Bitwig Studio 5.3 is now available, introducing a range of exciting features, including new analog and digital-style drum synth devices, a stepwise sequencer, background recording, and much more. The update is free for all license holders with an active Upgrade Plan, as of November 21, 2024.
The release follows Bitwig’s 10th-anniversary celebration at Superbooth 24, where the company offered a special 50% discount. In conjunction with that, Bitwig launched version 5.2, which focused on mixing and mastering tasks, introducing new compressors and EQs to enhance the DAW’s capabilities.
Now, just before the end of the year, Bitwig Studio 5.3 is in beta and offers several new features for users to explore. Additionally, users can take advantage of discounted prices for both the full version and the upgrade plan during the winter sale.
Among the standout features of version 5.3 is the introduction of 25 new drum machine devices, organized into three families: v8 (featuring a set based on the iconic 808), v9 (based on the 909), and the digital drum synth collection, v0.
The v8 family includes devices like v8 Kick, v8 Snare, and v8 Tom, along with percussion instruments like maracas and cowbell. Unlike the one-knob hardware setups, the new v8 devices offer five color parameters for more nuanced control.
The v9 family, inspired by Bitwig’s 909-based instrument, includes nine devices that replicate the original’s drum sounds, such as open and closed hats, a v9 Ride, and a v9 Crash. Users can adjust additional knobs for Impact, Tone, and Punch to further refine their sound.
The v0 family introduces six digital drum synthesis devices: v0 Kick, Zap Kick, Tom, Snare, Hat, and Cymbal. These new devices utilize diverse digital synthesis techniques, including detuned oscillator banks, FM synthesis, physical modeling, and harmonic filters, offering fresh, dynamic sounds for producers.
Another highlight of the 5.3 update is the new Stepwise Sequencer. This device allows users to create intricate patterns in a playful and creative way, with eight rows that can trigger different notes. The step lengths can be set to various time divisions, including eighth notes and triplets, and patterns can be made more complex with independent lengths and polyrhythms. The global groove feature allows for even more customization and flexibility.
The update also introduces a master recording section in the transport header. This feature includes a level meter and a record button that enables continuous recording to disk, even when the project transport isn’t active, similar to Ableton Live’s capture function. It’s ideal for recording full performances or capturing specific moments to be dropped into a sampler.
Additional improvements in version 5.3 include an easier audio setup, where selected hardware is auto-configured with sensible mono and stereo choices. Bitwig Studio also tracks previously used audio hardware for more seamless integration. The update also offers a new editor to customize input and output configurations, with these settings being preserved across different interfaces, even when working with multiple audio interfaces at once—a new feature for macOS that complements similar functionality on Linux.
Bitwig Studio 5.3 also ships with several new Grid modules, including an analog-style frequency shifter (Freq Shift+), a pitch shifter, and devices for step access, accents, and filtering. Developers have optimized the DAW to load projects, instruments, and effects more quickly, improving the workflow for users. Bitwig Studio now runs natively on Windows on ARM, and thanks to Bitwig’s sandboxing architecture, even uncompiled plugins can run seamlessly under emulation.
In summary, Bitwig Studio 5.3 delivers an impressive set of features, including versatile new drum instruments and a helpful “endless” recording function that’s perfect for improvisations and jams. The update is now available in beta and will be officially released by the end of the year. It’s a free update for all users with an active Upgrade Plan as of November 21, 2024.
License holders of the Bitwig Studio Producer and Essentials versions will receive the v8 drum family and the Stepwise Sequencer as part of the update.
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