Steinberg WaveLab Pro
by Steinberg
Mastering DAW with podcast-oriented loudness + speech-aware analysis tools.
TL;DR
Mastering DAW with podcast-oriented loudness + speech-aware analysis tools.
Best for mastering engineers + podcast finishers hitting loudness specs. Pricing: WaveLab Pro 12 $579 one-time · Elements $99.
Category
Desktop apps
License
—
Stars
—
Last push
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Pricing
WaveLab Pro 12 $579 one-time · Elements $99
Platforms
macOS, Windows
What it is
WaveLab Pro is Steinberg's mastering and audio editor. Recent versions integrate loudness QC (R128) and a podcast-publishing workflow. Speech-aware in the sense of compliance + level.
Best for: Mastering engineers + podcast finishers hitting loudness specs.
Watch out for: Not a tracking DAW; pair with Cubase / Pro Tools upstream.
Watch out for: Not a tracking DAW; pair with Cubase / Pro Tools upstream.
Install / use
steinberg.net/wavelab
Features
| Speaker diarization | No |
| Word-level timestamps | No |
| Streaming / real-time | No |
| Languages supported | None |
| HIPAA eligible | No |
Steinberg WaveLab Pro vs Whipscribe
| Feature | Steinberg WaveLab Pro | Whipscribe |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Desktop apps | Transcription APIs |
| Pricing | WaveLab Pro 12 $579 one-time · Elements $99 | free beta |
| Speaker diarization | — | Yes |
| Word timestamps | — | Yes |
| Streaming | — | No |
| Languages | — | 99 |
| Platforms | macOS, Windows | Web, API, MCP |
Alternatives to Steinberg WaveLab Pro
Whipscribe is a managed faster-whisper + whisperX service. If you want transcripts without running infrastructure, paste a URL or drop a file in the form below — you'll have a transcript in seconds.