Bitwig 5 speculations

[SamDi]

It would also help if people would read the release notes so they understand how the new browser works. Bitwig included about 2 pages of detail re: the new browser in the release notes.

No read, only complain

But I agree on what somebody posted before, that the usage of a browser shouldn‘t need triple reading of text (what i did), to understand, that there really is no way, to bring it working as I want to and that the browser is really so shitty as it is…

Alone, that you can choose filters with key-command, what doesn‘t help you, because you start in the search field and first you need to get out of it. So why not controlling filters with CTRL-[key]? And I could call you certainly a dozen of this stuff and I don‘t really understand, why it needs a beta-phase to understand that this is crap.

[billcarroll]

It would also help if people would read the release notes so they understand how the new browser works. Bitwig included about 2 pages of detail re: the new browser in the release notes.

No read, only complain

But I agree on what somebody posted before, that the usage of a browser shouldn‘t need triple reading of text (what i did), to understand, that there really is no way, to bring it working as I want to and that the browser is really so shitty as it is…

Alone, that you can choose filters with key-command, what doesn‘t help you, because you start in the search field and first you need to get out of it. So why not controlling filters with CTRL-[key]? And I could call you certainly a dozen of this stuff and I don‘t really understand, why it needs a beta-phase to understand that this is crap.

I hear you. The commands to move around have changed.

On the Mac [CMD]-[ALT] + [←] and [→] moves from search to select category or another of the quick sources. It is a change for sure.

The side Browser Panel is oriented vertically, so:
[PAGE DOWN] and [PAGE UP] move focus between the search field, filter section, and results section
[CTRL]-[ALT] ([CMD]-[ALT] on Mac) + [↑] and [↓] move between the available filters
[CTRL]-[ALT] ([CMD]-[ALT] on Mac) + [←] and [→] move between the Quick Sources

[SamDi]

I hear you. The commands to move around have changed.

On the Mac [CMD]-[ALT] + [←] and [→] moves from search to select category or another of the quick sources. It is a change for sure.

The side Browser Panel is oriented vertically, so:
[PAGE DOWN] and [PAGE UP] move focus between the search field, filter section, and results section
[CTRL]-[ALT] ([CMD]-[ALT] on Mac) + [↑] and [↓] move between the available filters
[CTRL]-[ALT] ([CMD]-[ALT] on Mac) + [←] and [→] move between the Quick Sources

The point is, in V4 I needn‘t to do this all, because i could directly choose the filter item. Now I need a keypress to go to filter section, then second keypress for choosing filter, then I can first click, what I could do before without any keypresses. Pretty loss of efficiency…

[billcarroll]

I hear you. The commands to move around have changed.

On the Mac [CMD]-[ALT] + [←] and [→] moves from search to select category or another of the quick sources. It is a change for sure.

The side Browser Panel is oriented vertically, so:
[PAGE DOWN] and [PAGE UP] move focus between the search field, filter section, and results section
[CTRL]-[ALT] ([CMD]-[ALT] on Mac) + [↑] and [↓] move between the available filters
[CTRL]-[ALT] ([CMD]-[ALT] on Mac) + [←] and [→] move between the Quick Sources

The point is, in V4 I needn‘t to do this all, because i could directly choose the filter item. Now I need a keypress to go to filter section, then second keypress for choosing filter, then I can first click, what I could do before without any keypresses. Pretty loss of efficiency…

How were you selecting the filter in v4? With your mouse, or another way?

[SamDi]

I hear you. The commands to move around have changed.

On the Mac [CMD]-[ALT] + [←] and [→] moves from search to select category or another of the quick sources. It is a change for sure.

The side Browser Panel is oriented vertically, so:
[PAGE DOWN] and [PAGE UP] move focus between the search field, filter section, and results section
[CTRL]-[ALT] ([CMD]-[ALT] on Mac) + [↑] and [↓] move between the available filters
[CTRL]-[ALT] ([CMD]-[ALT] on Mac) + [←] and [→] move between the Quick Sources

The point is, in V4 I needn‘t to do this all, because i could directly choose the filter item. Now I need a keypress to go to filter section, then second keypress for choosing filter, then I can first click, what I could do before without any keypresses. Pretty loss of efficiency…

How were you selecting the filter in v4? With your mouse, or another way?

Shortly yes, not so shortly here my-use-cases round:

1. Most often: typing name of plugin->1-3 letters, 1-3 down-arrows, return. Time 1-2 seconds mostly. Got worse now, because results are bloated with presets.

2. 2nd often: predefined collections or smart collections (around 10). Click directly in browser, then click directly in search results. Time 1–3 seconds mostly. Got worse, because just icons with colors now and text just when hovering.

3. 3rd often (and coming back to your question): thin results out, by filtering by vendor or category (sometimes by source, when I wanted to see just BW plugins). I go with mouse to filter, sometimes need to scroll via mouse-wheel, then click what I need to filter, then choose from the results. Time 3-8,9,10 seconds. Got worse now, because filters not accessible directly anymore.

So each use-case got worse and needs more time now.

[rod_zero]

Ableton would go subscription before Bitwig because it has the market share to do it, but given they don't even care much about how much their software is pirated I doubt they will change in the near future to subscription. They have declined being bought by investors. Maybe when the founder pass away but that is a long way to go.

[a9k1tp]

When Ableton releases an new device, it's a new device. When Bitwig releases a new device, it's like endless new devices.

Again like in the Ableton thread you forget that every medal has 2 sides...

If Ableton releases a devices it´s well thought through and gives you tons of options right out of the box with a very pleasant sound...

If Bitwig releases a new device you have to spend time over time to get some pleasant sounding out of it...

Is Bitwig more flexible with it´s devices?? Yes, it is...
Does everybody needs this flexibility?? No, many don´t want to build their own piano before they can play... they just want to play...

Musician vs. Modular Nerd... it depends what you like better... Preset users and non tweakers will probably be not so at home with Bitwig´s internal devices but they might be very much with Ableton´s...

Hey, just to let you know, I think you're totally off base when it comes to Bitwig's devices sounding worse than Ableton's out of the box.

Also, you don't have to be some kind of modular expert to use Bitwig's devices. I'm not into modular stuff myself, and I don't even use Bitwig's grid. It's a bit much for me, but it's great to have the option, and Bitwig doesn't force you to use their modular system.

The devices in Bitwig are really well-designed, especially the new Polymer synth. It sounds fantastic, and it's way easier to use than any of Ableton's devices. Even though it's a simple synth, you can easily add modulators to customize it however you like. You don't have to be a modular expert to add a couple of modulators when you need them.

Drift is cool, especially with it's FM capabilities. But Bitwig's Polymer is like a mini Serum in its default state and can even be turned into Drift or even frickin' Phaseplant if you need it to be. All this with very ease.

As far as sound goes, I don't have any issues with Ableton's devices or Bitwig's devices. But with Bitwig, I have more options and I'm not limited. I even sold a bunch of plugins after switching to Bitwig - that's how powerful it is.

That's not to say I don't miss some of Ableton's devices and features, like the awesome filters, OTT preset, and Simpler. I miss all of those. But I got so much more by switching to Bitwig, and I sacrificed very little.