Bitwig‘s first hardware product is out now: Bitwig Connect 4/12.
More than an audio interface, Bitwig Connect 4/12 is a class-compliant, 4-in/12-out CV and MIDI-enabled audio interface with monitor- and DAW-control functionalities and a unique Bitwig Mode. As a bridge between software and external gear, Bitwig Connect is the perfect device to mark our debut into hardware.
Key Features:
The Ultimate Studio Sidekick. Bitwig Connect is a three-in-one audio/MIDI interface, monitor and DAW controller. Six mode buttons allow its 360-degree, touch-sensitive dial to adjust interface parameters or control software. It can set input gain, regulate the volume levels for two sets of monitors and a pair of headphones, or even move the playhead and control any Bitwig Studio parameter with exceptional resolution.
The front panel gives the user 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. Plus, gain settings are accessible and saved within Bitwig Studio, to pick up right where you left off next time you open it.
Bring Bitwig Studio to Life. Connect’s unique Bitwig Mode puts Bitwig Studio at your fingertips with DAW controller functionalities. Seamless integration makes writing automation, fine-tuning settings, and navigating the timeline in Bitwig Studio with Connect’s main dial intuitive and precise. Get quick access to any control with the high-resolution dial by hovering over it with your cursor, and lock a selected parameter to Bitwig Connect by double-tapping. The LED ring indicates its current task by matching the color of the parameter or track in Bitwig Studio so you’ll never get lost.
CV Connects the Best of Both Worlds. With two DC-coupled inputs and four outputs easily accessible via 3.5 mm minijacks directly on the front panel, Bitwig Connect is a superior choice for musicians with CV-enabled hardware. That means it goes both ways: To external devices from Bitwig Studio or other programs, and from hardware sequencers and modulation signals into the software realm.
Thanks to factory calibration, Bitwig Connect plays pitch-perfect and without offset with Bitwig Studio right out of the box. And since jacks can also be used for audio signals, they can act as additional ins and outs for line-level signals, making them useful to all types of users.
Audio Quality at the Top of Its Class. The hardware inside ensures pristine recordings with every take. Bitwig Connect uses balanced connections, a premium mic preamp, and high-quality instrument/line inputs feeding into tried-and-true AKM converters capable of up to 192kHz, 24-bit resolution. That means the user can capture any source with ultra-low noise floors.
Ready To Go. Connect’s robust steel chassis is built to endure travel and performance. USB-2 bus powering with the USB-C connector means there’s no external power supply needed, so it can accompany you from the studio to the stage. With hardware this tough, you have a companion for life.
The Story Behind 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 the user’s 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 connectivity seemingly 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.
Pricing and Availability. Bitwig Connect 4/12 is available starting today for €499, $599 US, and £439, via the Bitwig webshop, and from select partners and retailers worldwide. [Please note, the USD price may be adjusted based on changes to international tariffs.] Shipping starts April 28. Check Bitwig’s Buy Local page to find a dealer near you.
Awesome, I love Bitwig on Linux so much!
Same bro.
Yes!
If I don’t use Bitwig – how compatible is it with other DAWs &/or VCV Rack?
Would’ve been nice to see a few a few USB input jacks, for external USB MIDI controllers. Also USB-MIDI CV conversion routing.
It’s compatible with any daw, most functions remain the same, except for the scrolling.
There’s no need for a usb host connection, you can connect any usb midi controller directly to your computer. It’s not a standalone device so there’s also no need for usb-to-midi or cv conversion.
Bitwig has its own modular environment called The Grid. I stopped using VCV Rack once they introduced that.
It’s.. An audio interface
It does so much more, just check out the feature overview video. Big game changer to be able to hover over any parameter in the Bitwig DAW and use the big knob to control it. Also, it’s DC coupled so great for CV.
No doubt it looks OK if your just starting out but a game changer it most certainly is not. The Big Knob has the functionality of a midi controller and DC coupled outputs are as mentioned below extremely common and old news in modular. Silent Way is ubiquitous and over a decade old in Euro, the practice being common for far longer. Nothing new herr
Clearly the big knob doesn’t act like a simple midi controller, it’s much easier to use since there’s no need for mapping. It’s a very clever idea.
There are many audio interfaces with dc coupled outputs but none of them are calibrated except for a few es modules so this is the first non eurorack audio interface with calibrated outputs, and dc coupled inputs!
You forgot about the DC coupled inputs. which is very rare in the pro audio world. I can’t even think of a single non-eurorack professional audio interface that has DC coupled inputs. I had to research and Orion Studio Synergy Core is the only other one I found.
And no, the big knob function is unique, It changes the value under your mouse and requires zero mapping unlike a midi controller. You could come close by using Microsoft Surface Dial with Elephant.
And Silent Way is rudimentary compared to Bitwig’s modulation system.
Nonsense. The Big dials functionality is exactly the same as a cheap midi controller. You still have to go to the herculean effort of moving your mouse so why not break new ground and click to enter the value? Also bitwigs ‘modulation sysem’ is irrelevant, DC coupled outputs are ancient and standard and the inputs and largely pointless. How often are you going to find yourself using the Grid and think ‘oh what this needs is another LFO or fixed voltage?’ the answer is never as they are unlimited and that’s pretty much all anyone who uses modular seriously uses the grid for anyway as its audio abilities are frankly far below the standards considered acceptable in Eurorack or 4u. Again ithr interfaceooks fine but this ‘game changer’ stuff is just rubbish
There are definitely plenty of cases where a cv input makes sense (and calibrated cv outputs) especially with the convenience of a desktop unit. The big knob is a nice bonus, entering values is not comparable.
Some of us have been using audio interface cv outs since the days of motu volta, back when es was still a young guy. So don’t try to impress us by talking about old standard.
This is a game changer in Linux, try finding a more stable and highly flexible audio interface like this for bitwig with the same integration, plus its same price class.
As a reminder: DC-coupled outputs are somewhat common. DC-coupled inputs are exceedingly rare.
One reason it may matter is if you have an analog controller and want to use it with software. Converting to MIDI (1.0) has important limitations in terms of both latency and resolution. For instance, causing stepping/zipping.
looks like a VST.
As a Logic user, I tend to be hostile towards other DAWs and platforms, but this thing looks really cool. I happen to have some gear that does DC, and I have an audio interface that doesn’t, so I’m very interested.
I wonder though, what Logic will do with those DC signals.
Many plugins can generate dc output
I have been wanting something like this..but …RGB..colorblind sucks.
Since all buttons and indicators are labeled, how does color blindness affect usability here?
it doesn’t. looks like complaining for the sake of it
The knob uses white and orange colors to differentiate its modes but I think these colors are generally color blind friendly.
I’m all-in on Logic, too. Other DAWs feel excessively crowded; it seems more “airy” to use. Its all subjective. I’d be happy to see this if I was a Bitwig user. Anything that smoothes your work flow is a winner. Yes, the tariff goo is a hindrance, but if this thing is half as tough as it looks, it’ll make a great family member.