Bitwig Studio 4.3 €399

Each regular update makes genuine additions to this impressive contemporary DAW. Let's see what the latest has to offer

We last looked at Bitwig at version 4.1 and since then there have been a number of juicy additions in version 4.2 (see boxout) and the most recent version 4.3 update. As ever these updates are free if you have an active upgrade plan, which will be the case if you’ve either bought Bitwig or renewed your plan in the last 12 months.

The latest update adds some key features and the most significant is Convolution, which is a convolution reverb. Parameters include pitch (+/- 12 semitones), pre delay (up to 200ms) and brightness. You can adjust the impulse start and end points, and a 3-node volume curve allows flexible control of its onset and decay levels. On the output you’ve also got wet/dry Mix and a separate Wet Gain, which is particularly handy when using it as an insert. So far so good, but it’s the 270 or so included impulses that impress here, and with plenty of algorithmic style halls, rooms and spaces as well as handy non linear, inverse, short and gated effects, you’ve got the basics covered. Throw in about 70 special effects and a bunch of real room impulses and you’re really spoilt for choice. You can also import your own impulses. Superb stuff.

Effects Plus