Waveform from Tracktion Software is a music production DAW that combines an innovative workflow with incredible value, and in recent years has grown immeasurably both in features and design. If you want to give it a try, there’s a very impressive free version and you can also register for time-limited trials of the Pro application.

The full package, Waveform Pro, has just received a significant intermediate update to version 11.5. It comes in three versions – Basic, Standard and Extreme – and these offer tiered plugin and audioware content. As before, it works on OS X, Windows, Linux and Raspberry Pi and now has native support for Apple Silicon, making it one of the most cross-platform-capable DAWs available.

Waveform Free already has some great features including the Pattern Generator, sequencer-style Step Clips, computer keyboard MIDI playback, custom macros and actions, bundled synths (4OSC and Micro Drum Sampler), automation and rendering. But if you want the full gamut of features, Waveform Pro is a must.

The Pro edition has a core feature set, with the three versions differentiated by their content bundles (see below). It also includes much of the typical stuff you’d expect in a premium DAW such as edit groups and audio to MIDI (Groove Doctor). There’s also integrated (ARA) Melodyne Essential, bundled Antares Auto-Tune Access, timestretch courtesy of zPlane’s Elastique Pro and, of course, full email support should you run into any problems.

Last year’s version 11 added a host of neat features including the Arrange Track, which allows you to copy, move and flexibly restructure your track from one master track. It also added the Edit Overview lane for navigation, zoom and playback.

A big change was the customisation of the workspace, and the super-flexible panel system includes undocking of the Mixer and Arranger panels, and setup for multiple screens including assigning one screen to open plugins. Custom layouts can of course be saved and recalled.

Version 11 also added two Quick Action features. The Quick Action bar sits just above the transport bar and allows you to create button triggers for shortcuts and macros, then save them as templates. Meanwhile, the Quick Action Window allows you to create a simple panel more suited to touchscreen use.