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Head-to-head · Audio Mastering Software

WaveLab vs Waves Abbey Road TG Mastering Chain

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 2 checks side by side
Higher score WaveLab #2 in Audio Mastering Software 9.2/10 Paid ✓ 0 of 3 features Visit Steinberg
Waves Abbey Road TG Mastering Chain #3 in Audio Mastering Software 9.0/10 Paid ✓ 1 of 3 features Visit Waves

WaveLab leads on 0 checks, Waves Abbey Road TG Mastering Chain on 0, and 2 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 2 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
  • Most featuresWaves Abbey Road TG Mastering Chain · 1 of 3

WaveLab scores higher on our rubric for audio mastering software: 9.2 against 9.0 out of 10; our editors rank them #2 and #3.

WaveLab is the better fit for advanced mastering and audio production. Waves Abbey Road TG Mastering Chain is the better fit for classic console-style mastering workflows.

  • WaveLab fits best

    Advanced mastering and audio production

  • Waves Abbey Road TG Mastering Chain fits best

    Classic console-style mastering workflows

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Side by side

Feature WaveLab 9.2/10 Visit ↗ Waves Abbey Road TG Mastering Chain 9.0/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.2 9.0
Ranking #2 in Audio Mastering Software #3 in Audio Mastering Software
Best for Advanced mastering and audio production Classic console-style mastering workflows
Pricing model Paid Paid
Starting price — —
Free plan — —
Free trial — —
Deployment Desktop Desktop
Platforms Windows, macOS Windows, macOS
Built for Solo, Small business, Mid-market Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features WaveLab 0/3 · Waves Abbey Road TG Mastering Chain 1/3
Stereo processing Not checked yet ✓ (best)
Album sequencing Not checked yet Not checked yet
Batch processing Not checked yet Not checked yet
Specs
Workflow type Not checked yet Plugin
Loudness standards Not checked yet Not checked yet
Supported plug-in formats Not checked yet VST3, Audio Units, 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
  • Five reorderable modules cover tone, dynamics, filtering, output, and stereo spread.
  • Stereo, dual-mono, and mid-side processing support flexible mastering workflows.
  • 170 presets and a separate TG Meter Bridge expand starting points and metering options.
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
  • No free plan; access is through a paid perpetual plug-in license.
  • Desktop plug-in format requires a compatible host application.
  • Metering is supplied through a separate TG Meter Bridge plug-in.
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 →

Waves Abbey Road TG Mastering Chain is a desktop audio plug-in for mastering, mixing, buses, groups, and individual tracks. Modeled on the EMI TG12410 Transfer Console, it is aimed at producers, engineers, and musicians who want a classic…

Read the review →
  1. WaveLabAudio Mastering Software 9.2Paid
  2. Waves Abbey Road TG Mastering ChainAudio Mastering Software 9.0Paid

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

  • Waves Abbey Road TG Mastering Chain — where it wins

    • Five reorderable modules cover tone, dynamics, filtering, output, and stereo spread.
    • Stereo, dual-mono, and mid-side processing support flexible mastering workflows.
    • 170 presets and a separate TG Meter Bridge expand starting points and metering options.

    Where it doesn't

    • No free plan; access is through a paid perpetual plug-in license.
    • Desktop plug-in format requires a compatible host application.
    • Metering is supplied through a separate TG Meter Bridge plug-in.
  • WaveLab9.2/10 · Paid

    A broad mastering suite with capable Elements and Pro editions for Windows and macOS.

    Visit SteinbergFull verdict →
  • Waves Abbey Road TG Mastering Chain9.0/10 · Paid

    A focused mastering plug-in for modular console-style processing across major DAWs.

    Visit WavesFull verdict →

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