Bitwig 6 Just Got WAY Better (Patreon)

I wanted to share what has actually changed in Bitwig Studio 6 from the first beta to the official release.

While there weren't any huge new features, there have been several useful improvements, like the global automation lock, more flexible automation clip behavior, better visual feedback, and the ability to customize automation following at both global and lane levels.

There are also updates to things like automation smoothing, new features in devices like Note Echo, and workflow tweaks based on user feedback. Overall, these refinements make the experience much smoother and more powerful compared to the initial beta.

Introduction of a global automation lock/follow switch, allowing users to choose whether automation clips move with their parent note clips or stay in place.

Per-automation lane exceptions override the global lock/follow behavior, giving detailed control on a lane-by-lane basis.

Added visual indicators (icons and numbers) on clips to quickly show how many automation lanes are attached and their status.

Enhanced automation lane headers now provide more informative labels, showing what device and parameter are being automated, even inside nested devices.

The flying automation lane feature enables quick creation and editing of automation lanes by simply touching a parameter, restoring fast workflow from Bitwig 5.

Overdub recording mode for the Clip Launcher allows adding automation to existing clips, limited to the parent note clip's length.

Free time mode for automation clips allows automation to be independent in length and start time from its parent clip.

Progression rings and numbers were added to clip launcher circles to visually indicate how many times a clip has played and when actions, like “next action”, will happen.

ALT-modifier for instant clip re-triggering in the launcher, making live performance easier.

Improved automation curve accuracy for tighter, less smoothed transitions, supporting sharper sound design moves compared to Bitwig 5.

Certain modulatable parameters (e.g., oscillator phase) now support infinite wrapping/modulation beyond previous limits.

New reflect mode for Note Echo device, allowing MIDI notes to bounce between defined minimum and maximum notes, with scale constraints where needed.

Various background improvements including better touchscreen support, updated controller integrations, and performance optimizations.