NAMM 2025: Bitwig Connect 4/12 is a new 4-in/12-out CV & MIDI-enabled audio interface that makes a bridge between software and external gear.
Bitwig Studio is a DAW that emphasizes modularity. Whether through its super flexible internal modular sound engine (Grid) or the ability to send advanced CV signals to hardware synths, the modular topic is omnipresent in the still-young DAW from Berlin.
Usually, the Bitwig team releases a new software version at NAMM, which is released a few months later. This year, however, they have a surprise in store. Bitwig has unveiled its first hardware interface, Connect 4/12, designed for Bitwig Studio.
Bitwig Connect 4/12
Yes, it’s a new audio interface developed by Bitwig Studio developers, but it’s more. The Bitwig Connect 4/12 is a three-in-one device with an audio/MIDI interface, monitor, and DAW controller. Moreover, it’s a bridge between software and external gear.
The heart of the new orange hardware is the front panel. It offers mode buttons and a 360-degree, touch-sensitive dial to adjust interface parameters or control software. You can set the input gain and adjust the volume levels for two sets of monitors and your headphones.
As a bonus, the unique Bitwig mode allows you to use the dial to move the playhead or control any Bitwig Studio parameters down to the last detail.
Visual feedback over the input and output meters is also onboard. Plus, a ring of 32 RGB LEDs around the dial visualizes parameter values and automation data—neat. Another clever feature is the permanent accessibility of the gain settings. They are saved within Bitwig Studio, so you can pick them up right where you left off the next time you open them.
Audio Tech
Bitwig Connect uses balanced connections, a premium mic preamp, and high-quality instrument/line inputs feeding into tried-and-true AKM converters capable of up to 192kHz, 24-bit resolution. That means you can capture any source with ultra-low noise floors – so go ahead and crank the gain.
Great, it’s bus powered and don’t require extra power.
Software To Hardware CV And Vice Versa
The Bitwig Connect 4/12 interface is not just another classic audio/MIDI interface. The built-in CV compatibility is a highlight that sets it apart from other devices. It comes with two DC-coupled inputs and four outputs on the top panel, allowing you to communicate with CV-enabled hardware.
This setup enables two-way communication (in and out of the software) with external devices, including Bitwig Studio, hardware sequencers, and modulation signals.
In addition, Bitwig has taken over the tedious work of calibrating the sockets. It comes with factory calibration out of the box and plays pitch-perfect without offsetting the software. Alternatively, you can use these inputs for audio signal duties.
Connectivity
The backside houses the primary I/O. You get a USB-C (USB-2) port for data and bus powering, a TRS MIDI in/out interface, a combo XLR/6.3 mm TRS input with a high-gain mic pre-amp, and 48-volt phantom power, three additional inputs.
One is a fully balanced 6.3mm TRS line input or high-impedance instrument input; the other two are standard 6.3mm line inputs. It also offers six 6.3mm TRS fully balanced line outputs and a dedicated 6.3mm stereo headphone output.
On the front panel, you have two inputs and four outputs in the 3.5mm TS DC-coupled mini-jack port format for audio and CV duties.
Bitwig Connect 4/12 First Impression
I know this move from somewhere; yes, Propellerhead Software and the Balance interface for Reason from 2011. The new Bitwig interface reminds me a bit of this one. However, the difference is that Bitwig Connect 4/12 offers far more features and interesting DAW and hardware integrations.
If you use Bitwig Studio as your main DAW and a lot of hardware gear, this interface could be very tempting.
Bitwig Connect 4/12 will be available in spring 2025. It costs 549USD/499EUR, and pre-orders through the official webshop and selected retailers will start soon.
As someone still using a Propellerhead Balance to this day, I love to see this sort of thing – mostly for the bundled license deals you can usually get if you need an interface!