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Head-to-head · Audio Mastering Software

WaveLab vs IK Multimedia T-RackS 6

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 3 checks side by side
Higher score WaveLab #2 in Audio Mastering Software 9.2/10 Paid ✓ 0 of 3 features Visit Steinberg
IK Multimedia T-RackS 6 #4 in Audio Mastering Software 8.8/10 Free plan · 14-day trial Free planFree trial✓ 2 of 3 features Visit IK Multimedia

WaveLab leads on 0 checks, IK Multimedia T-RackS 6 on 1, and 2 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 3 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreWaveLab · 9.2/10
  • Free planonly IK Multimedia T-RackS 6
  • Free trialonly IK Multimedia T-RackS 6
  • Most featuresIK Multimedia T-RackS 6 · 2 of 3

WaveLab scores higher on our rubric for audio mastering software: 9.2 against 8.8 out of 10; our editors rank them #2 and #4.

IK Multimedia T-RackS 6 offers free plan; WaveLab doesn't.

WaveLab is the better fit for advanced mastering and audio production. IK Multimedia T-RackS 6 is the better fit for affordable standalone and DAW mastering.

  • WaveLab fits best

    Advanced mastering and audio production

  • IK Multimedia T-RackS 6 fits best

    Affordable standalone and DAW mastering

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Side by side

Feature WaveLab 9.2/10 Visit ↗ IK Multimedia T-RackS 6 8.8/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.2 8.8
Ranking #2 in Audio Mastering Software #4 in Audio Mastering Software
Best for Advanced mastering and audio production Affordable standalone and DAW mastering
Pricing model Paid Free plan + paid
Starting price — —
Free plan — ✓ (best)
Free trial — 14 days
Deployment Desktop Desktop
Platforms Windows, macOS Windows, macOS
Built for Solo, Small business, Mid-market Solo, Small business, Mid-market
Features WaveLab 0/3 · IK Multimedia T-RackS 6 2/3
Stereo processing Not checked yet ✓ (best)
Album sequencing Not checked yet ✓ (best)
Batch processing Not checked yet Not checked yet
Specs
Workflow type Not checked yet Both
Loudness standards Not checked yet LUFS; leading professional reference standards
Supported plug-in formats Not checked yet Audio Units, VST3, AAX
Delivery formats Not checked yet Not checked yet
Our review
Pros
  • Sample-level editing, montage work, metering and loudness control
  • Restoration, batch processing and automated workflows
  • Dolby Atmos mastering and VST 3 plug-in support in Pro
  • Combines a standalone console with AU, VST3 and AAX plug-in workflows
  • Includes reference-based mastering, loudness metering and stereo processing
  • Supports album assembly, metadata entry, waveform editing and export
Cons
  • No free plan; the trial is limited to 60 days
  • WaveLab Pro 13 has a $499.99 one-time price
  • Several advanced capabilities are reserved for the Pro edition
  • The full processor range requires higher-tier editions
  • The workflow may be broader than needed for simple single-track mastering
  • Works on Windows and macOS, with ARC listed as its integration
Our verdict

WaveLab is Steinberg’s audio editing, restoration, analysis, mastering and publishing software for mastering engineers, musicians, sound designers, podcasters and other audio professionals. It runs on Windows and macOS, with sample-level…

Read the review →

IK Multimedia T-RackS 6 is audio mixing and mastering software for musicians, producers, engineers and studios. It combines a standalone Mastering Console with a DAW plug-in, letting users build customizable processing chains or work with…

Read the review →
  1. WaveLabAudio Mastering Software 9.2Paid
  2. IK Multimedia T-RackS 6Audio Mastering Software 8.8Free plan · 14-day trial

Strengths and trade-offs

  • WaveLab — where it wins

    • Sample-level editing, montage work, metering and loudness control
    • Restoration, batch processing and automated workflows
    • Dolby Atmos mastering and VST 3 plug-in support in Pro

    Where it doesn't

    • No free plan; the trial is limited to 60 days
    • WaveLab Pro 13 has a $499.99 one-time price
    • Several advanced capabilities are reserved for the Pro edition

  • IK Multimedia T-RackS 6 — where it wins

    • Combines a standalone console with AU, VST3 and AAX plug-in workflows
    • Includes reference-based mastering, loudness metering and stereo processing
    • Supports album assembly, metadata entry, waveform editing and export

    Where it doesn't

    • The full processor range requires higher-tier editions
    • The workflow may be broader than needed for simple single-track mastering
    • Works on Windows and macOS, with ARC listed as its integration

More comparisons

All audio mastering software comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update