8-Track gives you a free taster of Bitwig Studio’s easy-to-use interface. Let’s take a closer look…

INSPECTOR This context-specific foldaway panel provides detailed parameters for whatever is currently selected

CLIP LAUNCHER Use this area to jam ideas and trigger groups (scenes) of audio and MIDI clips

CLIPS Whether you’re in the launcher or timeline, clips are your key audio and MIDI building blocks

ARRANGE TIMELINE Bitwig’s timeline area provides a traditional linear arrangement space

PANELS Use the various foldaway panels to access parameters and tailor your workspace

LAYOUT Switch between Bitwig’s three core panel layouts: Arrange, Mix and Edit

POLYMER SYNTH This recent addition is simple to use but still packs a punch

AUTOMATION Bitwig Studio 8-Track includes powerful lane based automation

DEVICES Bitwig uses a device based processing system for a modular approach to instruments, audio and MIDI

Download the accompanying video and the MIDI/audio files at bit.ly/cm336downloads

> Step by step 1. Installation

1 To get started, head over to this month’s download page: bit.ly/cm336downloads.With the current issue to hand answer the quiz questions. Once you’ve gained access, follow the instructions to grab your personal Bitwig Studio 8-Track serial number. Next, create or log into a Bitwig account at bitwig.com.

2 Now go to your Account Info page and use the Register Serial Number option at the bottom to add your serial number. You should now see Bitwig Studio 8-Track listed on your Account Info page, with download links for Windows, MacOS and Linux. Download and run your required installer.

> Step by step 2. Getting started

1 Launch Bitwig Studio and log in to your account. This will check your authorisation and activate the correct version. On first launch this will be followed by a third party plugin scan, and then take you to Bitwig’s management page, Dashboard. This page accesses settings, projects, content packages and help options.