Polarity Music Tutorials

In this first video of 2026, I demonstrate a powerful workflow in the yet-to-be-released Bitwig Studio 6.0, showing how to transfer recorded automation into device modulators like Phase-4's segments modulator for more flexible, note-triggered modulation. This technique allows you to create dynamic, evolving sounds that are not tied to specific MIDI clips, making it easy to trigger complex parameter movements with each note. I also discuss wishing for a dedicated on-the-fly recording modulator and encourage Bitwig to add such a feature in future updates.

This video explores how to recreate and expand on Bitwig Studio's granular sampler textures mode using note repeat and modulation devices, allowing for more creative control over grain shape, pitch, and playback position. By combining multi-samples, note effects, randomization, and step modulators, you can achieve evolving and complex granular textures well beyond the limitations of the default sampler. These techniques enable richer sound design possibilities, easily adjustable and even better visualized within the Bitwig Grid for advanced users.

This video explains how to create a dynamic resonance suppressor in Bitwig Studio using native tools, focusing on audio sidechain modulators and flexible EQ or spectral devices for precise, real-time control over harsh or problematic frequencies. The presenter compares Bitwig's workflow to Ableton Live, highlighting Bitwig's superior modulation capabilities and the ability to build unlimited, customizable solutions for tasks like de-essing, noise suppression, or spectral gating. Various creative techniques are shown, from quick envelope-follower sidechaining to advanced spectral or FX grid approaches, allowing users to tailor their workflow for different sounds and preferences.

A first look at FL Studio Web, including instruments, samples, pattern tools, effects, automation, and how the browser DAW compares to desktop workflow.

Bitwig Studio 6 is still in its longest-running beta phase, currently at beta nine, with many new features and bug fixes making a stable release before Christmas unlikely, so early next year seems probable. Notable improvements include more intuitive flying automation lanes, better automation editing, consistent GUI updates, workflow tweaks, and numerous small bug fixes and usability enhancements. Overall, the software now feels more robust and enjoyable to use, especially with automation and clip handling significantly improved from earlier beta versions.

Smart Comp 3 by Sonable offers a unique visual approach to compression, allowing users to intuitively match compression settings between different tracks using a map-based interface for greater consistency across projects. Unlike traditional compressors that require manual adjustment of attack, threshold, release, and ratio, this tool lets you visually place your sound in the desired compression zone and easily replicate that setting across multiple drum tracks or projects. While the plugin is currently only full-band and not multiband, its intelligent analysis and goal-focused workflow make it an exciting option for producers seeking matched dynamics and cohesive sound.

Do low cuts cause phase problems between kick and bass? This guide explains why the answer depends on context, when high-pass filters actually help, and why blanket mixing rules are usually wrong.

This video demonstrates how to create realistic hi-hats, cymbals, and crash sounds in Bitwig Studio using a free native preset based on physical modeling principles, similar to Excite Cymbal plugins. The patch includes features like a stick simulation, dispersion feedback with low delay times, and a resonator made from stacked comb filters, with macros and EQ for versatile sound shaping. The presenter also highlights ways to sample these sounds and mentions alternatives like the open-source Excite plugins and pure data patches for deeper customization.

This detailed walkthrough shows how to start making drum and bass music in Bitwig Studio by building up drums, bass, and pads from scratch using mostly stock devices and sampling techniques. The process focuses on developing the core groove and sound design through continuous tweaking, resampling, and simple processing rather than overthinking or getting caught up in technical perfection. The most important lesson is to keep moving forward, rely on your instinct and style, and make creative adjustments until you are satisfied with the result.

In this video, I introduce a unique Bitwig Studio preset called Compressor Analyzer, which visually demonstrates how any compressor affects an audio signal without requiring external plugins. The tool generates a controllable test signal, processes it through a compressor, and provides real-time visual feedback comparing the original and compressed signals, making it easy to analyze and even clone compressor settings between devices. The preset is available for free on my GitHub, allowing you to better understand and match compressor behavior in your own projects.

Music production is best learned through hands-on experience, making mistakes, and developing your own taste, rather than relying on paid courses, tutorials, or expensive gear, which often give you the illusion of knowledge without real understanding. Focusing too much on harmony theory, mixing, mastering, or specific genres early on distracts from what matters most: regularly finishing tracks and learning from each attempt. Ultimately, the process should be about making music you enjoy, not seeking validation or following fixed rules, because true growth comes from persistence and personal exploration.

The sampler in Bitwig is a highly versatile tool that allows users to create a wide range of sounds by slicing, stretching, and creatively modulating samples, making it possible to produce entire tracks with just a few devices and effects. The guide demonstrates practical techniques for syncing drum loops to project tempo, slicing samples, and turning any audio into instruments or pads using modulation and filtering, offering endless creative possibilities without the need for additional plugins. By experimenting with simple recordings and leveraging Bitwig’s modulation system, users can achieve unique and professional results, illustrating the sampler’s power for music production.

In this video, I demonstrate how to create classic and straightforward synth sounds in Bitwig Studio using simple subtractive synthesis without heavy processing, allowing you to easily follow along and understand the foundations behind iconic tones. I also introduce a free resource on my website where you can find step-by-step guides, preset downloads, and detailed explanations for each patch. Throughout the video, I cover essential sounds like house organ basses, jungle and rave basses, techno leads, dub chords, and FX noises, emphasizing simplicity and the power of filters and basic waveforms.

Learn how to build classic synth sounds in Bitwig, including basses, leads, pads, plucks, bells, and FM textures with core sound-design techniques.

This video explains how to use Bitwig Studio to add or replace harmonics in a bass sound, such as adding a sine wave an octave higher or creating a super clean sub-bass by layering and filtering techniques. The tutorial demonstrates several methods, including using instrument layers, the wavetable oscillator’s remove fundamental feature, steep EQ cuts with key tracking, and dynamic envelope following to blend clean sine partials with processed bass sounds. It also highlights Bitwig's flexibility for customizing harmonics and encourages experimentation with different device combinations for both MIDI and audio sources.

In this Bitwig tutorial, I demonstrate how to use key tracking with EQ5 to dynamically shape harmonics of bass sounds in response to changing notes, a technique not easily achievable with most VST plugins. I also show how to use key tracking and sidechaining to remove clashing frequencies between instruments, all within Bitwig’s flexible modulation system. These methods allow for deep and musical control over your sound design, and presets are available for download on my GitHub.