Topics / Bitwig Studio / Phase-4

Phase-4

Phase-4 is Bitwig Studio's phase-modulation synth and appears throughout posts about FM, modulation, and harmonic sound design.

Find posts about phase modulation, Phase-4 patching, and techniques that build on its unique oscillator model.

Also matches: Phase 4, Phase-4

Posts in this topic

Exploring Bitwig Studio's Audio Rate Modulator for Versatile Sound Shaping
Tutorial Exploring Bitwig Studio's Audio Rate Modulator for Versatile Sound Shaping

In this video, I showed how to use the audio rate modulator in Bitwig Studio to shape and modify synth sounds. Many people may find this technique intimidating, but it is actually easy and versatile. I started by creating an instrument track and adding the Phase 4 synthesizer. Then, I added an audio rate modulator to take the audio signal from the Phase 4 and loop it back into the modulator to shape the sound. I demonstrated how to use low cut and gain knobs to control the modulation signal and create interesting bass noises. Additionally, I showed how to use the audio rate modulator in a mixing context to bring together bass and drum sounds, and even as a distortion effect with a kick drum. Overall, this technique is simple, fun, and can produce unique and unpredictable results.

Exploring the World of Frequency Modulation and Creating Rhythmic Videos
Tutorial Exploring the World of Frequency Modulation and Creating Rhythmic Videos

In this video, I discuss the topic of frequency modulation (FM) and the differences between exponential and linear FM. I explain how exponential FM works by modulating the nodes of an oscillator, while linear FM modulates the frequency directly. I also mention the confusion between phase modulation (PM) and frequency modulation in some synthesizers. I highlight the Phase 4 synthesizer as a great tool for FM sounds and talk about my recent EP release on Bandcamp. I share my process of creating music videos, focusing on creating the music first and then editing the video to fit the music. I explain how I use empty wave files to create a BPM grid in Final Cut. Lastly, I provide an update on the gravity modulator in the Bitwig Discord community and thank viewers for their engagement and support.

Bitwig Tips & Tricks: Part 4 - Saving Money, Circumventing Bugs, & Making Old Synths New Again
Tutorial Bitwig Tips & Tricks: Part 4 - Saving Money, Circumventing Bugs, & Making Old Synths New Again

In this video, I showed how to use the Phase 4 synthesizer in Bitwig Studio to modulate the oscillator type with an LFO or an audio-rate signal from a different track. I also showed how to circumvent a bug that can occur when using VST instruments like FM8 or Massive, which blocks the note information from the note clip. I also shared a workflow tip for using multiple clips to easily make small changes to the pattern, and how to use odd divisions on the piano roll to create interesting grooves. Finally, I talked about how to use Bitwig modulators to control parameters in VST instruments that have a small, non-resizable interface.

The Missing Bitwig Modulator
Tutorial The Missing Bitwig Modulator

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.

Creating Dubstep Bass Sounds from Scratch with Bitwig Studio
Tutorial Creating Dubstep Bass Sounds from Scratch with Bitwig Studio

In this video, I walk viewers through a step-by-step guide to creating a dubstep bass sound using the Phase 4 FM synthesizer in Bitwig Studio. I start by explaining how to create a basic bass sound using mono mode, and then transition into using the Phase 4M in additive synthesis mode. I also explain how to use the LFO and ADSR settings, as well as how to use modulation and frequency to achieve a dynamic sound. Finally, I emphasize the importance of getting the bass and drum sound right from the start in order to create a successful dubstep track.

Bitwig Studio 4.4.9 Update, WavTool DAW, Tips and Tricks with Phase-4 and Gain Aim
Tutorial Bitwig Studio 4.4.9 Update, WavTool DAW, Tips and Tricks with Phase-4 and Gain Aim

In this video, I talk about various topics and share some tips and tricks. First up, I discuss the release of Bitwig Studio 4.4.9, which comes with bug fixes and improvements. Next, I share my thoughts on WavTool, a DAW in the browser that has some interesting features, such as a chatbot that can create MIDI clips with a melody. I also mention the possibility of having a chatbot in Bitwig Studio and an interface designer to create simplified interfaces for the grid. In the next section, I discuss using the phase four as an additive synthesizer to create lush pads. I also show how to use a step modulator to add rhythms to the pads. In the final section, I talk about a plugin called Gain Aim, which can be used as a leveler, compressor, and normalizer. I also mention Microtonic, a drum machine plugin.

Creating Music with a Sound Design Approach in Bitwig Studio
Tutorial Creating Music with a Sound Design Approach in Bitwig Studio

In this video, I show viewers how to use a sound design approach to create music in Bitwig Studio. We start with a generative patch to create random patterns of notes and sounds. Then, we bounce this out as an audio file and use it as a sample source. We add a simple kick drum pattern and use an audio sidechain to modulate the amplitude of the music group. Next, we create a bassline using the Phase-4 device and add a Classic LFO and FX2 device for added effects. We bounce out the created sounds and create collages of these sounds to keep the track interesting. This approach doesn't focus on harmony or chords but rather heavily relies on the sound itself. You can create more sounds and variations to make the song even more interesting. Overall, this is a sound design-based approach to music creation in Bitwig Studio.