REQ: Bitwig Studio Spectral Suite + Outer Spectra
Smart Splits for a New Mix
By working in the frequency domain, these devices split your audio into hundreds of frequency bands for analysis, and group similar elements together onto channels. From there, you mix the channels as you normally would — adjust the volume, move the panning, or insert Bitwig devices and plug-ins to customize each level of sound.
Four Ways to Go Spectral
Each device targets a different musical element, allowing for subtle mix tweaks or creative sonic ruptures.
Transient Split
Divides percussive transients and tonal sounds. Stuttering only the drum hits in a full loop might be nice. Or separating instruments from percussion means mixing the way you want to.
Freq Split
Distributes a sound across four channels, like a set of filter banks. With random delay times and panning on each channel, we've got a spectral delay. Or use Bitwig's modulators to shuffle through a different effect on each channel to create a new kind of phaser.
Loud Split
Separates the quiet, mid, and loud elements within a sound. Cranking up the softest parts of a sound will instantly transform it. Or let a thin section of the sound ring out without breaking the mix.
Harmonic Split
Spreads harmonics into two groups and collects non-harmonics into a third channel. We could isolate the fundamental frequency and give everything else some distance. Or maybe distorting the even harmonics and adding chorus to the odds is the new cool thing?
Outer Spectra
Harness the power of sophisticated spectral analysis with Outer Spectra, the accompanying sound package to Bitwig's Spectral Suite. It includes over 70, mostly audio FX presets for Freq Split, Harmonic Split, Loud Split and Transient Split, and a few synth presets with spectral devices in the FX slots.
What you put into a spectral analyzer goes a long way in determining what you'll get out of it, so you'll also find 76 clips and 57 audio files that correspond to Outer Spectra's audio processors. This ready-made audio content covers a broad range of musical styles, from heavy techno to live instrumental loops, basslines, pads and beats. Load the presets with their corresponding clips to get a sense of what each one does and what Bitwig's spectral devices are capable of, whether that's sound design-related or mixing tasks, like widening the stereo field or reducing reverb.