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Mixing and mastering can be done with analog and digital workflows. Often the choice of which to go with comes down to user preferences, cost, and desired features of a system. The digital systems available to us today for mixing and mastering can support more tracks and more processing than many large-format consoles, making them great choices for engineers looking for flexibility in a laptop-sized workstation.
See Also: -10 Best Free & Paid Video Enhancement Software to Download There is a preview screen available where you can always see the result of the work you have performed. Other than Mac, it also supports Windows and Linux operating system. Roxio Toast 15 Roxio Toast 15 is burning software for Mac developed by Roxio. What gives this audio editing software an edge over many other counterparts is the ability to excel in all the major aspects including audio production, post-production, broadcasting, and mastering. It offers highly proficient features for source destination cut and multi-synchronous cut which enables you to combine a variety of concert. Price: Free software Audacity might not look as attractive as the other best DAW for MAC, but it is a powerful audio workstation with a dedicated large fanbase. It is a perfect software for recording and editing audio. Whether you want to find the ideal sample or create a brand-new multitrack recording, Audacity can help you with all. Software Description OS License File Date Comments Power; WaveLab v9.0.20: An audio editing software with audio mastering features. Mac: Demo: 2016-06-06: 0: 65db. Get the free LANDR mastering app and improve your workflow. Go from Ableton, Pro Tools, Logic and every other DAW straight to LANDR mastering. Download for Mac. Download for Windows. The desktop app puts LANDR tools at the heart of your creative process. Master your mix, collaborate, release and promote in one smooth flow.
Digital Audio Workstations such as Pro Tools, Logic Pro, and Cubase are very popular when tracking and mixing are involved, but when it comes to mastering, these programs do not offer the same level of attention to features that mastering engineers may need. Luckily, the DAWs below were built with mastering in mind, offering many features that so many others do not.
Sequoia
Dubbed “The Engineer’s Choice”, Sequoia has made its name as one of the most comprehensive software suites for audio production, broadcast, post-production, and mastering. At $2,975, it comes as one of the more expensive options on the list, but those who have used it swear by its intuitive approach to audio editing as well as its immense set of features.
One of its most revered features is its object-based approach to editing. Objects are made when audio is split up in Sequoia. Objects can be made as many times as you like and are able to be moved around within the tracks. Since objects are independent of one another, fades, effects, and routing can be done on a per-object basis. This allows for great flexibility and the ability to make small changes to small sections of your track.
Additional features for mastering include MP3/AAC previewing, POW-r Dither, DDP import and export, and spectral editing. The inclusion of MP3/AAC previewing allows you to hear how your master(s) will sound once encoded into the MP3 or AAC file type. Adjustments can be made to hear how your track will hold up against different requirements such as Mastered for iTunes.
The spectral editing abilities in Sequoia come with useful features like switchable display type (linear or logarithmic) and threshold range editing. Spectral editing in mastering can be great for cleaning up unwanted noise across small or large spans of time. Magix has improved their spectral editing abilities over time using features from their restoration software Spectralayers to add to the abilities of Sequoia over time. If your project workflow requires the most advanced toolset with access to useful features like codec previewing, batch processing, and advanced spectral editing, Sequoia is a great choice.
WaveLab Pro
Steinberg’s contribution to digital audio editing goes back to its creation in 1984 with MIDI editing apps built for Commodore 64 computers. 1989 brought about Cubase which has been adored by many engineers working in tracking, production, and mixing. Their development of VST plugin standards and ASIO drivers took their influence even further into the music industry.
When people think Steinberg, they often do not think about WaveLab first. WaveLab, like many mastering DAWs, is a very specialized program that uses an interface unlike most other software. Its feature set is built around mastering, but also includes tools that make it useful for journalists doing audio interviews, post-production houses, and restoration.
WaveLab features a 64-bit audio engine that supports 32-bit audio with sample rates up to 384 kHz. This makes WaveLab a great option for those after the most precise, high-quality products. Pair this with an extensive set of analysis tools and you will be sure that your audio is exactly how you need it to be every time.
The spectral editing function in WaveLab has been redesigned for version 9.5 and features a new viewing mode called Wavelet Display. This mode allows for a more accurate display of your audio through pitch scaling. Wavelet Display shows more frequencies in the low end of your audio and more time in the high end to bolster your confidence in making edits across these areas. Steinberg even took it upon themselves to add inpainting technology to their spectrum editor. This technology allows WaveLab to replace noise in your tracks with relevant frequencies by analyzing audio before and after the region you are editing. Inpainting is also available via the error correction section of WaveLab’s toolbar, allowing for the innovate feature to be used with or without prior spectral editing experience.
WaveLab also provides mastering engineers with a plethora of tools for finalizing a master. Metadata can be edited for a variety of formats including RIFF, ID3, BWAF, CART, iXML, and AXML. The Audio Montage section of the DAW allows CDs to be built using multiple tracks. Effects can be applied to individual tracks or via the master section to make sure your entire project maintains consistency. Gaps between tracks, CD text, fades, and more can be added in the Audio Montage section. DDP export is available via WaveLab as well, giving you the option to provide them to your clients. For a great DAW centered around mastering, WaveLab will give you everything you need and more to give your tracks the polish they need.
Pyramix
Much like Sequoia or WaveLab, Pyramix is a utilitarian beast of a DAW. Merging Technologies created a powerhouse program capable of large track counts with incredible resolution all while making it stable enough to be one of the industry’s best DAWs for live recordings. To start, Pyramix was designed for use by professionals. It is safe to say that all of the DAWs on this list were designed with the same thing in mind, but Pyramix does not cater to beginning engineers. If learning curves don’t scare you away, then the software can be your best friend for any audio need.
Featuring advanced editing tools, professional-grade metering, and up to 384 recording tracks at a time, Pyramix is ready to handle any project you throw its way. For mastering, there are innovate plugins such as the 3D Workflows Suite. This suite allows you to natively mix for all sorts of complex speaker layouts to make sure your masters will translate to any system.
In terms of mastering, metadata, high-quality sample rate conversion, and file types become very important. Pyramix offers all of these tools. The metadata capabilities allow for ISRC code editing, CD/Super-Audio CD authoring, and many album publishing features. For the most demanding mastering situations, Pyramix also supports the Direct Stream Digital format as high as DSD256. This provides a sample rate of up to 112,896 kHz for incredible recordings and stunning results when using hybrid workflows. While Merging Technologies built a DAW for the ultimate quality, its learning curve may worry some users. If you need the tools for the most critical mastering tasks, the learning curve will be worth it. Pyramix has you covered.
SawStudio
Another DAW that doesn’t look like mastering would be its forte, RML Labs SawStudio shoots to emulate working with an analog console. Featuring an interface typical for tracking and editing, SawStudio has made its name through its advanced audio engine, customizable workflows, and stability. Workspace Views allow for customization of how the DAW displays your information making them a nice feature when working with only one or two stereo tracks.
RML Labs took great care in designing the audio engine for SawStudio. Their high-resolution sample rate conversion has proven itself to be pristine up to 96 kHz. These types of details are critical when creating high-quality files in mastering. VST support allows third-party plugins to take advantage of this high-quality engine. Plugins in SawStudio are often able to be “hotplugged” without any need to start or stop playback or worry about playback stuttering. For engineers looking for the feeling of sitting behind an analog console, check out SawStudio for your mastering needs.
Soundblade
Sonic Studio’s approach to a mastering DAW is much more akin to software used for tracking in terms of its layout. Upon first glance, Soundblade resembles Pro Tools in the way it displays tracks and its timeline. Of course, being a mastering DAW, it has many features that programs like Pro Tools do not feature.
First off, Soundblade allows only sixteen tracks making it hard to use as a tracking DAW. The idea here is that tracks can be sent out to outboard gear and looped back into the DAW on another stereo pair of tracks for those working with hybrid mastering setups. When working in hybrid setups, Soundblade can record the externally processed audio at up to 384 kHz for incredible sound quality on the way back into the DAW.
Being a fully-fledged mastering suite requires that you have ample support for top-quality plugins. Soundblade utilizes both Audio Unit and VST plugins for options in creating the sounds you need. Sonic Studio includes their own Mastering EQ plugin featuring four bands of minimum phase shift equalizing, as well as dither plugins featuring multiple algorithms for proper noise shaping. To complete the native toolkit, restoration tools such as a spectral repair tool, declicking, and denoising plugins are available in Soundblade as well. This allows for precise edits and repairs to be made from within the DAW. Easy to use, and much more similar to traditional audio software, Soundblade gives engineers of all levels the required pieces to master their tracks with ease.
Nuendo
Another entry from Steinberg, Nuendo has become a useful DAW for some more specialized mastering scenarios. Nuendo is Steinberg’s software offering to those in post-production. Many film, TV, videogame, and VR sound professionals have utilized its extensive list of features over the years.
While the ultimate goal of Nuendo is different than WaveLab, many of the core features are the same. Nuendo features the same 32-bit support with up to a 384 kHz sample rate and allows for deep, surgical editing of audio files. While it does not offer spectral editing, it offers a great design for working with surround mixes and 3D audio and Steinberg designed plugins for great tone-shaping options for your masters. While Nuendo may not be an obvious choice for some engineers, you may consider its strengths as a post-production DAW when working on uncommon mastering projects. Featuring the same production abilities, sound libraries, and interface as Cubase, Nuendo could become your next mastering DAW.
Studio One Pro
With such a young piece of software, it is often difficult to enter the competitive world of audio editing. PreSonus did just that in 2009 when it released the first version of Studio One to the public. Praised for its quick workflows and cost-effectiveness, this DAW has become a great option for many engineers in the world of tracking, mixing, and mastering.
Rather than be a dedicated mastering DAW, PreSonus decided to combine the needs of many engineers into one program. It serves these purposes based on which screen you are operating. The first is the Song Page which follows a similar layout of other popular programs such as Pro Tools and Logic Pro. Its focus is on the recording, editing, and production of music. If you move over to the Project Page, you will find the tools required to begin mastering.
Importing files into the Project Page can be done by adding tracks from the Song Page, DDP image import, or drag and drop. The tracks can then be sequenced from within this display. Metadata and effects are easily accessible on a per-track basis making consistency across your project easy to achieve. More effects can be added via the master section and the post section. The post section allows you to place meter plugins or other analytical tools after the effects in your master section for greater confidence in how you are affecting your tracks. If you need a DAW that can go between production and mastering workflows, Studio One may have solved your problem.
Reaper
The free DAW that really isn’t free, Reaper has continued to make a name for itself among hobbyist engineers and professionals alike. Featuring a familiar interface and a full list of features, Reaper is an inexpensive way to get quality tools for any of your projects. Much like Studio One, it has become a go-to for engineers who prefer to use one DAW for all of their needs.
Its layout leans towards DAWs used for production and tracking, making it easy for newcomers to feel at home. Reaper includes many native effects plugins useful for both tracking and mastering. On the mastering side, plugins such as ReaComp, ReaEQ, and ReaXcomp give you a small set of useful tools to start with. To add to these included effects Reaper supports many types of third-party plugins such as VST, VST3, AU, DX, and JS. The JS plugin interface has made Reaper a standout for engineers who live solely in the digital realm. JSFX plugins allow users to write their own custom plugins for Reaper that can be as simple or complex as needed for your project.
One of Reaper’s biggest strengths for mastering is its stability and customization options. Using macros, remappable keyboard commands, and UI customization, engineers can tailor this DAW to match their workflows and style. Paired with the stability of this program, this inexpensive DAW allows for deep customization for whatever workflow you may need to run.
Free Audio Mastering Software For Mac Software
Sound Forge Pro
Just like Steinberg, Magix provides too many good editors to only pick one. Sound Forge Pro is to Sequoia as Nuendo is WaveLab. Many of the features here are provided to meet the same goals, but Sound Forge gives engineers access to more recording and production-based workflows.
Offering sample rates of 768 kHz, Sound Forge looks to be the benchmark for high-resolution recording. Utilizing outboard gear in a hybrid system, your audio could be recaptured with incredible bit depth and sample rates which in turn would contribute to great sounding masters.
Sound Forge utilizes high-quality DSP effect plugins for enhanced precision and ease of use during complex tasks. These plugins include effects such as the coreFX 2-Point Compressor which allows engineers to set two individual thresholds for accurate and very configurable control over your dynamics. The Wave Hammer 2.0 is also included, combining a compressor with a four-band maximizer for setting different parameters on different parts of your mixes. The inclusion of iZotope Ozone 8 Elements contributes to an already great set of mastering tools with some of the best plugins in the business.
In terms of restoration, Sound Forge kept the same attitude about what is included. DeHisser, DeClicker, DeCrackler, and DeClipper are included for both basic and advanced cleaning tasks. Magix also opted to include iZotope RX 7 Elements to meet more restoration needs. Including spectral editing with RX 7 rounds out a great set of plugins for great control over any of your mastering needs.
Acon Digital Acoustica Premium
Like many mastering DAWs, Acon Digital set out to create a unique user interface with features aimed at specific types of audio editing. Offering two versions based on your needs, Acoustica aims to be a great standalone program for mastering, restoration, and audio editing.
Featuring support for 32-bit audio at 384 kHz, Acoustica is capable of incredible sound quality with stereo, 5.1, and 7.1 formats. The software has a great set of tools for advanced editing and restoration that can help fix clicks, crackle, noise, and clipping. In addition to these tools, the premium version of Acoustica provides engineers with a spectral editor, complete with multiple types of selection modes for the most critical situations.
Acoustica also includes a multitrack editing mode which gives engineers more control over individual track needs. This mode allows each track to include crossfades, automation, and effects. To allow for more multitrack use, Acon Digital’s new Transfer plugin comes with Acoustica. Transfer allows Acoustica to import audio from Pro Tools sessions so you can utilize the best of both DAWs. Not only does this expand the abilities of Pro Tools, giving it access to a robust set of analysis and restoration tools, but it also makes a case on Acoustica’s side. If an industry-standard DAW can utilize its functionality, why wouldn’t engineers add Acoustic to their toolkit? With a mastering focused interface, easy Pro Tools integration, and quality plugins to spare, Acoustica makes a strong case as to why it should be your mastering DAW.
Conclusion: Mastering has been viewed as a “dark art” in some circles, requiring incredible ears, expensive equipment, and an advanced skill set. While the “dark art” part is a bit much for many mastering engineers, it is still a process to be taken seriously. With the advent of software, a lot of these requirements are much less steep. As with any software decision, a lot of the choices on which DAW to use in your mastering workflow will be determined by user preferences. All of these DAWs will get you closer to mastering radio-ready tracks.
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Sage Audio Mastering
Nashville, TN
Mixing with EQ is necessary for giving each mix element room to breathe and properly blend. Without proper equalization, instruments may bleed into one another, overpower each other, and ultimately coalesce into a muddy mix. By boosting or cutting specific frequencies from each track (or the mix as a whole), you’ll get the most out of each part of your mix, and ensure that everything that’s meant to be heard is heard. Before Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs), EQing was done on analog mixing units, where audio was fed back to itself at certain frequencies in order to boost or cut said frequencies. While some studios still implement analog EQ, most utilize digital equalizers, which replicate the same process. While every DAW now comes equipped with at least one native EQ plugin, there are thousands of external EQ plugins on the market. To save you some time, we compiled 11 of the best EQ plugins for Windows and/or Mac, some free and some paid. Have a look:
Best Free EQ Plugins for Windows Only
We’ll start with three of the best EQ plugins exclusively for Windows, all free. Side note: you’ll find that most new plugins are built for both Windows and Mac. However, because developers have an easier time coding for Windows, there are more plugins just for Windows than there are just for Mac.
Modern Console EQ by Antress
Antress has developed a host of free plugins in its Modern series, including an exciter, compressor, and expander. As its name suggests, the Modern Console EQ replicates analog EQ consoles. It features an EQ In/Out and Phase switch, highpass and lowpass filters, and four frequency bands for parametric EQ. The plugin also offers gain knobs for each of its bands. For those used to working with analog consoles, its controls are straightforward. This is a simple but useful free EQ plugin.
ReaEQ by Cockos
It might not look flashy, but the ReaEQ plugin gives you full intuitive control of the frequency spectrum. This free parametric EQ plugin is fully featured, offering unlimited bands a large number of filter types, including notch, bandpass, and allpass filters. The plugin’s display shows a spectral graph, which you can easily manipulate with your mouse. Bandwidth, gain, and frequency for each band can be adjusted with dedicated sliders. There is also a master gain slider on the right-hand side.
Eq31 by Piotr Pyrzanowski
The “31” in the Eq31 plugin refers to the number of bands in this free digital graphic equalizer. From 20 Hz to 19k Hz, you can boost or subtract each band and adjust the Q factor, as well as the input and output gain. There isn’t much else to the plugin. Its simplicity and low CPU usage mean you shouldn’t run into any latency using it. This is a nice free tool to have in any DAW.
Best EQ Plugins for Both Windows and Mac
The vast majority of EQ plugins, free or paid, work on both Mac and Windows. Each plugin listed below works well for different scenarios. You might find that a graphic EQ serves an aspect of your mix better than a visual parametric EQ plugin, or vice versa. As such, these aren’t listed in any kind of order. They’re simply some of the best EQ plugins you can download or buy.
Free
We’ll start with the freebies. All four of these free EQ plugins are wildly different in presentation and functionality. Each one is best used in certain situations, be it tone shaping, mastering, or precision mixing. But they’re all worth looking into. Plus, they’re free!
TrackS Classic Equalizer
After examining its applications, depth of features, and sleek design, it’s hard to believe that TrackS Classic EQ is a free plugin. It was developed with mastering in mind, but this 6-band EQ plugin works well for general purpose EQing as well. Each band is designed with precision in mind, making it a powerful subtractive EQ tool, allowing you to cut out noisy, sharp frequencies. The plugin’s presentation is a bit dense, which might overwhelm new users. Still, once you get over the learning curve and tinker with it enough, you’ll find the TrackS EQ useful in many situations.
TDR VOS SlickEQ
You might remember this EQ plugin from our list of the 25 best free Mac plugins. Like the TrackS Classic EQ, the TDR VOS SlickEQ is great for both mixing and mastering purposes. The SlickEQ, however, takes a more simplistic approach in its presentation, making it the perfect EQ plugin for newcomers. There are just 3 bands to work with: low, mid, and high, each one with a frequency and gain knob. The low and high settings also feature two shaping/filter buttons. This semi-parametric plugin includes an auto-makeup gain feature which recognizes major changes in volume and compensates for them. The SlickEQ also features 4 output saturation modes. These replicate the tones of different types of analog EQ consoles. Overall, the TDR VOS SlickEQ offers more than meets the eye, and it’s become the trusty free EQ of choice for many. Those who enjoy the plugin can upgrade to the paid big brother version, the “Gentleman’s Edition,” which features a spectral analyzer, tilt filter, and more.
Cd Mastering Software
Voxengo Overtone GEQ
The Overtone GEQ is hands downs one of the best free graphic equalizers out there. It also doubles as an aural exciter, as it can enhance harmonic overtones for each of its 7 frequency bands. If you want to adjust the coloration of your mix, this is your tool. In terms of presentation, the plugin couldn’t be easier to use. Each band, from 64 Hz to 12k Hz, has a large gain slider from -12 dB to +12 dB. You can use the Overtone GEQ for mid-side processing to better shape the stereo image of your mix. For such a simple looking free plugin, the Overtone GEQ ins incredibly versatile and useful in both mixing and mastering scenarios.
4U+ DynamicTiltEQ by Hofa
The 4U+ DynamicTiltEQ also made our list of the 25 best Mac free plugins (it’s compatible with Windows as well). This unique plugin is a conglomerate of a filter, equalizer, and dynamic compressor. You’re presented with a straight line overlayed on a spectral analyzer. You can then move this line up or down (gain control) or tilt it to use as a high- or low-pass filter. You can then turn the line into a curve and adjust bandwidth for more precise parametric EQing. But the features don’t stop there. It’s named “Dynamic” for a reason. You can dynamically boost or filter out the lower and higher frequencies with this free plugin. Overall, this one is fun to play with and can add a lot of musicality to a mix if used properly.
Paid
Now let’s get into the stuff that isn’t free. The four plugins listed below are designed for professional use. If you lack experience with in-depth EQ tools, you’re best off downloading the aforementioned free plugins and figuring those out first. Once you gain some confidence, you can check out these ones. Some of the plugins below also offer free trials or demo versions. It’s always a good idea to start with those before opening your wallet.
EQuilibrium by DMG Audio ($274)
This is the EQ you want for serious professional use. The EQuilibrium by DMG Audio offers all the control, functionality, versatility, customization, and compatibility you could possibly want, and more. Its sheer breadth of features is too much to get into here, so we’ll just note a few key ones: low or high CPU usage options, customizable user interface, 32 EQ bands with several filters and a +/-36 dB range, several vintage EQ circuit models, plugin presets, and so much more. The list goes on and on. In short, DMG Audio’s EQuilibrium simply offers more functionality than most of its competition. It doesn’t come cheap, but there’s a reason. This is an all-purpose EQ tool for those who know what they want and know what they’re doing.
FabFilter Pro-Q 2 ($179)
Many producers swear by the FabFilter Pro-Q 2 EQ plugin. This award-winning EQ makes our list not only for its number of features but for its ease of use. This might be one of the advantages the FabFilter Pro-Q 2 has over the EQuilibrium. Its presentation is so sleek, simple, and brilliantly designed. New users should be able to get the hang of it in little time. In terms of its features, this software has it all: 24 possible EQ bands, extremely high sound quality, zero latency mode option, a number of filter shapes, auto gain and scaling, phase inversion,mid-side stereo processing, and more. It can be purchased on its own or as part of one of FabFilters several bundles. Or, if you want to try it for yourself at no charge you can download a 30-day trial.
Free Audio Mastering Software For Mac Download
Waves API 550 ($249)
Waves has no shortage of incredible EQ plugins and analog emulations. Of course, we couldn’t list them all here. If you’re into EQ plugins that replicate analog consoles, you can’t go wrong with the Waves API 550. You’ll have a hard time finding the real deal API 550 consoles anymore (unless you’re willing to dish out a few grand or more). So, this plugin is great for achieving that early rock and roll sound popularized in the ’60s and ’70s. The plugin is divided into two sections, the 550A and 550B. The former features 3 bands with 5 frequency each. The latter has 4 overlapping EQ bands with 7 frequency centers each. If you’re thinking about grabbing this one, there’s no better time than Black Friday. It’s currently marked down from $249 to just $29 on Waves’ site! Hurry up!
Oxford SuprEsser by Sonnox ($122)
Lastly, we have the Oxford SuprEsser by Sonnox. If it wasn’t clear by its cheeky name, this plugin doubles as a DeEsser and Dynamic EQ. Its main purpose is to suppress harsh sounds and overtones in a mix. Admittedly, its user interface looks a bit outdated compared to the flash of the EQuilibrium and elegance of the FabFilter Pro-Q 2. But what this plugin lacks in aesthetic appeal it makes up for in functionality. This is the perfect tool for shaping vocals and cutting out hissing sibilant sounds or violent plosives. It’s also effective at smoothing out harsh cymbal hits and removing clicks, pops, and crackles. You have more control here than with a typical DeEsser. In short, if it sticks out like a sore thumb, the SuprEsser can shut it down easily.
Conclusion
Best Audio Software For Mac
Truth be told, there are many more fantastic EQ plugins for Windows and Mac out there. These are just 11 of the best. You can spend a long time with any of these free or paid programs and get a lot out of them. Whether you’re just starting out or you have years of experience and want to add more tools to your arsenal, take your pick. Getting good at EQing takes time, practice, and a lot of experimentation. The more you practice with plugins like these, the better you’ll get. So, what are you waiting for?