Array
Bitwig Platform
A recordable stereo lookup buffer with independent phase addresses for writing and reading stored values.
What it does
Array stores incoming stereo values in addressable slots. A write event records the current input at the position selected by Write Phase, while Read Phase independently chooses which stored position is sent to the output.
Controls and ports
The wrapper provides stereo Value/Audio In, Write Phase, a Write trigger, Read Phase, a stereo output, and a configurable number of data slots.
Practical uses
- Record a custom waveform or modulation table, then scan it at any rate or direction with Read Phase.
- Use a steadily moving write head and delayed read head as an experimental buffer or delay structure.
- Freeze the stored data and manipulate only Read Phase for reverse, pitch-shift, scrub, or crude sampler effects.
Things to know
- Writing and reading use separate addresses, so recording does not force playback to follow the write head.
- Each write event captures the current input at the addressed slot; continuous recording requires repeated write events.
- Array is stateful: its output depends on previously written memory, not only on the current inputs.
- An older guide documents 16 default slots and up to 1024, but the exact range should be rechecked in the current Bitwig version before publication.
Technical details
No Nitro implementation has been confirmed for this visible module. The behavior is described conservatively from module metadata and editorial research.
A useful abstract model is buffer[index(write_phase)] = input on a qualifying write event, followed by output = lookup(buffer, read_phase). The buffer is stereo and its length is configurable. Exact index rounding, interpolation between slots, trigger-edge policy, simultaneous read/write ordering, initialization, and project-state persistence are not established because no dedicated Array Nitro implementation is mapped.
Open questions
- Measure the current slot-count range, phase-to-index rounding, interpolation, and wrap behavior.
- Test write-trigger threshold, repeated-high input, simultaneous read/write, stereo independence, initialization, and saved-state persistence.
Version and sources
Checked against Bitwig Studio 6.0.6. This page combines Bitwig's module metadata, the existing Grid course and guides, and Nitro analysis where the mapping is strong enough to support a technical statement.
Related material
- Grid Modules course reference
- Lookup Data Tables - Bitwig Grid Module Guide
- Array - Bitwig Grid Module Guide
Return to Bitwig Grid Modules or the Grid Modules course lesson.
Also matches: Bitwig Array module, Array Grid module, Bitwig Grid Array, Array module, Bitwig Array, Array
Posts in this topic
In this tutorial, I explain how the Array (Recordable Lookup Table) module works in Bitwig Studio 3.2 by demonstrating how it stores and plays back audio data, similar to a digital tape recorder. By using envelopes and LFOs to control the read and write phases, you can create a range of effects like pitching, bit crushing, and even realtime audio reversing. The Array module is a versatile tool for creative sound design, and I encourage you to explore its many possibilities.
In this video, I demonstrated how to make improvements to our small plug data sampler. I showed how to utilize symbols and send/receive objects to simplify the patch, as well as addressed bugs and added a solution to the clicking problem when writing and reading from the same array. Additionally, I explained how to convert the length of the buffer from seconds to milliseconds and sync it with the host's BPM using the playhead object.
In this video, I demonstrate how to use Pure Data as a plugin inside Bitwig. I explain the process of recording and sampling audio into an array, manipulating the playback speed, and adding fade-in and fade-out effects. By understanding these techniques, viewers can explore creating their own plugins or prototype their own audio projects.
In this video, I give an overview of the new features and additions to Bitwig Studio 3.2 beta. The biggest addition is the new EQ Plus device, which allows for easy EQ adjustments without the need to open a new window. Other additions include a new spectrum analyzer with a customizable slope, a saturator with an expander feature, and new options for selector devices. The arpeggiator and polygrid also have new features, such as randomized starting offsets and an interpolation option. Additionally, there is a new module called the array, which allows users to store and retrieve values at specific indexes. Overall, the new features are useful and enhance the flexibility of Bitwig Studio.