DS1 Bitwig Script

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Overview

The DS1 is designed to work the way you want to in Bitwig Studio. The auto-mapping remote script is designed to help you get the most out the generous array of knobs and sliders, and take full advantage of the digital encoders. With all the knobs mapped to effects macros for the first device in the track, it makes it easy to adapt the DS1 to existing tracks, as well as start new projects that work seamlessly with the hardware. We have several effects presets that are built for different tasks: EQ and Pan, Sends, DJ'ing, Effects, and even Mastering.

Installation

Download

Download the appropriate installer for Mac or Windows and run it. The installer installs the scripts in the Bitwig application and some content in your user directory.

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

Setup

Select the Livid_DS1 as your Control Surface, and enable the DS1 inputs and outputs for Remote Control in Live's MIDI Preferences panel.

Bitwig Studio MIDI preferences settings for DS1

Mapping and modes

The assignment of controls to functions in Live is very simple. For the most part, knobs are mapped to macros, sliders are mapped to channel volumes, the encoders extend the selected channel strip with additional macros, and the 2x2 of potentiometer knobs control master effects. This makes it easy to design a set around the DS1 controls.

The bottom right button in the 3x3 group is used to change the behavior of the channel strip buttons to make them adaptable to different needs. Mute/solo, track select/arm record, and clip launching and stopping are all available in these different modes.

The rest of the buttons in the 3x3 area are used for global functions such as scene navigation and launching, transport control, and enabling clip automation for real-time loops of control data.

The top right encoder has two functions. Normally, it is used for selecting a track for mapping the encoders. Push it down, and the encoder can be used to offset the session view "red box" to select which set of 8 tracks the DS1 channel strips are mapped to.

Refer to the accompanying graphic for a clear illustration.

DS1 control map for Bitwig Studio

Organizing your tracks

The DS1's emphasis on macros makes it extremely effective for mapping to different tasks for different tracks. We've designed several example effect racks that map easily to the DS1. If you want to integrate existing effects into the chain, just include them in the group and arrange the chain as desired. You may even wish to remap some of the macros. This makes it easy to get control over the parameters you want without giving up the flexibility of the DS1 control surface script.

The DS1's emphasis on macros makes it extremely effective for mapping to different tasks for different tracks. We've designed several example effect racks that map easily to the DS1 The installer will place a Bitwig Studio project in

  • Mac: ~/Documents/Livid DS1/Bitwig Studio/Bitwig Channel Strips/Bitwig Channel Strips.bwproject
  • Win: \My Documents\Livid DS1\Bitwig Studio\Bitwig Channel Strips\Bitwig Channel Strips.bwproject

that you can use to try our presets described below. We also provide the individual preset files that you can add to your Bitwig library as desired.

EQ

Bitwig Studio EQ effects for DS1

The EQ effect provides pan, three bands of EQ, with three sweepable frequencies. The frequency ranges are:

  • Low: 40 Hz
  • Low Mid: 60 Hz to 2 kHz
  • Mid: 600 Hz to 7kHz
  • High: 1.5 kHz to 22 kHz

Effects

Bitwig Studio custom effects for DS1

The Effects preset puts a variety of effects in a chain and maps them to macros for easy access to with the DS1. Designed for variety, not subtlety, you'll find this chain makes it easy to understand how to design complex effects in Bitwig for the DS1.

Mastering/Mixing

Bitwig Studio mastering and mixing effects for DS1

This effect chain can be used to sweeten a track for mixing or used in the Master track to provide a bit of final output adjustment. Three bands of fixed EQ and the Glue Compressor with side chaining can help open up your mix to let all the parts stand out. Stereo pan and width provide imaging adjustment to place your tracks in stereo balance.