallen-Key - 16 various low-, high-, and band-pass configurations
    • SVF - Highly resonant multimode (high-, low-, band-pass & notch) filter
    • Comb - A comb filter with timed feedback & dampening
  • Inspired options that speak:
    • Low-pass MG - A Moog-style low-pass filter, including drive character
    • XP - An Oberheim-style multimode filter, with 15 configurations)
    • Vowels - A morphing vowel filter, with various models, pitch and frequency offsets
  • Character ideas for something new:
    • Fizz - A nested filter circuit that can sparkle, shimmer like a phaser, or bump
    • Rasp - A filter that adds brightness around the cutoff, so it can scream or whimper
    • Ripple - A hyper-resonant circuit for playful feedback, subharmonics, or even distortion
• Pick one of 14 waveshapers, sorted for you:
  • One Knob classics with a singular control:
    • Chebyshev - Nonlinear shaper that can target harmonics
    • Distortion - Gentle distortion
    • Hard Clip - Simple, hard clipper
    • Quantizer - Signal resolution reducer
    • Wavefolder - Reflects each cycle back on itself
  • Parametric options that offer more control:
    • Diode - Classic circuit model, used for biasing and clipping
    • Rectifier - Independent positive and negative attenuators
    • Saturator - Waveshaper with loud/quiet settings + bipolar skews
    • Transfer - A freely drawable, segmented waveshaper, with BWCURVE-file support
  • Character ideas, for unique paths and simple control:
    • Push - Soft clipper with a detailed curve
    • Heat - S-shaped clipper that starts soft but can drive hard
    • Soar - Soft wave folder that makes the quietest parts loud
    • Howl - Wave folder that puts different parts of the signal into loud focus
    • Shred - Non-linear wave folder for subtle cancellation or big-time artifacts
• Signal flow is simple: audio input → waveshaper → filter
• Pre FX and Post FX chains are also available, for nested other devices or plug-ins
• A modulation section offers two built-in sources:
  • A stereo LFO module gives four waveshapes with sync-able Rate and Timebase controls
  • The incoming audio itself provides a second modulation source, with optional low-pass filtering and rectification (to make the modulation go in only one direction)
  • Both LFO and Audio Mod sources are normalled to the filter's cutoff buss, with attenuators on the filter
  • These sources are also available as modulators for free control elsewhere, including shaper Drive controls, other filter controls, or control of any nested devices in the Pre FX and Post FX slots
• Additional Inspector controls for Stereo Spread and Wet Gain
• Other parameters are available in the device's Expanded Device View, which exposes the embedded Grid patch. These include:
  • LFO Skew (to bend the shape), Phase, Phase Offset (R) (for the right channel, controlling the stereo effect), Bipolar, and Sync to Global Transport toggle (on by default)
  • Pitch Buss toggle (with = icon) to not attenuate the audio mod source, giving it a ±10 octave range
  • A simple Pan module, for placing the signal
• Being a Grid-powered device, polyphony and voice stacking are uniquely available in this audio FX device
• By right-clicking the device header, functions are available to:
  • Convert to Sweep, for bringing all settings into that device
  • Convert to FX Grid, for full patching control

NEW DEVICE: SWEEP (FILTER)

• A performable effect devices, combining and blending waveshaper and filter from The Grid
• Everything said about Filter+ is true of Sweep, except Sweep has a second filter slot and generalized controls for this setup
• Joint Frequency Control provides control of both filters in a range ±3 octaves
  • An Invert option flips the direction that the Joint Frequency Control applies to filter B, allowing you to move their cutoffs in opposite directions
• The Routing Blend control smoothly moves thru various device configurations:
  • At 0 %, only filter A → waveshaper is heard
  • 50 % is a parallel routing, with device audio input going straight to both filter A (then out) and to waveshaper → filter B (then out)
  • 100 % is fully serial, with device audio input going to filter A → waveshaper → filter B
  • Positions in between blend these routings, for a continuous range
• Stereo Pan is similar to the Joint Frequency Control, except it applies the same stereo adjustment to both filters
  • Positive (rightward) settings move right channel cutoffs up and left cutoffs down, and negative (leftward) settings move left channel cutoffs up and right cutoffs down
  • Good, quick stereo-ization control

VOICE STACKING EXPANSION

• Voice Stacking remains a unique feature of Bitwig Studio, allowing any polyphonic device — including compatible plug-ins — to create multiple layers of sound
• 16 is now the maximum, allowing each note played to trigger up to 16 independent voices
• When voice stacking is active, any single voice in the stack can be soloed
  • This temporary gesture makes sound programming easier and fast
  • This option is available in the device Inspector Panel, along with the Voice Stacking setting
• The old Voice Stack (Note-driven) modulator has been replaced by two modulators in the new Voice Stacking category:
  • Stack Spread offers the original four spread modes, along with eight new ones:
    • Flipped - Provide simple reciprocals [1, 1/2, 1/3, ... 1/n]
    • Straight - Gives harmonic relationships [1, 1/2, 1/4, ... 1/2ⁿ], whether for pitch or rhythms
    • Primes - Inverted prime numbers [1, 1/2, 1/3, 1/5, 1/7, 1/11...]
    • Golden - The Fibonacci sequence [1, 1/2, 1/3, 1/5, 1/8, 1/13...]
    • Rand+ - Creates a unipolar random value for each voice (at note on), with all values adding up to 1
    • Rand+ ↕︎ - A scaled, stronger version of Rand+, tending towards more large values
    • Rand± - Creates a bipolar random value for each voice (at note on), with all values adding up to 0 (zero)
    • Rand+ ↕︎ - A scaled, stronger version of Rand±, tending towards more large values
  • Voice Control provides 16 individual modulator sources for programming any of the 16 voices uniquely
  • With more spread modes, you may want to insert more than one Stack Spread modulator
  • Previous presets or projects using the Voice Stack modulator are automatically converted to use the new modulator(s)
• Three new Grid modules offer a new level of control when voice stacking is active:
  • Voice Stack Info (I/O) provides two signals:
    • Voice Stack Index outputs a polyphonic signal of the current voice's index within the stack
    • Normalized by default, the signal is ideal for creating your own spread modes (maybe try running it thru a Bend [Level] module, or any other shaper)
    • Voice Stack Size outputs a mono signal reflecting the current voice stacking setting, which could be useful for dynamic gain adjustments, etc.
  • Voice Stack Mix (Mix) is a processor that provides a mixer interface for each voice in the stack
    • This provides a Level, Pan, Solo, and Enable control for each voice in the Inspector Panel
    • Each control can be mapped, modulated, or automated
    • The module can be inserted anywhere in a patch — and as many times as you like. This isn't just for audio.
  • Voice Stack Tog (Mix) is a processor the provides simple Enable controls voice each voice
    • Like Voice Stack Mix, this is a processor that can be inserted anywhere in a patch and is free to be mapped or modulated
    • This module could be useful in many cases, including with Note Grid (before the Gate Out, for example)
  • Since the Voice Stack Mix and Voice Stack Tog modules share an Enable control for each voice, swapping between the two modules will keep these particular data
• Since Filter+ and Sweep are based on FX Grid, there are now three audio FX devices that can use polyphony and voice stacking
  • Simple idea: try a band-pass filter in Filter+, enable Voice Stacking, and spread the cutoff

NEW POLYMER/GRID MODULE: BITE (OSCILLATOR)

• A Techniques-driven oscillator, offering exponential FM, hard sync, PWM, and ring mod from dual oscillator feedback
• Anti-aliasing and internal feedback allow for some very crisp, fresh, and/or modular analog sounds
• Internal Oscillator A & B are identical, each providing seven waveshapes with Pulse Width controls, as well as fixed Saw and Sine options
  • Like the Union oscillator, the oscillators exhibit some smooth analog drift when Pulse Width, for example, is moved
• Oscillator B can pulse-width modulate (PWM) Oscillator A
• Oscillator A can do exponential frequency modulation (xFM) on Oscillator B
• Oscillator A can also hard SYNC Oscillator B:
  • SYNC is a useful way to use exponential FM without breaking the pitch of Oscillator B
  • Oscillator B also has its own Pitch Offset control, for setting (or modulating) more interesting hard sync waveshapes
• A trio of mix controls set the output level for oscillator A, oscillator B, and a ring-modulated mix (RM) of the two
• The Grid module version has a special Independent Mono Mode toggle in the Inspector Panel
  • This flattens the module to a mono output
  • This also allows individual oscillator targeting via the in ports, routing left channel inputs only to Oscillator A and right channel inputs to Oscillator B

ONSET POWER AND AUDIO QUANTIZE

• Our new, higher-resolution onset detector from v5.0 provides better data and allows for new functions
• Audio clips/events now have an Onset Threshold setting
  • This value affects playback, setting which onsets are preserved by stretching
  • Onsets below the threshold will appear more dim, and if affected clips/events are onscreen with onsets showing, this will be updated while dragging the Onset Threshold setting
  • This value is in the Audio Event > Stretching area of the Inspector Panel
  • The setting is available for audio using either the Stretch, Stretch HD, or Slice when the algorithm has its Transient Rate set to at Onsets
• A new Audio Quantize… function is now available for audio clips and events
  • Set the desired beat grid in the dialog
  • Adjust the Onset Threshold within the dialog to set which onsets should get quantized (via stretch markers)
    • Again, if the clips/events are visible when the dialog is open, they and their onsets will be brightly previewed in the background
  • The Amount, Shuffle, and Humanize settings determine the movement and position of quantized
  • Click OK to make it so. Boom.
  • An additional Audio Quantize (no ellipsis […]) function is available to skip the dialog and directly apply your last values
• Other functions that can use onsets (Slice in Place, Slice to Drum Machine, Slice to Multisample) now have the Onset Threshold control, interface, and visual preview mechanism

SOME MIXER LOVE

• The various panels in the Mix view and Mixer Panel have been reordered, made scrollable, and show/hide is better ways (when available space changes)
• A permanent left column (below scenes, when visible) has been added for the mixer view toggles and section labels (Devices, Sends, I/O, etc.)
• When multiple tracks are selected, adjusting one track will adjust them all, whether it is volume, mute, output routing, etc.
• The left column also has a horizontal divider line that can be dragged ups and down to resize the volume faders and their level meters
  • The peak hold level for each track is now visible at most heights, just above the level meters
  • Hovering over the peak hold level shows updated stereo information about the track level
  • Clicking the peak hold level clears it for all tracks, as well as the small red peak indicators at the top of each meter
• Tracks can also be made much narrower now
• The mini device view of the mixer now shows clickable icons for native Bitwig devices that have an Expanded Device View
  • Clicking the icon scroll the device (in the Device Panel) onto screen and opens the Expanded Device View above
  • EQ+ and EQ-5 devices offer the same functionality by clicking on their mini equalizer view
  • The same is true in the Inspector Panel, except the icons are always visible
• Holding [SHIFT] when resizing on track resizes all tracks in that section to the same size
  • Holding [SHIFT] now performs the same function when resizing Arranger track lanes
• Track headers have been redesigned to give more space to track names, and to make selections and relationships more obvious and clear

NEW FEATURES

• A non-destructive Normalize function is now available on audio clips/events, inserting a Gain expression value for the clip (or for each audio event, when multiples are selected)
• New Set Clip Start function is available in the Detail Editor Panel, sliding the clip contents to the current time selection
  • Available in the Time menu or in the right-click menu
• Container devices with three or more chains (Multiband-3, XY FX, and XY Instrument) now have mute / solo controls for each chain
• Container devices with two chains (Multiband-2, Mid-Side Split, and Stereo Split) now a solo button for each chain
• FX Grid (The Grid) device: Now has an Auto-gate from Notes parameter
  • If you enable an FX Grid patch to be polyphonic, now you don't have to change your patch at all as some simple enveloping is applied for each note played
  • The Auto-gate toggle is in the Note Source section of the Inspector, with an Auto-gate Release Time setting right beside it
  • Auto-gate is on by default and has no effect if your patch is using True Mono
  • Both Filter+ and Sweep also have this Auto-gate option
• New Toggle In (Mix) Grid module: Switch between two incoming signals, with a button directly on the module
• New Toggle Out (Mix) Grid module: Switch between two outgoing paths, with a button directly on the module
• New Pitch Buss (Pitch) Grid module: Pitch summing buss with attenuators for up to six inputs
  • Attenuators are set in a range of ±36 semitones
  • Inputs two to six also have a Thru option (a clickable = icon) that adds that incoming signal without attenuation, good in the case of actual pitch signals, etc.
• New Invert (Math) Grid module: Gives a button to reverse polarity (× -1) of the incoming signal, with Stereo-ness option
• New Reciprocal (Math) Grid module: Gives a button to flip (1/x) the incoming signal, with Stereo-ness option
• Chebyshev (Shaper) Filter+/Sweep/Grid module: Now has a Remove DC option to subtract the function's inherent DC
• Support for Softube Console One devices [33559]
• DAWproject files can now be exported (from the File menu) and imported by Bitwig Studio
  • This new format allows transferring project data from one audio sequencer to another
  • More information on the format is here
• Controller script added for Derivative's TouchDesigner
  • This script from Derivative provides an integration between Bitwig Studio and TouchDesigner, for dynamic live visuals and more
  • More info here

IMPROVEMENTS

• Zooming behavior with shortcuts now centers around the active selection if present, or otherwise around the mouse location if present over the editor
• Various editing improvements:
  • Make Legato function now treats chords together
  • After using the Knife tool to slice, the second clip/event is now selected
  • Time selection tool can now move beat markers when hovering marker head
  • Eraser tool can now be used to delete beat markers and onsets
  • The Arranger loop length can now be extended by clicking outside of the loop region
  • The Arranger loop length can now be shortened by using [CTL]-click ([CMD]-click on Mac) inside the current Arranger loop
  • Dragging in new beat markers from onset locations has moved to top edge of the Detail Editor Panel, where the onset locations are shown
  • [ALT]-dragging now slides the waveform under a beat marker
  • Dragging automation events now feels smoother
  • Better beat marker visibility
• Instrument Selector and FX Selector devices: May now process chains in parallel
• Test Tone (Utility) device: Now has cleaner Saw and Square waveforms
• Transfer (Shaper) Filter+/Sweep/Grid module: The Reset Curve function (available on right-click) makes a three-point identity function for better custom editing
• Saturator (Shaper) Filter+/Sweep module: Has a Pop-out Editor, making all parameters available even when outside of The Grid
• ≥ and ≤ Grid modules (Math): Now have an Exact Matches Only setting, which can be disabled from the Inspector or the context menu [33705]
• Bounce only processes the track's prerequisites (and not the whole project)
• Support for sample-accurate automation recording from controllers and plug-in windows
• New function to Delete All Project Automation
• New function to Delete All Automation Owned by Selection
• VST3 and CLAP: We now honor any plug-in's realtime requirement
• CLAP: Uses MIDI MPE if the plug-in asks for it

FIXES

• Now correctly update the project's PDC, when activating a plug-in for offline rendering results in a latency change
• Touch automation mode now works when plug-in parameters are changed from within Bitwig Studio's GUI [33768]

https://www.bitwig.com/whats-new/

 

Last edited: Oct 25, 2023

https://downloads.bitwig.com/5.1 Beta 1/Release-Notes-5.1 Beta 1.html
https://www.bitwig.com/whats-new/

It's actually pretty massive and that video does it no justice, imo. Maybe more videos will follow.

 

Last edited: Oct 18, 2023

New mixer is amazing

 

Spoiler: Bitwig Studio 5.1, Beta 2 [released 24 October 2023]

IMPROVEMENTS

Quantize Audio improvments:

• Applying Quantize Audio to raw audio events applies the user's Default stretch mode set for On recording / bounce (set in Dashboard > Settings > Behavior)
• After executing the function, visible waveform editors will switch to the Stretch page, displaying beat markers

Mixer improvements:

• The Big Meters section is back, available when the mixer's Clip Launcher Panel is hidden
• Meters scale now disappears one "width-step" later
• CLAP: Updated to version 1.1.9

FIXES

• Export and Bounce in Place are fast again, even when a project contains plugins (a regression) [33892]

Quantize Audio fixes:

• From the dialog, the numeric Onset Threshold control wasn't working when dragged [33901]
• Fixed a crash when used on a metaclip [33863]
• Rasp (Filter) module: Renamed (and clarified description for) its Feedback Limit parameter
• Voice Stack Mix (Mix) Grid module: Has correct labels for voice 5 [33933]
• Chorus+, Flanger+, and Phaser+ (Modulation) devices: Could sound different when opened from previous work [33909]
• Vocoder (Filter) device: Was broken in v5.1b1 [33924]
• Humanize (Note FX) device: Was not passing note offs when panel was hidden, causing hanging notes [33975]
• Note Sidechain modulator: Now shows user-provided name in the modulator pane [33619]

Mixer fixes:

• Faders were sometimes overlapping at maximum height at various interface scalings [33895]
• Output chooser for multiout VST chains now scales correctly when resizing mixer [33932]
• Reference waveforms (shown under notes) in the Detail Editor Panel now uses a stronger color
• Realtime export now works, no longer performing a normal offline export (a regression) [33894]
• Fixed a crash when copying Launcher clips with automation [33883]
• Enabling MIDI clock no longer crashes the audio engine [33885]
• Application could sometimes crash when clicking the "maximize" device button from a mixer or Inspector Panel devices section [33777]
• Plug-ins: Fixed performance regressions [33931]
• Fabfilter Pro-Q 3 VST3: Solo band function works again [33910]
• Softube Console 1: Now shows the correct name and color for group tracks

 

Spoiler: Changes in Bitwig Studio 5.1, Beta 3 [released 27 October 2023]

IMPROVEMENTS

• Better visualization of deactivated tracks in the Arranger Timeline Panel

FIXES

• Normalize not available for Launcher Clips, but for Arranger clips [33902]
• Mixer: Fixed scaling issues with Big Meters when not using 200% GUI Scaling
• Browsing drum machine presets should be quicker again (a regression in beta 5.1) [34024]
• Convolution (Reverb) device: Improved playback for "true stereo" (four channel impulses, removing previous artifacts in some cases [33899]
• DAWproject: Fixed an import issue with clip offsets when clip times and durations were using mixed units
• Fixed a rare engine crash when deleting a plug-in [34013]
• macOS: Fixed random crashes when inputting text [33774]
• Plug-ins: Now go to sleep regardless of how their window is closed (including using the GUI button in the device chain) [33862]
• CLAP: Plug-in parameters could not be changed from the plug-in window (regression in beta 2) [34011]
• Fixed a slowdown when opening the browser with some third-party scripts (like Generic Flexi) and many tracks present [34042]
• Console 1 hardware may set mixer parameters to random values (regression in beta 2)

 

Spoiler: Changes in Bitwig Studio 5.1, Beta 4 [released 03 November 2023]

FIXES

• Filter+, Sweep, and The Grid: Swapping modules while other modules are disabled no longer crashes the audio engine [34143]
• Vowels (Filter) Polymer / Filter+ / Sweep / Grid module: Has better compensation when the Cutoff Frequency Offset is modulated
• Vocoder (Filter) device: Fixed an issue with being stuck / loud bursts when changing Filter Type [34133]
• Convolution (Reverb) device: Fixed an audio engine crash [34118]
• Preview player was not working for clips [34124]
• Clock Divider (Logic) Grid Module: Fixed cases where it was sometimes triggering too frequently [34131]
• Post-sidechain routing to nested device chains works again [34126]
• Fixed a random engine behavior after mapping a hardware button to some toggle controls (like mute) [34176]
• CC automation points round better, outputting more accurate values [34023]
• Removed Delete All Automation Lanes from mappable operation [34144]
• Fixed an engine crash when connecting to some projects [33888]
• Plug-ins: Fixed an issue where some deactivated plug-ins on the master track were forcing a realtime bounce [34141]

 

Spoiler: Changes in Bitwig Studio 5.1, Beta 5 [released on 10 November 2023]

NEW FEATURES

• Added a control for the visual strength of timeline Grid Lines (under Dashboard > Settings > User Interface > Contrast)

IMPROVEMENTS

• Filter+ and Sweep (Filter) devices: The Wet Gain parameter (for volume correction) has been moved to the front panel of the device, between the Pre FX and Post FX chains
• Stack Spread (Voice Stacking) modulator: Voice Level sliders for Manual mode have moved into the Inspector panel
• Dragging automation points for certain parameters (such as Frequency, Q, and Gain in EQ+, etc.) no longer feel slow
• Dragging automation/expression events beyond the upper/lower timeline boundary no longer requires dragging back the same distance [25219]
• Improved MIDI clock syncing implementation [34040]
• Improved dictionary-based text truncation to respect the original text more (CAPS, spaces, etc.) [34160]
• Latency information shown in mixer is now also working for nested chains
• CLAP plug-ins: Added missing track info implementation
• Windows: No more firewall popup messages

FIXES

• Audio was not stretched in some cases when Onset Threshold was set above zero [34016]

Mixer improvements:

• Vertical resizing of mixer faders now sets the requested size, but it can still be made smaller from outer constrains (like available window space)
• Mini-display for EQ+ is shown properly in track inspector
• Drum machine chains now consistently show level meters in mixer view [34220]
• [SHIFT]-dragging a group track on the right border of the track will now resize all tracks at that level [34179]
• Adding an audio track with key command now longer resets all Arranger lane heights (at that level) [34216]
• Left level meter in mixer track is no longer thinner than the right one on non-retina screens [34231]

Arranger loop control improvements [34227]:

• [CTL]-click ([CMD]-click on Mac) adjusts the loop end time
• [CTL]-[SHIFT]-click ([CMD]-[SHIFT]-click on Mac) adjusts the loop end
• Dragging within the current Arranger loop moves it
• Clicking outside the current Arranger loop changes the loop start time, but not the length
• Dragging outside the current Arranger loop — or [CTL]-dragging ([CMD]-dragging on Mac) within the current Arranger loop — draws a new loop region

• Segment (Envelope) modulator and Grid module: Loop Mode buttons now work correctly via touch [32850]
• Reciprocal (Math) Grid module: Original setting for Stereo-ness is now Mono
• Reciprocal, Invert (Math), Octaver, Ratio, and Transpose (Pitch) Grid modules: Default value for - Stereo-ness parameter is now Mono
• Pitch expression in audio editor no longer opens in a weird place [34065]
• Filter+ and Sweep (Filter) devices: Filter modulation attenuators now visibly update on enable/disable, even after the filters have been swapped
• Fixed a crash when zooming in/out via control surface [33981]
• VST Plug-ins: Show automated parameters only option now consistently updates the list when automation is added [33853]
• [SHIFT]-[X] shortcut did not work when assigned to Cut Time [33818]

** note there seem to be some serious issues with the beta, likely wait until next one **

 

Last edited: Nov 29, 2023

On my side, i stopped even testing (again) Bitwig because there is an unsolved bug for years stopping me to use ... my soundcard.

This kind of bug (similar but not the same). And YES, it still unsolved in 2023 :
https://www.reddit.com/r/Bitwig/comments/14c5lsl/got_my_focusrite_gen_3_todaybitwig_isnt_inputting/

To me, it is not serious to provide a DAW witch don't even recognize a f*kin soundcard. NEVER happened with any other DAW (and i tested around 20 in my life).
I don't even want to know the rest ...

 

Been using Bitwig since v1 on number of machines, OS's and sound cards and never had issues like that or audio engine giving up like some experienced. Stopped using Focusrite after Saffire, wasn't happy with drivers performance and overall experience.

 

Also I've noticed (Windows 10, Bitwig Studio 5.1 Beta 5):
- A crash to desktop occurs everytime I click "Show Mixer". EDIT Fixed by Beta 6.
- Audio engine takes more long time to initialize (even on new project). Fixed by Beta 6.

No issue about my audio interface (Yamaha/Steinberg UR22C), however.

 

Last edited: Nov 17, 2023

I am on day 6 of a 30 day trial with Bitwig, and up until now I have had no problems with it and have been really enjoying this DAW, however I have come up against an issue.

Every saved project I try and open back up again just comes up with Activate Audio Engine with a circle of spinning dots. I have tried to terminate the process from the menu but nothing happens or Bitwig just hangs.



Opening Bitwig and using my Template or the Default has no issues at all, I can create a new project, load and play VSTs and save the project just fine, its just the loading of any of my saved projects that causes this issue.

It even does this on saving an empty project without any instruments or plugins loaded or any clip or arrangement data.

Has anyone come across this before?

I'm pretty gutted as I was going to purchase this DAW and migrate to it, but not if I cant load any projects back.

In case anyone is wanting my PC Specs are below

 

Last edited: Nov 14, 2023

Oh sure, rub it in our faces why dont ya

 

Its always something sombody asks so just thought I would include everything to paint a better picture. But, she is a thing of beauty for sure.

 

Last edited: Nov 14, 2023

That's sad but not surprising. I have had various issues with Focusrite over the years, but still on my 1st gen Scarlett 2i4. It however does operate in Bitwig so crossing my fingers it doesn't tank. ;)

 

The immediate love I had for Bitwig is rapidly fading there just seems to be so many bugs and random intermittent issues yet we are on v5, it seems so broken in some areas, like we are still in some sort of beta.

Been reading on the various forums how a lot of people have given up with it because of these issues with some still being present a few years down the line.

Is this supposed to be a professional DAW?

I still have the Active Audio Engine issue on everything I load up? Why? Its perfectly fine loading the initial template, its just anything you have saved which you load back in gets this error.

Tonight I have been trying the DAWproject File (.dawproject) which is just a template file with some VSTs converted from Studio One v6.5 to the .dawproject file format and opened up in Bitwig, sure it loads the template fine and all the plugins just fine, can see all the plugins interfaces, only issue is there isn't any sound for most of the tracks and just a crackling bleeping sound for others, no matter what I try, even changing interfaces.

Never had any issues with Studio One, Ableton or Cubase Pro it just seems such a shame as I really like this DAW and don't want to give up on it.

I know its not my PC which is seriously over spec'd for the music I am wanting to make, I have various interfaces yet it performs the same on all of them.

I feel totally deflated by something that started out as being a total breath of fresh air

Any advice would be very welcomed.