Rosegarden vs WaveLab
Rosegarden
rosegardenmusic.com
WaveLab
steinberg.netSide by side
| Figure | Rosegarden | WaveLab |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | — | Free |
| Free plan | — | Yes |
| Free trial | — | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Windows | — | Yes |
| macOS | — | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 0 | 3 |
| Spec score · Audio Editing Software | 7.1 (#121) | 9.1 (#4) |
| Free plan | Yes | No |
| Integrations | Rosegarden's integration page describes routing and synchronizing audio applications through JACK. | 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. |
| Intended users | The site describes Rosegarden as suitable for composers, musicians, music students, and small studio or home recording environments. | Steinberg describes WaveLab LE as suited to hobby musicians, home studio owners, freelancers, and podcasters. |
| Multitrack editing | Yes | Yes |
| Purpose | Rosegarden is a music composition and editing environment built around a MIDI sequencer, with music notation and basic digital audio support. | WaveLab is an audio mastering and editing suite with audio editing, audio montage, batch processing, and spectral editing tools. |
| Support | The project provides tutorials, a manual, a FAQ, mailing lists, a wiki, and user discussion resources. | Steinberg’s imprint says technical support is available only to registered users. |
| Supported platforms | Linux | Windows, macOS |
| System requirements | Rosegarden runs on Linux, requires ALSA for audio and MIDI support, and requires JACK for audio sequencing but not for MIDI. | 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. |
| Third-party plugins | Yes | Yes |
Plans
WaveLab
- WaveLab LEFree
- WaveLab Elements 13$99.99, paid once
- WaveLab Pro 13$499.99, paid once
In their own words
Rosegarden
Rosegarden has no write-up on Specifiction yet; its figures are above.
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.