
The final step in mastering involves rendering the file at the proper level, bit depth, sample rate and file format. Most users will find the stock plug-ins to be more than adequate, but external plug-ins are also supported.

Traditional limiting, multi-band compression, EQ, harmonic effects and saturation, spatial/imaging effects-all are present in multiple forms to suit your favored approach. For all of these functions, WaveLab offers a wealth of power. Most of WaveLab’s functions pertain to what is traditionally considered “mastering,” the art of applying EQ, compression/limiting and other effects to balance a mix’s audio frequencies, stereo image and perceived level. Also available is WaveLab Elements ($100) with a stripped-back feature set. clipping), eliminate noise, analyze and adjust spectral content, mix multiple tracks, perform batch processing and much more. This is not just about “filling the meters”-WaveLab also includes tools to correct problems in an audio file (i.e. It allows you to optimize and process your final mix in countless ways, making it sound its very best no matter what device is playing it back. WaveLab is to a stereo file what a digital audio workstation (DAW) is to individual tracks. One such tool is Steinberg WaveLab Pro ($560), a powerful package that engineers have been using to put the finishing touches on audio for over 20 years.
