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Bitwig Studio has received a free update, adding 8 new note effects and more.

 

Bitwig have announced the release of Bitwig Studio 4.1, the latest version of their increasingly popular DAW.

 

The innovative DAW’s expanded list of creative MIDI effects now includes randomization, note repeat and humanization

 

The focus point here is the introduction of 8 new Note FX – Bitwig’s term for MIDI effects which manipulate incoming MIDI data in various ways. The effects range from the functional to the creative, and can be combined together or modulated with Bitwig Modulators to create some unusual results.

 

Bitwig updated range of Note FX includes some effects that producers will recognise from other DAWs, like Note Repeat and Quantize, Ricochet and some more creatively stimulating options. The Humanize effect applies randomization to timing and velocity to give rhythms a more natural feeling, while Randomize takes this up a notch by randomly modulating any note expression, including pitch.

 

In addition, other updates includes Color palettes, Direct MIDI Output, Sampler and more. Color palettes can now be applied to tracks, clips and layers, with the option to transform image files into palettes within Bitwig. Track MIDI output is now directly accessible, and Bitwig’s Sampler has been upgraded to feature a Release chain, triggering an instrument of your choice when a note is released.

 

 

What’s new in Bitwig Studio 4.1:

 

New Note FX devices:

• Bend
• Dribble
• Humanize
• Note Repeats
• Quantize
• Randomize
• Ricochet
• Strum

 

Updated Note FX devices:

• Multi-note
• Note Length
• Note Filter

 

• Updated Instrument: Sampler
• New Color Palettes
• Direct MIDI output is now available from all track choosers
• All detected ports are shown in the Note Outputs section
• The HW Instrument device is still available when you need delay compensation

 

Find out more on the Bitwig website.

 

Bitwig Studio 4.1 beta version is available for download today. The official Bitwig Studio 4.1 release is planned for this year.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fingerlab and Jordan Rudess have introduced PolyWave, a new wavetable sequencing synth for iOS and Mac, inspired by the Korg Wavestation.

 

PolyWave is inspired by the vintage sounds of the legendary Korg Wavestation synth and features a wavetable sequencer that lets you create evolving sounds.

 

PolyWave is a universal purchase, so you can use it across your iPhone, iPad and Mac.

 

Features:

 

• 8-voice polyphony
• 6 octaves
• Waveform sequencer
• VCO & FM Oscillators
• FM Modulation & Detune
• ADSR Envelope editor
• Moog Ladder filter with ADSR envelope editor
• 2 LFOs with 3 parameters per LFO & custom modulation waveforms
• LFO Sync & Loop mode
• Waveform drawing editor
• Waveforms library filled with 100 waveforms
• Waveform sequencer automations
• 100 Factory presets
• Preset export & import
• 5 FXs (TubeAmp, Vibrato, Chorus, Delay, Reverb)
• Live recording + export
• Full Midi support
• Full Midi Mapping support
• AudioBus & IAA support
• Full AudioUnit support (IAP required for LFOs)
• iCloud Family Sharing support

 

The PolyWave is available now for $7.99

 

 

 

E-MU co-founder Dave Rossum has announced an official reissue of the SP-1200 sampler, described as ‘an authentic reissue of the iconic classic SP-1200 sampling percussion system’.

 

The Rossum SP-1200 reissue is engineered by the original designer and built and tested in the United States to his standards.

 

The Rossum SP-1200 sampling percussion system is a faithful reproduction of the sampler it’s based on, with a few key enhancements made “where they were compatible with the original design.” Rossum has replicated the electronics – analog and digital – as accurately as possible, retaining many authentic components and creating a sampler that authentically reproduces the sound and feel of the vintage instrument.

 

The original SP-1200 had an unmistakeable sound, characterized by audible aliasing and imaging artifacts produced by pitch-shifting samples. In an effort to preserve the gritty sonic character of the original, Rossum has retained the 12-bit linear data format and 26 kHz sampling rate found in the 1987 version.

 

As for the updates, Rossum has integrated a new memory card storage system that expands sampling memory to the maximum limit that the original sound engine can handle. Users can now work with samples of up to 20 seconds, twice the 10-second limit of the original unit.

 

The SP-1200 comes packaged with a 3.5′ floppy disk that’s loaded with modified software that allows users to import vintage SP-1200 disk images in the .HFE format, transferring sounds and sequences from the original units to the reissue through a standard MIDI cable.

 

In addition, Rossum has added sample monitoring capabilities. Users can now monitor the output of the machine’s input filter and amplifier through dedicated monitor output TRS jacks. Rossum has also redesigned the power supply, adding a power brick with an XLR-style, locking connector that, in conjunction with the four-layer circuit boards, brings down the noise floor and reduces the chance of unwanted interference and hum.

 

One component that the designers could not replicate was the original SSM2044 analog filter. Rossum has produced a new SSI2144 IC filter in partnership with Sound Semiconductor, which reprises the same analogue circuit in order to maintain the sound of the SP-1200 original filter.

 

Dave Rossum discussing his approach to creating the SP-1200 reissue:

 

 

Other updates:

 

Users can now monitor the input to sampling (the output of the SP-1200’s input filter and amplifier) at the mix output, or it can be switched out of the mix output by plugging a cable into its new dedicated monitor output jack, just like SP-1200’s individual channel outputs removes them from the mix output.

 

Rather than the fluorescent-illuminated backlight included with the first original SP-12 units, the classic 2-line, 16-character display is backlit using RGB LEDs, inspired by the LED-lit backlight displays equipped in later SP-1200 units. A new Set-up Special Function (#26) integrated into the Rossum SP-1200 reissue’s operating system allows users to adjust the brightness and color of the backlight.

 

SP-1200’s black play buttons use custom replica button caps and durable, low-resistance switches, chosen for their ideal travel and rated to keep their same feel for years. Dynamics can be performed using exactly the same classic technology invented specifically for SP-12 in 1984, and is faithfully maintained in the reissue.

 

As with all SP-12 instruments, the dynamics can be optionally disabled (Set-up 14) and Multi-Level mode is featured, allowing any dynamics to be performed with a lighter touch.

 

The SP-1200 reissue also features a new power supply and newly-constructed, four-layer circuit boards that lower the noise floor and avoid undesirable hums, without compromising the unique artifacts and dynamics of original SP-12 series instruments. The rear panel runs cool to the touch, and no vents are necessary in the rear panel.

 

Visit Rossum website to pre-order the Rossum SP-1200, with units expected to ship in January 2022.