Bitwig & PreSonus introduce New Open DAWproject File Format For Sharing Audio Projects Between DAWS


Could we be entering a new era of inter-platform compatibility, and will other developers support it?

There might be industry-wide plugin formats – VST, AU, etc – but seamless sharing of entire DAW projects between different digital audio workstations has always been a no-no answer. That could be about to change, though, thanks to the launch of Bitwig and PreSonus collaboration new open DAWproject file format.

It is an idea so good that it really should have been implemented before: create a single format that’s compatible with all DAWs. DAWproject files contain all information related to time, tracks and channels, along with note and automation data. Both audio and MIDI data is supported, and even the state of plugins used can be carried across (providing everyone has the requisite instrument and effects installed, of course).

Bitwig has posted a handy DAWproject FAQ that details the key features of the format and compares it to sharing projects as Standard MIDI Files or AAFs. Surprisingly, it’s far more comprehensive and flexible than either of these file types.

Assuming it works reliably, then, DAWproject could be an extremely elegant solution that could save producers from having to export their projects as audio stems (the traditional way of doing things if you want someone with a different DAW to be able to work on them).

However, the only software to support DAWproject is Bitwig Studio 5.09 and PreSonus Studio One 6.5. It’ll only become a standard if other developers choose to implement it in their DAWs, as well. Hope that they will follow suit, as it does have the potential to be a game-changer for producers and artists working across different workstations. Needless to say, we can’t wait to see how it works.

The good news is that they can do this for free – the specs and documentation are available now on GitHub.

Check out this full list of features currently supported with Bitwig Studio.

Here’s hoping that DAWproject fares better – you can find out more on the Bitwig website.

PreSonus Studio One v6.5 Updates Adds Dolby Atmos Integration & More


PreSonus has dropped the latest iteration of Studio One, version 6.5, and with it comes a slew of updates for spatial audio with Dolby Atmos. You can now record, edit, mix and monitor up to 9.1.6 channels.

The Dolby Atmos renderer is now natively integrated into the multi-channel mixing workflow and there’s also a parallel headphone output for Binaural monitoring.

In addition, to further aid you in your multi-channel projects, version 6.5 also comes with a new Surround Panner and Dolby Atmos Object Panner, with support for 3rd-party panner plugins also included.

The power of your machine will dictate how smoothly all the object panning and rendering works.

Take a look at the new renderer and panner in action:


New features in Studio One 6.5

  • Recording and Mixing
    • Spatial audio recording, editing and mixing with mixing and monitoring layouts up to 9.1.6 channels
    • Dolby Atmos Renderer natively integrated
    • Parallel headphone output for Binaural monitoring in Dolby Atmos
    • NEW Surround Panner and Dolby Atmos Object Panner
    • Support for 3rd-party Panner Plug-ins
    • Surround Panner in Sends
    • Extended export/mixdown for multichannel audio
    • Dolby Atmos (ADM) export with multiple simultaneous downmix formats
    • Extended audio I/O setup
    • Dolby Atmos Renderer remote panel in Mixer
  • Plug-ins and Instruments
    • Updated plug-in set with multichannel support
    • Speaker mapping for native and 3rd-party plug-ins
    • Flanger/Phaser with additional surround modes
    • Surround Chorus
    • Updated Mix Tool with multichannel level controls,
    • Mute and Solo options
    • NEW Surround Delay
    • NEW OpenAir
    • 2 convolution reverb with location images
    • New impulse response library with true 7.1.4 HDIRs
    • IR Maker supports up to 9.1.6 for capturing custom impulse responses
    • Improved Bitcrusher
  • Arrangement and Editing
    • Loop length tooltip shows loop length in ruler timebase
    • Drag & Drop copying of plug-ins in Inspector
    • New commands for “Write Automation to Start/End”
    • Tab through automation lanes when renaming
    • Legato command extends note events to Part end
  • Score Editor
    • Display chords from Chord Track
    • Rhythm Slashes
    • Custom string tunings
    • Display and edit guitar bends
  • Tablature Rhythmic Display
    • Reset option for Drum Maps
    • Reworked Text Editor for Lyrics
  • Mastering
    • ARA plug-in support on Project Page
  • Browser
    • Merge option for multichannel audio files
  • Start Page
    • New “Mix in Surround” Smart Template
    • Interactive Dolby Atmos tutorial
  • General
    • DAW Project format support (Import and Export)
    • Public beta version for Ubuntu Linux
    • Studio One Remote 1.8 update features touch-enabled surround panning

PreSonus Studio One 6.5 is available now as a free update for version 6 perpetual license holders as well as current Studio One+ members. For more information head over to the PreSonus website.

Reliq Matrix Mixer, Sequencer + DAW Controller Now Available to Pre-Order


Reliq Instruments has launched an Indiegogo project to fund production of the Reliq, a grid-based sequencer, mixer and controller that they describe as “The World’s First Hybrid Control Surface”.

 

Reliq is designed to enables you route, sequence and control all of your music production gear:

  • Route and Mix 16×16 Analog Signals
  • Sequence Analog Signal Routings in Musical Time
  • Sequence 16 Tracks with 32 CVs, 3 MIDI Outs and USB.
  • Get Physical Control of your DAW and Software Instruments
  • Sync With your DAW with a Dedicated Plugin

Features:

  • Analog Matrix-Mixer Lets You Route, Mix, Store And Sequence Eurorack And Signal Patches
    • Connect any Input to any Output with just the Press of a Button
    • Store and Recall Signal Routings in Real-Time Without any Sound Interruptions
    • Sequence Patches in Musical Tempo for a vast Music Exploration Experience.
  • ‘State-Of-The-Art’ Sequencer
    • 16 Polyphonic Sequencers
    • Euclidian Mode
    • Polyrythms / Polymeters
    • Stochastic Modes
    • 8 Voice Polyphony per Track
    • High-Resolution Recording
    • MPE Compatibility
    • Real Time Parameters Recording
    • Melody/Pattern Generation
    • LFO & Envelope per track
    • Real-Time Midi Effects
    • 128 Patterns per Track
  • A Modulation Factory
    • Draw Your Modulation: Automations, LFOs And Envelopes At Your Fingertips!
    • Advanced CC Modulation,
    • MPE Modulation
    • LFOs, and Envelopes per Track
    • Custom Modulation Waveforms
  • A Fully-Integrated DAW Controller
    • Trigger Loops and Clips From your DAW
    • Control Mixers and Software Instruments
    • Arrange Clips and Record from Hardware
    • Synchronize and Control Reliq From your DAW with a Dedicated Plug-in
  • Full Range Of I/O
    • 3 x MIDI outs,
    • 1 x MIDI IN
    • 1 x USB-C MIDI
    • 1 x USB HOST port
    • 16 x gates ( 5~10V)
    • 32 x CV outs (+/-5V ~ +/-10V)
    • 1 x Reset out
    • 1 x Clock out


Reliq’s connectivity is via a breakout box that offers 32 CV outs, 16 Gates and 16×16 Matrix I/O. It can be powered directly from Reliq via USB-C or via Eurorack power supply with a standard connector

Reliq’s breakout can stay at any corner of your studio or in your Eurorack case, for staying always patched.

Reliq is available to project backers for €1,299. The project has already reached its funding goal.

*Note: Crowdfunding projects can involve risk. See the project website for details.