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Bitwig Studio 4.3

Bitwig Studio 4 3 comments small

Bitwig Studio 4.3 is out now. The new version introduces some new devices (Convolution and Delay+), improvements to our flagship synthesizers, a load of fresh sound content in the form of an impulse response library plus an additional, massive sound package of analog-inspired presets, and support for the cutting-edge plug-in technology CLAP.

Perfection is one of humanity's greatest myths. Nature doesn't draw straight lines, nor does it make static noises. Instead, lines curve and sounds shift, creating beauty out of imperfections. That's the idea behind the synth patches and presets in this sound package, Perfect Drift, which approximate analog drift in a digital ecosystem.

This sound package contains over 100 presets and clips of familiar patches and classic-sounding synths, some of which were modeled on the work of analog pioneers. Most of the presets were made for The Grid and Polymer and make use of the Union oscillator and Moog-inspired Low-Pass MG filter to create organic sounds that meander, evolve, and come alive.

When searching for new sounds, do you focus on the processors? Or is it the generators that make the difference? Bitwig Studio 4.3 is here, bringing space and tone, with a convolution device for real and imagined spaces, a new delay that loves the spotlight, and some downright electric components for synths.

The new device, Convolution, can take any sound anywhere - even places that don't exist. All convolutions imprint sound with an "impulse," and Bitwig's comes ready-made with 270 of them, ranging from 12th-century cathedrals and legendary studio effects to more abstract "environments." Using the impulse of a room or hall creates a realistic reverb, but Bitwig's Convolution and content offers so much more.

You can easily adjust color and tone, or draw your own envelope to reshape the impulse itself. Plus, since they support "true stereo" (four-channel) files as well as loading any audio as an impulse, you can drag and drop anything onto Convolution and see what impossible space you land in.

Bitwig Studio 4 3 Convolution Delay plus

Delay+ is Bitwig's latest boutique audio effect. By balancing familiar controls along with a few thoughtful new ones, Delay+ can either add a little character or fully transform your sound as it ping-pongs along.

Set the delay in seconds or beats, then nudge each channel a few milliseconds for instant stereo. Pick from five Blur options to go from a lightly animated feedback to a full, blown-out reverb. A Ducking control keeps things under control by quieting your delay cloud when strong signals arrive.

Bitwig's nested structure allows you to drop our Pitch Shifter, or Flanger+, or any VST plug-in into the feedback loop. So whether you just need a little slapback or a colorful wash of sound, Delay+ has you covered. Polymer and The Grid use the same modules, so when something new comes along, everybody wins. For Bitwig 4.3, some analog-inspired goodies have arrived.

Bitwig Studio 4 3 Polymer

Two modules are new. Union is an oscillator that plays it straight, blending three waveshapes into one pleasant, drifting output. And for filtering, Low-pass MG honors Mr. Moog by imitating both his classic filter and mix buss.

But plenty of other features have also arrived. The Low-pass SK filter is now Sallen-Key, with 16 modes on tap. Our Comb filter gained a Damping control for a touch of finesse. ADSR and two other envelopes now have added modes for Digital precision, or Analog simplicity and feel. Plus all filters get a Q Limit to rein in their resonance, and all oscillators have more phase mod range for more brittle, digital sounds. So whether starting a sound in Polymer or growing a world in The Grid, new sounds are at hand.

As always, a few more new features came along for the ride.

Bitwig Studio 4.3 is out now for anyone with a Bitwig Studio license and an active Upgrade Plan. All of the updates to Polymer are also available for our Bitwig Studio 16-Track customers, as well as the workflow updates and CLAP.

www.bitwig.com