Bitwig has announced the upcoming version 2.3 update of its Bitwig Studio music production software for Windows, Mac and Linux.
This latest version of Bitwig Studio combines highly requested features from the Bitwig community along with new and innovative elements, profoundly expanding the sound design possibilities of Bitwig Studio.
Version 2.3 includes a new phase manipulation synthesizer called Phase-4, time signature changes, new and improved time-stretching algorithms, expanded view for devices, instrument & effect selector, voice stacking, and lots more.
Check out what Bitwig has to say about the update.
Phase-4
Meet Phase-4, a four-oscillator synthesizer powered by phase modulation and phase distortion. Drawing inspiration from legendary digital synths like Yamaha’s DX7 and Casio’s CZ series, Phase-4 is capable of vintage sounds that we know and love, but it goes further, greatly expanding these phase manipulation concepts.
At the heart of the stereo oscillators in Phase-4 is a sine wave that can be shaped by five different phase distortion algorithms. Each oscillator can also be phase-modulated, by itself and by the other three oscillators, producing a vast range of possible sounds and timbres. This combination of phase distortion and phase modulation – which we lovingly call phase manipulation – brings Phase-4 to life with all of its awesome sonic power. The oscillators can even manipulate the built-in filter section for incredibly crisp and edgy textures.
The extensive controls for frequency, phase distortion, and phase modulation allow for easy and fast access to truly complex phase manipulation technology. Fire up Phase-4 in its expanded view (more on that below) to see it in all its glory.
Expanded Device View
It’s time to break some (literal) boundaries and let our devices spread out further into space. Panoramic view and controls are now available for seven of our devices: EQ-5, FM-4, Phase-4, Polysynth, Resonator Bank, Sampler, and Spectrum Analyzer.
Also available as a detached floating window, the Expanded Device View enhances the connection, understanding, and control of each device. Get greater detail, explore waveforms, and control multiple parameters at once.
Time Signature Changes
With Bitwig Studio 2.3, we introduce time signature changes. You can now add time signature markers in your arranger timeline, and the timeline grid will be updated accordingly. Time signature changes will be included when exporting or importing MIDI files.
You can now also set time signature properties for clips, offering a flexible note grid to satisfy your musical needs. As a bonus, you can even set a time signature for a master clip in the clip launcher, using it to change or record time signature changes on the fly.
New and Improved Time-stretching
Bitwig Studio has received a generous boost in the time-stretching department by licensing the highly acclaimed Elastique algorithms from zplane. And we have also enhanced Bitwig’s own Stretch and Stretch HD algorithms, as well as adding two new ones: Slice, which slices audio at onsets, and Cyclic, a touch of retro-stretching inspired by early hardware samplers.
With Bitwig Studio 2.3, you’ll always find the right stretch mode and settings for your audio material, whether you are looking for a natural sound or aiming to make an artistic point.
Instrument & Effect Selectors
The Instrument Selector and Effect Selector are exclusive layer devices. Only one layer can be played at a time, and the other layers are inactive to both your ears and your processor’s load. These devices are excellent for live use, particularly for swapping between patches and sounds — and not overloading your system in the act. They can also be used as multi-effects, permitting modulation and automated switching between layers.
Here’s the good part: you will freely switch between layers without hard breaks or clicks, and your sustained notes and reverb tails will fade away naturally. Furthermore, the Remote Controls follow your selection in a dynamic and predictable way.
Voice Stacking
We’re introducing voice stacking for a selection of our internal instruments, opening up incredible sound design possibilities. With voice stacking, you can create thick, lush sounds that were previously out of reach.
New Modulator: Voice Stack
The Voice Stack modulator can be used in conjunction with voice stacking for detailed mapping control of each voice in the stack.
Sound Content Update
We are further expanding our sound content library with a selection of new factory presets. This preset collection does not only cover our new synthesizer, Phase-4, and voice stacks but also includes new sounds and presets for our existing instruments and effects.
The beta testing of Bitwig Studio 2.3 is starting soon. All owners of Bitwig Studio 2 will have access to the Bitwig Studio 2.3 Beta in their user account. The release of Bitwig Studio 2.3 is scheduled for the end of February, 2018.
Bitwig will showcase Bitwig Studio 2.3 during the upcoming NAMM show in Anaheim, California from January 25th to 28th (booth 10706 of ALEX4).
More information: Bitwig