Code Bitwig Control Script

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Overview

The Code Control Script for Bitwig Studio is an incredibly flexible workflow that gives you access to sequencing, editing, and mixing in any track, device, instrument, or clip. Taking full advantage of Bitwig's advanced scripting engine, the Code is easily mapped to different parts of the program: clip launching, mixing, tweaking synths, adjusting effects, recording clips, and even step-sequencing midi notes. With intuitive use of the encoder, and smart mappings of the generous controls, the compact Code controller becomes a go-to utility for a variety of music making tasks.

Installation

If you need to update the scripts, here's how you manually install the Bitwig script files. While it is possible to install these scripts in your user directory, we recommend that you replace the scripts in the Application Package itself. Otherwise you will end up with duplicate scripts in your Control Surfaces preferences which could lead to confusion. Download the most current scripts from our GitHub repository

Mac OSX

  • Right click on the Bitwig Studio application icon and select Show Package Contents.
  • Navigate to /Contents/Resources/ControlSurfaceScripts/livid
  • Create a backup of existing script files.
  • Replace existing Livid script files with files downloaded from Github.
  • Alternatively, you can install in ~/Documents/Bitwig Studio/Controller Scripts/

Windows

  • Navigate to C:\Program Files\Bitwig Studio\resources\controllers\livid
  • Create a backup of existing script files.
  • Replace existing Livid script files with files downloaded from Github.
  • Alternatively, you can install in MyDocuments/Bitwig Studio/Controller Scripts/

Linux

  • Navigate to /opt/bitwig-studio/resources/controllers/livid (found using the whereis bitwig command)
  • Create a backup of existing script files.
  • Replace existing Livid script files with files downloaded from Github.
  • Alternatively, you can install in Home>Bitwig Studio>Controller Scripts

Install Video

Watch Tutorial Video

Tutorial Video

A complete tutorial to using the Code with Bitwig can be viewed on our YouTube channel:
Watch Tutorial Video

Illustrated Guide

A PDF with all modes for all controllers illustrated can be downloaded here.

Basic Conventions

The Code Control Script attempts to access as many different functions in Bitwig as possible, while keeping tasks focused and available as needed, optimized for the unique layout of the Code. There are two basic modes in this script, plus a Shift button for momentary access to special functions.

Video

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The Modes

Mix Mode

Mix mode puts the essentials for mixing tracks into a single control surface. Volume, Pan, and two Sends are mapped to the encoders. Clip launching is mapped to the encoder buttons. Use the Encoder Lock button to prevent accidental encoder turns when pressing buttons.

Hold down the Mix mode button to engage Shift Mode. The encoder buttons will control the basic track functions of Record Enable, Solo, Mute, and Stop all Clips. Shifted Mix mode turns the bottom right track select buttons into clip grid navigation to focus on additional tracks and clips in the set.

Code in Mix Mode - Bitwig Studio

Video

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Sends Mode

Sends mode can be thought of as an extension of Mix Mode. As in Mix mode, the encoder buttons are used to launch clips and shifted for basic track control. With the huge amount of encoders on the Code, it's a natural for mixing send effects on multiple tracks.

Hold the Sends mode button to engage shift mode to access additional Send effects for each track, and you'll have 8 tracks each with 8 different send effects available for mixing. Shifted Sends mode turns the bottom right track select buttons into clip grid navigation to focus on additional tracks and clips in the set.

Code in Sends Mode - Bitwig Studio

Video

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Device Mode

Device Mode provides effects control over the current eight tracks in the clip grid. The encoders are mapped to the first four macros for the first device in each track. Buttons provide control over desirable device-related functions: Device Enable, and Device Navigation (Left & Right)*

Hold down the Device mode button to engage shift mode and access macro knobs 4-8 for each track. This also turns the bottom right track select buttons into clip grid navigation to focus on additional tracks and clips in the set. The left track select button shifts to Automation Write Enable (clip grid)

  • Device navigation is currently broken. The Bitwig Controller API hooks for this do not work. If you want this fixed, please send a mail to support@bitwig.com and make your voice heard!
Code in Device Mode - Bitwig Studio

Video

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ClassSeq Mode

The ClassSeq Mode puts the spirit of hardware synthesizer/sequencers into your hands, turning the Code into a powerful and fun sixteen step sequencer and sound controller. With the benefit of software's flexibility, you have immediate control over eight tracks of step sequencing, timbre, and effects, all at your fingertips.

The top two rows of encoders are used to turn steps on and off and set the pitch of the step. Pitch is restricted to a single octave chosen with the Octave Select encoder. This allows for chords and polyphonic step sequencing, as well as making it easier to select the desired pitch. As you turn the Octave Select button, you'll notice that the sequences in each octave will light up the encoder button LEDs to indicate the current sequence in each octave.

The bottom two rows are dedicated to device macros, sends, and volume/pan controls. This gives you complete timbral control over the synthesizer for realtime mixing and sequencing madness.

Hold the Seq to engage the shifted mode. This changes the functions of the bottom Track Select buttons so you can select clip cells, create, launch, and stop clips for your current sequence. You can also enable a step at the current quantized time using the Add Step Now button. This function lets you tap in your sequence to set the timing, then use the top encoders to edit it. Shift also turns the Volume encoder into a Pan control for convenient mixing.

Code in Sequence Mode - Bitwig Studio

Video

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