Automation

Bitwig Studio 6 introduced global and per-lane automation lock and follow features, improved automation clip handling, and added clearer lane information, making workflow more intuitive. New updates since the first beta include flying automation lanes for quick editing, overdub and free-time automation options, tighter automation smoothing for sound design, and enhancements to device modulation and note echo behavior. Additional improvements like better touch support, new controller integrations, and performance optimizations further polish the user experience, making Bitwig 6 a solid and modern DAW choice.

Automation in Bitwig Studio 6 introduces improved visuals and helpful new tools, but the workflow changes, like moving buttons and making it harder to see MIDI notes or quickly add/delete automation lanes, can be frustrating, especially for users familiar with Bitwig 5. Despite some minor design annoyances and added clicks in the process, the enhanced features such as randomization, smarter node handling, and flexible clip-based automation are genuinely powerful and enjoyable. Overall, the automation system is much improved, though small fixes to workflow consistency would make it nearly perfect.

In this video, I'm talking about how automation can be used to progress your track, how to use it as an arrangement tool, and why it's the most important thing you have in your tool belt. I explain how I use automation to draw in value changes over time and introduce a storyline to my arrangement. I also discuss how I use modulation to give my sound an organic feel and how to use automation to make more drastic changes to progress my track. Finally, I demonstrate how I use automation to introduce a groove and rhythm to the listener and give them a sense of when something is happening in the track.

The user encountered workflow issues when recording automation in the Bitwig 6 Clip Launcher, specifically problems with unintuitive controls, unnecessary automation gaps, and inconvenient ways of layering or editing automation clips. They highlighted the need for separate automation recording buttons for the Clip Launcher, and pointed out the confusion caused by overlapping features with the Arranger, as well as some persistent bugs. Despite these frustrations, they believe Bitwig 6 is improving and welcome further updates that enhance usability, especially for live performance and creative flexibility.

In this video, I share a powerful technique for adding organic feel to your tracks by using automation in your DAW while staying in the creative flow. I demonstrate how to use the automation feature for recording parameter changes in real-time, allowing for dynamic and unique sound variations. This approach focuses on creativity over precision, bringing life to electronic music by embracing imperfections and avoiding the rigidity of perfectly timed automation.

Bitwig Studio 6 has finally arrived, bringing a host of powerful new features, especially major automation improvements like automation clips, aliasing, and advanced editing tools that put automation on par with audio and note editing. The update also introduces global key signatures, enhanced note expression capabilities, and an updated dark interface, making both workflow and creative possibilities much more flexible and efficient. Overall, this release delivers numerous small and large improvements across the board, ensuring a snappier, more inspiring experience for all users.

In this video, I wanted to share my approach to creating music in Bitwig. Rather than getting overwhelmed by the thousands of possibilities in the software, I prefer to rely on presets and sounds I've already created. I use Bitwig as a canvas to paint tracks and automations, without getting too caught up in building instruments or complex modulations. I demonstrate this by dissecting a recent sketch I made, showing how I use presets and automation to bring the track to life. I also discuss the use of different VSTs and samples that I incorporate into the project. Overall, my goal is to create a practical and enjoyable process for making music.

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.

Explore the main new features in Bitwig Studio 6, including alias clips, automation upgrades, scale tools, editing changes, and workflow improvements.

This video is about how compression can be replaced with alternative methods in production, such as using the tool device with an LFO, the FX grid, and note triggers. These methods can be used to effectively automate volume and create a pumping effect, without the need for a compressor. The video emphasizes that compressors are just volume automations, and that alternative methods should be explored.

In this video, I show you how to build a vocal rider plug-in using the Bitwig envelope follower. To record the modulator as automation data for future editing, you need to use a separate track. Bitwig Studio allows for customization and modification of the algorithm, giving you the flexibility to create your own unique vocal rider.

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.

In this video, I explore Cubase 14's new ability to import and export DAWPROJECT files, an open-source format for exchanging projects developed by Bitwig developers. I test a simple drum and bass tune from Bitwig to Cubase and back, noting that while some elements like note clips, automation, and grouping transfer, certain features like stretch modes and some automations are missing or not fully compatible. Overall, it's a promising start for cross-DAW compatibility, though there is still significant room for improvement.

In this video, I create a new track from scratch in Bitwig Studio 6 beta, showcasing the new automation improvements and demonstrating my workflow for building sounds, melodies, and drums step by step. I experiment with vocals, synths, and various effects to craft an atmospheric vibe, while balancing and mixing each element live as the track evolves. The project is left unfinished, focusing on creative exploration rather than perfection, and the session will be available for download on my Patreon.

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

In this video, I showed some tips and tricks to make editing a drum loop more interesting and less tedious. I used Bitwig and the chain to add effects to the drum loop, such as filters, delays, reverbs, and phasers. I showed how to use automation, step mode, and the FX grid to sequence the effects and how to use the randomize and modulation amount features to control the probability of the effects being triggered. I also showed how to use a tool device to feed audio into a reverb and how to use a chance module to randomize different effects.

In this video, I showed how to make a dance floor track out of an 8 bar loop. I began by listening to the track and removing some of the plug-ins and then creating an intro. I used some automation and randomization to make the most out of what I had, and then I added a lead melody and some drums and percussion. I also used some FX and modulation to emphasize the drop and add some variation to the track. Finally, I added a straight hi-hat to emphasize the speed.

Bitwig Studio 6’s new scale highlighting feature makes it easy to visualize, create, and modulate melodies and harmonies in different scales and modes, helping both beginners and advanced users make more intentional music. The feature supports global and local scale selection, real-time automation, and integration with tools like arpeggiators and note effects, allowing users to experiment with brightness, darkness, and complexity. While primarily a highlighter rather than a full automatic transposer, it’s a valuable addition for making music theory more accessible and practical in your workflow.