Bitwig Studio is Now Integrated with AlphaTheta’s rekordbox

Bitwig and AlphaTheta have announced an integration that connects rekordbox libraries directly to Bitwig Studio. As of version 6.1.4, Bitwig Studio can read a user’s rekordbox library and track analysis data, allowing an existing DJ collection to be opened, edited and remixed inside the DAW. Built-in stem separation is due this winter, and AlphaTheta has launched a subscription, the Studio Plan, that includes Bitwig Studio Essentials.

Bringing a track from a DJ library into a DAW has typically involved importing the file, setting the project tempo, aligning the audio to the grid and marking out sections by hand. The integration shortens that process by passing the analysis rekordbox has already carried out straight to Bitwig.

The integration is available in Bitwig Studio, Producer and Essentials on macOS and Windows. When rekordbox is installed on the same machine, Bitwig automatically adds the rekordbox library as a location in the right-hand Browser Panel. The collection can be searched and filtered by artist, genre, file type, playlist and other fields, and filters can be combined to narrow a search.

Double-clicking or right-clicking a track opens it as a new Bitwig project matched to its BPM and key. Hot Cues set in rekordbox appear as cue markers in the arrangement. The track can then be split into clips based on rekordbox’s song structure analysis or the user’s own cue points, and detected vocal positions can be shown as dummy clips to help locate vocal sections.

Bitwig now also reads rekordbox tempo data for any analysed track dragged into an existing project. Beat grids carry over as they were set in rekordbox, whether detected automatically or adjusted manually, so the grid does not need to be rebuilt in the DAW.

Once a track is open, Bitwig’s standard editing tools apply. Pre-cut clips can be dragged into the Clip Launcher to build a new arrangement, BPM-matched loops can be layered to reinforce the percussion, and new synth or MIDI parts can be quantised to the track’s key.

Built-in stem separation is scheduled to arrive in all editions of Bitwig Studio this winter. It will split a track into separate parts within the DAW, so separation can take place in the same project rather than in separate software. Bitwig notes that the recording, playback and reproduction of copyrighted music remain subject to copyright law, and that outside personal use, copyrighted content cannot be used without permission from the rights holder.

AlphaTheta’s Studio Plan is a subscription that includes Bitwig Studio Essentials, the compact edition of the DAW. Essentials contains the core editing tools along with a set of synths and effects, and supports production with both audio and MIDI clips. The plan starts with a 30-day free trial, then costs $7 a month or $72 a year, and is managed through AlphaTheta’s Studio License Manager application.

The rekordbox integration is available now in Bitwig Studio 6.1.4 for Bitwig Studio, Producer and Essentials users with an active upgrade plan. It requires rekordbox version 6.x or later to be installed on the same computer, running macOS or Windows. Further details and a walkthrough video are available on the Bitwig website.

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