Bitwig Studio vs OpenMPT
Bitwig Studio
bitwig.comOpenMPT
openmpt.orgSide by side
| Figure | Bitwig Studio | OpenMPT |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | — | Free |
| Free plan | — | Yes |
| Free trial | Yes | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 5 | 1 |
| Spec score · Music Production Software | 8.8 (#2) | 8.0 (#12) |
| Spec score · Game Music Software | 8.8 (#2) | 7.9 (#15) |
| Spec score · Audio Editing Software | 8.8 (#10) | 8.0 (#56) |
| Spec score · Digital Audio Workstations | 8.8 (#3) | 8.0 (#16) |
| Founded | 2009 | 1997 |
| Free plan | No | Yes |
| MIDI sequencing | Yes | No |
| Multitrack editing | Yes | Yes |
| Support | Bitwig provides a contact form for technical software problems and says submitted information is used to answer inquiries and provide technical support. | Users can seek help in the forums and FAQ, and report bugs or request features through the issue tracker. |
| Supported platforms | macOS, Windows, Linux | Windows; macOS and Linux via Wine |
| Third-party plugins | Yes | Yes |
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
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.
OpenMPT
OpenMPT is a tracker and audio application for writing and playing music, with a sample-based workflow or DAW-style use through plugin support. It is portable and needs no installation. The editor supports up to 128 channels and 256 virtual channels, multiple open modules, and a built-in sample editor. OpenMPT supports VST effects and instruments, DirectX audio plugins, and VST automation from patterns. It imports module formats including Impulse Tracker, Scream Tracker 3, FastTracker 2, and ProTracker, and can save IT, MOD, MPTM, S3M, and XM modules. Audio export includes lossless PCM and float audio up to 192 kHz and 32-bit, as well as Opus, Ogg Vorbis, MP3, MIDI, and OPL register dumps. Live workflows include queuing patterns and controlling VST parameters with a MIDI keyboard. OpenMPT can load MIDI files but is not a MIDI editor. It is free under the New BSD License. Windows is supported natively; macOS and Linux use Wine.