Music Production Knowledge Backlog

Learn how to build a random percussion generator in Bitwig Studio using Poly Grid, dice modules, envelopes, noise, and simple modulation techniques.

Many all-pass delays create maximum reverb on all sounds. This should create a nice atmosphere with some random sounds. The Markov Generator creates notes in specific sequences, and this is used for a sine bleep.

Learn how to create unique ambient shimmer reverbs in Bitwig Studio 6 using Delay+ and Blur devices, combining modulation, feedback, and creative chains.

I tried to use as few sound sources as possible for the pad and relied mainly on all-pass filters to stretch the sound and make it behave like a pad, even though it’s just a sine bleep every few seconds.

Bitwig Studio 6 introduced global and per-lane automation lock and follow features, improved automation clip handling, and added clearer lane information, making workflow more intuitive. New updates since the first beta include flying automation lanes for quick editing, overdub and free-time automation options, tighter automation smoothing for sound design, and enhancements to device modulation and note echo behavior. Additional improvements like better touch support, new controller integrations, and performance optimizations further polish the user experience, making Bitwig 6 a solid and modern DAW choice.

In this generative preset, I create pad sounds using an arpeggiator that I smear with a lot of Alpha delays, so it sounds like a pad even though it’s really just an arpeggiator.

Clicking or crackling sounds in synthesizers occur when waveforms are abruptly restarted at non-zero crossings, causing sudden jumps in speaker movement. These artifacts can be prevented by restarting oscillators at zero crossings, adding short fades using amplitude envelopes, or by using voice allocation techniques like digimono or polyphonic modes to allow smooth fades between notes. In monophonic setups, introducing delayed retriggering or precise envelope shaping ensures smooth transitions and eliminates unwanted clicks and pops.

Hey everyone! I’ve got a new generative patch I made in Bitwig. This time, it’s a bit more sequenced, which means I’m using Transport Modules to time certain events, like when the drums kick in.

The user encountered workflow issues when recording automation in the Bitwig 6 Clip Launcher, specifically problems with unintuitive controls, unnecessary automation gaps, and inconvenient ways of layering or editing automation clips. They highlighted the need for separate automation recording buttons for the Clip Launcher, and pointed out the confusion caused by overlapping features with the Arranger, as well as some persistent bugs. Despite these frustrations, they believe Bitwig 6 is improving and welcome further updates that enhance usability, especially for live performance and creative flexibility.

For the patch, I recorded my own vocals, of course, all nicely processed with reverb and packed them into the sampler. I also added some water sounds that I generate with filters. There are water droplets too, so it all kind of reminds me of a cave system on some alien planet. I kept the atmosphere pretty static, meaning there aren't many melodies or anything like that.

Alright, in this Bitwig Grid patch, I tried to create some ambient vibes using a bunch of different voices and synthesis types. Of course, there's an arpeggio in there too, and I reused the effect generator from the patch before last because I thought it fit really well and adds a nice depth to the atmosphere.

Mini by AudioMap is a newly released sample browser plugin that uses an intuitive XY coordinate system to organize and visualize samples based on characteristics like brightness, noisiness, and percussiveness. It offers features such as customizable axes, keyboard mapping for quick playback, and the ability to scan entire directories, but currently lacks persistent folder scanning and a text-based search function. While it has some limitations like automatic sample playback on hover and missing quantization features, it is affordably priced and shows promise for rapid sample exploration and creative use.

Polarity MD is a powerful, free multi-band dynamics plugin featuring four bands with downward and upward compressors, a clipper, and a range of global controls, now updated with oversampling, linear phase crossovers, normalization, and improved output matching features. This version offers expanded compatibility with various Linux distributions and enhancements like soloing bands, accessibility improvements, and resizable interface with saved window states. Users are invited to test the latest Beta 9, report bugs or requests, and enjoy a robust mastering tool without registration or cost.

Alright, in this Bitwig Grid patch, I tried to randomly generate a new track every 32/16 bars. It's all based on randomness noise generators, so it's basically a Melodic Techno track generator (sort of). Of course, it can be expanded further, but you can already see my CPU is really pushed to its limits at the end. I’d love to add more, like percussion generators and stuff. There’s definitely more potential there.

Polarity MD is a newly released, completely free multiband dynamics plugin featuring four-band OTT-style compression with both upward and downward compression, as well as clippers on each band and the input and output. Compatible with all major platforms and plugin formats, it has a user-friendly, web-based interface and is designed to make tracks louder and more controlled with minimal setup. The plugin is currently in beta, available for download, and the developer welcomes feedback and suggestions to improve its performance and features.

The AD envelope module in Bitwig Studio's Grid is a versatile tool for shaping sounds, offering attack and decay controls with multiple modes, analog, relative, and digital, that affect timing and curve behavior. It can be triggered in various ways, looped for LFO-like effects, and used together with other envelopes for complex sound design, such as crafting kick drums. The AD module stands out for its simplicity and flexibility compared to more complex envelope modules, making it a go-to choice for quick and effective sound shaping.