Test: Tracktion Waveform Pro 12
With Waveform Pro 12, Tracktion now releases the latest reincarnation of its DAW and has given it many great features. We took a closer look at what‘s new in Version 12.
Tracktion Waveform Pro 12 also runs on Windows 8/10 64-bit, macOS 10.11 or higher 64-bit, Linux (tested on Ubuntu 18.04 64-bit) and Raspberry Pi.
When you start Waveform Pro 12, the redesigned interface immediately catches your eye. The intense colors of the clips, tracks, buttons, and so on blend in very well with the dark gray tones of the interface. This presents the user with a high-contrast and pleasant interface that doesn‘t get on the user‘s nerves - even during longer work sessions. But wait! That‘s not all. There is finally a color scheme editor, with which the color scheme of Waveform Pro 12 can be customized with the help of 7 sliders and a color selection palette for the accents. Included are 27 color schemes, so there should be something for every taste.
Revised browser
Another new feature is the completely overhauled browser. Here, you have new options for the project overview and for the search, in which you can now search using categories such as Plug-ins, Presets, Samples, Clips, and so on. In addition, the search function also allows for the creation of favorites and tags, with which, for example, your favorite plugins or samples can be sorted. This makes it much more intuitive and easier to find what you are looking for.
The plug-ins
Waveform Pro 12 has also undergone a lot of changes in the plug-in area. In the Instruments section, there is the new BassOSC synthesizer, which can be used to create sub-bass or pure bass sounds quickly and easily. On the effects side, the plugins „Guitar IR“and „Dual Guitar IR“have been added, among others, which can be used to simulate various guitar equipment as well as Reverb effects using the included impulse responses.
Another major innovation is in the „old“plug-ins, which have not only received a complete facelift in Version 12, but have also received a powerful feature update. This means that the effects can now be used in a more versatile way and offer significantly more possibilities than before. For me, this is definitely one of the highlights of Version 12!
What‘s new in sequencing
There was also reason for all the MIDI fans to be happy: The MIDI Editor has been extended by the addition of a Drum Grid Mode! Particularly for the input of drum sequences, this is very helpful. In addition, you now have the option in the MIDI editor to randomize the Attack, Pitch, Start and Length of the notes with an adjustable random generator. If you work with Step Clips, you now get the option in Waveform 12 to assign a probability to the notes you enter. This means that the notes of the step clip will only be triggered with a given probability. This way, you get a new variation of the original with every run of the step clip. These possibilities open up very creative and new ways of editing and generating sequences.
Audio engine
Not visible to the eye, but clearly noticeable when using Waveform Pro 12: The audio engine has been completely reworked! As a result, the CPU load has decreased significantly and the PDC (Plug-in Delay Compensation) works much better than before. In addition, Waveform 12 now better supports the newer CPU generations and a higher number of CPU cores. So, the user has more power for making music!
At the end, a small but very fine new feature should be mentioned briefly: „Remove Silence“. Silent passages can now be automatically removed from audio clips. „Remove Silence“can be especially helpful with vocal and drum tracks when the entire track is to be broken down into small audio snippets without silent passages.
Verdict
Also in Version 12, Waveform Pro offers some fantastic innovations. The new features complement the DAW sensibly and let the user work more clearly and productively. With Waveform Pro 12, you get an excellent complete package for making music at a fair price. A clear recommendation to try it out! ⸬