Tracktion Waveform Pro 12

With multiple new features, now could be a good time to try this impressive and competitively priced DAW

From $149 PC MAC

Tracktion Waveform Pro is a music focused DAW that over time has gradually combined its innovative object-based rack environment with more traditional DAW elements to create a quick yet powerful production system. It works on OS X (including Apple Silicon), Windows and Linux and, as we have mentioned before, is one of the most cross-platform-capable DAWS available. There's also a very decent Free version and 90-day trial of the Pro version should you want to try before you buy.

Building Blocks

We last looked at Waveform Pro at version 11.5, and although this was only a point update, there were substantial improvements, including much slicker menu systems, more shortcut options, improved scripting and better mouse implementation. The most significant change was the option to try an in-development audio engine, so it should come as no surprise that Waveform Pro 12 sports a shiny new audio engine, with perfect plugin delay compensation, substantially improved CPU performance and better support for multiple CPU cores. Also no surprise are the various operational refinements, including many new MIDI features (see boxout), an improved Browser and floating plugin menu.

Beyond this the main headline changes are more in keeping with a full update and include 15 new and refreshed audio plugins, new instruments (BassOSC, Rompler and Micro Sampler), a low latency Guitar IR plugin, improved hardware controller support and six utility tools. As far as the effects are concerned you now have more choice. The EQs have been reworked so you have four options including a simple DJ EQ and powerful 8-band parametric. Meanwhile, the reverbs are also extended with new and rather excellent sounding Non-Linear and Natural algorithmic processors. Insert and send effects are also now incorporated into the Drum Sampler and Multi Sampler.