Filters & Shapers - Bitwig 5.1 (Patreon)

Hey viewers, today I dove into the new features of Bitwig Studio 5.1, which is still in beta. The primary focus was on the two new devices, Sweep and Filter Plus. These devices appear to be designed with modularity in mind, resembling Polymer in the interface and functionality.

Here's the rundown:

Key Points

Sweep and Filter Plus:

• Modular interfaces, similar to Polymer, allowing you to insert grid modules into device chains.
• Sections or spaces are specialized, for example, one for oscillators and another for filters.
• Hints at a more modular future for these devices.

Limitations and Expectations:

• Currently, sections are limited to specific modules, like you can't place a filter where an oscillator is supposed to be.
• An output control is missing; instead, LFOs are attached, which seems counter-intuitive given the modularity elsewhere.

Filters and Shapers:

• Sweep features two filter slots and a shaper or distortion slot in between.
• New filters like Fis, Rasp, Ripple, and Vowels have been introduced.
• Filter Plus is a simplified version of Sweep with a single filter slot and distortion.

Usability and Sound Design:

• New filters offer a broad range of sound shaping capabilities.
• Built-in LFOs can be useful for sweep effects but contradict the modular nature of the new devices.

Vowel Filter:

• Specialized for vocal formant type effects, enabling you to blend between different vowel sounds.
• Useful in various genres, from Dubstep to Drum and Bass and beyond.

Future Improvements:

• Lacking a visual interface to see filter curves.
• Questions remain about why fixed LFOs have been reintroduced, as this feels like a step back from the fully modular approach.

So, to sum up, these new devices offer exciting opportunities for sound designers and musicians, hinting at a future where Bitwig Studio becomes even more modular. However, there are some inconsistencies that might need to be addressed in future updates. Overall, a great step forward, and I'm keen to see where this goes. Keep experimenting, and until next time, keep making those beats