Bitwig announce Bitwig Studio 5

Bitwig have announced Bitwig Studio 5. The new version introduces five different MSEGs, new capabilities for the Clip Launcher, an overhaul to the browsers, and upgrades to the entire modulation system, such as the ability to control track- and project-level parameters and to expand modulators with pop-out windows. These new devices and features offer the ability to draw your own envelopes and LFOs as well as innovative possibilities for live performance.

The new multi-segment envelope generators (MSEGs) allow for drawing custom signals for envelopes, automation shapes, looping patterns, oscillator curves, waveshapers, sequencers etc. There are five different kinds of MSEGs that can be used as Grid modules, and two of them are also available as modulators. Separate devices means each one is focused on and optimized for its particular task.

In Bitwig Studio 5, the modulators are no longer limited to devices — they can grab the mixer and project controls as well. That means one LFO can modulate any device on the same track, as well as the track's panning, sends, and other parameters. Move that LFO to the project level to add modulations to all devices, channel strips, and transport targets.

Furthermore, MSEGs aren't the only 5.0 modulators with Pop-out Editor windows. The Steps and Keytrack+ modulators, as well as The Grid's data sequencers, have also been given resizable panes for cleaner editing and some helpful new functions.

Users can now set Next Actions to occur when a key or pad is released in addition to when it's launched. ALT triggers offer a second option for activating scenes or clips. These features allow performers to decide how their set will unfold in the moment, as they can (for instance) tap a clip to launch it at the next bar line, or ALT-trigger to immediately swap to the new clip.

Since all tracks now have their own remotes, the mixer offers a bird's-eye view of the most important parameters. That way, building a customized set of mix and performance controls is easy. And new mapping options allow users to launch scenes and clips with any hardware.

Bitwig Studio 5 also introduces overhauled browsers for a more streamlined experience and a visual way to access content. Now, search results for plug-ins, presets, wavetables and more all live in one place. There's also customizable shortcuts pane that allows users quick access to their favorite sound packages, content types (e.g. wavetables, drum hits, or samples) or folders.

The foundations have been given some attention as well, with a new onset detector that makes audio work better from the moment you drag it in. The Keytrack+ modulator has an embedded MSEG editor window so you can draw your settings or load and save curves. And for morphing control signals, there's a new Wavetable LFO modulator/Grid module, equally suited for irregular shapes.

Read all the details in the changelog.

Bitwig Studio 5.0 is now in beta and can be tested by anyone with a Bitwig Studio license and an active Upgrade Plan. The installers are available in the user profiles. The official release is planned for Q2 this year. This is a free upgrade for all license holders with an active Upgrade Plan at time of announcement.

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