Note Grid - Creating a Note FX Patch
Alright, let’s get started by building our first Grid patch! We’ll keep it super simple and create a Note Grid patch to get a feel for the workflow.
Step 1: Create a New Note Grid Device #
- Create a new Instrument Track in Bitwig Studio.
- In the device chain, click the + button to open the device browser.
- Search for Note Grid and select it from the list.
- Click OK to add the Note Grid to your track.
- Click on the mini-map of the Note Grid to open it in full view.
Step 2: Explore the Default Setup #
By default, the Note Grid already contains a Note In and Note Out module connected with cables. This setup passes incoming MIDI notes directly through the Grid without modification.
- If you expand both modules, you'll see additional outputs and inputs like Timbre, Pressure, Panning, and Gain. These are note-specific values similar to MPE (MIDI Polyphonic Expression) data.
Step 3: Add the Invert Module #
- Open the Module Palette at the top of the Grid.
- Search for the Invert module.
- Drag it into the workspace and place it between the Pitch Out of the Note In and the Pitch In of the Note Out module.
This module works by multiplying incoming values by -1, effectively flipping the pitch data. Positive values become negative, and vice versa.
Step 4: Test the Patch #
- Add a synthesizer like Polymer or any VST instrument after the Note Grid device.
- Play your MIDI keyboard.
I also show this kind of trick in one of my videos:
You’ll notice that the pitch is completely inverted - the higher you play on the keyboard, the lower the pitch goes. This effect completely flips the keyboard layout and can be a fun trick to break out of familiar chord shapes or habits. A classic technique for creative experimentation!
Now comes one of the best things about Bitwig - everything can be saved as a preset! This includes any device, any combination or nesting of devices, and of course, all Grid patches. You can save them to your library and easily recall them later from the browser.
How to Save a Grid Preset: #
- Right-click on the Note Grid device in the chain. (You’ll need to click on the title bar of the device, not inside the Grid itself.)
- Select Save Preset to Library from the context menu.
- A preset-saving dialog will appear where you can name your patch, add tags, and organize it for easy access later.
This way, you can instantly reuse your favorite patches and setups anytime—super convenient for building your own sound library!
In the preset-saving dialog, you should at least:
- Name your preset clearly.
- Assign a Category (like Note or Utility).
- Add a Tag for easier searching.
- Optionally, write a short Description explaining the preset’s purpose.
Click OK, and your preset will be saved! You can now find it anytime in the Bitwig browser by searching for the name you assigned.
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