Bitwig introduces 'open modular environment' to digital music production with Bitwig Studio 3

  • Published
    Wed, Jan 16, 2019, 14:18
  • Words
  • Share
  • A new set of modular tools known collectively as The Grid are central to the new software.
  • Bitwig introduces 'open modular environment' to digital music production with Bitwig Studio 3 image
  • Bitwig has announced a new version of its music production software, Bitwig Studio 3. Due out in the second quarter of 2019, the new DAW moves closer to the Berlin-based company's original mission of bringing a "fully modular sound design option" to digital music production. Central to this is a new set of tools called The Grid, which Bitwig describes as "an open modular environment." Comprising of Poly, FX and Mono devices, the Grid is an assemblage of 120 modules that can be built into all manner of synthesisers, processors and effects. They can also be layered and connected with Btiwig's other plug-ins, many of which already boast a modular architecture. The Grid is also capable of sending and receiving CV signals, meaning you can use it to control hardware synthesisers from your computer and vice versa. Grid devices can simultaneously be controlled by automation and modulation signals from other plug-ins or hardware pieces, allowing you to layer and combine multiple layers of modulation. Discrete modules from the Grid like LFOs and envelopes can also send out their own discrete control signal to modulate other plug-ins in a session. All signals are four-times oversampled for higher fidelity, plus there's a new set of modules dedicated to phase, which are promised to make phase modulation "freshly accessible and newly relevant for modern music production." Bitwig Studio 3 will be on display at the NAMM music tech conference in Anaheim, California next week. The software costs €379 but is a free upgrade for all Bitwig users with an active update plan. Watch a trailer for Bitwig Studio 3.
RA