Digital Performer vs GoldWave
Digital Performer
motu.comGoldWave
goldwave.comSide by side
| Figure | Digital Performer | GoldWave |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | — | $1.58/mo |
| Free plan | — | — |
| Free trial | Yes | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | — | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | — | Yes |
| iOS | — | Yes |
| Android | — | Yes |
| Plans published | 10 | 2 |
| Spec score · Audio Editing Software | 8.4 (#23) | 8.3 (#34) |
| Spec score · Game Audio Editors | 8.4 (#6) | 8.7 (#2) |
| Spec score · Audio editors | 7.8 (#15) | 8.3 (#8) |
| Cloud collaboration | No | No |
| Free plan | No | No |
| Headquarters | Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States | Near St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada |
| Multitrack editing | Yes | No |
| Supported platforms | macOS and Windows | Windows, web, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android |
Plans
Digital Performer
- Full versionPriced on request
- Full versionPrice not published
- Competitive upgradePrice not published
- Competitive upgradePriced on request
- Performer Lite upgradePriced on request
- Upgrade from previous versionPriced on request
- Upgrade from previous version$195, paid once
- DP11 competitive upgrade$395, paid once
- Performer Lite upgrade$395, paid once
- Digital Performer 11 full version$499, paid once
GoldWave
- One Year GoldWave License$19 a year
- Lifetime GoldWave License$59, paid once
In their own words
Digital Performer
Digital Performer is an application for recording audio, sequencing MIDI, editing, arranging, mixing, and creating music notation. Its MOTU Audio System combines a hard-disk recording engine with a mixing environment that includes internal busses, aux tracks, master faders, sends, and real-time effects. The application supports virtual instruments and third-party VST plug-ins on Mac and Windows, plus Audio Unit plug-ins on macOS. QuickScribe exports notation scores as MusicXML for use in notation programs such as Finale and Sibelius. Digital Performer runs on macOS and Windows and is 64-bit only; it does not support 32-bit plug-ins or virtual instruments, and PC ARM processors are not supported. The guide lists macOS 10.13 or later and 64-bit Windows 10 as minimum operating systems. A 30-day demo includes all features except MP3 exporting and allows documents to be saved. There is no free plan. The listed full version costs $499, paid once, and the DP11 competitive upgrade costs $395 as a one-time purchase. Registered users are eligible for technical support through the support website or by telephone.
GoldWave
GoldWave is audio software for recording, editing, processing, restoring, enhancing, analyzing, and converting audio. It includes noise reduction and supports third-party plugins, but does not offer multitrack editing or video synchronization. The Windows desktop version is joined by GoldWave Infinity, which works on iOS, Android, macOS, Linux, and ChromeOS, as well as in modern web browsers without installation. Keyboard accessibility and foot pedal playback support are included. An evaluation version with full functionality is available, and the company recommends trying it before purchase; no specific evaluation-period limit is stated. The one-year license is $19 a year and returns to evaluation mode at expiry. A lifetime license is 59.00 USD once, does not expire, and includes free upgrades and Infinity. GoldWave was founded in 1993 and is based near St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada.