The Bitwig Connect 4/12 is a versatile desktop audio USB-C interface that provides four inputs and twelve outputs, along with CV (control voltage) I/O and MIDI capabilities. It also sports some cool monitor and DAW control features, not to mention a special Bitwig Mode that sets it apart when used with the Bitwig Studio [Tape Op #138] DAW.
The Connect 4/12 has a hefty metal chassis with a relatively modest desktop footprint. There are transport and monitor controls, plus six mode buttons to alter the behavior of the large, weighted 360° touch-sensitive dial. The dial feels very premium and precise, allowing you to tweak everything from input gain to volume levels for two sets of monitors and headphones. A ring of 32 RGB LEDs around the dial helps you keep track of parameter values and automation data. On the back panel, power is supplied via a single USB-C port, which also serves as the connection to your computer or a class-compliant device (more on this later). You've also got a dedicated TRS headphone out, 3.5 mm MIDI I/O, six 1/4-inch TRS balanced line outputs, one balanced 1/4-inch TRS line input (which can also be a hi-Z instrument input), and one XLR combo jack that can serve as a high-gain microphone preamp with phantom power, or an additional line/instrument input.
The Connect 4/12’s top-facing panel is extremely user-friendly, providing instant visual feedback with clear input and output meters. An interesting and somewhat unique touch is that there are six 3.5 mm TS mini jack ports on the top of the panel, which are DC-coupled. This allows for either an additional two inputs and four outputs of audio I/O or the use of them for CV. I tested the CV outputs with my modular synth rig, and they work really well as a "bridge" between my DAW and analog modular synth gear. Since the Connect is a class-compliant device, I was also able to test it with my Apple iPad Pro and a super fun mixer app called AUM, which worked immediately without any issues. Using this flexible solution, I was able to quickly patch up a rig that had MIDI sequences coming from my iPad Pro into my modular synth rack, and I could even set up an analog effects send to some external pedals using the additional two inputs on the front face of the Connect!
Asahi Kasei Microdevices (AKM) ADCs are used in the Connect 4/12 architecture for all analog inputs, supporting up to 192 kHz, and the result is stellar – very neutral and clean. The preamp gain on the mic input is more than sufficient to power even my ribbon mics with headroom to spare. Note that gain settings made with the Connect get saved in the Bitwig Studio session, so you can pick up right where you left off the next time you launch it.
Speaking of DAWs, although the Connect 4/12 can be used as an interface with any DAW, when used with Bitwig Studio it offers exclusive features that set it well apart from other interfaces in its price range. The primary difference is the integration with what Bitwig calls the Bitwig Mode; you tap a button on the front panel, hover your mouse cursor over any parameter in Bitwig, and that wonderfully-smooth rotary dial is instantly in control of that parameter! The LED ring indicates its currently assigned task by matching the color of the parameter or track in Bitwig Studio. This hands-on control feature quickly becomes pretty addictive and seems to work well with most third-party plug-ins, although not directly with the GUI of my Universal Audio UAD plug-ins, for example. Instead, for non-Bitwig plug-ins, you first click on the parameter you wish to control in the GUI. Then, Bitwig Studio displays the parameter in its device view, which you can then hover over and control (so just one extra click for third-party plug-ins). Note: The folks at Bitwig have stated that by the time this review is published, update version 5.3.9 will provide functionality so that user’s VST plug-ins can be directly accessible via their GUIs.
You can also use Bitwig Mode to write automation, which is far more immediate and superior to using your mouse to ride a virtual fader. I love this feature and wish it were available when using the Connect 4/12 with other DAWs! Someone may build a control script – who knows? I hadn't been keeping up with the Bitwig Studio DAW as of late, but I found it crazy easy to intuit and navigate. The Bitwig DAW comes with an incredible array of add-ons, plug-ins, and customizations. I'll be giving it a more in-depth look soon as it seems very compelling, especially when paired with the Connect.
The Connect 4/12 is a no-brainer suggestion for someone who already uses Bitwig Studio. Still, I would vigorously recommend it for home recordists looking for a new (or first) interface, regardless of their DAW – primarily because of its abundance of I/O, ability to output multiple lanes of CV, and overall stellar build quality – it also ships with the Bitwig Studio Essentials software package.