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Bitwig MIDI Modulator - Map CC, Pitch Bend, and MIDI Channels

Bitwig Guide | Jul 12, 2022

The MIDI modulator in Bitwig Studio allows you to control parameters using different MIDI data like CC, pressure, and pitch bend, and you can easily map knobs from your MIDI keyboard using the learn function. You can filter incoming MIDI data by channel, making it flexible for setups with multiple controllers, and you must disable the PB Expressions option for standard pitch bend usage instead of MPE. Additionally, the per voice option in the inspector enables independent modulation for each note played, unlocking creative sound possibilities when used with advanced MIDI controllers.

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Short Overview

Using Bitwig Studio's MIDI modulator, I can easily map my keyboard's controls, like the mod wheel or other knobs, to different parameters on my instruments or effects. Switching between CC, pressure, or pitch bend is simple, and if I want to use pitch bend data, I just need to turn off the PB Expressions option for regular controllers. I can quickly assign any MIDI knob by using the learn CC feature, filter input by MIDI channels, and even set controls per voice for more expressive and creative sounds. This flexibility lets me tailor my MIDI setup exactly the way I want for each project.

Introduction to the MIDI Modulator in Bitwig Studio

In this summary, I will walk you through the core functions and advanced features of the MIDI modulator within Bitwig Studio. My goal is to clearly explain each section, how to use it, and some underlying MIDI concepts that are essential for understanding its power.

Receiving MIDI Data: Mod Wheel and More

When I load up the MIDI modulator in Bitwig Studio, the default input is typically set to receive data from the mod wheel of my MIDI keyboard. Turning the mod wheel sends MIDI CC (Control Change) data, which I can then use to modulate parameters on any instrument or audio effect inside Bitwig.

Choosing Between MIDI Input Types: CC, Pressure, and Pitch Bend

I can switch the MIDI input type from the traditional CC to either Pressure or Pitch Bend. CC refers to a variety of controls on my MIDI device, including various knobs, faders, and sliders. Pressure corresponds to aftertouch, which is a type of expression some keyboards offer when I press down harder on a key after the initial strike. Pitch Bend is another important MIDI control, usually found as a separate wheel or lever on my MIDI controller.

Special Setup for Pitch Bend Data

If I want to modulate something using Pitch Bend, Bitwig Studio requires a specific setup. There is a setting in the track inspector called "PB Expressions." This setting is intended for MPE (MIDI Polyphonic Expression) controllers, which allow a different pitch bend for each note. For standard MIDI controllers, I need to turn this off. I select the track with my instrument, find the PB Expressions button on the left, and disable it. Now, I can use pitch bend as a regular CC modulation source.

Selecting and Learning CC Numbers

Each knob or slider on my MIDI keyboard transmits on a specific CC number. If I am unsure about which number controls which knob, I can use the "learn CC" feature in Bitwig. I simply click the learn button, turn the slider or knob, and Bitwig automatically assigns the correct CC number so I can modulate parameters using that control.

Filtering by MIDI Channel

MIDI data is transmitted over 16 distinct channels, and Bitwig allows me to filter incoming data by these channels. By default, the MIDI modulator can receive data on all channels, which covers most use cases. However, I might want to restrict the input to a single channel if I am using multiple MIDI controllers, each on its own channel, or working with complex multi-instrument setups.

For instance, if I want a particular synth to only respond to a controller sending data on channel 16, I simply set the filter accordingly. This level of routing helps structure larger projects or live setups with several instruments and controllers.

Advanced Routing: Last Notes Channel

There is an option to limit CC data to the channel of the last note played. If I play a note on channel five, disabling "All Channels" restricts incoming modulation to channel five, ignoring other channels. This is useful for per-channel expression or multi-timbral workflows.

The Per Voice Option

One of Bitwig’s advanced features with the MIDI modulator is the "per voice" mode, accessible in the modulator's inspector. When I enable this, the modulator operates individually on each note or voice played. This means that if I play a chord, each key can transmit unique CC or expression data, and each can be modulated independently.

While most MIDI controllers aren't set up for this type of polyphonic expression, it is possible to achieve with custom setups, especially if I am using Bitwig’s Note Grid or a DIY MIDI controller.

Key Concepts Explained

MIDI CC (Control Change)

MIDI Control Change messages are a key part of expressive performance, allowing various aspects of an instrument or effect to be modified in real-time from external hardware controls.

MIDI Channels

A single MIDI cable or virtual connection can carry 16 different "channels" of data; this allows me to control multiple instruments independently from a single sequencer or controller.

Pitch Bend

Pitch Bend is a specialized MIDI message that allows for smooth, continuous pitch changes rather than the discrete steps associated with notes. Some Bitwig features require configuration to handle pitch bend data properly, especially when mixing standard and MPE workflows.

MPE (MIDI Polyphonic Expression)

MPE expands the traditional MIDI specification so that each individual note can be assigned its own full set of MIDI messages, enabling advanced performance techniques such as individual pitch bends and modulation per note.

Conclusion

The MIDI modulator in Bitwig Studio is a versatile and powerful tool for integrating hardware controllers into the DAW environment. By understanding its settings for CC numbers, pitch bend, aftertouch, and advanced per-channel or per-voice routing options, I can develop creative modulation strategies that enhance expressive performance and sound design.

Full Video Transcription

This is what im talking about in this video. The text is transcribed by Whisper, so it might not be perfect. If you find any mistakes, please let me know.
You can also click on the timestamps to jump to the right part of the video, which should be helpful.

Click to expand Transcription

[00:00:00] So this is the MIDI modulator of Bitwig Studio.
[00:00:02] And when you use this modulator here in the default state,
[00:00:06] it receives from a MIDI keyboard the mod wheel.
[00:00:10] So when I turn the mod wheel here and see receive data,
[00:00:15] you can use this and modulate something
[00:00:17] on your instrument or audio effect.
[00:00:20] Then you can switch from CC to pressure or band,
[00:00:22] which are separate from CCs.
[00:00:25] And then you want to use the band, which is basically
[00:00:28] also exactly besides the mod wheel, the band knob.
[00:00:33] And you want to receive this data.
[00:00:35] You have to look up here on the right side that says,
[00:00:38] to use pitch band, the tracks inspector option
[00:00:41] to convert PB to expressions data must be disabled.
[00:00:46] So you have to go to the track where you have your instrument
[00:00:49] on, select the track.
[00:00:51] And then on the left side, here's a button called
[00:00:53] PB Expressions.
[00:00:54] You have to disable this.
[00:00:55] And this is basically made for MPE controllers.
[00:00:59] But you have to turn this off for regular controllers.
[00:01:02] So turn this off.
[00:01:03] And then you can use the pitch band here to modulate something.
[00:01:10] So then we have, besides CC, pressure band.
[00:01:12] Here we can switch to a different CC.
[00:01:15] And every knob on your MIDI keyboard
[00:01:17] has a certain type of CC number that sends our data on.
[00:01:23] So when you, for instance, have some random knob
[00:01:25] on your MIDI keyboard and you turn it,
[00:01:27] it is maybe on CC2 or CC3.
[00:01:31] And if you don't know which number you have for which knob,
[00:01:35] then you just press learn CC.
[00:01:38] And then you turn a certain knob on your keyboard
[00:01:40] and Bitwig switches here to the right number.
[00:01:43] And then you can use this controller, basically,
[00:01:46] on your keyboard to modulate something and receive data here.
[00:01:50] Then use this handle and modulate something.
[00:01:53] So you can filter here by CC numbers.
[00:01:56] Then you can also filter by channels, by MIDI channels.
[00:01:59] And we have 16 channels, which is usual for MIDI.
[00:02:03] And you can say you want to receive MIDI data on all channels,
[00:02:08] which is most of the times enough.
[00:02:10] And then you can say, I want to receive only data
[00:02:14] on the last notes channel.
[00:02:16] So when you played, for instance, on channel five,
[00:02:19] the last time you used all here, you played some keys
[00:02:22] on channel, MIDI channel five.
[00:02:25] Then you disable this, then you only receive now data
[00:02:28] on MIDI channel five.
[00:02:29] And all the other channels are basically not used.
[00:02:34] And yeah, you can use this option for that.
[00:02:37] If you don't want to do that, you can switch this also off
[00:02:40] and use here a MIDI number manually.
[00:02:44] So you want to only receive here maybe MIDI data on channel 16.
[00:02:49] And this is useful when you have multiple MIDI controllers
[00:02:52] and you only want to use one MIDI controller on channel 16
[00:02:56] for this synthesizer.
[00:02:57] And you want to maybe use channel 15
[00:03:01] with this MIDI controller on this synthesizer.
[00:03:03] Here you can filter out certain devices
[00:03:06] by using different channels.
[00:03:09] So this is something you can do.
[00:03:11] So this is basically the modulator itself.
[00:03:14] I also explained you this with the band, which is kind of special.
[00:03:18] And there's one last option.
[00:03:20] And this is in the inspector itself.
[00:03:22] So when you select here the MIDI modulator,
[00:03:25] you can turn on here the pair voice option.
[00:03:29] And this basically means that you have this modulator now
[00:03:34] separately on each voice you're playing.
[00:03:36] So you play multiple notes or chords on your MIDI keyboard.
[00:03:40] And then you can basically send out
[00:03:43] CCs for each note you're pressing differently,
[00:03:47] different signals, and can modulate each voice,
[00:03:51] each key you're pressing differently.
[00:03:54] This is not really possible with most MIDI controllers.
[00:03:58] But when you have maybe a MIDI controller,
[00:04:00] you did something yourself in the note grid.
[00:04:03] You can use this here.
[00:04:05] The pair voice option, you can modulate each voice differently,
[00:04:08] which leads to nice sounds.
[00:04:10] [BLANK_AUDIO]