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Head-to-head · Audio Mixing Software

Waves eMotion LV1 vs rekordbox

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 3 checks side by side
Higher score Waves eMotion LV1 #2 in Audio Mixing Software 9.2/10 Paid ✓ 1 of 4 features Visit Waves Audio
rekordbox #8 in Audio Mixing Software 8.4/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 1 of 4 features Visit rekordbox

Waves eMotion LV1 leads on 0 checks, rekordbox on 0, and 3 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 scoreWaves eMotion LV1 · 9.2/10
  • Free planonly rekordbox

Waves eMotion LV1 scores higher on our rubric for audio mixing software: 9.2 against 8.4 out of 10; our editors rank them #2 and #8.

Waves eMotion LV1 is the better fit for professional networked live mixing. rekordbox is the better fit for cloud-connected DJ library workflows.

  • Waves eMotion LV1 fits best

    Professional networked live mixing

  • rekordbox fits best

    Cloud-connected DJ library workflows

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Side by side

Feature Waves eMotion LV1 9.2/10 Visit ↗ rekordbox 8.4/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.2 8.4
Ranking #2 in Audio Mixing Software #8 in Audio Mixing Software
Best for Professional networked live mixing Cloud-connected DJ library workflows
Pricing model Paid Free plan + paid
Starting price Not checked yet —
Free plan Not checked yet ✓ (best)
Free trial — —
Deployment Desktop, Mobile Cloud, Desktop, Mobile
Platforms Windows, macOS, iOS, Android Windows, macOS, iOS, Android
Support Phone, Community, Docs Community, Docs
Integrations 5 integrations 6 integrations
Built for Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features Waves eMotion LV1 1/4 · rekordbox 1/4
Surround mixing Not checked yet Not checked yet
Stem separation Not checked yet ✓ (best)
Cloud collaboration Not checked yet Not checked yet
Live audio input ✓ (best) Not checked yet
Specs
Maximum tracks Not checked yet Not checked yet
Supported platforms Windows, macOS, iOS, Android Not checked yet
Export formats .emo session files; multichannel audio recording to external storage Not checked yet
Our review
Pros
  • Up to 80 stereo channels and 52 buses with expansion
  • Integrated Waves processing with eight-slot channel and mix racks
  • SoundGrid networking plus broad remote-control app coverage
  • STEMS, DVS control and video mixing support advanced sets.
  • Library synchronization works across Windows, macOS, iOS and Android.
  • Free access covers library management, analysis and playlist preparation.
Cons
  • Advanced capacity depends on expandable I/O and DSP configurations
  • Recording ranges from 16 channels to 128 channels across different setups
  • Session import and export use the .emo format
  • DVS, video output and CloudDirectPlay require compatible equipment.
  • Cloud workflows depend on Dropbox or Google Drive.
  • Full synchronization and storage capabilities require paid plans.
Our verdict

Waves eMotion LV1 is a software-based live audio mixing platform for front-of-house, monitor, broadcast and recording work. It is aimed at live-sound engineers, venues, houses of worship, touring productions and broadcast teams that need…

Read the review →

rekordbox brings music organization, track analysis and live DJ performance into one product. It is aimed at DJs who want to prepare playlists, analyze BPM, beatgrids, waveforms and keys, then perform with compatible equipment. Desktop…

Read the review →
  1. Waves eMotion LV1Audio Mixing Software 9.2Paid
  2. rekordboxAudio Mixing Software 8.4Free plan

Strengths and trade-offs

  • Waves eMotion LV1 — where it wins

    • Up to 80 stereo channels and 52 buses with expansion
    • Integrated Waves processing with eight-slot channel and mix racks
    • SoundGrid networking plus broad remote-control app coverage

    Where it doesn't

    • Advanced capacity depends on expandable I/O and DSP configurations
    • Recording ranges from 16 channels to 128 channels across different setups
    • Session import and export use the .emo format

  • rekordbox — where it wins

    • STEMS, DVS control and video mixing support advanced sets.
    • Library synchronization works across Windows, macOS, iOS and Android.
    • Free access covers library management, analysis and playlist preparation.

    Where it doesn't

    • DVS, video output and CloudDirectPlay require compatible equipment.
    • Cloud workflows depend on Dropbox or Google Drive.
    • Full synchronization and storage capabilities require paid plans.

More comparisons

All audio mixing software comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update