The latest version of Tracktion’s DAW has arrived, delivering an array of new features including a clip launcher, a new built-in soft synth, extended controller support, a refined user interface and a collection of user-requested functions.
Clip Launching
Waveform Pro 13 now features a clip-launching environment that supports direct clip recording.Waveform Pro 13 becomes the latest DAW to offer an integrated clip-launching environment, and now boasts a built-in grid-based interface that can be used for quickly auditioning new ideas or relied upon for live performances. Existing MIDI, Step and Audio clips can be dragged from a session into the grid or recorded directly into any slot, with the software providing visual feedback on the input signal during recording.
A Sequence Actions list equipped probability parameters makes it possible to quickly create complex and unpredictable arrangements, while a Performance Recording mode allows said arrangements to be captured and transferred to the Arranger window for further editing and mixing.
Wavetable
Waveform's latest virtual instrument is capable of creating custom wavetables from user-imported WAV files.The DAW has also gained a new soft synth in the form of Wavetable, which pairs a pair of wavetable oscillators with sub- and noise oscillators. A collection of 150 wavetables are included, and the instrument allows users to create their own custom variants by simply dragging and dropping a WAV file onto one of the oscillators. For those who want even more options, the new addition is also capable of importing files designed for Xfer Records’ Serum.
Wavetable’s dual filter can be configured to operate either in series or parallel, and there’s a set of five built-in effects that can be arranged in any order. In terms of modulation, the instrument is kitted out with four LFOs, three envelopes, four macro controls, and also supports MPE (MIDI Polyphonic Expression) pressure and bend controls.
Controller Support
Tracktion have expanded Waveform’s controller support, with pre-mapped configurations available for a range of popular launchpad-style controllers, and new Javascript APIs allowing for further configuration and support for Ableton Link. With the latest version, the DAW now provides built-in support for the following controllers:
- AKAI APC Key 25
- AKAI APC mini
- Novation Launchkey Mini MK2
- Novation Launchkey Mini MK3
- Novation Launchkey MK3
- Novation Launchpad Mini MK3
- Novation Launchpad MK1
- Novation Launchpad MK2
- Novation Launchpad Pro MK3
- Novation Launchpad X
GUI & User Requests
The company have also taken the opportunity to overhaul the DAW’s GUI, which now sports a fresh new look and offers a selection of new colour schemes, as well as supporting custom user-defined variants. Automation management has been improved too, thanks to new colour-matched lanes, and the software’s overall responsiveness has been optimised, something which is said to be especially evident in larger projects. A number of user-requested features and functions have been implemented, including new recording and monitoring modes, improved Ableton Link support and more.
Compatibility
Waveform Pro 13 is supported on PCs running Windows 10 or higher, and Macs running macOS 10.15 and above. It has also been tested on Linux Ubuntu 20.04 and Raspberry Pi 3 Model B 64-bit.
Pricing & Availability
Waveform Pro 13 is available now, priced at $199. It can also be purchased in various bundles that contain a number of other Tracktion products, and the company are running a sale with a 40% discount applied across their product range until 8 April 2024.
