Bitwig Mix Modulator - Crossfading and Polyphonic Modulation

Bitwig Guide | Jul 14, 2022

The Mix modulator in Bitwig Studio allows you to crossfade between two values, A and B, which can be set to positive or negative amounts and used to modulate parameters like cutoff. You can also enable a per voice option to send different modulation values to each voice, making the modulation polyphonic and more dynamic. Additionally, combining it with other modulators like Random adds further versatility, allowing unique and expressive sound shaping for each note played.

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Short Overview #

With the Mix Modulator in Bitwig Studio, I can crossfade between two values, A and B, that I set, each with positive or negative amounts. By assigning this to a parameter like cutoff, I can smoothly morph between different settings, adding movement to my sound. If I enable the per voice option, each note I play can get a unique modulation amount, allowing for rich, expressive, and polyphonic sound design.

• The Mix Modulator in Bitwig Studio crossfades between two values, A and B, to modulate parameters.
• You can set both positive and negative values for A and B.
• The modulator can be assigned to any parameter, such as cutoff or frequency.
• Crossfading allows morphing between the A and B values to achieve dynamic modulation.
• The modulator works visually, showing how the parameter changes as you crossfade.
• There is a "per voice" option in the modulator’s inspector, enabling polyphonic modulation.
• By combining per voice modulation with sources like random modulation, each voice receives a unique value for greater expressiveness.
• The modulator can be used both monophonically and polyphonically within Bitwig’s devices, such as Polysynth.

Introduction to the Mix Modulator in Bitwig Studio #

In this video, I explored the Mix modulator in Bitwig Studio, showcasing its functionality and how to take advantage of its unique ability to interpolate between two values, A and B, for creative modulation possibilities. The Mix modulator is straightforward but powerful, providing an intuitive way to blend or crossfade between two modulation amounts and apply them to various parameters in your device chain.

Basic Control and Concept #

Two Modulate-able Values: A and B #

The Mix modulator presents two main values, labeled A and B. For each, I can dial in either positive or negative modulation amounts. This means, for example, that I can assign a positive value to A and a negative value to B, or vice versa. The flexibility here allows for both subtractive and additive modulation of target parameters, depending on the desired effect.

Crossfading Between Values #

By using the crossfader, I can smoothly interpolate between the A and B values. When applied to a parameter like filter cutoff, this creates a morphing effect where the parameter moves fluidly between the two different modulation intensities. For instance, if value A is set to 40 percent and B is set to a negative value, sliding the crossfader will result in the cutoff shifting from a higher value down to a lower one, based on the positions of A and B.

Applying the Mix Modulator #

Example: Modulating Polysynth Cutoff #

To illustrate, I placed the Mix modulator on a Polysynth device. I assigned A to a positive value and B to a negative value, then modulated the cutoff of the filter with the crossfader. As I shifted from B to A, the cutoff parameter moved in real time between the set values, providing a dynamic way to morph the synth's tone.

Advanced Modulation: Per-Voice and Polyphony #

Per-Voice Modulation #

One powerful feature in Bitwig’s modular system is per-voice modulation. When the "Per Voice" option is selected in the inspector, the Mix modulator behaves polyphonically, meaning it generates and sends distinct modulation values for each new note or voice played on the keyboard. This enhances expressiveness, making each note potentially unique rather than having all voices react uniformly to the modulator.

Using Random Modulation Per Voice #

I further demonstrated the integration of a random modulator in a per-voice context. By assigning a random modulator to modulate A and B, and enabling polyphony, each note played receives a different random modulation value. This creates unpredictability and subtle variations for every single keypress, making the resulting sound more organic and lively.

Additional Concepts Explained #

Modulation in Bitwig #

Modulation refers to the process of using one value (like an LFO, envelope, or macro control) to influence another parameter in real time, such as pitch, filter cutoff, or effect mix. Bitwig’s modulation system is particularly flexible, allowing almost any parameter to be modulated internally and even linking modulators together for complex interactions.

Polyphonic Modulation #

Polyphonic, or per-voice, modulation is an advanced synthesis technique where modulation is applied separately to each individual note (voice) rather than globally. This enables intricate and expressive sound design, as each note can have its own unique character, movement, and randomness, critical for modern synth sounds and creative experimentation.

Summary #

In summary, the Mix modulator in Bitwig Studio offers a simple yet versatile way to blend between two modulation amounts and apply the result to almost any parameter. With both monophonic and polyphonic operation, it provides both foundational and advanced modulation techniques. Combined with Bitwig’s random and per-voice modulators, it opens the door to highly expressive and evolving sounds that can make every musical gesture unique within your project.

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.
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