REQ: Bitwig studio v5.3.8

What makes a good instrument? Just enough controls for a range of sounds. A familiar reference can help — as well as some punch. That's the philosophy behind Bitwig Studio 5.3, which stars 25 new drum devices to elevate our existing stock. Now you've got Nice Drums!

But what makes a good update? Workflow improvements alongside some new tools. So 5.3 also includes a step sequencing note device and adds Master Recording to the Transport section so you can record a whole session or resample on the fly. Basic processes, like opening projects and presets or configuring your audio i/o, are also easier and quicker. Now you've got more than nice drums.

25 modern percussion devices are joining our original, v1, drum instruments. Two of the three families were inspired by classic drum machines, but with additional parameters and possibilities.


The v8 family is borne of the 808. The ten devices in this family include v8 Kick, v8 Snare, and v8 Tom, as well as some of the characteristic percussion instruments (maracas, cowbell, etc.). While the original hardware often gave each instrument one tone control, our v8 devices average five color parameters, along with extended ranges for breaking past the familiar.