Bitwig Studio 2.3 Announced, Brings New Phase Manipulation Synthesizer

Bitwig has announced Bitwig Studio 2.3, a significant update to the audio workstation that introduces a new phase manipulation synthesizer, improved time-stretching capabilities, new factory presets and more.

What’s New In Bitwig Studio 2.3

Phase-4 Phase Manipulation Synthesizer

• Meet Phase-4, a four-oscillator synthesizer powered by phase modulation and phase distortion. Drawing inspiration from legendary digital synths like Yamaha’s DX7 and Casio’s CZ series, Phase-4 is capable of vintage sounds that we know and love, but it goes further, greatly expanding these phase manipulation concepts. At the heart of each of the four stereo oscillators in Phase-4 is a sine wave that can be shaped by five different phase distortion algorithms. Each oscillator can also be phase-modulated, by itself and by the other three oscillators, producing a vast range of possible sounds and timbres. This combination of phase distortion and phase modulation — which we lovingly call phase manipulation — brings Phase-4 to life with all of its awesome sonic power. The oscillators can also manipulate the built-in filter section for incredibly crisp and edgy textures.

Expanded Device View

• Panoramic view and controls are now available for seven devices: EQ-5, FM-4, Phase-4, Polysynth, Resonator Bank, Sampler, and Spectrum Analyzer. Also available as a detached floating window, the Expanded Device View enhances the connection, understanding, and control of each device.

Time Signature Changes

• With Bitwig Studio 2.3, you can now add time signature markers in your arranger timeline, and the timeline grid will be updated accordingly. Time signature changes will be included when exporting or importing MIDI files. You can now also set time signature properties for clips, offering a flexible note grid to satisfy your musical needs. You can even set a time signature for a master clip in the clip launcher, using it to change or record time signature changes on the fly.

New and Improved Time-stretching

• Bitwig Studio has received a generous boost in the time-stretching department, by licensing the Elastique algorithms from zplane. Bitwig’s own Stretch and Stretch HD algorithms have also been improved, and there are two new ones: Slice, which slices audio at onsets, and Cyclic, a touch of retro-stretching inspired by early hardware samplers.

Instrument & Effect Selectors

• The Instrument Selector and Effect Selector are exclusive layer devices. Only one layer can be played at a time, and the other layers are inactive to both your ears and your processor’s load. These devices are excellent for live use, particularly for swapping between patches and sounds — and not overloading your system in the act. They can also be used as multi-effects, permitting modulation and automated switching between layers. You can freely switch between layers without hard breaks or clicks, and your sustained notes and reverb tails will fade away naturally. Furthermore, the Remote Controls follow your selection in a dynamic and predictable way.

Voice Stacking

• The update introduces voice stacking for a selection of internal instruments, opening up new sound design possibilities.

New Modulator

• Voice Stack – The Voice Stack modulator can be used in conjunction with voice stacking for detailed mapping control of each voice in the stack.

Sound Content Update

• This preset collection covers the new synthesizer, Phase-4, and voice stacks but also includes new sounds and presets for existing instruments and effects.

Bitwig has stated that a beta demo of Bitwig Studio 2.3 will be available in the coming days, and you can visit the Bitwig website to learn more.

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