Bitwig Introduces Bitwig Connect 4/12 Hardware Audio Interface At NAMM 2025
Speculated on for some time, German DAW-maker Bitwig has today revealed its very first hardware product – Bitwig Connect 4/12. Ostensibly a 4-in and 12-out CV and MIDI-enabled audio interface, Bitwig states that its debut hardware product is ‘far more than just an audio interface’…
In addition, Bitwig Connect 4/12 features monitor- and DAW-control functionalities and a unique “Bitwig Mode”.
The interface has been purpose-built to widen the already colossal scope of Bitwig’s central offering – the increasingly popular DAW, Bitwig Studio. To that end, the interface sports a ‘Bitwig’ mode that encompasses unique DAW control functionality.
As Bitwig states: “As a bridge between software and external gear, Bitwig Connect is the perfect device to mark our debut into hardware.”
The “Ultimate Studio Sidekick”
Connect is a three-in-one audio/MIDI interface, monitor and DAW controller.
Bitwig Connect 4/12 features six ‘mode’ buttons which can change the functionality of the central 360 degree and touch-sensitive dial. This dial can control software or adjust the interface’s own parameters, such as input gain, volume and manage inputted headphones and monitors.
Bitwig being Bitwig, this dial can also be set-up to control any Bitwig Studio parameter with immaculate resolution.
The front panel gives you immediate visual feedback, with accurate input and output meters and a ring of 32 RGB LEDs around the dial to visualize parameter values and automation data. Gain settings are accessible and saved within Bitwig Studio, so you can pick up right where you left off next time you open it.
Here’s the official video intro:
Let’s look a little bit more at that Bitwig Studio integration. The company state that Connect 4/12 will enable users to take control of processes like automation, fine-tuning settings and timeline navigation with that one main dial, which has been designed to be ‘intuitive and precise.’
To activate it, Bitwig tell us that Studio users can simply hover their cursor over any control/parameter and double-tap. This will latch the Bitwig Connect dial. The dial’s surrounding lights will change to match the colour of the parameter you’ve chosen to lock into.
Beyond the Bitwig Studio integration, the other major talking point is its CV-enabled hardware friendliness. Considering Bitwig Studio’s modular-centric philosophy, the ability to connect physical instruments, gear and modular synths makes a lot of sense. It’s a clear, open handed invitation for those hardware tinkerers who might not be familiar with Bitwig’s software to delve into the company’s ever-expanding eco-system.
The Connect will have two DC-coupled inputs and four outputs which are accessible via 3.5mm minijacks on its front panel. This smooth integration will let users program and direct their instruments from Bitwig Studio, or let external sequencers, instruments and synths input data into Bitwig Studio. Fluid dialogue between hardware and software is guaranteed.
As this is Bitwig’s first hardware release, the build quality is suitably high-quality, with the Connect’s sturdy steel exterior housing balanced connections, a premium mic preamp and reliable instrument/line inputs which channel themselves through AKM converters which can export up to 192kHz, 24 bit-res audio.
Also, the unit is entirely USB powered (via its USB-2/USB-C connector), meaning the interface will be useful for those who need to keep their gear close when on the move.
Here’s what they have to say about Bitwig Connect 4/12:
The concept behind Bitwig Connect was driven by two key goals: to create an audio interface that seamlessly integrates hardware and software, and to offer a way to physically interact with Bitwig Studio.
Bitwig Connect bridges your hardware devices, like synths and modular systems, and Bitwig Studio’s comprehensive Hardware Out tools (CV in/out, Analog Clock, MIDI CC, etc.). Its bidirectional CV capabilities extend Bitwig Studio’s unique modulation system and The Grid to your hardware, and vice versa. Bitwig Connect makes this powerful connectivity effortless with plug-and-play simplicity and visual feedback.
The second idea is embodied in the high-resolution main dial, which offers precise control over everything in Bitwig Studio. Designed to complement your mouse, keyboard, and other MIDI controllers, this intuitive dial delivers a tactile, haptic experience.
Combined Audio Devices in Bitwig Studio 5.3. Bitwig Studio 5.3 adds major improvements to the program’s audio settings, such as auto-configuration and Combined Audio Devices. The latter option allows macOS and Linux users to integrate Bitwig Connect into their existing audio routing setups by combining multiple interfaces.
The Bitwig Connect 4/12 will be available in spring 2025, and will cost $549/€499. Pre-ordering will be available soon through Bitwig’s website and selected retailers worldwide. For more info, head over to Bitwig website.