Music Production Knowledge Backlog

Once again I tried my luck at ambient inspired deep house / techno. Loomy and New Order are the latest results from my sound lab.

In this video, I showed how to use the Phase 4 synthesizer in Bitwig Studio to modulate the oscillator type with an LFO or an audio-rate signal from a different track. I also showed how to circumvent a bug that can occur when using VST instruments like FM8 or Massive, which blocks the note information from the note clip. I also shared a workflow tip for using multiple clips to easily make small changes to the pattern, and how to use odd divisions on the piano roll to create interesting grooves. Finally, I talked about how to use Bitwig modulators to control parameters in VST instruments that have a small, non-resizable interface.

In this video, I showed how you can create small percussion loops in Bitwig Studio without using any samples. I demonstrated how to use the e-tom device in combination with the polygrid and instrument selector to create interesting percussion patterns. I also showed how to use the dice and button modulators to randomly modulate the parameters of the e-tom device. Finally, I showed how to use the arpeggiator and round robin to create complex percussion patterns.

In this video, I show off my Mudpie tools, which are 35 presets that can be used to mess up and create interesting sounds out of any sound source. I demonstrate how to use each of the presets, and how they can be used to create unique and interesting sounds. I also explain how to download the presets as a Polarity Squad subscriber on Patreon or as a YouTube membership option. Finally, I encourage viewers to leave a comment or a like if they have questions or enjoyed the video.

I created a preset card Hard-Clip for Bitwig Studio to clip the peaks of audio signals without going into the red or having intersample issues. The preset consists of Bit8, initial settings and two tool devices. I explained how to use it and how it can help to make a track sound louder and more percussive. I shared the preset in the description of the video, in my GitHub repository, on bitwig.community/presets and on the Bitwig Discord. I encourage viewers to save money and support my channel by using the link to the Bitwig Store with my code.

In this video, I demonstrate Sonible's Smart Reverb plugin and show how it can be used to create custom tailored reverb for different instruments. I explore the different settings and show how to use it to create reverb tails and drones. I also provide a link to the website to try the 30-day trial version and encourage viewers to support my content by subscribing to my channel or becoming a member.

In this video, I showed how to use Bitwig Studio’s FX Grid to automate drum loop editing tasks. By using Merge modules, Value knobs, and synchronization devices, it’s possible to offset drum loops to different time ranges and add breakdowns and fill-ins with minimal effort. I also showed how to use a Mod Delay to switch between different signals, as well as how to automate using a Button and a Macro Knob.

In this video, I demonstrated how to use the Voxango Shine Chilla, a distortion overdrive or saturation effect. I showed how to use the threshold and harmonic pages to generate overtones and how to use the saturation page to create rich overtones in the top end. I also went through the other features of the plug-in, such as the question mark, the naming field, the undo/redo, the A/B comparison, the channel routing settings, the group soloing, and the settings page. If you are interested in the plug-in, there is a link to the Voxango page in the description where you can download the demo version and try it out for yourself.

In this video I explained the basics of the grid system in Bitwig Studio, exploring the pre-cords, pitch in/out modules, ADSR, oscilloscope and how to create a generative patch within the grid. I explored how to modify the pitch signal and how to trigger the ADSR envelope with a gate input. I also discussed how to use the pitch quantizer and the gates module to create a self-playing system and how to use random modulators and transpose modules to add more dynamics.

Normally known for Drum & Bass or Ambient, Polarity is trying his hand at his first House / Techno release. Generative melodies meet a dancefloor groove of smooth bass and a tight kickdrum.

I'm showing how to create a sampler instrument from a kalimba using Bitwig studio. I have sampled all the plugs on the kalimba and added effects like grain, reverb and delay. I demonstrate how these effects can be used to create a rich sound. I also show a texture mode which can create a pad sound or an eerie drone sound. If you want to download the preset, you can support my channel by going to my Patreon page and subscribing with at least one dollar.

Polarity's Magic Carpet Ride EP with Skyence delivers two halftime 85bpm glitch hop and drum and bass-inspired tracks, including DeesinQ feat. Skyence.

In this video, I talk about my experience with live streaming on Twitch and how it's a great way to interact with subscribers and followers. I also share some tips on how to schedule live streams and address some technical issues I encountered during my first stream. Additionally, I introduce a new Discord bot called Chefkoch, which allows users to upload and share Bitwig clips and preset files with the community. I explain how to use the bot and also demonstrate a new feature in Bitwig Studio 3.2 that allows users to open preset files from the Windows Explorer. Finally, I encourage viewers to join our Discord community, where they can exchange preset files and clips with others for free. I also remind them to define a default action for BV preset files in their browser for easy access. Overall, I hope to continue creating tutorials and live streams to engage with my audience and offer helpful tips and tricks for using Bitwig Studio.

In this video, I explore the concept of convolution and whether it's possible to do inside the grid of Bitwig Studio. I showcase a preset I created that allows users to alter an input signal with a convolution signal. I explain the basic concept of convolution, which involves multiplying an input signal with an impulse response and adding it to the output signal. I share a website that helped me understand convolution better and demonstrate how I tried to make the preset work within the limitations of the grid in Bitwig Studio. I acknowledge that this preset has its flaws and limitations, but I still offer it for those who want to experiment and learn more. Overall, this video is a documentation of my learning process and I invite viewers to share their ideas and insights in the comments.

In this video, I explain my favorite init settings for the EQ Plus in Bitwig Studio 3.2. I start with a completely empty project and add a fully grid, saw wave, ADSR, and an audio art. With the EQ Plus, I remove all the init settings to start fresh. I explain the harmonic series, which produces harmonic overtones when using a saw wave. To set up bands for these harmonics, I add a band for the fundamental frequency of C3. I save the EQ Plus as an init preset to remember that changing the gain for the first band changes the fundamental frequency. I add bands for the different harmonics and use the key track to keep track of the pitch or notes played. The key track also keeps track of any pitch band girfs applied. I saved this as an init preset for pitch tracking or note tracking, which works well for monophonic sounds such as bass sounds. I also demonstrate how the EQ Plus follows pitch tracking custom pitch tracking and works alongside the kick drum. Overall, this is a useful trick in a toolbox to apply to EQs and other instruments.

In this video, I show off some new presets that I created for Bitwig Studio's updated package manager. To get these presets, you just need to click on the packages tab and install the essentials collection or just install the evolving sounds and sequences from it. I showcase various presets such as Burnout, Ceramic Bonko Band, Dream State, Guitar Ballad, Hoover Rave, Key Groove, Nasty Ways, Rusty Rubber, Signs in Time, and Wormhole. I encourage viewers to try out the presets, play around with them and give me feedback. If interested in more content, viewers can subscribe to my Patreon page.