recently switched from FL to bitwig, in need of some good pointers.

[DontHugMe]

Hey guys, i recently started using bitwig, i have been using FL for the past two years and i'm super lost, to the point where i have a hard time even beginning to make music, i'm currently using the producer edition, and was wondering if anyone knows about some good guides for someone specifically moving from FL to bitwig?

thanks in advance

[ewtewtewr]

I did the switch a few years ago, although I don't have any good pointers, the demo/template projects was what made me learn the basics of Bitwig. Since FL studio is quite different compared to traditional linear daws with tracks and no channel rack, it'll probably take a little while to adjust to this "new" workflow.

For example, load "Performance Set" template project, play around analyze the plugin chains, midi clips (patterns), etc.

Some youtube vids on starting out with Bitwig, they are for Bitwig 5 however since 6 is quite new still.




I don't know how proficient you were in FL but since you feel lost even starting I think very basic "getting started" guides is where you begin. But for me personally, demo projects was the "key" for me understanding the foundation on how Bitwig works.

EDIT:
Another thing you can do is Launch FL Studio and Bitwig. Do one thing in FL, for example adding a Synth, make a pattern and add to playlist. Then try to figure out how you do the same in Bitwig, and try to make out the different workflows, it can sometimes help wrapping your head around what to do next.

And one more thing, F1 is your best friend when you have a bitwig device selected.

[Dionysos]

Can you describe how you used to use FL and what specifically you're struggling with in Bitwig? FL can be used in so many different ways that it's very hard to give any good general advice.

[DontHugMe]

I did the switch a few years ago, although I don't have any good pointers, the demo/template projects was what made me learn the basics of Bitwig. Since FL studio is quite different compared to traditional linear daws with tracks and no channel rack, it'll probably take a little while to adjust to this "new" workflow.

For example, load "Performance Set" template project, play around analyze the plugin chains, midi clips (patterns), etc.

Some youtube vids on starting out with Bitwig, they are for Bitwig 5 however since 6 is quite new still.




I don't know how proficient you were in FL but since you feel lost even starting I think very basic "getting started" guides is where you begin. But for me personally, demo projects was the "key" for me understanding the foundation on how Bitwig works.

EDIT:
Another thing you can do is Launch FL Studio and Bitwig. Do one thing in FL, for example adding a Synth, make a pattern and add to playlist. Then try to figure out how you do the same in Bitwig, and try to make out the different workflows, it can sometimes help wrapping your head around what to do next.

And one more thing, F1 is your best friend when you have a bitwig device selected.

these are some great tips, thank you very much!

[DontHugMe]

Can you describe how you used to use FL and what specifically you're struggling with in Bitwig? FL can be used in so many different ways that it's very hard to give any good general advice.

i used FL to mainly make atmospheric breakcore/dnb/jungle, i would chop breaks on the timeline, use a bunch of automation clips, a little midi for my basslines, but i used to work 90% of the time with samples.

[Benedict]

Stop trying to lean the DAW and instead learn music making. Once you have a purpose, eg laying a melody then extracting a bassline from those notes, you will find that you find the way to do it. Once you have the real work, you will find it applies in any workspace (from notes on paper) to Bitwig. (besides FL is way more confusing than Bitwig)

[DontHugMe]

Stop trying to lean the DAW and instead learn music making. Once you have a purpose, eg laying a melody then extracting a bassline from those notes, you will find that you find the way to do it. Once you have the real work, you will find it applies in any workspace (from notes on paper) to Bitwig. (besides FL is way more confusing than Bitwig)

definitely working on this, trying my best to learn every day:-)

[Dionysos]

i used FL to mainly make atmospheric breakcore/dnb/jungle, i would chop breaks on the timeline, use a bunch of automation clips, a little midi for my basslines, but i used to work 90% of the time with samples.

Sounds like you switched at a good time

Here are a few pointers:

It might be a good idea to ignore the clip launcher for the time being and focus on the arranger.

When chopping audio in the arranger, it's worth knowing that audio clips in Bitwig are just containers for the actual audio bits (called audio events). So instead of chopping a clip up right on the timeline, you can open it up in the clip editor and do your edits in there. This gives you much more control and you'll end up with a self-contained clip with all your edits (that you can turn into an alias clip if you want).

Familiarise yourself with Bitwig's modulation system, you don't need to get super deep, but knowing the basic process of adding and assigning a modulator is key to unlocking a lot of Bitwig's power & flexibility.

That's all I can think of for now, for more advice you'd need to tell us more about what exactly you're struggling with.