Bitwig have announced that the latest version of their DAW has now entered beta testing. Installers for Bitwig Studio 5.3 are now available to users with an active Upgrade Plan, offering them a chance to check out the latest features ahead of the full release.
New Drums & Sequencer
Three new drum families have been introduced in version 5.3, adding a total of 25 new percussion devices to the software’s existing line-up. The v8 family offers Bitwig’s take on the TR-808, and includes 10 devices that cover all of the machine’s classic sounds, while v9 brings together nine TR-909-inspired devices — both come equipped with an expanded set of parameters, offering a wider tonal range than the original hardware. The third family, v0, brings together a collection of six devices that cover a range of digital drum synthesis techniques including detuned oscillator banks, FM, physical models and sets of filters.
Along with the additional drum devices, Bitwig Studio 5.3 has also been kitted out with a new step sequencer.
Bitwig have also added Stepwise Sequencer, a new note device which they say takes pattern sequencing in a playful and fun direction. It features eight 16-step rows capable of triggering different notes, and each step can be set to off, normal or accented. Lanes can be made to follow a global groove or offset to introduce some variation, and there are independent Length parameters for each lane, making it simple to create drifting patterns and polyrhythms.
Master Recording & Audio Setup
Bitwig Studio’s Transport header now includes a Master Recording section that features an output level meter and a Record button. With one click, whatever is happening can be printed directly to disk as an audio file, regardless of the project’s transport status. This opens up a number of possibilities including recording a full performance, or quickly capturing segments of audio for use within the DAW’s Sampler.
The DAW is now capable of automatically configuring and assigning audio paths to selected hardware devices, and will keep track of all previously used hardware. As a result, the software will automatically switch to the best option when an interface is connected. Those who want to customise their interface configuration can do so using a new dedicated editor.
And More!
As of 5.3, Bitwig Studio runs natively on Windows on ARM. Thanks to Bitwig's unique sandboxing architecture, even plug-ins that haven't yet been recompiled for ARM can run seamlessly under emulation. Project loading times have been improved, too, and the following set of new Grid modules have been added:
- An analogue-style Freq Shift+
- A Pitch Shift with a phase control
- A Step Access (Phase) module designed to make tricky drum sequencer ideas easier
- An Accents (Data) module that offers new sequencing options
- A Dome (Filter) module
Compatibility
Bitwig Studio 5.3 is supported on PCs running Windows 10 and above, Macs running macOS 10.15 and higher, and Linux systems running Ubuntu 20.04 or later, or any modern distribution with Flatpak installed. Graphics-wise, Windows users will need DirectX 11 or higher, and Linux users require DX11-level Vulcan.
Availability
Beta testing for Bitwig Studio 5.3 is now live, and the company say that they’re aiming to release the full version before the end of 2024. As always, the upgrade will be free for anyone with a Bitwig Studio licence and active Upgrade Plan. Bitwig Studio Producer and Essentials license holders will receive the v8 family of drums and the Stepwise Sequencer.
