Cubase vs GoldWave

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Our analysts compared Cubase vs GoldWave based on data from our 400+ point analysis of Audio Editing Software, user reviews and our own crowdsourced data from our free software selection platform.

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Product Basics

Cubase is a sophisticated Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) designed for music production, recording, editing, and mixing. It offers a comprehensive suite of tools that cater to musicians, producers, and audio engineers, making it ideal for the music and entertainment industries. Its robust features include advanced MIDI sequencing, high-quality virtual instruments, and extensive audio editing capabilities. Users benefit from its intuitive interface, which streamlines the creative process, and its powerful audio engine, which ensures professional-grade sound quality.

Unique benefits of Cubase include its seamless integration with various hardware and software, extensive library of sounds and loops, and flexible workflow customization. Compared to similar products, users often praise Cubase for its stability, versatility, and depth of features. Pricing varies based on the version and features required, so it's recommended to contact SelectHub for a tailored quote. Overall, Cubase stands out for its reliability and comprehensive toolset in the DAW market.

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GoldWave is a comprehensive audio editing software designed for tasks such as recording, editing, restoring, and converting audio files. It is particularly well-suited for audio professionals, musicians, podcasters, and sound engineers due to its robust feature set and user-friendly interface. Industries like music production, broadcasting, and multimedia development find GoldWave especially beneficial for its precision and versatility.

One of the standout benefits of GoldWave is its extensive range of powerful features, including noise reduction, audio restoration, and multi-track editing. Users appreciate its ability to handle large files and perform complex audio processing tasks efficiently. The software also supports a wide array of audio formats, making it a versatile tool for various audio projects.

Compared to similar products, GoldWave is often praised for its affordability and ease of use. While specific pricing details are not always readily available, users are encouraged to contact SelectHub for a personalized pricing quote based on their individual needs.

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Product Insights

  • Enhanced Workflow Efficiency: Cubase offers customizable workspaces and key commands, allowing users to streamline their production process and focus more on creativity.
  • High-Quality Audio Engine: The software provides a 64-bit floating-point audio engine, ensuring pristine sound quality and accurate audio reproduction.
  • Comprehensive MIDI Editing: With advanced MIDI editing tools, users can easily manipulate and perfect their MIDI performances, enhancing the overall musicality of their projects.
  • Extensive Plugin Support: Cubase supports VST3 plugins, giving users access to a wide range of virtual instruments and effects to expand their sonic palette.
  • Integrated Score Editor: The built-in score editor allows for detailed notation and printing, making it easier for composers to create professional sheet music directly within the DAW.
  • Advanced Audio Editing: Features like VariAudio provide precise pitch correction and harmonization, enabling users to fine-tune vocal performances with ease.
  • Robust Mixing Capabilities: The MixConsole offers a professional mixing environment with flexible routing, automation, and a comprehensive set of mixing tools.
  • Collaborative Tools: With VST Connect, users can collaborate with other musicians and producers in real-time, regardless of their physical location.
  • Extensive Sound Library: Cubase includes a vast library of sounds and loops, providing users with a rich resource for inspiration and production.
  • Scalability: The software is suitable for various types of projects, from small demos to full-scale professional productions, making it a versatile choice for different users.
  • Regular Updates: Steinberg frequently updates Cubase, ensuring users have access to the latest features and improvements, keeping their workflow current and efficient.
  • Cross-Platform Compatibility: Cubase is available for both Windows and macOS, allowing users to work on their preferred operating system without compromise.
  • Comprehensive Support and Community: Users benefit from extensive online resources, tutorials, and a vibrant community, facilitating learning and troubleshooting.
  • Flexible Licensing Options: Various licensing options, including perpetual licenses and subscriptions, provide users with flexibility in how they choose to invest in the software.
  • Professional Integration: Cubase integrates seamlessly with other professional audio and video software, enhancing its utility in complex production environments.
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  • Enhanced Productivity: GoldWave's batch processing feature allows users to apply the same edits to multiple files simultaneously, saving significant time and effort.
  • Precision Editing: The software offers detailed waveform and spectral views, enabling users to make precise adjustments to their audio files.
  • Cost-Effective Solution: With a one-time purchase option, GoldWave provides a budget-friendly alternative to subscription-based audio editing software.
  • Comprehensive Toolset: GoldWave includes a wide range of built-in effects and filters, reducing the need for additional plugins or external software.
  • High-Quality Output: The software supports high-resolution audio formats, ensuring that edited files maintain their original quality.
  • User-Friendly Interface: GoldWave's intuitive design makes it accessible for both beginners and experienced audio editors, minimizing the learning curve.
  • Customizable Workflow: Users can tailor the interface and toolbars to suit their specific needs, enhancing overall efficiency and comfort.
  • Reliable Performance: GoldWave is known for its stability and reliability, reducing the risk of crashes and data loss during critical editing tasks.
  • Extensive File Compatibility: The software supports a wide range of audio formats, ensuring seamless integration with various projects and devices.
  • Advanced Noise Reduction: GoldWave's noise reduction tools help users clean up recordings by removing unwanted background noise, improving audio clarity.
  • Efficient Audio Restoration: The software includes features for repairing and restoring old or damaged audio files, preserving valuable recordings.
  • Convenient Accessibility: GoldWave offers a portable version, allowing users to carry the software on a USB drive and use it on different computers without installation.
  • Comprehensive Support: Users have access to detailed documentation, tutorials, and a responsive support team, ensuring they can resolve issues quickly.
  • Regular Updates: GoldWave is frequently updated with new features and improvements, ensuring it remains a cutting-edge tool for audio editing.
  • Time-Saving Shortcuts: The software supports customizable keyboard shortcuts, enabling users to perform common tasks more quickly and efficiently.
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  • Audio Warp: Allows for precise time-stretching and pitch-shifting of audio tracks, enabling seamless tempo adjustments and pitch corrections.
  • VariAudio: Provides advanced pitch correction and vocal editing capabilities, similar to Auto-Tune, but integrated directly into the DAW.
  • MixConsole: A comprehensive mixing environment with a high-resolution interface, offering features like channel strip modules, VCA faders, and direct routing.
  • Chord Pads: Facilitates easy chord creation and manipulation, allowing users to experiment with chord progressions and harmonies in real-time.
  • Sampler Track: Enables users to turn any audio file into a playable instrument, complete with pitch and filter controls.
  • Groove Agent SE: A powerful drum sampler and virtual drum machine that includes a wide range of drum kits and patterns.
  • Score Editor: Offers a full-featured notation environment for composing and arranging music using traditional music notation.
  • MediaBay: A comprehensive media management system that helps users organize and access their audio files, loops, and samples efficiently.
  • Control Room: Provides advanced monitoring and cue mix capabilities, allowing for multiple monitor setups and headphone mixes.
  • VST Expression: Facilitates detailed articulation and expression control for virtual instruments, enhancing the realism of MIDI performances.
  • Audio Alignment: Automatically aligns multiple audio tracks to a reference track, simplifying the process of synchronizing vocal takes or instrument layers.
  • Direct Offline Processing: Allows for non-destructive, real-time processing of audio clips with effects and plugins, streamlining the editing workflow.
  • ARA Support: Integrates seamlessly with ARA-compatible plugins like Melodyne, enabling advanced audio editing and manipulation.
  • TrackVersions: Offers the ability to create and manage multiple versions of a track, making it easy to experiment with different arrangements and edits.
  • Expression Maps: Provides a way to manage and switch between different articulations and playing techniques for virtual instruments within a single track.
  • VST Transit: Facilitates cloud-based collaboration, allowing users to share projects and work together remotely in real-time.
  • Retrologue: A virtual analog synthesizer that emulates classic analog synth sounds, offering a wide range of presets and sound design options.
  • Padshop: A granular synthesizer that allows for complex sound design and texture creation, ideal for ambient and experimental music.
  • Channel Strip: Includes a suite of built-in processing tools like EQ, compression, and saturation, available directly on each mixer channel.
  • Automation: Provides comprehensive automation capabilities for virtually every parameter, enabling detailed control over mix dynamics and effects.
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  • Multi-Track Editing: Allows users to work on multiple audio tracks simultaneously, facilitating complex audio projects.
  • Batch Processing: Automates the processing of large numbers of files, saving time on repetitive tasks like format conversion and effect application.
  • Audio Restoration: Includes tools for noise reduction, pop/click removal, and spectral analysis to clean up old or damaged recordings.
  • Effect Plugins: Offers a wide range of built-in effects such as reverb, echo, and equalization, with support for VST plugins to extend functionality.
  • Real-Time Visualizations: Provides real-time visual feedback through spectrograms, waveforms, and level meters, aiding in precise editing.
  • Customizable Interface: Features a user-friendly interface that can be tailored to individual workflows, including customizable toolbars and keyboard shortcuts.
  • File Format Support: Supports a broad array of audio formats including MP3, WAV, OGG, and FLAC, ensuring compatibility with various media types.
  • Voice Recording: Enables high-quality voice recording with options for direct microphone input and real-time monitoring.
  • CD Ripping and Burning: Facilitates the extraction of audio from CDs and the creation of custom audio CDs directly within the software.
  • Time and Pitch Modification: Allows precise control over time stretching and pitch shifting, useful for music production and voice manipulation.
  • Script Editor: Includes a scripting feature for automating complex tasks, enhancing productivity for advanced users.
  • Cross-Platform Availability: Available for both Windows and macOS, ensuring accessibility for a wide range of users.
  • Comprehensive Help Resources: Provides extensive documentation, tutorials, and customer support to assist users in mastering the software.
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Product Ranking

#9

among all
Audio Editing Software

#16

among all
Audio Editing Software

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Analyst Rating Summary

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Audio Formats and Conversion
Audio Recording
Effects and Processing
Advanced Editing Tools
Integrations
Audio Formats and Conversion
Advanced Editing Tools
Effects and Processing

Analyst Ratings for Functional Requirements Customize This Data Customize This Data

Cubase
GoldWave
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Advanced Editing Tools Audio Formats And Conversion Audio Recording Basic Editing Tools Effects And Processing Platform Capabilities 98 100 100 97 99 93 89 100 82 80 89 73 0 25 50 75 100
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Analyst Ratings for Technical Requirements Customize This Data Customize This Data

100%
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Awards

SelectHub research analysts have evaluated Cubase and concluded it deserves the award for the Best Overall Audio Editing Software available today and earns best-in-class honors for Platform Capabilities and Integrations.

Analysts' Pick Award
Platform Capabilities Award
Integrations Award

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Synopsis of User Ratings and Reviews

Comprehensive Feature Set: Cubase is well-equipped for music production, boasting advanced MIDI tools, a wide selection of virtual instruments, and numerous effects plug-ins.
Powerful MIDI Editing: Musicians, particularly piano players, will appreciate Cubase's robust MIDI editing capabilities, allowing for intricate and detailed compositions.
Customizable Workflow: Users can tailor their experience with touch screen integration and customizable controls, enhancing workflow efficiency for specific needs.
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Easy to Use: GoldWave is known for its intuitive interface, which many users find easy to navigate without requiring tutorials. This allows both novice and experienced users to quickly grasp the software's functionality and begin editing audio effectively.
Comprehensive Feature Set: From basic editing functions like cut, copy, and paste to advanced effects and analysis tools, GoldWave offers a wide array of features. This comprehensive suite caters to a variety of audio editing needs, making it suitable for tasks ranging from simple clean-up to complex audio production.
Efficient Workflow: GoldWave includes features like batch processing, allowing users to apply effects or conversions to multiple files simultaneously. This streamlines repetitive tasks, saving time and increasing productivity, especially when working with large audio libraries.
Highly Configurable: Users can customize keyboard shortcuts, rearrange the interface layout, and even personalize waveform colors to suit their preferences. This level of customization allows for a more comfortable and efficient workflow tailored to individual needs and workflows.
Wide Format Support: GoldWave is compatible with a broad range of audio file formats, ensuring users can work with various audio sources without encountering compatibility issues. This versatility is crucial for professionals who handle diverse audio projects and need to work seamlessly across different formats.
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Latency Issues: Some users have reported experiencing high latency with certain plugins, such as Ozone 11, which can disrupt workflow and timing accuracy.
Project File Management: Cubase Elements 13, in particular, has received criticism for its project file management system, which some users find cumbersome.
Perception of Slow Innovation: A segment of the user base feels that Steinberg's pace of innovation has slowed, leading to a perception that Cubase might not be as cutting-edge as some competitors.
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Interface Challenges: Some users have reported experiencing difficulties with the user interface, finding it less intuitive than other audio editing software.
Limited Editing Features: Compared to other professional audio editing programs, GoldWave may have limitations in its advanced editing capabilities, potentially impacting complex audio projects.
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Is Cubase music to your ears, or is it just noise? User reviews from the last year reveal a somewhat complex melody. While Cubase is praised for its powerful MIDI editing capabilities, making it a dream for piano virtuosos and meticulous MIDI surgeons, it also faces some sour notes. For instance, users have reported performance hiccups, like latency issues with plugins such as Ozone 11, and project file management headaches in Cubase Elements 13, leading to storage bloat and frustrating crashes. Despite these issues, Cubase shines as a versatile DAW with a deep well of features, including a rich palette of virtual instruments and effects plugins. Its user interface and workflow generally receive positive feedback, though the integration of third-party hardware and software, like the iCON P1-M control surface, has been met with mixed reviews due to software glitches and hardware inconsistencies. Compared to competitors like Ableton Live or Logic Pro, Cubase seems less popular, perhaps due to its steeper learning curve or the fierce competition in the DAW arena. Overall, Cubase is best suited for serious music producers willing to invest time in mastering its comprehensive features and navigating occasional performance hurdles. It's a powerful tool for those who demand intricate MIDI control and a vast sonic playground, but those seeking a more straightforward or budget-friendly option might want to explore other avenues.

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Is GoldWave worth its weight in gold, or is it just fool's gold? User reviews from the last year paint a largely positive picture of this audio editing software, highlighting its user-friendly interface and powerful features. Many users praise GoldWave for its intuitive design, claiming that even beginners can jump in and start editing without needing extensive tutorials. This ease of use, coupled with its comprehensive suite of tools, makes it a strong contender against competitors like Audacity. However, some users find GoldWave's interface somewhat dated, wishing for a more modern look and feel. Despite this, the software's strengths lie in its powerful editing capabilities, including over 40 audio effects, real-time visualizations, and batch processing. Its support for various file formats and highly configurable interface, allowing customization of shortcuts and layouts, further solidify its position as a versatile tool for both basic and advanced audio editing tasks. GoldWave is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a reliable and affordable audio editing solution, from podcasters and musicians to video editors and casual users. Its ease of use, combined with its powerful features and affordable lifetime license, makes it a compelling option for both beginners and experienced users alike.

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