Polarity Music Tutorials

Learn all-pass reverb design in Bitwig Grid with the all-pass reverb calculator to choose non-multiple delay times and build smoother custom ambient reverbs.

Polarity SC is a free open-source spectral compressor for Windows, macOS, and Linux (VST3 & CLAP) with spectral ducking, resonance suppression, freeze, and IR export.

Polarity MD update adds a native GUI, linear-phase crossovers, per-band clip thresholds, and better scaling for faster, clearer multiband compression.

Learn how to build complex ambient generator patches in Bitwig Grid by layering small modules for raindrops, wind, harmony, and reverb.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

This video explains how to easily create lush, spacey ambient drone music in Bitwig Studio using the Grid, focusing on stacking sine oscillators tuned to the root, fourth, and fifth notes of a scale with voice stacking, modulation, randomization, and effects like reverb and chorus. The presenter demonstrates building evolving harmonies and textures, adding sampled keyboard sounds and a simple bass, and shows how to keep everything musical while allowing flexible sound design. The result is a rich ambient soundscape perfect for long YouTube videos, with a workflow that can be adapted and expanded creatively.

The Melda MMatcher EQ plugin is a powerful tool for achieving consistent frequency balance across tracks by allowing you to create and use custom reference curves, including separate processing for mid and side channels. It excels at quickly identifying mix issues and ensuring a uniform sound, especially when working with albums or EPs. The plugin can be applied not just on masters but also on individual buses like drums or bass, and you can create more reliable reference curves by averaging multiple tracks, with advanced features for fine-tuning and analyzing by stem if desired.

In this video, I create a new track from scratch in Bitwig Studio 6 beta, showcasing the new automation improvements and demonstrating my workflow for building sounds, melodies, and drums step by step. I experiment with vocals, synths, and various effects to craft an atmospheric vibe, while balancing and mixing each element live as the track evolves. The project is left unfinished, focusing on creative exploration rather than perfection, and the session will be available for download on my Patreon.

This transcript explores how warp modes and phase manipulation in synthesizers like Vital, Zebra, and Bitwig’s Grid can greatly expand the sound possibilities beyond the basic wavetable or sine oscillators. By creatively altering the phase or ramp signal with effects and modulators, you can transform simple waveforms into diverse and complex sounds, even simulating unison and adding rich movement without using traditional wavetable oscillators. The process is accessible, flexible, and allows for the export and reuse of custom waveforms, encouraging experimentation and sound design beyond standard limitations.