Hi. I’m a Bitwig user since version 1, released in 2014, but I wish I were an Ableton user. Unfortunately, in my opinion, Bitwig stopped evolving as a DAW a while back and has focused more on niche features instead of improving basic functionality. However, there are two features that keep me from switching to Ableton: MIDI pass-through for instruments and proper PDC (Plugin Delay Compensation). I don’t even use Bitwig’s instruments and effects anymore since they introduced MSEGs way too late for what was once considered “the most innovative DAW on the market.”
I use my DAW live like an instrument. Bitwig's plugin management and how it handles crashes is the killer app for Bitwig. If a plugin crashes ONLY the plugin crashes and I doesn't stop the show. I also like using it in Linux :) I also feel I have a lot more fun with Bitwig, but that might be because I just feel comfortable in Bitwig. EDIT: Bitwig with everything being modular and the Grid are mind expanding.
You can always use both DAWs! Different DAWs all have their own strengths and weaknesses, and the more tools you know the easier you can pick the right tool for the job. :)
Hi. Bitwig is not much different from Ableton in my opinion. The only advantage is the modulations in Bitwig. And of course the grid, where you can create any effect or virtual instrument. Usually when I need to change instruments, I create a new instrument track, put the desired MIDI file on it and change instruments on the fly. The good thing is that Bitwig does not quit completely in case of an error, but only resets plugin. You can also copy and paste tracks without stopping. Good luck with Bitwig.
It's got a lot of similarities! The modulation and the Grid are really awesome though. I can't wait to play around with them some more to be honest. Thanks for watching and also for your insights! :D
It's really nice to see someone test the DAW that actually takes the effort to look things up and give the creators the respect they deserve rather than being automatically dismissive when they don't find something. I've been a Bitwig user since v1.3 so I really do appreciate seeing new users explore it and actually look for the features they want. If you hit F1 while a device or module is selected a fancy help menu comes up which tells you all about the device/module. It's very helpful when first getting started. Hitting numbers 1-5(above qwerty) changes the tool your cursor is using...using the time select tool on the ruler(on top) will select everything in that time-frame allowing you to insert or delete everything there. Over is the clipper you were looking for. The inspector panel on the left has all your options when selecting a device(Like the spectrum for freeze options). There were some others but I can't remember off the top of my head, but basically every complaint you had has a simple solution other than the midi capture, which I just use Midi Cap free vst for that. Thanks for the cool vid and glad you seem to like it so far.
Thank you for the awesome information!! I'll definitely look back at this comment next time I dive into Bitwig. The software really does have a lot going for it. :D I'm also glad you enjoyed the video, thank you for watching! 😊
@@matttinklermusic no problem! I did remember one thing...as you notice, the toolbar is context aware, but so it the mouse and the browser among other things. When you hover over different parts of clips you will notice the mouse icon changes. For instance if you hover over the top right of the clip you can extend it. If you hover over the bottom right it allows you to loop the clip. So if you want to do a drum file, you can make the clip as long as you want it, then just drag it from the bottom right instead of hitting ctrl-d over and over. If you hover over the loop point you can change the loop size. If you hover over an audio clip there are other context aware spots like the top will allow you to adjust volume while the corners the fades. As for the browser, it knows if you are loading something in an instrument track so it will pull up instruments for you(you can save custom settings for everything by right clicking and saving a new default for the situation[same things goes for opening plugins including vst's]). If you click the + before an instrument it will pull up midi devices..after an instrument it will pull up effects etc. If you right-click a + button it will only show things you stared(favorited) in that context i.e. only fav instruments or fav midi devices, etc. The workflow is lightning fast once you customize everything to your liking(including keyboard shortcuts). Some things definitely take a lot of getting used to or tweaking for your own taste, but once it's setup there is nothing that comes close to the speed of Bitwig's workflow IMHO. Can't wait to see more...also subbed after my last comment btw :)
i feel it can be quite useful to see DAWs compared like this, 'cause it shows me how u approach making music more generally, and which things one might take for granted in one's own DAW.
Nice video !! Hope someday you`ll also try Reaper especially when you prefer linear type kind of workflow ( just like in arrangement view, rather than session view)
Thank you! I actually use Reaper for some audio editing work that I do on occasion because of how lightning fast its workflow is for that kind of stuff. I'll definitely do a video using it to make some music though! :D
Before even starting to learn a new DAW, always set your shortcut keys first. You did an excellent job for someone using it for the first time, but haven't even scratched the surface. Once you learn the Grid, it's the only instrument device you'll need, because you can quickly assemble your Oscillators and routing to exactly what you want.
Definitely worth setting keyboard shortcuts, but I wanted to go in completely default! Also, I wouldn't have even known where to start with custom shortcuts because all the functionality is new, but I'm definitely a fan of being able to have completely custom shortcuts! Yeah the Grid seems super powerful. That and modulators are definitely my favourite parts of Bitwig so far!
@@matttinklermusic watch Polarity vids on YT. I recreated his random bass generator which is just one example of what you can do with randomization modules. Tried many DAW's, but haven't needed to look for anything else after Bitwig.
You dont add automation. They are already there, just click the hamburger menu under the track mute button, tweek and knob and the lane will come to the forefront. Can hit the pin to keep it visible.
For your small information they was never working as ableton developers. They were from marketing department. Hence what bitwig is. Couple of good choices, newer code and a lot of marketing BS.
Your experience using bitwig for the first time is sort of similar to the one i had. Coming from Ableton it feels like second nature with a bit of hick ups here and there in the work flow but rather seemless as compared to using fl which is a mess .Not fully sold to bitwig cause it's more niche and lacks basic Daw fundamentals but my is it a fun playground. Gona keep this three including cubase which i just use for ARA mostly.
Similar experiences here, on figuring things out and nuances. The session view combined in really helps get things going quicker, way different than Live, where is more of a starting palette, but you can easily create a loop all day long in Arrangement view, without a need for Session view. You can go pretty deep in modulation. I've watched a decent amount of Dash Glitch, Polarity Music, and Jon Audio on it. I like that I can pull in Live projects into Bitwig. I cannot, however, seem to migrate off Live. I seem to use it more as a further tweaking of something I am already working on sort of extended DAW and yes, some of the workflow bits frustrate me and some I wish were in Live. Haha.
Yeah I feel like I'd be able to get used to using Bitwig, the modulators are awesome! Definitely don't feel like I'd ever be able switch away from Live for a variety of reasons, but I think as a sound design playground in particular Bitwig is a great tool! 😁
I feel that a second video where you explore the MASSIVE world the modulators. The modulators can modulate each other. Its can get bonkers and after a short wile you'll feel extremely limited in Albeton.
Hi. I’m a Bitwig user since version 1, released in 2014, but I wish I were an Ableton user. Unfortunately, in my opinion, Bitwig stopped evolving as a DAW a while back and has focused more on niche features instead of improving basic functionality.
However, there are two features that keep me from switching to Ableton: MIDI pass-through for instruments and proper PDC (Plugin Delay Compensation). I don’t even use Bitwig’s instruments and effects anymore since they introduced MSEGs way too late for what was once considered “the most innovative DAW on the market.”
I use my DAW live like an instrument. Bitwig's plugin management and how it handles crashes is the killer app for Bitwig. If a plugin crashes ONLY the plugin crashes and I doesn't stop the show. I also like using it in Linux :)
I also feel I have a lot more fun with Bitwig, but that might be because I just feel comfortable in Bitwig.
EDIT: Bitwig with everything being modular and the Grid are mind expanding.
You can always use both DAWs! Different DAWs all have their own strengths and weaknesses, and the more tools you know the easier you can pick the right tool for the job. :)
The clipper is call "Over"... /shrug
Hi. Bitwig is not much different from Ableton in my opinion. The only advantage is the modulations in Bitwig. And of course the grid, where you can create any effect or virtual instrument.
Usually when I need to change instruments, I create a new instrument track, put the desired MIDI file on it and change instruments on the fly. The good thing is that Bitwig does not quit completely in case of an error, but only resets plugin.
You can also copy and paste tracks without stopping.
Good luck with Bitwig.
It's got a lot of similarities! The modulation and the Grid are really awesome though. I can't wait to play around with them some more to be honest.
Thanks for watching and also for your insights! :D
It's really nice to see someone test the DAW that actually takes the effort to look things up and give the creators the respect they deserve rather than being automatically dismissive when they don't find something. I've been a Bitwig user since v1.3 so I really do appreciate seeing new users explore it and actually look for the features they want.
If you hit F1 while a device or module is selected a fancy help menu comes up which tells you all about the device/module. It's very helpful when first getting started.
Hitting numbers 1-5(above qwerty) changes the tool your cursor is using...using the time select tool on the ruler(on top) will select everything in that time-frame allowing you to insert or delete everything there.
Over is the clipper you were looking for.
The inspector panel on the left has all your options when selecting a device(Like the spectrum for freeze options).
There were some others but I can't remember off the top of my head, but basically every complaint you had has a simple solution other than the midi capture, which I just use Midi Cap free vst for that.
Thanks for the cool vid and glad you seem to like it so far.
Thank you for the awesome information!! I'll definitely look back at this comment next time I dive into Bitwig. The software really does have a lot going for it. :D
I'm also glad you enjoyed the video, thank you for watching! 😊
@@matttinklermusic no problem!
I did remember one thing...as you notice, the toolbar is context aware, but so it the mouse and the browser among other things. When you hover over different parts of clips you will notice the mouse icon changes.
For instance if you hover over the top right of the clip you can extend it. If you hover over the bottom right it allows you to loop the clip. So if you want to do a drum file, you can make the clip as long as you want it, then just drag it from the bottom right instead of hitting ctrl-d over and over.
If you hover over the loop point you can change the loop size. If you hover over an audio clip there are other context aware spots like the top will allow you to adjust volume while the corners the fades.
As for the browser, it knows if you are loading something in an instrument track so it will pull up instruments for you(you can save custom settings for everything by right clicking and saving a new default for the situation[same things goes for opening plugins including vst's]). If you click the + before an instrument it will pull up midi devices..after an instrument it will pull up effects etc.
If you right-click a + button it will only show things you stared(favorited) in that context i.e. only fav instruments or fav midi devices, etc.
The workflow is lightning fast once you customize everything to your liking(including keyboard shortcuts). Some things definitely take a lot of getting used to or tweaking for your own taste, but once it's setup there is nothing that comes close to the speed of Bitwig's workflow IMHO.
Can't wait to see more...also subbed after my last comment btw :)
That's awesome, thanks so much for this, such useful info! 😁
And thank you for the sub! ☺️
i feel it can be quite useful to see DAWs compared like this, 'cause it shows me how u approach making music more generally, and which things one might take for granted in one's own DAW.
I'm glad you found it useful! I 100% agree. In the end, a DAW is just a tool, and I think it's good to be able to have more tools in your toolbox. 😁
The menus on the top will change based on the context. 2x, dbl time and half time are in the top right menu when your selected a clip
You and add things in the browser to all sorts of favorite folders and dock the folders along the left bar.
Nice video !! Hope someday you`ll also try Reaper especially when you prefer linear type kind of workflow ( just like in arrangement view, rather than session view)
Thank you!
I actually use Reaper for some audio editing work that I do on occasion because of how lightning fast its workflow is for that kind of stuff. I'll definitely do a video using it to make some music though! :D
The learning curve to the browser is high but great after to get use to it.
middle mouse click and move up down for zoom ....
Yup, I figured that one out in the video! I found it a little awkward though.
@@matttinklermusic i could never get to grips with Ableton zooming
Before even starting to learn a new DAW, always set your shortcut keys first. You did an excellent job for someone using it for the first time, but haven't even scratched the surface. Once you learn the Grid, it's the only instrument device you'll need, because you can quickly assemble your Oscillators and routing to exactly what you want.
Definitely worth setting keyboard shortcuts, but I wanted to go in completely default! Also, I wouldn't have even known where to start with custom shortcuts because all the functionality is new, but I'm definitely a fan of being able to have completely custom shortcuts!
Yeah the Grid seems super powerful. That and modulators are definitely my favourite parts of Bitwig so far!
@@matttinklermusic watch Polarity vids on YT. I recreated his random bass generator which is just one example of what you can do with randomization modules. Tried many DAW's, but haven't needed to look for anything else after Bitwig.
You dont add automation. They are already there, just click the hamburger menu under the track mute button, tweek and knob and the lane will come to the forefront. Can hit the pin to keep it visible.
Thanks for the great insights in all your comments! :D
alt/command L for loop
Small information, these are the developers who created Ableton, who had a disagreement and who left the group to create Bitwig ;)
I feel like I knew this somewhere in the recesses of my mind, so thanks for bringing it up! :D
For your small information they was never working as ableton developers. They were from marketing department. Hence what bitwig is. Couple of good choices, newer code and a lot of marketing BS.
Do yourself a favour, once you have a device loaded hit the Show Help in the upper left corner of the screen... Do try! ;)
Ah thank you!!
Your experience using bitwig for the first time is sort of similar to the one i had. Coming from Ableton it feels like second nature with a bit of hick ups here and there in the work flow but rather seemless as compared to using fl which is a mess .Not fully sold to bitwig cause it's more niche and lacks basic Daw fundamentals but my is it a fun playground. Gona keep this three including cubase which i just use for ARA mostly.
Definitely feel you on that! Cubase is next on my list to try out. 😁
I'd watch more of this!
I plan on doing more in different DAWs! :D
With presets you don't have to load them to audition, just select one in the list and you can hear it instantly, double click to load.
Similar experiences here, on figuring things out and nuances. The session view combined in really helps get things going quicker, way different than Live, where is more of a starting palette, but you can easily create a loop all day long in Arrangement view, without a need for Session view. You can go pretty deep in modulation. I've watched a decent amount of Dash Glitch, Polarity Music, and Jon Audio on it. I like that I can pull in Live projects into Bitwig. I cannot, however, seem to migrate off Live. I seem to use it more as a further tweaking of something I am already working on sort of extended DAW and yes, some of the workflow bits frustrate me and some I wish were in Live. Haha.
Yeah I feel like I'd be able to get used to using Bitwig, the modulators are awesome! Definitely don't feel like I'd ever be able switch away from Live for a variety of reasons, but I think as a sound design playground in particular Bitwig is a great tool! 😁
@@matttinklermusic ya, I definitely was not able to fully switch. Too many things I would miss in Live.
I feel that a second video where you explore the MASSIVE world the modulators. The modulators can modulate each other. Its can get bonkers and after a short wile you'll feel extremely limited in Albeton.
That's a great idea! I'd love to do some more experimenting. :D
Yeas. The great modulators! That look archaic and user unfriendly for 2024… 🤦
@@vroteg Bro how? It literally couldn't be any simpler.
I think he refers to Live ones
@@josealejandrogarciarojas2218 but basically skipped them in this vid
You are making the first time experience look easy.
Haha, thanks! I guess I've got a lot of experience using DAWs in general, and the Ableton Live experience translated quite well to Bitwig. :)
If you know Ableton, Bitwig is easy