Music Production Knowledge Backlog

In this video, I discussed my approach to learning the Note Grid in Bitwig Studio. I explained that it is best to take a handful of small modules you know and then build from that every day, adding a new module and learning what you can do with it. I showed how to build a step sequencer with the grid, and gave tips for how to avoid micro-tuning issues, such as using a bias instead of a transpose, and using a range map to switch between different mappings.

The Vector 4 modulator in Bitwig Studio lets you morph between different modulation targets by moving a dot between four corners, each representing a unique modulation setting, applying modulation in a non-linear, logarithmic fashion. You can lock movement to one axis and even automate the position with other modulators, allowing for powerful and expressive sound design options. The Vector 8 modulator works the same way but offers eight modulation points for even more flexibility in morphing between complex sound presets.

In this video, I show you how to use the Note Grid in monophonic mode with voice stacking to create interesting polyphonic sounds. I demonstrate how to use a trigger module, pitches module and polysand to create a self-running patch in monophonic mode. I then show how to use the voice stack modulator to distinguish between voices and make alterations to each voice. I also explain how to use the select module or simply the modulation itself to create different settings for each voice. Finally, I demonstrate how to use this technique with my generative presets to create richer sounds.

The Steps modulator in Bitwig Studio is a versatile tool allowing you to create and manipulate sequences for modulation with features like step painting, shape generation, randomization, and uni/bipolar modes. It offers flexible playback options including forward, backward, ping-pong, looping, synchronization to transport or groove, and even per-voice polyphony, while supporting advanced audio-rate and pitch-based modulation. Its ability to draw custom modulation curves and integrate with note effects and other Bitwig devices enables quick creation of dynamic, rhythmic, or melodic modulation patterns that can be both random and predictably repeatable.

download the patch here: https://bit.ly/3SqeWH8 watch the creation (plus german mumbling): https://youtu.be/czVNFYlGmqI my ...

In this video, I talked about how you can use random modulator outputs to create probabilistic behavior in the grid. I explained how you can misuse the DICE module and the trigger module to create a "chance module" and why it works. I gave an example of how you can use the knowledge of the trigger module's requirement of the value of 0.5 to enable a feature with the modulator. I also showed how you can use the modulator to change the frequency and decay setting of a noise and filter, and to enable and disable other features. Finally, I highlighted the beauty of the grid in that you can always learn something new.

You can download this #bitwig Grid patch for free on my github: https://bit.ly/3zRckut my main channel, tutorials & more music: ...

Select-4 in Bitwig Studio is a morphing modulator that allows you to smoothly transition between four different modulation setups using a single slider, enabling dynamic sound changes and creative modulation stacking when the fill mode is activated. Each point on the slider corresponds to different modulation handles, letting you apply unique parameter changes to your synth and effects for each stage, while also allowing automations or step modulators to morph between these variations. This makes Select-4 a versatile tool for creating evolving, preset-like transformations and rich sound design possibilities.

A sample and hold modulator takes an input signal, samples its value at selectable intervals, and holds that value for a specified duration before outputting it as a stepped signal. This tool allows for precise control over when and how often new values are sampled, making it useful for creating quantized or stepped modulation sources and can operate polyphonically for individual voices. It also offers various restart and time base options, allowing for synchronization with musical timing, manual triggering, or voice-specific modulation.

The Random LFO modulator in Bitwig Studio is a versatile tool that can generate unique, polyphonic or monophonic random modulations for parameters like cutoff, panning, and pitch, enabling each note or voice to have its own character. Its flexible controls allow you to adjust speed, smoothness, feedback, and trigger modes, letting you create anything from subtle variations to drastic, evolving changes over time. By fine-tuning its settings, you can easily add movement, analog feel, or rich unpredictability to your patches, transforming static sounds into dynamic, expressive ones.

I show how to create a self-running patch in Bitwig Studio that produces predictable melodies. I start by setting up an oscillator and an envelope, and then use a gate module to trigger the envelope. I then use a sample and hold module to persist the pitch, and then use a pitch quantizer to make sure the notes are in a certain scale. I then introduce an LFO and use a phase input to modulate it so that the output is different each time. I then create a melodic pattern with a steps module, and introduce audio effects like a delay and a reverb for additional texture. Finally, I use a dice module to add variations in the decay of each note.

The ramp modulator generates a ramp signal from zero to one over a set time frame, which can be synced to your project tempo and set to loop or trigger once, functioning as either an LFO or an envelope. It allows for both polyphonic and monophonic modes, with options for adjusting modulation amount, curve, and direction, and can be set to only retrigger shapes under certain conditions. This flexible modulator is particularly useful for creative modulation, synchronizing playback positions in step sequencers or samplers, and stretching audio loops to match your project’s tempo.

In this video, I show how I use three free plug-ins to achieve my desired loudness target for my production. The first one is DbMeter5, which I use on my master bus to match the loudness peak. The second is Glitch, which I use on my drum bus to add texture and glitchy percussion. The last one is Piano Tech 7, which I use to generate drones by stretching the buffer and making adjustments.