Bitwig Studio 2.3 Is Coming – New Synth, Better Time-Stretching and More

2017 was an excellent year for Bitwig. The launch of Bitwig Studio 2 and the consecutive 2.1 and 2.2 updates, were very well received.

For 2018, BitWig wants to pick up where they left off by announcing Bitwig Studio 2.3.

This latest version of Bitwig Studio combines highly requested features along with new and innovative elements, profoundly expanding the sound design possibilities of Bitwig Studio.

KEY FEATURES:
Phase-4
Meet Phase-4, a four-oscillator synthesizer powered by phase modulation and phase distortion.

Drawing inspiration from legendary digital synths like Yamaha’s DX7 and Casio’s CZ series, Phase-4 is capable of vintage sounds that we know and love, but it goes further, greatly expanding these phase manipulation concepts.

At the heart of the stereo oscillators in Phase-4 is a sine wave that can be shaped by five different phase distortion algorithms.

Each oscillator can also be phase-modulated, by itself and by the other three oscillators, producing a vast range of possible sounds and timbres.

This combination of phase distortion and phase modulation – which is lovingly called phase manipulation – brings Phase-4 to life with all of its awesome sonic power.

The oscillators can even manipulate the built-in filter section for incredibly crisp and edgy textures.

The extensive controls for frequency, phase distortion, and phase modulation allow for easy and fast access to truly complex phase manipulation technology.

Fire up Phase-4 in its expanded view (more on that below) to see it in all its glory.

Expanded Device View
It’s time to break some (literal) boundaries and let their devices spread out further into space.

Panoramic view and controls are now available for seven devices: EQ-5, FM-4, Phase-4, Polysynth, Resonator Bank, Sampler, and Spectrum Analyzer.

Also available as a detached floating window, the Expanded Device View enhances the connection, understanding, and control of each device.

Get greater detail, explore waveforms, and control multiple parameters at once.

Time Signature Changes
With Bitwig Studio 2.3, time signature changes are introduced.

You can now add time signature markers in your arranger timeline, and the timeline grid will be updated accordingly.

Time signature changes will be included when exporting or importing MIDI files.

You can now also set time signature properties for clips, offering a flexible note grid to satisfy your musical needs.

As a bonus, you can even set a time signature for a master clip in the clip launcher, using it to change or record time signature changes on the fly.

New and Improved Time-stretching
Bitwig Studio has received a generous boost in the time-stretching department by licensing the highly acclaimed Elastique algorithms from zplane.

They have also enhanced Bitwig’s own Stretch and Stretch HD algorithms, as well as adding two new ones: Slice, which slices audio at onsets, and Cyclic, a touch of retro-stretching inspired by early hardware samplers.

With Bitwig Studio 2.3, you’ll always find the right stretch mode and settings for your audio material, whether you are looking for a natural sound or aiming to make an artistic point.

Instrument & Effect Selectors
The Instrument Selector and Effect Selector are exclusive layer devices.

Only one layer can be played at a time, and the other layers are inactive to both your ears and your processor’s load.

These devices are excellent for live use, particularly for swapping between patches and sounds — and not overloading your system in the act.

They can also be used as multi-effects, permitting modulation and automated switching between layers.

Here’s the good part: you will freely switch between layers without hard breaks or clicks, and your sustained notes and reverb tails will fade away naturally.

Furthermore, the Remote Controls follow your selection in a dynamic and predictable way.

Voice Stacking
BitWig Studio is introducing voice stacking for a selection of their internal instruments, opening up incredible sound design possibilities.

With voice stacking, you can create thick, lush sounds that were previously out of reach.

New Modulator: Voice Stack
The Voice Stack modulator can be used in conjunction with voice stacking for detailed mapping control of each voice in the stack.

Sound Content Update
They are also further expanding their sound content library with a selection of new factory presets.

This preset collection does not only cover their new synthesizer, Phase-4, and voice stacks but also includes new sounds and presets for existing instruments and effects.

Pricing & Availability:
The beta testing of Bitwig Studio 2.3 is starting soon. All owners of Bitwig Studio 2 will have access to the Bitwig Studio 2.3 Beta in their user account.

The release of Bitwig Studio 2.3 is planned for End of February, 2018. Check out the official website to learn more.