Bitwig is a great DAW for recording and editing the Seaboard RISE 2's multi-dimensional MIDI data. Setting up is very simple, and Bitwig's own instruments are MPE compatible so full Seaboard expressivity is easy to achieve.


In this guide, we'll look at how to set up the Seaboard RISE 2 to play Equator2 in Bitwig, and also how to fine-tune Bitwig's built-in instruments to respond to each of the Seaboard's dimensions of touch.


TABLE OF CONTENTS


Setting up the Seaboard

First, please ensure that Bitwig Studio is updated to the latest version and that the RISE 2 is in MPE mode in ROLI Dashboard. For more help with enabling these features, please see ROLI Dashboard or check below for the recommended settings.




How to set up MPE-ready plugins with the RISE 2 


1. Connect your RISE 2 to your computer via USB or Bluetooth (macOS only)


2. Open Bitwig Studio and create a new project.


3. Click on the Dashboard button at the top of the screen.



4. Select Settings > Controllers and click "Add Controller".



5. Choose "ROLI" from the Hardware Vendor section and "Seaboard RISE" from the Product menu. In the MIDI In/MIDI Out section, choose "Seaboard RISE 2" from each drop-down menu. Keep the Bend Range at 48.



6. Click "Add" to add the RISE 2 as a controller in Bitwig Studio.


7. To add an MPE-ready plugin such as Equator2 to Bitwig, create a new instrument track by right-clicking anywhere in the Arrange space and choosing "Add Instrument Track".



8. In the Browser panel, search for "Equator2".



9. Drag and drop the Equator2 plugin onto the instrument track in Bitwig Studio.



10. Finally, to enable MPE (Multidimensional Polyphonic Expression), click or double-click on the Equator2 track you just created.


11. Next to "Use MPE", click "MPE" to enable MPE.



Now that Equator2 has been enabled for MPE, you can start playing the RISE 2 with full 5D touch expression.


How to set up Bitwig's built-in instruments with the RISE 2


Assigning modulation in Bitwig's built-in instruments is very simple. Just click on the modulator then click and drag on the parameter you wish to modulate. In the following examples, we have loaded Bitwig's PolySynth and are editing it in the Device panel at the bottom of the screen.


Setting Strike

Strike is recognized by Bitwig as "VEL."


Click VEL to start mapping. The available parameters will be highlighted in green. Click and drag on the parameter to set the modulation amount, then click VEL again to finish mapping.



Setting Press

Press is recognized by Bitwig as "PRES."


Click PRES to start mapping. The available parameters will be highlighted in green. Click and drag on the parameter to set the modulation amount, then click PRES again to finish mapping.



Setting Slide

Slide is recognized by Bitwig as "TIMB." 


Click TIMB to start mapping. The available parameters will be highlighted in green. Click and drag on the parameter to set the modulation amount, then click TIMB again to finish mapping.



Setting Lift

Lift is recognized by Bitwig as “REL”.



Click REL to start mapping. The available parameters will be highlighted in green. Click and drag on the parameter to set the modulation amount, then click REL again to finish mapping.


Now you can use MPE-ready plugins with the RISE 2 and also assign Bitwig's built-in instruments to respond to your RISE 2. Happy creating!


If you have any questions or feedback, please let us know by contacting the Support Team here.