Bitwig Studio 6.1 has arrived, with a “radically updated Sampler” – here’s everything you need to know

Bitwig has unveiled an update for Bitwig Studio, with features headlined by a “radically updated” Sampler.

Bitwig Studio 6.1 comes just three months after the launch of Bitwig Studio 6, which introduced a number of new automation features and workflow enhancements.

The updated sampler available in 6.1 offers quick vertical slicing with advanced functions, as well as two new play modes – the time-stretching Spectral mode and the granular Fragments mode.

Now, clicking the Sliced icon within Bitwig Studio instantly converts a sample into slices, which can then be triggered using a MIDI controller or the piano roll. Slices can also be distributed evenly across a sample, or at beat intervals. They can also be placed at onsets or at pitch changes – using the Bitwig sampler’s new automatic pitch detection feature.

There’s also a number of additional new features for the Bitwig sampler, including per-slice looping – which can be used to create complex textures and layers – and per-slice modulation, making any parameter in Sampler behave differently for each slice, “blurring the lines between a sampler and a step sequencer”.

Bitwig Studio 6.1 also introduces Intelligent Pitch Analysis, which aims to speed up the process by which producers match samples to their projects.

“Working with a sample traditionally starts with setting a Root Key, aligning its pitch with the notes on the keyboard. Sampler lets the user manually define a root, but it also revolutionises this process with dynamic pitch analysis. Clicking the orb icon creates an analysis of the sample. Now the entire sample will dynamically match whatever pitch is played,” says Bitwig.

Bitwig Studio 6.1 also now features powerful time-stretching functions, a new expressive Granular Engine, and updated Hardware Emulation and Sample-Based Synthesis modes.

A number of workflow improvements have also been made, including better playhead visualisation, edits that are snapable to onsets, new looping options, a new bell filter and more.

Pricing & availability

Bitwig Studio 6.1 is now in public beta, free to all existing Bitwig Studio, Producer and Essentials users with an active upgrade plan as of 18 June.

Bitwig is also now hosting its Summer Sale, which sees each tier of Bitwig discounted by 25 percent. Find updated prices below:

• Bitwig Studio – €399/$399 €299/$299
• Bitwig Studio Producer – €149/$149 €199/$199
• Bitwig Studio Essentials – €75/$75 €99/$99
• Bitwig Connect + Bitwig Studio Producer – €499

Learn more at Bitwig.

Sam is the Associate News Editor for Guitar.com and MusicTech. Thoroughly immersed in music culture for the majority of his life, Sam has played guitar for 20 years, studied music technology and production at university, and also written for the likes of MusicRadar, Guitar World, Total Guitar and Metal Hammer.