Steinberg has announced the release of WaveLab 13, the latest iteration of its audio mastering and editing platform. This update introduces dedicated workflows for Dolby Atmos music mastering, multi-core processing support, and an updated plug-in suite including MasterRig 2.
Dolby Atmos Production
WaveLab 13 implements a new immersive workflow designed to bridge the gap between mixing and mastering in Dolby Atmos. This is achieved through two new workspace types:
- The Master Montage: Designed for working with single ADM files. It facilitates importing, editing, processing, and re-rendering ADM files while preserving object spatial information. A key component of this workflow is the “Immersive Plug-in Hub,” which allows standard VST3 plug-ins to be inserted across up to 128 audio channels, automatically handling bed, clip, and track configurations without complex routing workarounds.
- The Album Montage: This workspace allows engineers to assemble multiple ADM files—even those with differing structures—into a cohesive album. It provides visualization options ranging from stereo to 9.1.6 and includes tools for Loudness and TruePeak normalization across multiple files. Users can also merge compatible ADM files and align them with stereo reference tracks for A/B comparison.
According to Luis Dongo, Steinberg Senior Marketing Manager, the engine handles the technical aspects of compiling ADM files with different channel structures in the background, allowing consistent level and dynamic control across a full immersive album.
New and Updated Plug-ins
WaveLab 13 includes several new processing tools and updates to existing suites:
- MasterRig 2: The mastering suite has been updated with a scalable interface, sidechain support, and enhanced modules for EQ, compression, limiting, and stereo imaging.
- VocalChain: A dedicated multi-effect for vocal and speech processing that combines EQ, compression, and reverb.
- UltraShaper: A dynamics processor merging compression with transient shaping.
- Immersive Tools: The new MixerDelay aligns speaker channels by adjusting individual delay times, while the Bass Manager optimizes low-frequency distribution for immersive mixes.
- Additional Effects: Includes a new Pitch Shifter and an Underwater effect.
Workflow and Performance Enhancements
Steinberg has introduced full multi-core support for the Audio Montage, allowing multiple tasks to be processed simultaneously to reduce render times.
Navigational improvements include “seamless playback,” where switching between tabs continues playback from the same position. This feature is designed to improve the accuracy of A/B comparisons between different files or reference tracks. Additionally, clip audio signals can now be routed directly to track plug-ins with sidechain capabilities, offering precise control for ducking and rhythmic effects.
Key Features
- Dolby Atmos Workflow: Dedicated Master and Album Montages for editing and assembling ADM files.
- Immersive Plug-in Hub: Supports VST3 plug-ins across up to 128 channels.
- Multi-core Support: Parallel processing for Audio Montage tasks.
- MasterRig 2: Updated mastering suite with new modules and sidechain support.
- Loudness Normalization: TruePeak and Loudness normalization for ADM files.
- Seamless Playback: Maintains playback position when switching tabs for A/B comparison.
- Visual Customization: Automated color management for clips and tracks.
- New Plug-ins: VocalChain, UltraShaper, MixerDelay, Bass Manager, Pitch Shifter.
Pricing and Availability
WaveLab 13 is available now:
- WaveLab Pro 13: €499 / $499.99.
- WaveLab Elements 13: €99.99 / $99.99.
Introductory Offer: Updates and upgrades are available at a 15% discount from January 28, 2026, to February 4, 2026.
Grace Period: Customers who activated WaveLab 12 (Pro or Elements) on or after January 1, 2026, are eligible for a free update to the respective version of WaveLab 13.
YouTube/hHSgd2ZCdp4
Read More