Bitwig Studio 2
The DAW newcomer hits version two with some impressive tweaks and additions
Three years on from its initial launch, Bitwig Studio gets its first full version update, with version two set to arrive in late February. Rightly or wrongly, at launch, Bitwig struggled to escape the shadow of Ableton Live, thanks to the two DAWs’ shared developer lineage and similar interface design. Through subsequent updates, however, Bitwig Studio has slowly carved out its own identity within the crowded DAW market, thanks largely to its open controller compatibility and unique modulation system.
Doubling down on that – already very flexible – modulation set-up, is the key theme for Bitwig Studio 2.0. According to Bitwig, the system has been extensively reworked from version one to create a more modular set-up in which an unlimited number of modulators can be added to any instrument or effect and be assigned to a near-limitless selection of parameters with ease. To fully take advantage of this new system, 24 new modulator devices have been added to the DAW including a variety of envelope generators and LFOs, alongside a few more esoteric modulation tools that appear to take inspiration from the Eurorack world.
Speaking of Eurorack, another key feature for version two is the addition of several devices designed to help the DAW interface with hardware synths, CV-equipped sequencers and modular gear. These include MIDI CV and MIDI program change utilities, along with CV clock and control devices that will transmit CV control via a compatible audio interface.
New devices
Alongside these headline additions, Bitwig 2.0 also features a raft of new and reworked devices. Highlights include a flexible new selection of MIDI note effects offering a variety of harmony, chord and velocity automation options. There’s also a new phaser device, a pitchshifter and an interesting looking effect called Treemonster, which Bitwig describe as an “organic zero-crossing amplitude controlled ring modulator with a life of its own”.
The DAW’s flagship instrument, Polysynth, is getting an upgrade too, with the addition of new oscillator modes and waveshaping tools. Plus a sweepable high-pass filter has been added, along with a feedback loop around the filter and amp section.
Finally, version 2.0 also see the welcome addition of a spectrum analyser. This arrives not only as a standalone device, but also as an interface addition for an assortment of existing tools included in the EQ-5 and multi-band FX container.
Bitwig 2 also adds VST3 compatibility, adjustable audio fades and crossfades, a new context-aware menu and a host of interface refinements/customisation options.
Pricing structure
Bitwig 2.0 also sees the introduction of a new pricing structure that allows users to ‘subscribe’ to updates on a yearly basis. While the DAW still requires an outright purchase, priced at 379 euros for new users and 159 euros as an upgrade from version one, the purchase now includes a year’s free upgrades, from minor tweaks right through to full version upgrades. Users can then extend this update subscription for 159 euros a year. Those who choose not to subscribe won’t lose access to their software, meaning that users are able to continue using the DAW and simply opt back in once they spot an update they want. Right now it’s difficult to guess whether this subscription model will offer value for money; we’ll have to wait and see the frequency and size of Bitwig’s updates.
Bitwig Studio 2 is due to arrive on 28th February. Users who purchased version one on/after 10th December will get the upgrade free.