Bitwig Studio 2.3
It’s with great pleasure that we introduce Bitwig Studio 2.3 to the world. With our biggest point update yet we deliver a number of features much requested by the community, alongside hot new things, profoundly expanding the sound design possibilities in Bitwig Studio.
Sink your teeth into Phase-4, our massive new phase manipulation synthesizer, time signature changes, voice stacking capabilities, and gloriously expanded views for seven devices. Additionally, with Bitwig Studio 2.3, we introduce major improvements in time-stretching, including industry-leading Elastique algorithms from zplane. We top things off with two new selector devices, a new modulator, a multitude of improvements, and a sound content update involving renowned sound designers. Scroll down for further details.
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 each of the four 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 also 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.
Be sure to check out the sound examples below.
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. Simply click any Device Interface Button to fire up the large view and enjoy.
At the heart of each of the four 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 expanded view can also be opened as a detached floating window by clicking the detach button in the top right corner. Pin the detached window to keep it in view at all times.
This grand new view does not only look fabulous; it enhances connection, understanding, and control. Get greater detail, explore waveforms, and control several parameters at once.
Time Signature Changes
It's about time...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 & Improved Time-Stretching
We give Bitwig Studio a generous boost in the time-stretching department by improving our existing algorithms and adding a number of new ones in the granular and spectral domains, including industry-leading third-party technology.
We're excited to welcome Zplane Elastique algorithms in four flavors to the party, with full formant control. We extended the functionality and quality of our own Stretch and Stretch HD algorithms, and add two new ones: Slice — slices audio at onsets — and Cyclic — retro stretching inspired by classic cream colored 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 aspiring to make an artistic point. Try them out for yourself and find your favorite.
Instrument & Effect Selector
The Instrument Selector and Effect Selector are layering devices for transitioning into exclusive sounds. 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 so say hello to next-level unison.
Start out by increasing the voice stack count, how many voices each note should play, and assign parameters to spread for each voice.
But do approach this new feature with some discretion as increased voice count means your CPU has to work harder. As always, with great power comes great responsibility.
New Voice Stack Modulator
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 striking selection of new factory presets. We have worked with a wonderful team of renowned sound designers to give you top notch sounds. This preset collection covers our new, extraordinary synthesizer, Phase-4, and the new Voice Stack technology, but also includes great sounds for our existing family of instruments and effects.
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