Bitwig can be thought of a modular composition environment, at least that's how I view it. Thus there is this tension between sound generating tools within that environment and external to that environment. That's what that has to do with this.shatteredmindofbob wrote: Thu Aug 14, 2025 12:07 am I am so confused. Bitwig is a DAW. U-he makes plugins to be used inside a DAW... including Bitwig.
I really don't understand what one has to do with the other.
Bitwig 6 Beta coming soon
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- KVRAF
- 16724 posts since 13 Oct, 2009
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- KVRAF
- 5144 posts since 3 Oct, 2013
"Bitwig and u-he are excited to announce CLAP (CLever Audio Plug-in API), the new open standard for audio plug-ins and hosts." >shatteredmindofbob wrote: Thu Aug 14, 2025 12:07 am I am so confused. Bitwig is a DAW. U-he makes plugins to be used inside a DAW... including Bitwig.
I really don't understand what one has to do with the other.
https://u-he.com/community/clap/
"Where we're workarounding, we don't NEED features." - powermat
- KVRAF
- 2673 posts since 18 Mar, 2006 from The Void
A key part of ^^^^ is the word 'Community'. Within the developer world, it's clear which companies are helpful and work with the community, vs those that are more of a corporate/profit mindset. Of course, it's not quite that simple, as there are wonderful people from NI (and ex-NI) and other companies that perhaps are not seen (any more ?) for their collaborative spirit, but overall if you start to head 'into' that community you can see why some companies and folk are well respected.
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Sonic Illusions Sonic Illusions https://www.kvraudio.com/forum/memberlist.php?mode=viewprofile&u=592124
- KVRist
- 89 posts since 5 Dec, 2022
Community.. badge holder.. crickets. That's Bitwig in a nutshell.
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- KVRian
- 1354 posts since 7 Oct, 2023 from Tokyo
I have never once felt any tension from the fact that both The Grid and plugins exist in Bitwigghettosynth wrote: Thu Aug 14, 2025 12:09 amBitwig can be thought of a modular composition environment, at least that's how I view it. Thus there is this tension between sound generating tools within that environment and external to that environment. That's what that has to do with this.shatteredmindofbob wrote: Thu Aug 14, 2025 12:07 am I am so confused. Bitwig is a DAW. U-he makes plugins to be used inside a DAW... including Bitwig.
I really don't understand what one has to do with the other.
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- KVRian
- 1402 posts since 17 Oct, 2018
Tension? Ableton Live has M4L is there tension there too?ghettosynth wrote: Thu Aug 14, 2025 12:09 amBitwig can be thought of a modular composition environment, at least that's how I view it. Thus there is this tension between sound generating tools within that environment and external to that environment. That's what that has to do with this.shatteredmindofbob wrote: Thu Aug 14, 2025 12:07 am I am so confused. Bitwig is a DAW. U-he makes plugins to be used inside a DAW... including Bitwig.
I really don't understand what one has to do with the other.
Studio One // Bitwig // Logic Pro // Ableton // Reason // FLStudio // MPC // Force // Maschine
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Sonic Illusions Sonic Illusions https://www.kvraudio.com/forum/memberlist.php?mode=viewprofile&u=592124
- KVRist
- 89 posts since 5 Dec, 2022
Bit silly. It's a good DAW. Never crashed on me except when I tried to load two instances of Transistow (Windows). Long ago 
- KVRAF
- 2034 posts since 30 Mar, 2008 from MN, USA
Almost all DAWs have built-in native plugins. That's all The Grid is. No tension. No confusion.ghettosynth wrote: Thu Aug 14, 2025 12:09 amBitwig can be thought of a modular composition environment, at least that's how I view it. Thus there is this tension between sound generating tools within that environment and external to that environment. That's what that has to do with this.shatteredmindofbob wrote: Thu Aug 14, 2025 12:07 am I am so confused. Bitwig is a DAW. U-he makes plugins to be used inside a DAW... including Bitwig.
I really don't understand what one has to do with the other.
CLAP Software Database: https://clapdb.tech. KVR Discussion Topic.
- KVRAF
- 26923 posts since 3 Feb, 2005 from in the wilds
Nor have I... and Bitwig's modular composition environment is not the Grid, it is the whole DAW and the Grid is one tool in it.stoopicus wrote: Thu Aug 14, 2025 1:35 pmI have never once felt any tension from the fact that both The Grid and plugins exist in Bitwigghettosynth wrote: Thu Aug 14, 2025 12:09 amBitwig can be thought of a modular composition environment, at least that's how I view it. Thus there is this tension between sound generating tools within that environment and external to that environment. That's what that has to do with this.shatteredmindofbob wrote: Thu Aug 14, 2025 12:07 am I am so confused. Bitwig is a DAW. U-he makes plugins to be used inside a DAW... including Bitwig.
I really don't understand what one has to do with the other.![]()
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- KVRAF
- 16724 posts since 13 Oct, 2009
100%, the tension isn't in the product, it's in this conversation regarding where effort should go in the product. I should have been more clear, it was a quick comment asking what these things have to do with each other. Those who value the product for its modularity see these features as core to the product, those that just want a better ableton largely see them as a distraction from the product.pdxindy wrote: Thu Aug 14, 2025 2:44 pmNor have I... and Bitwig's modular composition environment is not the Grid, it is the whole DAW and the Grid is one tool in it.stoopicus wrote: Thu Aug 14, 2025 1:35 pmI have never once felt any tension from the fact that both The Grid and plugins exist in Bitwigghettosynth wrote: Thu Aug 14, 2025 12:09 amBitwig can be thought of a modular composition environment, at least that's how I view it. Thus there is this tension between sound generating tools within that environment and external to that environment. That's what that has to do with this.shatteredmindofbob wrote: Thu Aug 14, 2025 12:07 am I am so confused. Bitwig is a DAW. U-he makes plugins to be used inside a DAW... including Bitwig.
I really don't understand what one has to do with the other.![]()
- KVRAF
- 4803 posts since 21 Jan, 2008 from oO
If Bitwig would allow 3rd party developers to build custom modules for the Grid (in CLAP ideally), then we could see a VCV like environment with lot's of high quality DSP within the Grid. So modules like u-he CVilization could appear or whatever. As a competitor to M4L.
JamWide - a cross-platform Ninjam client for DAWs
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- KVRAF
- 16724 posts since 13 Oct, 2009
Um, no, LOL! Did you think that I needed you to explain the Grid?teilo wrote: Thu Aug 14, 2025 2:35 pmAlmost all DAWs have built-in native plugins. That's all The Grid is. No tension. No confusion.ghettosynth wrote: Thu Aug 14, 2025 12:09 amBitwig can be thought of a modular composition environment, at least that's how I view it. Thus there is this tension between sound generating tools within that environment and external to that environment. That's what that has to do with this.shatteredmindofbob wrote: Thu Aug 14, 2025 12:07 am I am so confused. Bitwig is a DAW. U-he makes plugins to be used inside a DAW... including Bitwig.
I really don't understand what one has to do with the other.
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- KVRAF
- 16724 posts since 13 Oct, 2009
Here's some of that tension. I don't think that this is necessary. I don't see the Grid as comparable to VCV. If you want VCV, then buy it and use it as a plugin. The view that the Grid is just a plugin substitute, to me, misses the point.llze wrote: Thu Aug 14, 2025 3:03 pm If Bitwig would allow 3rd party developers to build custom modules for the Grid (in CLAP ideally), then we could see a VCV like environment with lot's of high quality DSP within the Grid. So modules like u-he CVilization could appear or whatever. As a competitor to M4L.
Also, this would not make the Grid a competitor to Max. So, in one post you've said "I don't understand Bitwig or the Grid, and I also don't understand MFL."
One of the key features of MFL is the tight integration of the UI with Live's UI. This would be a feature to add, I commented on this earlier. That is, the ability to create user savable Grid devices with a standard set of U/I elements. A second key feature, again, one that I've already pointed out, is encapsulation. The Grid needs the ability to containerize and save user abstractions.
But, to understand the tension, that I have seen for years in these discussions, those outside of this view would consider this a waste of time as compared to, say, improving the piano roll. That is the tension that I'm talking about. The simple idea that Bitwig just needs enhancements to make it more like other DAWS, vs, the understanding that it is a unique product with a particular vision and what it needs is that vision to be nurtured.
At any rate, I'm fairly certain that none of the features that I would like to see will be in the upcoming release, they would have, wait for it, featured them in the one screenshot. I think that they are trying to chase average users, much like NI did with Reaktor and the blocks/post-blocks releases.
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Sonic Illusions Sonic Illusions https://www.kvraudio.com/forum/memberlist.php?mode=viewprofile&u=592124
- KVRist
- 89 posts since 5 Dec, 2022
The Grid in Bitwig Studio is a modular sound design environment, allowing users to create custom instruments and effects by connecting various modules together. It's a core part of Bitwig and provides a powerful way to build unique sounds and effects.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
What it is:
Modular Environment:
The Grid is a visual, modular environment where you build your own devices by connecting different modules.
Two main devices:
Bitwig offers two Grid devices: Poly Grid, an instrument, and FX Grid, an effect.
Extensive Module Library:
A wide range of modules are available for audio generation, processing, modulation, and more, allowing for complex sound design.
Note Grid:
Bitwig also offers the Note Grid device for creating custom note effects.
How it works:
Modules:
Each module performs a specific function and can be connected to other modules to create signal chains.
Visual Interface:
The Grid is accessed through a dedicated editor within Bitwig, where you can arrange and connect modules.
Signal Types:
Different signal types (audio, control, logic, etc.) are color-coded for easy identification and routing.
Voice Management:
FX Grid, and to some extent, Poly Grid, manage voices to create polyphonic or monophonic sounds.
Key features and concepts:
Custom Synthesis: The Grid empowers users to create unique synthesizers from scratch.
Audio Effects: FX Grid allows for creating custom audio effects with modular components.
Note Effects: Note Grid enables the creation of custom note effects and processing chains.
Presets: Pre-built patches and presets are available, as well as the ability to create and share your own.
Interactive Help: Each module has its own help view within Bitwig for detailed information.
In essence, The Grid in Bitwig is a powerful tool for sound designers, offering a flexible and customizable environment for creating unique instruments and effects.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
What it is:
Modular Environment:
The Grid is a visual, modular environment where you build your own devices by connecting different modules.
Two main devices:
Bitwig offers two Grid devices: Poly Grid, an instrument, and FX Grid, an effect.
Extensive Module Library:
A wide range of modules are available for audio generation, processing, modulation, and more, allowing for complex sound design.
Note Grid:
Bitwig also offers the Note Grid device for creating custom note effects.
How it works:
Modules:
Each module performs a specific function and can be connected to other modules to create signal chains.
Visual Interface:
The Grid is accessed through a dedicated editor within Bitwig, where you can arrange and connect modules.
Signal Types:
Different signal types (audio, control, logic, etc.) are color-coded for easy identification and routing.
Voice Management:
FX Grid, and to some extent, Poly Grid, manage voices to create polyphonic or monophonic sounds.
Key features and concepts:
Custom Synthesis: The Grid empowers users to create unique synthesizers from scratch.
Audio Effects: FX Grid allows for creating custom audio effects with modular components.
Note Effects: Note Grid enables the creation of custom note effects and processing chains.
Presets: Pre-built patches and presets are available, as well as the ability to create and share your own.
Interactive Help: Each module has its own help view within Bitwig for detailed information.
In essence, The Grid in Bitwig is a powerful tool for sound designers, offering a flexible and customizable environment for creating unique instruments and effects.
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- KVRAF
- 16724 posts since 13 Oct, 2009
Thanks ChatGPT! LOL!Sonic Illusions wrote: Thu Aug 14, 2025 3:23 pm The Grid in Bitwig Studio is a modular sound design environment, allowing users to create custom instruments and effects by connecting various modules together. It's a core part of Bitwig and provides a powerful way to build unique sounds and effects.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
What it is:
Modular Environment:
The Grid is a visual, modular environment where you build your own devices by connecting different modules.
Two main devices:
Bitwig offers two Grid devices: Poly Grid, an instrument, and FX Grid, an effect.
Extensive Module Library:
A wide range of modules are available for audio generation, processing, modulation, and more, allowing for complex sound design.
Note Grid:
Bitwig also offers the Note Grid device for creating custom note effects.
How it works:
Modules:
Each module performs a specific function and can be connected to other modules to create signal chains.
Visual Interface:
The Grid is accessed through a dedicated editor within Bitwig, where you can arrange and connect modules.
Signal Types:
Different signal types (audio, control, logic, etc.) are color-coded for easy identification and routing.
Voice Management:
FX Grid, and to some extent, Poly Grid, manage voices to create polyphonic or monophonic sounds.
Key features and concepts:
Custom Synthesis: The Grid empowers users to create unique synthesizers from scratch.
Audio Effects: FX Grid allows for creating custom audio effects with modular components.
Note Effects: Note Grid enables the creation of custom note effects and processing chains.
Presets: Pre-built patches and presets are available, as well as the ability to create and share your own.
Interactive Help: Each module has its own help view within Bitwig for detailed information.
In essence, The Grid in Bitwig is a powerful tool for sound designers, offering a flexible and customizable environment for creating unique instruments and effects.