Community Report 2025-09-10 - Automation Clip Chaos vs. Beta 3 Fixes; Stable Tips on Stretching, CC Routing, and Sample Workflow

On stable channels, users traded practical tips: aligning loops by beats via alt-drag, improving translation of 808s on small speakers, and routing CC in Grid while taming passthrough issues. Several highlighted Bitwig’s weaker sample prep/export workflow compared to Reaper, wish

Bitwig Community Report 2025-09-10 #

This page summarizes recent discussions in the Bitwig Community Forums and Beta forums, highlighting user questions, solutions, and workflow tips. This is updated periodically as new topics arise.

Audio export crackling on 5.3.13 #

A user heard crackling on export despite max buffer; others noted buffer size doesn’t affect offline export and suggested checking VSTs and trying real-time export if playback is clean.

Touchscreen use with Bitwig #

A Windows 11 user asked for touchscreen and stylus recommendations for a dual-monitor setup; no firm consensus yet, but interest in practical, Amazon-available options.

Setting loop tempo by beats (breakbeats) #

Instead of entering BPM, users recommended visually stretching clips to exact beats by alt-dragging clip edges with snapping, plus assigning Scale 50%/100% shortcuts to quickly halve/double playback speed.

Sample prep and export workflow gaps vs. Reaper #

Several lamented Bitwig’s clunky sample prep: cutting, silence removal, and exporting with sensible names. Reaper’s region-based workflow and highly configurable render naming were praised; suggestions for Bitwig included better event-to-region workflows and predictable incrementing names on slice/bounce.

Controller scripting snippet #

A quick tip shared for querying a slot’s play state: slotBank.getItemAt(0).isPlaying().get().

Routing CC and filtering in Grid #

To send specific CC between tracks, users proposed outputting on a dedicated channel and filtering inputs by channel/note. Alternatives included avoiding CC entirely by modulating a DC signal in Grid FX and receiving that instead.

Converting CC11 to CC1 in Note Grid #

Solution involved disabling Control Thru in the Grid inspector, ensuring the patch itself doesn’t emit CC11, using True Mono, and avoiding Note FX Layer passthrough (or blocking CC per layer). Moving the Note Grid outside a Note FX Layer resolved unwanted CC11 leakage.

Translating 808s to laptop speakers #

If an 808 sounds great on full-range systems but vanishes on laptop speakers, add harmonics: parallel distortion, a separate “knock” layer, and/or EQ. Compare against references that translate well to guide frequency content.

SSL UF8 mapping quirk #

A user noted Bitwig’s Distortion device didn’t map to the SSL UF8 while other devices did; no confirmed workaround yet.

Theming: Adwaita Light WIP #

A clean Adwaita Light theme was shared; feedback was positive, with minor concern about full-intensity white and a few elements that remain non-editable.

Oscillator editing like Serum #

Users wished for a simple “edit oscillator waveform” feature akin to Serum/Operator; Bitwig’s sound design ground is strong but lacks this specific convenience.

Feature requests: session record and pre-roll input capture #

Requests included a global “session record” that targets the selected Clip Launcher slot and pre-record audio input to avoid missed transients.

Miscellaneous #

A Launchpad Pro crash was reported fixed; someone joked about a “Bitwig iPhone.” Off-topic talk covered distributor switching (e.g., DistroKid) and burnout; a listening party announcement and general production questions appeared as well.

Bitwig Beta Corner #

If there is a BETA version available, users are encouraged to test new features and report bugs in the Beta forum. Here are some recent topics.

Beta 3 released with many fixes #

Bitwig 6.0 Beta 3 landed with a raft of crash fixes (copy/paste, deselecting clips, time-selection navigation, slicing takes, etc.), better behavior when dragging devices with automation, and improvements to automation editing and Arranger/Launcher interactions. Some users still hit UI freezes, laggy playback over time, or stuttering when zoomed in, and one report mentioned random audio triggering on muted/empty tracks.

Automation clips vs. flattened automation #

A prolonged debate focused on removing clip-embedded automation in v6 and the shift to separate automation clips, especially in the Launcher. Some advocated an option to record “flattened” automation (v5-style) or at least deeply link automation clips to their parent clips by default so loop-length changes and edits stay in sync. Others suggested automation clips should override but not overwrite track automation, add a relative mode, and default to parent-following selection/edits. A counterpoint argued v5’s approach is unlikely to return, so refining the new system (defaults, linking, selection behavior) is the pragmatic path.

Alias clips and automation consistency #

Users discussed how automation should propagate among alias clips: if a user opts into aliasing, creating automation on one alias should auto-create aliased automation on all, with an easy way to opt out per region. Concerns included retroactive behavior, avoiding destructive overwrites, and reducing busywork when only some aliases should share automation.

Group master track behavior and bounce visibility #

Confusion and dissatisfaction persist over the new group master track presentation and the absence of bounce waveforms in the group overview when folded. Some saw overlapping meta clips and found it hard to know what is playing. Requests ranged from restoring v5’s clear bounce visualization to visually emphasizing the group master and clarifying precedence; a few cases might be bugs vs. intentional design.

Remaining bugs and regressions #

Reports included stuck notes partially fixed, a Split command still invalid, multi-track editing issues (some now fixed in Beta 3), automation occasionally not being read in migrated v5 projects, and performance concerns when zoomed. Users continue sending projects and detailed steps to help reproduction.

UI and workflow changes #

Users noted missing track list in certain dual-display configurations, thicker headers, and other aesthetic changes that some feel reduce clarity. Suggestions emphasized problem-focused feedback with concrete workflows rather than blanket “change it back,” to help Bitwig refine the new design.