RipX DAW vs WaveLab
RipX DAW
hitnmix.com
WaveLab
steinberg.netSide by side
| Figure | RipX DAW | WaveLab |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | $99/mo | Free |
| Free plan | — | Yes |
| Free trial | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 4 | 3 |
| Spec score · Audio Editing Software | 8.1 (#41) | 9.1 (#4) |
| Free plan | No | No |
| Headquarters | Folkestone, Kent, United Kingdom | Hamburg, Germany |
| Integrations | RipX DAW PRO’s RipLink AudioSuite plug-in requires Pro Tools 12.8.2 or later on macOS, or 12.2 or later on Windows; its VST3/ARA plug-in requires listed versions of Studio One, Cubase/Nuendo, Reaper, or Cakewalk. | WaveLab supports third-party VST3 plug-ins, external audio editors and hardware devices, and WaveLab Pro can operate as an ARA extension in compatible applications. |
| Support | The trial page directs users who run into problems to contact the maker’s team for assistance. | Steinberg’s imprint says technical support is available only to registered users. |
| System requirements | The maker lists macOS 10.15 or later and 64-bit Windows 8, 10, or 11, with a minimum of a 2-core 2.5 GHz CPU, 8 GB RAM, and 20 GB free disk space. | The current product page lists Windows 10 22H2 or newer, Windows 11 24H2 or newer, macOS 14–26, four or more CPU cores, 8 GB RAM, 2 GB core-install space and a 1440×900 minimum display. |
| What it does | RipX extracts notes and layers from mixed audio so users can edit audio at note level, similar to MIDI. | WaveLab is Steinberg software for audio editing, restoration, analysis, mastering and publishing, with separate Audio Editor, Audio Montage, batch-processing and Dolby Atmos workspaces. |
Plans
RipX DAW
- RipX DAW$99 a month
- RipX DAW PRO$198 a month
- RipX DAW£99, paid once
- RipX DAW PRO£198, paid once
WaveLab
- WaveLab LEFree
- WaveLab Elements 13$99.99, paid once
- WaveLab Pro 13$499.99, paid once
In their own words
RipX DAW
RipX DAW separates mixed audio into layers that users can edit at note level, in a MIDI-like way. AI stem separation can split a track into vocals, bass, drums, guitars, instruments, and percussion, after which each layer can be edited note by note. Audio controls cover tempo, pitch, key or scale, effects, time-stretch, stereo panning, volume, and EQ. Built-in live effects include Reverse, Delay, Vibrato, Harmony, Formant Shift, and low- and high-pass filters. Users can print audio to MIDI for a VST or synthesizer, and export WAV, MP3, AIFF, or MIDI. RipX DAW PRO adds advanced harmonic editing, audio repair and cleanup, RipScripts, and RipLink plug-in integration. The app runs on macOS and Windows; the maker lists macOS 10.15 or later and 64-bit Windows 8, 10, or 11, with minimum hardware requirements of a 2-core 2.5 GHz CPU, 8 GB RAM, and 20 GB free disk space. A 21-day trial offers full PRO access without a credit card. Without a valid activation code, existing rips can be played, but new audio cannot be ripped.
WaveLab
WaveLab is an audio mastering and editing suite for Windows and macOS. Its tools cover audio editing, audio montage, batch processing, and spectral editing, with multitrack editing, noise reduction, and video synchronization also listed. It supports VST 3 plug-ins from other manufacturers. The edition comparison lists podcasting integrations with SoundCloud, Spreaker, Podbean, Buzzsprout, and Castos, and says Pro and Elements can replace audio in video.
WaveLab Pro 13 includes Dolby Atmos mastering tools for ADM file editing, loudness control, and album assembly. It supports sample rates up to 384 kHz and more than 1,000 audio tracks; Elements 13 supports up to 96 kHz and eight tracks. Downloads are listed for Windows 10 64-bit version 22H2 or newer, Windows 11 version 24H2 or newer, and macOS 14, 15, or 26. The pricing note is From $99.99 · 60-day trial. A free WaveLab LE copy is available with qualifying hardware and a Download Access Code. The Pro trial requires signing in or creating a Steinberg ID.