Bitwig Studio is a proprietary digital audio workstation developed by Bitwig GmbH. Bitwig is available for Linux, macOS, and Windows. Bitwig is designed to be an instrument for live performances as well as a tool for composing, recording, arranging, mixing, and mastering. It offers a suite of controls for beatmatching, crossfading, and other effects used by turntablists. Bitwig supports both traditional linear music arrangement and non-linear (clip-based) production. It has multi-monitor and touch screen support. Bitwig is notable for its strong modulation,[1] and automation capabilities.[2] The current stable version of Bitwig is "Bitwig Studio 5.1.6". In 2017, Bitwig Studio was named DAW of the year by Computer Music magazine.[3][4] In 2023 it was named DAW of the year by Future Music magazine[5] and Music Radar magazine.[6][7]
Developer(s) | Bitwig GmbH |
---|---|
Initial release | 26 March 2014 |
Stable release | 5.1.6
/ 12 March 2024 |
Written in | C++, Java[citation needed] |
Operating system | Microsoft Windows, macOS, Linux |
Type | Digital audio workstation |
License | Proprietary |
Website | www |
Bitwig was founded and developed in Berlin by Claes Johanson, Pablo Sara, Nicholas Allen and Volker Schumacher in 2009.[8] Since 2010, Placidus Schelbert has been the CEO after he left his position as an International Sales Manager at Ableton, in the same year.[9]
In 2022, Bitwig GmbH was one of the main sponsors for a new audio plug-in interface, CLAP.[10]
In 2022, Bitwig added a new "Spectral Suite" range behind a paywall, against their sales agreement with customers that Bitwig would not introduce additional purchases beyond its annual update fee. This caused outrage amongst its niche community, causing them to revert the decision and offer refunds. [11]