Digital Performer vs Tracktion Waveform
Digital Performer
motu.comTracktion Waveform
tracktion.comSide by side
| Figure | Digital Performer | Tracktion Waveform |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | — | Free |
| Free plan | — | Yes |
| Free trial | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | — | Yes |
| Plans published | 10 | 5 |
| Spec score · Digital Audio Workstations | 8.4 (#6) | 7.6 (#27) |
| Product | Digital Performer is a digital audio recording, MIDI sequencing, editing, arranging, mixing, and music notation application. | Waveform is a digital audio workstation for music creators. |
| Support | MOTU says registered users are eligible for technical support through its support website or by telephone. | Tracktion offers a support bot, human-powered support, training videos, and a knowledgebase. |
| Trial | The 30-day demo includes all features except MP3 exporting and allows document saving. | The Waveform Pro page advertises a 30 day unlimited trial. |
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
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
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.
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.