Published
Fri, Oct 9, 2015, 14:30
- Though it's not yet supported on Mac OS X, Windows and Linux users will be greeting to a new way of working with the DAW.
The latest version of Bitwig Studio was released this week.
The upstart DAW has long tried to push the envelope on functionality, doing things that other music software can't or won't. And Version 1.3's biggest addition is something unique in the world of DAWs: multitouch. On touchscreen devices, Bitwig users will be able to control multiple faders, knobs and devices simultaneously. The feature is for the time being available to Windows and Linux users and optimized on Microsoft Surface Pro and Surface Book tablets—the software comes with a special display profile for these devices. Mac OS X users, however, will have to wait to use multitouch, as the operating system doesn't yet offer full support.
Multitouch is one of a handful of other new features in Version 1.3. There's a new radial menu function, where pressing and holding anywhere on the screen brings up a menu giving access to a number of DAW functions. A touch keyboard has been added, offering X/Y axis control and "pressure" control when using the Surface Pro with its pen. Bitwig has also teased a new "E-Cowbell Device." Have a look at the video below for a fuller explanation of what's on offer in the new version.