Bitwig Studio

Bitwig Studio is a detailed program meant to assist users in creating original tracks. The tool provides download links to a set of predefined sound collections. However, these packages are optional and user-recorded audio can also be inserted.

The application does little to limit one's imagination. There are 25 audio FX devices (e.g. delay, reverb, rotary, flanger, compressor or blur) and nine devices (for example, drum machine, e-clap, sampler or polysynth).

Also available are nine containers (XY effect, replacer or FX layer, among others) and 11 modulators, generators, note FX or routers (e.g. arpegiator, note pitch shifter and diatonic transposer).

This incredible variety of tools (each with its own customizable parameters) is a very nice feature since creating audio files is highly dependent on creativity.

Highly flexible software tools do little to hinder imagination and help users transpose their ideas to musical notes.

Not surprisingly, with so many functions dependent on a wide range of parameters, the interface is quite hard to grasp at first. The main window is divided into several modules, which users can choose to hide or display, according to their particular needs.

Having more than one working area on any one window can be a bit distracting, and newcomers will find their attention being grabbed all over the place.

However, after a few sessions of practice, Bitwig Studio reveals itself as quite an accessible software. This is because each panel groups together similar functions. As users get accustomed to the GUI, they will find the “View” menu highly useful since it allows hiding panels.

One of the nice touches is that the utility allows users to work on more than one project at a time. This allows spreading the work to more files.

For example, one could focus on just the bass in a file, while another track might handle high-pitched sounds. Alternatively, grouping could be performed based on the used instruments.

In conclusion, Bitwig Studio is a very powerful audio editor, because it allows users access to numerous editing tools. The built-in help file is a great resource and should always be kept nearby!