Bitwig Studio vs Digital Performer
Bitwig Studio
bitwig.com
Digital Performer
motu.comSide by side
| Figure | Bitwig Studio | Digital Performer |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | — | — |
| Free plan | — | — |
| Free trial | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 5 | 10 |
| Spec score · Music Production Software | 8.8 (#2) | 8.4 (#5) |
| Spec score · Game Music Software | 8.8 (#2) | 8.3 (#5) |
| Spec score · Audio Editing Software | 8.8 (#10) | 8.4 (#23) |
| Spec score · Digital Audio Workstations | 8.8 (#3) | 8.4 (#6) |
| Free plan | No | No |
| Headquarters | Berlin, Germany | Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States |
| MIDI sequencing | Yes | Yes |
| Multitrack editing | Yes | Yes |
| Operating systems | The download page lists macOS 12 or later, Windows 10 or 11 (64-bit), and Ubuntu 24.04 or later or a modern Linux distribution with Flatpak. | The guide lists macOS 10.13 or later and 64-bit Windows 10 as minimum operating system requirements. |
| Product | Bitwig Studio is a digital audio workstation for recording, arranging, improvising, performing, sound design, and building instruments. | Digital Performer is a digital audio recording, MIDI sequencing, editing, arranging, mixing, and music notation application. |
| Support | Bitwig provides a contact form for technical software problems and says submitted information is used to answer inquiries and provide technical support. | MOTU says registered users are eligible for technical support through its support website or by telephone. |
| Supported platforms | macOS, Windows, Linux | macOS and Windows |
| Trial | Bitwig Studio can be tried free without limitations for 30 days after signing up and downloading. | The 30-day demo includes all features except MP3 exporting and allows document saving. |
Plans
Bitwig Studio
- Essentials$99, paid once
- Producer$199, paid once
- Bitwig Studio Essentials$99, paid once
- Bitwig Studio Producer$199, paid once
- Bitwig Studio$399, paid once
Digital Performer
- Full versionPriced on request
- Full versionPrice not published
- Competitive upgradePrice not published
- Competitive upgradePriced on request
- Performer Lite upgradePriced on request
- Upgrade from previous versionPriced on request
- Upgrade from previous version$195, paid once
- DP11 competitive upgrade$395, paid once
- Performer Lite upgrade$395, paid once
- Digital Performer 11 full version$499, paid once
In their own words
Bitwig Studio
Bitwig Studio is a digital audio workstation for recording, arranging, improvising, performing, sound design, and building instruments. Its timeline Arranger supports linear workflows, while the Clip Launcher supports non-linear creation and performance. Audio tools include recording, comping, editing, and time stretching, with available algorithms varying by edition. The Grid provides modular tools for building instruments and audio or note effects; Bitwig Studio includes 43 modulators. Listed editions support unlimited VST and CLAP plugins, side-chain support, bridging, delay compensation, and crash protection. The software can sequence, sync, and control connected gear using MIDI, CC, CV, Gate, analog and MIDI Clock, and MIDI Timecode. It runs on macOS, Windows, and Linux, with operating-system, RAM, display, and disk requirements specified. Essentials is listed at 99.00 EUR once and Producer at 199.00 EUR once. A 30-day trial is available after signing up and downloading.
Digital Performer
Digital Performer is an application for recording audio, sequencing MIDI, editing, arranging, mixing, and creating music notation. Its MOTU Audio System combines a hard-disk recording engine with a mixing environment that includes internal busses, aux tracks, master faders, sends, and real-time effects. The application supports virtual instruments and third-party VST plug-ins on Mac and Windows, plus Audio Unit plug-ins on macOS. QuickScribe exports notation scores as MusicXML for use in notation programs such as Finale and Sibelius. Digital Performer runs on macOS and Windows and is 64-bit only; it does not support 32-bit plug-ins or virtual instruments, and PC ARM processors are not supported. The guide lists macOS 10.13 or later and 64-bit Windows 10 as minimum operating systems. A 30-day demo includes all features except MP3 exporting and allows documents to be saved. There is no free plan. The listed full version costs $499, paid once, and the DP11 competitive upgrade costs $395 as a one-time purchase. Registered users are eligible for technical support through the support website or by telephone.