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WaveLab
Hamburg, Germany
What it is
WaveLab is an audio mastering and editing suite for Windows and macOS, with tools for audio editing, montage, batch processing, and spectral work. It supports VST 3 plug-ins from other manufacturers, and the edition comparison lists podcasting integrations with SoundCloud, Spreaker, Podbean, Buzzsprout, and Castos. WaveLab Pro 13 includes Dolby Atmos tools for ADM editing, loudness control, and album assembly. Pro supports sample rates up to 384 kHz and more than 1,000 audio tracks; Elements 13 supports up to 96 kHz and eight tracks. Both Pro and Elements can replace audio in video. The listed pricing note is From $99.99 · 60-day trial. The 60-day trial is for WaveLab Pro and requires signing in or creating a Steinberg ID. WaveLab LE is listed as a free copy available with qualifying hardware and a Download Access Code. WaveLab 13 downloads are listed for Windows 10 64-bit version 22H2 or newer, Windows 11 version 24H2 or newer, and macOS 14, 15, or 26.
For and against
For
- Includes montage, batch, and spectral editing
- Supports VST 3 plug-ins
- Pro includes Dolby Atmos mastering tools
- Podcasting integrations include five services
- Pro and Elements can replace video audio
Against
- The listed price starts at $99.99
- Pro trial requires a Steinberg ID
- LE free copy requires qualifying hardware
- WaveLab 13 lists specific recent operating systems
The verdict
WaveLab combines editing and mastering tools with edition-specific limits and integrations. Review the listed system requirements and trial conditions, especially if you need Pro features.
Who it suits
WaveLab may suit audio editors, mastering users, and podcasters who need audio editing, batch processing, or spectral tools. Pro and Elements offer different track and sample-rate limits, and both can replace audio in video.
Plans and prices
WaveLab LE
Requires included Download Access Code · fades · track editing · loudness changes
Read 15 Oct 2026 · steinberg.net
WaveLab Elements 13
Entry-level mastering and editing · reduced feature set compared with Pro
Read 15 Oct 2026 · steinberg.net
WaveLab Pro 13
Dolby Atmos mastering · up to 128-channel VST3 Immersive Plug-in Hub · Audio Editor · Audio Montage
Read 15 Oct 2026 · steinberg.net
On the record
- Account and activation
- Installation, activation, registration and some use require a Steinberg account and internet connection.download.steinberg.net · read 15 Oct 2026
- Acquisition price
- Yamaha’s 2004 acquisition announcement stated a total purchase amount of $28.5 million for Steinberg’s common stock and US sales business.usa.yamaha.com · read 15 Oct 2026
- API and SDK
- The opened official product and help materials describe VST3 and ARA extensibility but do not present a public web API or WaveLab SDK.download.steinberg.net · read 15 Oct 2026
- ARA limitation
- A Steinberg forum response says WaveLab ARA in a host supplies editing functions while VST processing remains handled by the host.forums.steinberg.net · read 15 Oct 2026
- Company founded
- Steinberg Media Technologies was founded in 1984.linkedin.com · read 15 Oct 2026
- Company headquarters
- Steinberg Media Technologies GmbH is headquartered in Hamburg, Germany.linkedin.com · read 15 Oct 2026
- Company size
- LinkedIn lists Steinberg’s company size as 201–500 employees.linkedin.com · read 15 Oct 2026
- Documentation
- WaveLab help is available online at steinberg.help, with platform-independent documentation covering Windows and macOS workflows, setup, audio connections and editing concepts.download.steinberg.net · read 15 Oct 2026
- Dolby Atmos mastering
- WaveLab 13 adds Master and Album montages for importing, editing, normalizing, re-rendering and assembling ADM Dolby Atmos files.ocl-steinberg-live.steinberg.net · read 15 Oct 2026
- Editing features
- WaveLab 13 adds marker-ruler range selection, text-path file opening or pasting, plug-in scaling, drag-out plug-in removal and improved high-DPI waveform outlines.steinberg.net · read 15 Oct 2026
- Elements limits
- WaveLab Elements 13 supports sample rates up to 96 kHz and up to eight audio tracks.steinberg.net · read 11 Oct 2026
- Immersive audio
- WaveLab Pro 13 includes Dolby Atmos mastering tools for ADM file editing, loudness control, and album assembly.steinberg.net · read 11 Oct 2026
- Immersive plug-ins
- The Immersive Plug-in Hub routes standard VST3 plug-ins across as many as 128 audio channels and supports bed, clip and track plug-ins.ocl-steinberg-live.steinberg.net · read 15 Oct 2026
- Installation
- WaveLab 12 direct installers require Steinberg Activation Manager for license management; Steinberg Download Assistant bundles that requirement.o.steinberg.net · read 15 Oct 2026
- Integrations
- WaveLab supports third-party VST3 plug-ins, external audio editors and hardware devices, and WaveLab Pro can operate as an ARA extension in compatible applications.steinberg.net · read 15 Oct 2026
- Intended users
- Steinberg describes WaveLab LE as suited to hobby musicians, home studio owners, freelancers, and podcasters.steinberg.net · read 11 Oct 2026
- License management
- WaveLab 13 requires Steinberg Activation Manager for license management when installed without Steinberg Download Assistant.o.steinberg.net · read 11 Oct 2026
- License model
- The EULA grants a non-exclusive proprietary license and states that Steinberg and its suppliers retain intellectual-property rights.download.steinberg.net · read 15 Oct 2026
