Bitwig 6 Automation: Stretching, Aliasing, and Workflow Efficiency

Bitwig 6 has introduced a game-changing clip-based automation system that is transforming my music production workflow. This innovative approach simplifies common editing tasks and unlocks new creative possibilities, particularly for streamlining repetitive processes like shortening track sections or applying consistent modulation. Let's dive into some of the powerful features that make this new system so impressive.

The Power of Clip-Based Automation

One of the primary benefits of Bitwig 6's new system is the ability to keep much of your automation directly within clips. This becomes incredibly useful when working on different versions of a track, such as a radio edit versus an extended mix.

Consider the challenge of preparing a radio edit for a track I'm currently finishing. I wanted to integrate my snare rolls into the beginning of the track for a dynamic intro. In previous versions, if automation was embedded within a clip, editing meant either leaving the automation static and having to re-automate everything after cutting, or squashing all the automation back, resulting in mismatched track automation. While some minor adjustments could be made, the process was often tedious and time-consuming.

Seamless Stretching and Editing

The new clip-based automation addresses this head-on by allowing you to stretch automation components independently without affecting the MIDI notes themselves. This is a crucial distinction. If you were to simply stretch a clip containing both MIDI and automation, the MIDI notes would also stretch, leading to unwanted timing issues.

Now, I can precisely adjust the length of my automation. By selecting the automation points and holding down the Alt key, I can drag them to fit the desired section. This means I achieve the same rising snare effect, but in a shorter, more concise section, perfectly tailored for a radio edit without compromising the original MIDI timing.

Reusing and Aliasing Automation

Beyond simple stretching, Bitwig 6 offers remarkable flexibility in reusing automation. If you have a specific automation shape—like a ramp or a unique modulation curve—that you frequently use, you are no longer limited to it being on a single channel. For instance, I can create a volume envelope using a Tool device and then easily apply that exact same automation shape to a different function on an entirely different channel. The automation can also be stretched independently to fit the new context. This fluidity and clever design truly come to light when you start integrating these capabilities into actual production.

Enhanced Efficiency for Multiple Edits

Another significant advantage is the ability to alias automation clips. This allows you to create multiple versions of your track (e.g., a full extended version and a radio edit) and have linked automation clips. If I decide to make a change to an automation curve in one alias—perhaps adjusting its curvature—that change is instantly reflected across all instances of that aliased clip in all track edits. This eliminates the need to manually go back and edit each version, saving immense amounts of time and ensuring consistency.

This powerful feature extends to virtually any element in your track. Whether it's removing a specific snare hit in a pattern or fine-tuning a mix element, aliased automation clips ensure that changes propagate efficiently across all linked edits. The automation referencing, or aliased automation clips, are particularly beneficial for my workflow, allowing quick adjustments to elements that might not be sitting quite right in a mix without needing to revisit every single track version.

Conclusion

Bitwig 6's clip-based automation system is a genuine game-changer, fostering both efficiency and creative freedom. The ability to independently stretch automation, reuse complex curves, and manage changes across multiple track edits with aliases represents a significant leap forward for producers. It's a powerful tool that you'll increasingly appreciate as you dive deeper into production.

As a certified Bitwig trainer, I'm always excited to explore these advanced features. If you're looking to master your Bitwig workflow, feel free to contact me for personalized tutoring. For more insights and tips, be sure to check out the original video on my YouTube channel.