Steinberg WaveLab 13 Sets a New Standard for Immersive Audio MasteringWaveLab 13 marks a major milestone in Steinberg’s long-standing mastering and audio editing platform. Introduced at NAMM Show 2026, this new version reinforces Steinberg’s commitment to professional mastering workflows, with a strong focus on immersive audio and Dolby Atmos production. Designed for mastering engineers, post-production studios, and advanced music producers, WaveLab 13 combines refined workflows, powerful new plug-ins, and deeper multi-channel support into a mature, future-proof solution.
A Professional Environment Built for Modern Mastering
At its core, WaveLab 13 remains a comprehensive audio editing and mastering environment, capable of handling everything from stereo releases to complex immersive projects. The interface has been refined to improve readability and navigation, while maintaining the precision and reliability that mastering professionals expect. Multi-core processing ensures smooth performance even in demanding sessions, allowing engineers to work efficiently on large projects with multiple formats and deliverables.
WaveLab continues to position itself as an end-to-end solution, covering editing, analysis, montage assembly, processing, and final delivery, all within a single application.
Advanced Dolby Atmos and Immersive Audio Support
One of the most significant evolutions in WaveLab 13 is its expanded support for Dolby Atmos workflows. Steinberg introduces dedicated Master and Album Montages designed specifically for immersive audio production. These new montage types simplify the handling of ADM files, allowing seamless import, editing, and processing while preserving spatial metadata.
The Master Montage is optimized for individual immersive masters, while the Album Montage enables the assembly of multiple ADM files into a coherent album-level project. Engineers benefit from a clear visual overview of clips across formats ranging from stereo to 9.1.6, with automatic updates that stay aligned with the Dolby Atmos Renderer.
Loudness and TruePeak normalization tools ensure consistent levels across immersive content, an essential requirement for modern distribution platforms. WaveLab 13 also supports merging compatible ADM files into a single track, complete with crossfade management, and includes a stereo reference track for accurate A/B comparisons between immersive and stereo masters.
Flexible Plug-In Processing at Scale
WaveLab 13 introduces the Immersive Plug-in Hub, allowing standard VST 3 plug-ins to be used across up to 128 audio channels. This architecture enables per-bed, clip, and track-based processing, offering a high degree of flexibility when shaping immersive mixes. Clip signal routing has also been enhanced, making it possible to send clips directly to track plug-ins with side-chain support for more advanced dynamics control.
A Modernized and Expanded Plug-In Suite
The built-in plug-in collection receives a major update with MasterRig 2. This redesigned suite features a fully scalable interface and new processing modules covering equalization, compression, limiting, and stereo imaging. For immersive projects, MixerDelay allows precise speaker alignment through individual channel delays, while Bass Manager optimizes low-frequency distribution for clearer and more consistent playback.
WaveLab 13 also introduces VocalChain, a streamlined multi-effect plug-in combining EQ, compression, and reverb for vocal and speech processing. UltraShaper merges advanced compression with transient shaping in a single tool, expanding creative and corrective processing options. Workflow efficiency is further improved with instant plug-in removal by simple drag-and-drop.
Workflow Enhancements for Daily Efficiency
Beyond immersive audio, WaveLab 13 brings numerous refinements to the Audio Montage environment. A/B comparison tools make it easy to evaluate different versions or reference tracks, while improved color management enhances visual clarity when working on complex sessions. Expanded VST 3 compatibility, new creative plug-ins such as Pitch Shifter and Underwater, and overall interface optimizations contribute to a smoother, faster mastering experience.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
• Comprehensive Dolby Atmos and immersive audio mastering workflow
• Dedicated Master and Album Montages for ADM files
• Powerful normalization and A/B comparison tools
• Modernized plug-in suite with scalable interfaces
• High channel-count VST 3 processing up to 128 channels
• Efficient multi-core performance for demanding projects
Cons:
• Advanced immersive features primarily benefit experienced users
• Requires recent versions of Windows or macOS
• Higher learning curve for engineers new to immersive mastering
Pricing and Availability
WaveLab 13 is available in two editions WaveLab Pro 13 and Lab Elements 13, for respectively €499 and €99.99
WaveLab Pro 13
WaveLab Elements 13
More info
Get more info on Steinberg’s website
Conclusion
WaveLab 13 represents a significant evolution of Steinberg’s mastering platform, firmly aligned with the growing adoption of immersive audio. By combining advanced Dolby Atmos workflows, flexible high-channel processing, and a modernized plug-in ecosystem, it delivers a powerful and coherent environment for today’s mastering challenges. Whether working on stereo releases or complex immersive albums, WaveLab 13 stands out as a robust, professional solution designed to meet current and future production standards.
