Steinberg WaveLab Pro 13

Your Complete Solution for Stereo and Dolby Atmos Mastering

WaveLab 13 introduces Dolby Atmos mastering, with intuitive tools for ADM file editing, loudness control, and album assembly. New plug-ins like MasterRig 2 and Vocal Chain expand creative possibilities, while multicore rendering and streamlined editing features ensure faster, more efficient production for immersive and stereo projects alike.

Dolby Atmos Master Montage

The Master montage makes mastering a single ADM file flexible and efficient. At its core is the innovative Immersive Plug-in Hub, which enables standard VST 3 plug-ins to be inserted across up to 128 audio channels through a single interface. It also allows bed plug-ins like Surround Reverb to be inserted, along with clip and track plug-ins for detailed sound shaping. Full creative control is maximized by customizable sidechain routing and efficient mixdown of all channels. Sample level editing can be performed with WaveLab’s internal tools, while loudness and TruePeak normalization ensure consistent, professional results. A stereo reference track also enables accurate A/B comparison and length alignment of the ADM file with a stereo master.

Dolby Atmos Album Montage

The Album montage allows multiple ADM files to be assembled into a single, cohesive album master. They can be sequenced much like a stereo montage, arranged on one or multiple tracks. Clips can be visualized in multiple formats, from stereo through to 9.1.6, with the option to update the display automatically to match the Dolby Atmos Renderer. Loudness and TruePeak normalization ensure accurate levels across multiple ADM files, with options to preserve or adjust differences between them and stereo masters. Stereo reference clips allow easy A/B comparison with the Atmos stream. Compatible ADM files can also be combined into a new file with crossfade support — ideal for live recordings or audiobooks — while multiple ADM files of any type can be merged into one.

Workflow and Productivity

Multicore Rendering

Full multicore support for Audio Montage elements means WaveLab 13 delivers dramatically faster workflows and unparalleled efficiency for complex projects. Multiple tasks can be processed simultaneously, significantly reducing rendering times. For example, rendering ten titles now takes only 10% of the previously required time, saving hours and allowing more focus on creativity and production quality.

Tab Synchronized Playback

Full A/B comparison of audio files and clips is now possible through WaveLab’s powerful multi-tab interface, ensuring a smooth and intuitive workflow. When this option is active, switching to another tab seamlessly continues playback from the same audio position as the previous tab. This is particularly useful for comparing related files, such as different versions of the same project, with precise ease.

Sidechain Support

Track plug-ins with sidechain capabilities can now have clip audio signals routed directly to them. The signal level from each clip can be adjusted, giving precise control over dynamics and creative effects. Workflows for techniques like ducking and rhythmic processing are simplified, opening up new possibilities for detailed, expressive sound design.

Color Rules

The visual organization of projects is improved by allowing the colors of clips and tracks to be managed automatically, based on custom rules. These rules can reference clip or track names, applied effects, or even clip position, creating a clear and structured view of complex sessions. This feature helps users to navigate projects faster and maintain creative focus.

Enhanced Envelope Functions

Envelope editing now offers new options for greater precision and efficiency. Clone editing applies changes across all selected clips, while grouped fade editing streamlines adjustments for clip siblings. Fine control mode further enhances accuracy by damping mouse movements, allowing detailed edits without slowing down the workflow.

Next-level new plug-ins

MasterRig 2

The next-generation mastering plug-in suite has undergone a major update, introducing a sleek modern design, fully scalable user interface, and sidechain support. It includes new and enhanced modules for EQ, compression, limiting, and stereo imaging.

VocalChain

A state-of-the-art multi-effect tailored for vocal and speech processing, VocalChain integrates essential tools like EQ, compression, and reverb in a streamlined interface. It delivers polished, studio-quality results while simplifying complex vocal production tasks.

Underwater

Adding a distinctive tonal effect for creative sound design, Underwater simulates the acoustic characteristics of submerged environments. Perfect for film, games, or experimental music, it delivers authentic textures with adjustable depth and resonance.

UltraShaper

UltraShaper is a dynamic processor which merges advanced compression with powerful transient shaping. Ideal for adding punch or smoothing dynamics, it provides detailed control for sound character shaping at both the mixing and mastering stages.

PitchShifter

Harness the power of enhanced real-time pitch manipulation for both creative and corrective purposes. Whether adjusting vocal intonation or creating experimental effects, the PitchShifter delivers transparent processing with minimal artifacts for natural results or bold transformations.

Bass Manager

By managing bass routing and crossover points in multi-channel monitoring environments, this tool optimizes low-frequency distribution, enhancing clarity and consistency in immersive mixes. It’s indispensable for Dolby Atmos production.

MixerDelay

Designed for surround and immersive formats, the MixerDelay aligns speaker channels by individually adjusting delay times. Essential for Dolby Atmos workflows, it ensures accurate spatial imaging and phase coherence throughout complex setups.