Bitwig Studio 5.2 Update - In Depth Presentation

@bitwig Studio celebrates 10 years anniversary this year, and the latest update - 5.2 is now in public beta. Available to all registered users of Bitwig.
We spoke with Dave Linnenbank about some of the new features, the Compressor + multiband, multi-flavour dynamics, the three new EQs, the new precision editing features and also the new beat detection.
More information:
bitwig.com
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#soniclab #bitwig #5.2update
Exclusive extra content on Patreon
/ sonicstate
00:00:00 Start
00:00:55 preamble - anniversary
00:03:32 Compressor +
00:05:39 on vocals
00:07:50 on drums
00:10:16 modes
00:12:30 multi-band
00:16:28 Sculpt
00:21:41 EQ- Focus
00:24:19 EQ- Tilt
00:26:28 Precision Editing
00:32:16 Beat Detection
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[@neurogod]

Interviewer well done. He was able to go 40 minutes without asking a question about custom themes. Even when it came to the graphics engine. I'm amazed, I give him a standing ovation!

[@ggeessttaalltt]

Switched from Ableton to Bitwig about a year ago because I was tired of Ableton’s stability issues, but these lackluster updates and a refusal to focus on basic features is making me consider moving back. There are so many tools in Bitwig that have become indispensable to me as a producer (fast bouncing in place, hybrid lanes, audio editing within clips, plugin sandboxing) but the Bitwig team’s refusal to focus on basic functionality like midi step recording, ripple paste, or video support drives me insane. I can’t do simple stuff like inputting chords without recording them live or drawing them in note by note, insert copied content without first inserting empty space, and I can’t make use of Bitwig on sound design jobs without having to use external software to sync projects to video. It’s ridiculous. I get the feeling the Bitwig team needs better leadership, they clearly have some fantastic developers but they feel massively out of touch with what modern sound designers and composers actually use on a day to day basis.

[@SamHocking]

Bitwig just keeps going from strength to strength, it's just a lot of fun, creative and so stable.

[@lordsharshabeel]

“Stable” is definitely not the first word that comes to mind when it comes to Bitwig. I’ve seen that crash report screen at least 1,000 times, more than any other software I use.

[@SamHocking]

@@lordsharshabeelSounds like you have other issues than Bitwig lol.

[@UniversalStand]

@@lordsharshabeelLOL! Stop it.

[@lordsharshabeel]

I wish I were joking. Try doing anything that’s not 3m20s of 4/4 techno at 120bpm and you’ll see what I mean. Write a waltz: crash Bitwig.

[@SamHocking]

@@lordsharshabeel As I said you have bigger issues than Bitwig imo.

[@LowAltitudeAstronaut]

Bitwig, just a suggestion related to precision editing... automation needs true time selection based "four point" node drawing. Currently the pencil tool kinda works but it's imprecise and clunky. Most other professional DAW's allow you to make a time selection in the automation lane then grab the line and move it up or down that automatically creates four points (nodes). This allows for a perfect "square" shaped edit. Awesome forward thinking DAW btw!

[@alanbangura7949]

You can already do that.

[@LowAltitudeAstronaut]

alanbangura, I just tried it again in 5.2 Beta 1 and this feature isn't implemented yet. How are you able to get this to work on your end? I'm only able to mimic this function by selecting the "Pen Tool" and holding ALT. This draws a square edit based on the grid selected but if you do this off the grid by holding ALT+SHIFT it's super messy with a ton of nodes drawn that need to be cleaned up. A simple select the line inside the time selection range and drag up or down like almost all of the other DAW's is what I'm asking about.

[@SamHocking]

@@LowAltitudeAstronaut Sounds like you're just describing an automation edit using time selection, then you move it around up/down/left/right with Shift+Arrrows ot Shift+Mouse Drag to me? I can't see how it could be more precise, it's one of the best automation editors out there, but I come from Cubase & ProTools so maybe not that hard haha!

[@LowAltitudeAstronaut]

Sam, you're saying Bitwig has one of the best automation editors out there? What I'm saying is there needs to be a way in Bitwig to use the "Pointer Tool" to simply grab the line in between 2 nodes and move that line up or down that automatically creates a four point square edit. Right now it's not possible unless you switch to the "Pen Tool". Every mouse modifier using the "Pointer Tool" either creates a node, curves the line or grabs that line along with the line before, after or both. Everything except making a simple square edit like you can in Cubase or PT. Or maybe I'm missing something. If you can please go to volume automation on a track create 2 nodes only then hold COMMAND while clicking on the line between the 2 nodes. What behavior are you seeing? Now create 4 nodes spread out and try the same thing. If you get a square edit with 4 nodes starting with just 2 nodes please let me know what command or mouse modifier I'm missing. I'm perplexed. Maybe I need to do a non beta fresh install of Bitwig.Thx!

[@SamHocking]

@@LowAltitudeAstronaut The pointer tool isn't an automation time selection, just set your Q (or not), I select n number of nodes and shift + arrow it's doing exactly what you ask imo.

[@michail_777]

And seriously, the Bitwig team has done a lot in recent years, well done. Bitwig is becoming one of the best DAWs out there.

[@dieutoutpuissant8909]

The best daw in the universe .

[@OdoSendaidokai]

Thanks a lot. There were some more, good and very needed explanations. 🌻

[@jakestagg]

Very happy with the update! Keep em coming yall! I started a career using bitwig, my life would be alot different had i not found bitwig! Ill probs get a bitwig face tattoo

[@spectre.garden]

Bitwig is really great. And these changes are welcome - But can we please get a step-note-entry mode? It is positively puzzling why this is still missing after 10 years. I'm perfectly capable of playing ideas in live to midi, but we are missing the option to experiment with step-entry - which would be a blast with operators.

[@jackcimino8822]

Step note entry? You mean like a tracker?

[@user-qg2fm7iy9w]

It needs alot more to become a decent DAW. This program sucks as a DAW big time. Good synth though...

[@SamHocking]

@@user-qg2fm7iy9w It depends what you want out of it. It leans much more towards creating and automated sound design, generation, live work and modulation is unsurpassed by any other DAW. But if you prefer a more linear, midi arrangement type workflow it wouldn't be my first choice.

[@vroteg]

@@SamHockingexactly.

[@Flexible_Fire]

Thanks for showing the new tools in detail!

[@elretsof1606]

Had it since V1 - very creative DAW

[@buddner]

Hands down, king of daws

[@benjaminjoeBF3]

Tempo mapping inside Bitwig is just super nice

[@scottyelstromm881]

Learning fast, this is a powerful tool set that allows us to choose how to go about getting a job done. It’s not like ProTools where it was based on replacing a tape machine. It’s out of that box also, as I’ve been working on it, I realize that, it’s kind of a cross between studio one and Ableton. The pricing is fair and they seem to have a motivated group of developers piling options on and introduces lots of new tools. Even w decades of experience on all of the major DAWs there is a learning curve with all the new features and finding functions. Becoming a fan. Thanks for this demonstration!

[@nightkondor]

Bitwig forever indeed, happy anniversary :)

[@sashajedinac9391]

Bitwig is fantastic and Dave’s tutorials are always lucid and inspiring. Thanks Sonicstate.

[@ThatGuy-Official]

Just picked up Bitwig thanks to the 10 year anniversary 50% off sale. I must say it is a pleasure to work with. Made 5 songs so far and have yet to experience any crashes or instability. Everything just works like it should. I love the modulators and that you can add them to so many devices and parameters. Still so much to learn but so far it's been the most smooth music making experience I've had with any DAW that I've tried using.

[@VEM24]

Hey 👋, Guys! I am really glad to see you! :)

[@quantumeseboy]

Good stuff.

[@ZozillaThaGreat]

Just grabbed it , and all i need as a producer is the ability to control more that 8 paramaters at once !!!!! Come on ... Bitwig , i grabbed it for production stage and for droppoing ideas fast , being restrictied in the controller area while i have real synths as controller for some plugins is a pure pain !! The intelligent editing is brilliant !

[@JohnSmith-pn2vl]

i love Bitwig

[@Howard_in_space]

My eyes hurt from the black theme, I want to be able to choose a light theme, when is this coming to bitwig?

[@cedricmi]

How does the team decide which feature to add / which workflow to improve? Is it based on customer feedback?

[@ggeessttaalltt]

as a bitwig user it feels totally random and up to what the team feels like doing at the time. by far the worst aspect of this DAW imo

[@vroteg]

Bitwig pretty much never look at customer feedback. Except will be backlash 2 years ago. But they just didn’t have a choice. Bitwig community disagrees and think that they listen to users and usually give as example MSEGs. And I think it’s not true. MSEGs was requested back in 2016 with the release of version 2. And actually released in 2023. 7 years to fulfill user request? Meh, not convinced. And as a cherry on the cake bitwig said many times: “we have our vision and not follow any user requests”.

[@ggeessttaalltt]

@@vroteg yeah, the main features I really would like to see in bitwig are ripple paste and step recording, and there are threads dating back almost 10 years requesting both of those - basic features that literally almost every other DAW has. video support would also be amazing in my line of work and would save me a lot of headache. these aren’t niche, specific use case features either. just basic, every day quality of life stuff. it’s bizarre.

[@77advanced]

Well maybe it is good idea to refresh interface a little bit after 10 years.. like few new themes make sense.. bitwig started to look outdated.

[@SpeccyMan]

How a DAW looks is not important. Function over form, every time!

[@77advanced]

@@SpeccyMan it is becomes important when you spend 6-7 hours a day in DAW)

[@ikarugamoo]

I agree with both here. Consistency is key in a UI but would be at least nice to have colour customisations. They’ve rewritten the graphics engines suggests it’s coming soon. I really like the UI. Still looks modern and nicely dark.

[@Anton9Kauan]

Also, color palettes are so hard on the eyes, and midi events turn into tiny dots and lines when your project gets more than 7-10 tracks. Let’s hope we’ll get more visual improvements with the “new graphics engine” in the 5.3.

[@analog_]

Im a Bitwig user from v1. Love it, but I don't understand why they don't incorporate video sync! All other DAWs have it. Frustrating after requesting it for years.

[@lucashdale]

Pensando em comprar mais vendo que tem alguns erros que podem ser ajustado para nos ajudar fica difícil 😢😢😢❤

[@craigmiller332]

Wish there were some Senior discounts for some of us old fogeys who want to putter around 👴🎹🎶

[@SpeccyMan]

Old fogies really ought to have mastered their plurals. 😉

[@markoliverbryan5713]

It's 50% the full right now till May 20. They are having 10 year anniversary sale!

[@MagicCvstle]

Bitwig just got very very good.

[@DaKingof]

Can we get a distortion and a filter + please Dave?!?!?!

[@shaboogen]

There is a Filter+ with a shaper module in it. It was added in the last version.

[@CuriousPassenger]

the demo track needs some sidechain compression+ from the voice

[@RaquelFoster]

0:36 A thriving black market? Does that mean I can make money selling my official IKEA Swedish House Mafia tablet stands?

[@Ex-fk4nr]

I just don`t like how the waveforms look on bitwig....

[@ChrisPBacon3000]

Create some proper hardware, and you could crush Ableton and that POS Push or Novation garbage.

[@Howard_in_space]

It will never happen with this black theme color.

[@lordsharshabeel]

Bitwig is only good because there’s nothing better. I get that maintaining a whole ass DAW is extremely difficult, but I really wish the company wasn’t so constrained by its small size and the subsequently narrow paradigm distribution of its creators. There’s so many different ways that people approach making music, and if you find yourself coloring outside the lines in Bitwig, you will quickly be punished by the friction that comes from a lack of respect for first principles design. Bitwig is very much coupled to its historical era, chasing market trends, and for that reason it’s bound to fade into irrelevance and eventually nostalgia. Bitwig has been my first choice from the start - a decade - but I will drop it the instant someone offers me a proper tool.

[@sonicstate]

Trying to process your thoughts. So is it the closest to useable one or are there others that you prefer? I think it's highly customisable as is Reaper. Have you tried that one?

[@lordsharshabeel]

@@sonicstate oh I’m full in on Bitwig, even though I’ve wandered into Reaper-curious a few times over the years. It’s not so much about me and my preferences. What I’m saying is that the Bitwig guys have in their minds a particular way that music gets made, in line with their tastes of course. This leaks out in their designs. For example, it took at least half the lifetime of Bitwig before they implemented time delta offsets on track channels. I specifically remember leadership rejecting the request because something something “just move the notes/audio”. Where if you actually take a step back, you’ll realize that control over *time* is in the top 3 most important aspects of any tool that works with audio, right next to pitch. They’re not thinking that way tho, they’re thinking about copy-pasting 4x4 techno loops because that what music is to them.

[@williamshaneblyth]

what are you smoking 10 years on and i use it for acoustic instrument recordings i have logic and ableton and dont bother with those not needed though i keep them up to current versions

[@mecd4167]

Meh! Bitwig was doing great there for a bit with all sorts of cool updates but that's no longer the case, is like they've ran out of steam. Meanwhile Apples Logic Pro is giving its users all that cool AI stuff that they want.

[@bonafontciel]

Real artists do t use that AI 💩.

[@Byron101_]

Bitwig is more a daw for sounddesign and random modulation nerds with too much time. It lags in so many ways, I must say.

[@xXxDarkDeceptionxXx]

Which ways ?

[@williamshaneblyth]

i am a boring old style daw user as in i mainly record from my keyboard play a real bass and standard stuff. no sound design I have logic and ableton 12 and prefer Bitwig so no its not just for weird noises and ambiant stuff . i make normal pop sounds and not th elctronic stuff mostly acoustic drums n bass and pianos and guitar

[@NakulKrishna]

Rather occupy a niche and feed it well than become a clone that offers nothing unique.

[@vroteg]

This is confirms that they don’t use their daw for producing. Their beat detection doesn’t work 3 versions on a row…

[@EsoVieTH]

Although i do completely agree. I’m just glad it’s not part of my workflow as it hasn’t even been close to working the times I’ve tried it.

[@EnervatedSociety]

@@EsoVieTH This vroteg person spends an incredible amount of time complaining about Bitwig at the KVR forums, often trying to pass off his/her opinion as the majority opinion. Very strange person imo. Most people tend to stay away from products that they don't like, or that won't satisfy them, I certainly do. For example, I don't go the FL Studio forum to write up multiple long rants about how I don't like XYZ in FL Studio. Instead I put FL Studio in the trash and move on with my life. Maybe it's some kind of sadism, or something related. I really don't know. Also, I suspect this person has multiple user names because sometimes, oddly, when this person posts one or two English challenged people who write just like this person show up out of nowhere to agree and or post similar complaints. Weird coincidence? I really don't know. Just patterns I've observed in my random visits. I tend to notice the odd one out.

[@vroteg]

⁠​⁠​⁠@@EnervatedSocietyfirst and most foremost who da huckleberry are you to tell me what to do and what program to use? Not happy with my comments and bitter truth in them? Not my problem. Yours. Second yes I have been lucky to talk to people who use bitwig professionally and yes it is opinion of all of them. Bitwig on wrong path. And third I use bitwig for 3 reasons. Stability, midi past instrument and proper PDC. Tell me another daw that has all of this and I will switch on the spot. And the last if you think I have intrest to have multiple accounts you just a moron. PS the fact that you decide to protect this company based of true fact that beat detection is not working and you can test it yourself is just miserable. It’s a fcukig fact. Stop embarrassing yourself!

[@vroteg]

Are you ok? The comment above just said it’s not working. Are you going to blindly defend the function that doesn’t work? Shame. You are a joke. PS is you think I need multiple accounts then you just an idiot. Wait. You are the one…

[@joeysaturday3420]

KVR is a bunch of Soyfilled Low IQ morons. like Discord....full of morons

[@user-qg2fm7iy9w]

Ok. Again bots in comments. Because calling this a great update is hard. Lowest point of the updates to be honest. And it is opinion of many people who use this program on a daily basis as professional tool. Kids who think compressor and clipper is great update. Oh well. You are just kids.

[@EsoVieTH]

Looool @vroteg you’re complaining about bots, yet you are using two different accounts to state the same thing and vote up your own comments. 🤣

[@SamHocking]

Rewriting to run on GPU and the Precision Editing aditions are a significant amount of work in itself and worthy of a dot update imo, the compressor and eq is a nice addition though.

[@jakestagg]

@@EsoVieTH lolllll what a guy

[@Byron101_]

Absolutely correct. Bitwig lags in so many many ways... Bitwig is more a daw for sounddesign random modulation nerds and kids who are not mainly in composing, midi editing, mixing. The new 5.2 compressor sounds not very good, the new beat detection in this update is not better, I must say.

[@SamHocking]

@@Byron101_ Not sure about that theres plenty of commercial music out there released from DAWs like Bitwig and Ableton. Obviously its a non-linear DAW though so best for live / realtime creativity than simply linear tracking and playback. It's not trying to be ProTools or Cubase and that's why many love it so much.