Bitwig Studio vs Tracktion Waveform
Bitwig Studio
bitwig.comTracktion Waveform
tracktion.comSide by side
| Figure | Bitwig Studio | Tracktion Waveform |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | — | Free |
| Free plan | — | Yes |
| Free trial | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 5 | 5 |
| Spec score · Digital Audio Workstations | 8.8 (#3) | 7.6 (#27) |
| Intended users | Bitwig describes its audience as musicians, sound designers, composers, film scorers, and artists from various fields. | Waveform Free’s page presents use cases including band recording, electronic production, podcasting, singer-songwriting, and house of worship. |
| Product | Bitwig Studio is a digital audio workstation for recording, arranging, improvising, performing, sound design, and building instruments. | Waveform is a digital audio workstation for music creators. |
| Support | Bitwig provides a contact form for technical software problems and says submitted information is used to answer inquiries and provide technical support. | Tracktion offers a support bot, human-powered support, training videos, and a knowledgebase. |
| Trial | Bitwig Studio can be tried free without limitations for 30 days after signing up and downloading. | The Waveform Pro page advertises a 30 day unlimited trial. |
Plans
Bitwig Studio
- Essentials$99, paid once
- Producer$199, paid once
- Bitwig Studio Essentials$99, paid once
- Bitwig Studio Producer$199, paid once
- Bitwig Studio$399, paid once
Tracktion Waveform
- Waveform FreeFree
- Waveform Pro$249, paid once
- Recommended Bundle$349, paid once
- Studio Content Bundle$599, paid once
- Everything Bundle$999, paid once
In their own words
Bitwig Studio
Bitwig Studio is a digital audio workstation for recording, arranging, improvising, performing, sound design, and building instruments. Its timeline Arranger supports linear workflows, while the Clip Launcher supports non-linear creation and performance. Audio tools include recording, comping, editing, and time stretching, with available algorithms varying by edition. The Grid provides modular tools for building instruments and audio or note effects; Bitwig Studio includes 43 modulators. Listed editions support unlimited VST and CLAP plugins, side-chain support, bridging, delay compensation, and crash protection. The software can sequence, sync, and control connected gear using MIDI, CC, CV, Gate, analog and MIDI Clock, and MIDI Timecode. It runs on macOS, Windows, and Linux, with operating-system, RAM, display, and disk requirements specified. Essentials is listed at 99.00 EUR once and Producer at 199.00 EUR once. A 30-day trial is available after signing up and downloading.
Tracktion Waveform
Tracktion Waveform is a digital audio workstation for music creators on Linux, macOS, and Windows. Waveform Free is described for multitrack band recording and supports audio effects plus VST, VST3, and AU plugins. For electronic production, it includes inline MIDI and Step Clip access, a rack environment, and instruments such as a 4OSC synth, Micro Drum Sampler, Micro Sampler, and Rompler. Listed use cases also include podcasting, singer-songwriting, and house of worship. Waveform Pro 14 supports multiple video clips in an edit and can extract audio from video clips. It can also split a stereo mix into four components or extract selected elements such as vocals or drums. Waveform 14 supports listed launchpad-style controllers and Ableton Link, with a JavaScript API for further controller configuration. Pro plugin sandboxing deactivates a third-party plugin after a crash rather than closing the host. Waveform Free costs nothing. Waveform Pro costs $249, paid once, and its page advertises a 30-day unlimited trial. One-time bundles are also listed at $349.00 USD, $599.00 USD, and $999.00 USD.