WaveLab Pro 13 is not a traditional DAW… and once you understand how it works, everything about your finishing process becomes faster, more precise, and more professional.
In this course, you’ll learn how to move beyond basic editing and into a complete mastering workflow… from surgical audio repair in the Audio Editor… through full project assembly in the Audio Montage… all the way to final delivery and distribution-ready files.
Rather than jumping between disconnected features, this training is built around how WaveLab is actually used in real-world scenarios. You’ll develop a clear understanding of signal flow, processing hierarchy, and decision-making at every stage… so you’re not just following steps… you’re building a workflow you can rely on. From shaping tone with EQ and compression… to hitting loudness targets for streaming… to managing large-scale projects with batch processing… every chapter is designed to move you closer to consistent, professional results.
By the end of this course, WaveLab becomes more than just a tool… it becomes your dedicated mastering environment. You’ll know exactly where to work, why you’re working there… and how to take any project from raw audio to a finished master that’s ready for release.
Chapter 1 — Understanding the WaveLab Workflow
- How WaveLab differs from a traditional DAW
- Workspace layout and key panels
- Audio Editor vs Audio Montage workflows
- Destructive vs non-destructive processing
- Master Section overview and signal flow basics
Chapter 2 — Audio File Editing & Precision Tools
- Navigating and zooming for detailed editing
- Creating precise selections and working with ranges
- Core editing tools: gain, fades, and normalization
- Spectral editing for targeted repair work
- Click/pop removal and restoration workflow
Chapter 3 — The Audio Montage (Core of WaveLab)
- Creating and organizing a montage project
- Working with clips, tracks, and arrangement
- Clip envelopes for volume and panning
- Clip, track, and output processing workflows
- Reference tracks and A/B comparison
Chapter 4 — Master Section & Processing Architecture
- Master Section layout and signal flow
- Building and organizing plugin chains
- Processing order and its impact on sound
- Monitoring levels and avoiding clipping
- Dithering and final output preparation
Chapter 5 — Mastering with MasterRig & Built-in Plugins
- Navigating the MasterRig interface
- EQ techniques for tonal shaping
- Multiband compression for dynamic control
- Using saturation to enhance character
- Limiting for final loudness and peak control
Chapter 6 — Loudness Metering & Analysis
- Peak vs loudness metering fundamentals
- Using LUFS for streaming targets
- Frequency and spectrum analysis tools
- Stereo imaging and phase monitoring
- Loudness matching for accurate comparisons
Chapter 7 — Batch Processing & Automation
- Setting up batch workflows for multiple files
- Building consistent processing chains
- Output settings and file format control
- Running automated batch jobs
- Using Watch Folders for hands-off processing
Chapter 8 — Metadata, Rendering & Delivery
- Rendering audio for final output
- Choosing formats, bit depth, and quality settings
- Preparing the Master Section for export
- Adding metadata and track information
- Creating professional deliverables (DDP, multiple formats)
Chapter 9 — Dolby Atmos & Immersive Audio
- Working with Dolby Atmos Master Montages
- Importing and managing ADM files
- Understanding beds vs object-based audio
- Organizing and processing immersive elements
- Applying mastering techniques in a spatial mix
Chapter 10 — The Dolby Atmos Album
- Building and organizing an album montage
- Sequencing tracks and managing transitions
- Applying global processing across the album
- Maintaining loudness consistency between tracks
- Rendering a complete immersive album
Chapter 11 — Advanced Workflow & Integration
- Preparing mixes for mastering in WaveLab
- Round-trip workflows with Cubase and external tools
- Managing alternate versions and deliverables
- Using projects, montages, and batch tools together
- Archiving and organizing professional sessions
Chapter 12 — Pro Techniques & Hidden Features
- Moving from basic to professional mastering workflows
- Advanced clip-level processing techniques
- Using processing hierarchy for better results
- Precision editing with fades and envelopes
- Building templates and repeatable workflows