https://github.com/berndhagen/waveshaper-audio-processing-studio

Professional audio processor with 10-band parametric EQ, dynamic compression, reverb, delay, time stretching, and real-time spectrum analysis. 30 presets, multi-format support, and studio-quality effects for Windows.
https://github.com/berndhagen/waveshaper-audio-processing-studio

audio-compression audio-editor audio-effects audio-processing audio-production csharp delay dotnet equalizer music-production naudio reverb spectrum-analyzer windows

Last synced: about 1 month ago
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Host: GitHub
URL: https://github.com/berndhagen/waveshaper-audio-processing-studio
Owner: BerndHagen
License: other
Created: 2025-12-13T12:17:25.000Z (6 months ago)
Default Branch: main
Last Pushed: 2026-04-06T12:40:16.000Z (about 2 months ago)
Last Synced: 2026-04-06T14:43:35.621Z (about 2 months ago)
Topics: audio-compression, audio-editor, audio-effects, audio-processing, audio-production, csharp, delay, dotnet, equalizer, music-production, naudio, reverb, spectrum-analyzer, windows
Language: C#
Homepage:
Size: 6.49 MB
Stars: 1
Watchers: 0
Forks: 0
Open Issues: 0
Metadata Files:
- Readme: README.md
- License: LICENSE

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README

WaveShaper - Audio Processing Studio

Shape your sound with professional-grade audio processing, EQ mastering and real-time visualization.

Experience a powerful, intuitive audio workstation optimized for precision and performance.

**WaveShaper** is a professional audio processing application designed for musicians, producers and audio enthusiasts who want precise control over their sound. Whether you're enhancing music files, preparing audio for distribution or experimenting with creative effects, WaveShaper provides all the tools you need in a clean, intuitive interface. The application combines a professional 10-band parametric equalizer with studio-quality effects, dynamic compression, mastering tools and real-time spectrum analysis to help you achieve the perfect sound. Every audio effect and DSP algorithm is engineered from the ground up, built on peer-reviewed signal processing research to deliver DAW-grade quality.

### **Key Features**

- **10-Band Equalizer:** Fine-tune your audio with SVF-TPT topology filters featuring zero-delay feedback, adjustable Q-factor, multiple response types and 44 built-in presets covering all major music genres.
- **Audio Effects Suite:** Transform your sound with FDN-based reverb, Thiran-interpolated delay, ADAA saturation, BBD-modeled chorus and flanger, PolyBLEP-driven modulation and creative sound design tools.
- **Dynamic Compression:** Control audio dynamics with logarithmic gain computation, soft-knee detection, adjustable ratio, threshold, attack and release. Includes a noise gate/expander and multiband compression with SVF-TPT crossovers.
- **Mastering Suite:** Professional mastering tools including a loudness meter (Peak, True Peak, LUFS), configurable limiter, stereo imaging controls, exciter and tape saturation with purpose-built mastering presets.
- **Spectrum Analyzer:** Visualize frequency content in real-time with seven display modes including Linear, Logarithmic, Smooth, Peak, RMS, Octave and Average Hold for precise audio monitoring.
- **Audio Library:** Organize and manage your audio files with drag-and-drop import, multiple sorting options, favorites and seamless integration with Medio download library.
- **High-Quality Export:** Export processed audio to `WAV`, `FLAC`, `MP3`, `AAC` or `OGG` with configurable normalization, bitrate, sample rate and bit depth settings.

### **Supported Formats**

WaveShaper handles a wide range of audio formats for both import and export:

- **Input Formats:** `MP3`, `WAV`, `FLAC`, `WMA`, `AAC`, `M4A`, `OGG`
- **Output Formats:** `WAV`, `FLAC`, `MP3`, `AAC`, `OGG`

## **Table of Contents**

1. [System Requirements](#system-requirements)
- [Minimum Requirements](#minimum-requirements)
- [Recommended Requirements](#recommended-requirements)
2. [Third-Party Libraries](#third-party-libraries)
3. [Installation](#installation)
4. [Authentication and Arctisoft Hub](#authentication-and-arctisoft-hub)
5. [License Options and Benefits](#license-options-and-benefits)
6. [Understanding the Equalizer](#understanding-the-equalizer)
- [Frequency Bands Explained](#frequency-bands-explained)
- [Quality Levels](#quality-levels)
- [EQ Response Types](#eq-response-types)
- [Built-in Presets](#built-in-presets)
- [Custom Presets](#custom-presets)
- [Preset Modes](#preset-modes)
7. [Audio Effects Explained](#audio-effects-explained)
- [Time Stretching](#time-stretching)
- [Reverb and Space](#reverb-and-space)
- [Delay Effects](#delay-effects)
- [Saturation](#saturation)
- [Modulation](#modulation)
- [Creative Effects](#creative-effects)
8. [Dynamic Compression Guide](#dynamic-compression-guide)
- [What is Compression](#what-is-compression)
- [Compression Presets](#compression-presets)
- [Compressor Controls](#compressor-controls)
- [Gate and Expander](#gate-and-expander)
9. [Mastering Suite](#mastering-suite)
- [Mastering Meter](#mastering-meter)
- [Mastering Presets](#mastering-presets)
- [Limiter](#limiter)
- [Stereo and Effects](#stereo-and-effects)
10. [Visualization and Monitoring](#visualization-and-monitoring)
11. [Managing Your Library](#managing-your-library)
12. [Audio Playback](#audio-playback)
- [Playback Modes](#playback-modes)
- [Audio Modes](#audio-modes)
- [Player Controls](#player-controls)
13. [Preset Management](#preset-management)
- [A/B Comparison](#ab-comparison)
- [Preset Categories](#preset-categories)
14. [Configuring Audio Settings](#configuring-audio-settings)
- [General Settings](#general-settings)
- [Processing Settings](#processing-settings)
- [Audio Engine](#audio-engine)
- [Audio Devices](#audio-devices)
- [Audio Export](#audio-export)
15. [Getting Started Guide](#getting-started-guide)
16. [Customization](#customization)
17. [Updating Software](#updating-software)
18. [Copyright](#copyright)
19. [Screenshots](#screenshots)

## **System Requirements**

### **Minimum Requirements**
- **Operating System:** Windows 10 (64-bit) version 1809 or later
- **Processor:** Intel Core i3-8100 or AMD Ryzen 3 2200G with 4 cores at 3.0 GHz
- **RAM:** 8 GB
- **Graphics:** DirectX 11 compatible graphics card
- **Storage:** 400 MB of free disk space plus additional space for audio files
- **Software:** .NET 10.0 Runtime ([Download](https://dotnet.microsoft.com/download/dotnet/10.0/runtime)) - **Not required as application is self-contained**
- **Audio:** WASAPI or DirectSound compatible audio device

### **Recommended Requirements**
- **Operating System:** Windows 10/11 (64-bit) version 21H2 or later
- **Processor:** Intel Core i5-10400 or AMD Ryzen 5 3600 with 6 cores, 3.6 GHz or higher
- **RAM:** 16 GB or higher
- **Graphics:** Dedicated GPU for smooth visualization rendering
- **Storage:** 500 MB of free disk space on SSD plus additional space for audio files
- **Software:** .NET 10.0 Runtime ([Download](https://dotnet.microsoft.com/download/dotnet/10.0/runtime)) - **Not required as application is self-contained**
- **Audio:** Low-latency WASAPI Exclusive audio interface for professional monitoring

**Note:** WaveShaper is designed exclusively for Windows. The .NET 10.0 Runtime is bundled directly in the installer, allowing WaveShaper to start immediately without requiring separate installation.

## **Third-Party Libraries**

WaveShaper uses several third-party libraries to handle audio processing, encoding and metadata operations.

WaveShaper's current pitch and tempo processing is implemented in-house on top of its own realtime providers and DSP pipeline. The third-party list below covers the external libraries that are actively used for audio I/O, encoding and metadata support.

### NAudio

**NAudio** is a comprehensive .NET audio library that provides the audio I/O infrastructure for WaveShaper. It handles file decoding, real-time playback, WASAPI and DirectSound audio device communication and manages the sample provider pipeline. All audio effects and DSP processing (equalizer, reverb, compression, saturation, modulation, delay, creative effects) are custom implementations built on top of NAudio's sample provider architecture.

- **Version:** 2.2.1
- **Website:** [NAudio GitHub Repository](https://github.com/naudio/NAudio)
- **License:** NAudio is licensed under the MIT License, allowing free use, distribution, and modification.

### NAudio.Lame

**NAudio.Lame** enables high-quality MP3 encoding through the LAME encoder. When exporting to MP3, this library ensures your audio is compressed with industry-standard quality while maintaining the smallest file size possible.

- **Version:** 2.1.0
- **Website:** [NAudio.Lame GitHub Repository](https://github.com/Corey-M/NAudio.Lame)
- **License:** NAudio.Lame is licensed under the LGPL.

### TagLibSharp

**TagLibSharp** handles metadata operations, allowing WaveShaper to read and write audio file tags. When you export a processed file, this library embeds title, artist, album and other metadata directly into the audio file.

- **Version:** 2.3.0
- **Website:** [TagLibSharp GitHub Repository](https://github.com/mono/taglib-sharp)
- **License:** TagLibSharp is licensed under the LGPL.

### Newtonsoft.Json

**Newtonsoft.Json** provides JSON serialization and deserialization for WaveShaper's settings, preset files and configuration management. It handles the storage and retrieval of user preferences, custom EQ presets and application state.

- **Version:** 13.0.4
- **Website:** [Newtonsoft.Json GitHub Repository](https://github.com/JamesNK/Newtonsoft.Json)
- **License:** Newtonsoft.Json is licensed under the MIT License.

### OggVorbisEncoder

**OggVorbisEncoder** is a pure managed .NET Ogg Vorbis encoder that enables WaveShaper to export audio in OGG format. It provides high-quality lossy compression with the open Vorbis codec, offering an excellent balance between file size and audio fidelity for streaming and distribution.

- **Version:** 1.2.2
- **Website:** [OggVorbisEncoder GitHub Repository](https://github.com/SteveLillis/.NET-Ogg-Vorbis-Encoder)
- **License:** OggVorbisEncoder is licensed under the MIT License.

### Additional Information

For more details about these libraries, including their capabilities and licensing, check their official documentation. If you have questions or issues related to these libraries, please [open an issue](https://github.com/BerndHagen/WaveShaper-Audio-Processing-Studio/issues) on GitHub.

## **Installation**

1. Download the latest release from the [Releases](https://github.com/BerndHagen/WaveShaper-Audio-Processing-Studio/releases) page.
2. Run the installer and follow the setup wizard.
3. The installer will prompt you to install [Arctisoft Studio Hub](https://github.com/BerndHagen/Arctisoft-Studio-Hub) (recommended for cloud sync and license management).
4. Launch WaveShaper from the Start Menu or Desktop shortcut.

## **Authentication and Arctisoft Hub**

WaveShaper integrates with [Arctisoft Studio Hub](https://github.com/BerndHagen/Arctisoft-Studio-Hub) for account management, cloud sync and license activation. You can use WaveShaper without signing in, but some features require an Arctisoft account.

### Without Signing In

Launch WaveShaper without Arctisoft Hub to use it immediately. All core features including the equalizer, effects, compression and playback are available. Settings and presets are stored locally on your device.

### Signing In Through Arctisoft Hub

To unlock cloud sync and Premium features, sign in through [Arctisoft Hub](https://github.com/BerndHagen/Arctisoft-Studio-Hub):

1. **Install Arctisoft Hub** and sign in or create an account
2. **Open WaveShaper** - it detects your Hub session automatically
3. **Your cloud profile loads**, syncing settings and preferences

**On Additional Devices:**
- Install Arctisoft Hub and sign in with the same account
- Open WaveShaper - your profile syncs automatically from the cloud
- All settings and preferences are available on the new device

**Important Notes:**
- **Basic License:** All core audio processing features are available for free. Settings are stored locally.
- **Premium License:** Unlocks professional export features, mastering suite, hi-res audio and cloud preset sync.
- **Profile Persistence:** All profiles are retained until the user manually deletes their account.

## **License Options and Benefits**

WaveShaper offers two license tiers:

- **Basic (Free):** Full audio workflow - EQ, effects, compression, player, WAV/MP3 export up to 48 kHz / 24-bit
- **Premium (€14.99 one-time):** Professional export features - Mastering Suite, advanced effects in export, FLAC/AAC/OGG, normalization, hi-res audio and cloud preset sync

License keys are delivered via email after purchase. Purchases are processed through a secure Stripe checkout, and keys are typically delivered within minutes.

| Feature | Basic | Premium |
|---------|:-----:|:-------:|
| **EQUALIZER** | | |
| 10-Band EQ (all bands, ranges, response types) | ✓ | ✓ |
| 44 built-in presets (all quality levels) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Unlimited custom presets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Preset Manual mode | ✓ | ✓ |
| Preset Keyword mode (filename matching) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Preset Analyze mode (FFT audio analysis) | ✓ | ✓ |
| **EFFECTS - REVERB, DELAY, SATURATION, MODULATION** | | |
| Reverb - all 6 types (Room Size, Dampening, Mix, Decay, Pre-Delay) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Delay - all 6 modes (Time, Feedback, Dry/Wet, Sync) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Saturation - all 5 types (Drive, Mix, Output) | ✓ | ✓ |
| **COMPRESSOR** | | |
| Compressor with Ratio, Threshold, Attack, Release, Makeup Gain | ✓ | ✓ |
| Soft Knee, Dry/Wet Mix, Sidechain, Auto-Release, Lookahead | ✓ | ✓ |
| Gate / Expander (Threshold, Range, Attack, Release, Hold) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brick-wall Limiter | ✓ | ✓ |
| Multi-band Compression (4-Band) | Preview only | ✓ |
| **MASTERING SUITE** | | |
| Professional Limiter (Lookahead, Ceiling, True Peak) | Preview only | ✓ |
| Stereo Imaging (Width 0-200%, Mid/Side Balance) | Preview only | ✓ |
| Exciter & Tape Saturation (Harmonic Enhancement) | Preview only | ✓ |
| LUFS Metering (Peak, True Peak, Integrated LUFS) | Preview only | ✓ |
| Mastering Presets (Streaming, Broadcast, CD, Vinyl, Loud) | Preview only | ✓ |
| Output Gain & Target Loudness (-24 to -6 LUFS) | Preview only | ✓ |
| **TIME STRETCH & PITCH SHIFT** | | |
| Pitch Shift (±12 Semitones) | Preview only | ✓ |
| Time Stretch / Tempo (0.25x - 4.0x) | Preview only | ✓ |
| 5 Processing Modes (Standard to Maximum Quality) | Preview only | ✓ |
| 5 Algorithms (PSOLA, WSOLA, Phase Vocoder, Granular, Harmonic-Percussive) | Preview only | ✓ |
| **MODULATION** | | |
| Tremolo, Vibrato, Pan Modulation (Rate, Depth, Wave Shape) | Preview only | ✓ |
| Chorus, Phaser, Flanger (Rate, Depth, Feedback) | Preview only | ✓ |
| **CREATIVE FX** | | |
| Normal (Bypass) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rhythmic Effects (Reverse, Stutter, Gate) | Preview only | ✓ |
| Lo-Fi & Design (Bitcrush, Lo-Fi, Ring Mod, Granular) | Preview only | ✓ |
| **AUDIO EXPORT** | | |
| WAV (Lossless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| MP3 (all bitrates up to 320 kbps) | ✓ | ✓ |
| FLAC (Lossless) | - | ✓ |
| AAC | - | ✓ |
| OGG Vorbis | - | ✓ |
| Normalization (Peak -1 dB, LUFS -14/-16/-23) | - | ✓ |
| Sample rates up to 48 kHz | ✓ | ✓ |
| Sample rates above 48 kHz (88.2/96/176.4/192 kHz) | - | ✓ |
| Bit depth 16-bit / 24-bit | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bit depth 32-bit float | - | ✓ |
| **PLAYER & VISUALIZATION** | | |
| Full transport controls (Play, Stop, Previous, Next) | ✓ | ✓ |
| 5 Playback Modes (Normal, Shuffle, Repeat One, Repeat All, Smart Mix) | ✓ | ✓ |
| 5 Audio Modes (Standard, Night Mode, 3D Audio, Cinema, Concert) | ✓ | ✓ |
| 8 Visualizations (Waveform, Pulse, Center Bars, LED Matrix, DNA Helix, Particle Field, Shockwave, Flames) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Crossfade, Dynamic Range, Stereo Balance, Mono Check | ✓ | ✓ |
| **SPECTRUM ANALYZER** | | |
| 7 Display Modes (Linear, Logarithmic, Smooth, Peak, RMS, Octave, Avg Hold) | ✓ | ✓ |
| **AUDIO ENGINE** | | |
| Standard (WaveOut), WASAPI Shared, WASAPI Exclusive, DirectSound | ✓ | ✓ |
| Buffer Size (64-2048 samples) | ✓ | ✓ |
| All Dithering types (RPDF, TPDF, Noise Shaping) | ✓ | ✓ |
| DSP Threads (1-10) | ✓ | ✓ |
| 4 Audio Quality levels (Low/Fast to Ultra) | ✓ | ✓ |
| **LIBRARY** | | |
| Audio library with drag-and-drop import (200 default, up to 600) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Sorting, Favorites, Medio library integration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cloud-synced settings (requires Hub sign-in) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cloud preset sync | - | ✓ |
| **CUSTOMIZATION** | | |
| 7 Color themes | ✓ | ✓ |
| **PRICE** | **Free** | **€14.99** (one-time) |

"Preview only" means the effect is fully functional during playback but excluded from the exported file for Basic users. When exporting, a dialog offers: Cancel / Upgrade / Export without Premium Effects.

Each Arctisoft-Studio product has its own license. A WaveShaper Premium key activates WaveShaper Premium features only. To activate, redeem your key through the [Arctisoft Studio Hub](https://github.com/BerndHagen/Arctisoft-Studio-Hub) Licenses page or enter it directly in WaveShaper.

Multiple payment methods are accepted including Card, Klarna, EPS, Bancontact and iDEAL. Since licenses are digital products, refunds are generally **not available** once the key has been delivered. However, if you encounter any issues during the activation process, please don't hesitate to reach out for assistance.

## **Understanding the Equalizer**

An equalizer is one of the most powerful tools for shaping your audio. It allows you to boost or cut specific frequency ranges, making instruments or voices more prominent, removing unwanted rumble or adding brightness and clarity. WaveShaper's 10-band parametric equalizer uses State Variable Filter (SVF-TPT) topology with zero-delay feedback integrators, providing sample-rate independent, numerically stable processing across the entire audible spectrum.

### **Frequency Bands Explained**

The equalizer divides the audio spectrum into ten bands, each targeting a specific frequency range. Understanding what each band affects helps you make better mixing decisions:

| Band | Frequency | What It Controls |
|------|-----------|------------------|
| Band 1 | `32 Hz` | Sub-bass, the lowest frequencies you feel more than hear. Adds rumble and weight. |
| Band 2 | `64 Hz` | Bass fundamentals. Controls the punch and power of kick drums and bass instruments. |
| Band 3 | `125 Hz` | Upper bass. Adds warmth but can also cause muddiness if boosted too much. |
| Band 4 | `250 Hz` | Low-midrange. Affects the body of vocals and the fullness of guitars. |
| Band 5 | `500 Hz` | Midrange. The core of most instruments and voices. Crucial for clarity. |
| Band 6 | `1 kHz` | Upper-midrange. Affects presence and can make sounds feel closer or farther away. |
| Band 7 | `2 kHz` | Presence range. Boosting here adds bite to guitars and clarity to vocals. |
| Band 8 | `4 kHz` | Brilliance. Enhances consonants in speech and attack in percussion. |
| Band 9 | `8 kHz` | High frequencies. Adds air and sparkle to the overall mix. |
| Band 10 | `16 kHz` | Ultra-high frequencies. Adds shimmer and openness, though less audible on lower-quality systems. |

Each band also features an adjustable **Q-Factor** (ranging from `0.1` to `10.0`) that controls bandwidth. A low Q value affects a wide range of frequencies around the center point, while a high Q value makes surgical, narrow adjustments.

### **Quality Levels**

WaveShaper offers four quality levels that determine how much gain adjustment is available on each band:

- **Standard** (±6 dB): Suitable for subtle corrections and gentle tone shaping without risk of distortion.
- **Enhanced** (±12 dB): The default setting, providing enough headroom for most mixing tasks.
- **Professional** (±18 dB): For significant frequency corrections when audio needs major reshaping.
- **Extreme** (±24 dB): Maximum adjustment range for sound design and creative frequency manipulation.

### **EQ Response Types**

Three response curves are available, each with different characteristics:

- **Linear:** Straight-line connections between EQ points for a clear, analytical display.
- **Sharp Stepped:** Precise stepped response with defined transitions between adjacent bands.
- **Smooth Bezier:** Gradual Bezier-curve interpolation between bands for a natural, flowing EQ shape.

### **Built-in Presets**

WaveShaper includes 44 professionally-tuned presets to help you get started quickly:

**Genre Presets:** Each genre preset is optimized for the typical frequency balance of that music style.
- Rock, Pop, Jazz, Classical, Hip Hop, Electronic, R&B, Metal, Reggae, Country, Latin, Acoustic, Dance, Club, Party, Techno, Trance, Soft Rock, Ska, Blues, Soul, Funk, K-Pop, Ambient

**Utility Presets:** Designed for specific corrective or enhancement purposes.
- **Flat:** Neutral starting point with no adjustments
- **Bass Boost / Treble Boost:** Quick low or high frequency enhancement
- **Deep Bass:** Extreme sub-bass enhancement for bass-heavy music
- **Vocal:** Emphasizes the presence range for clearer voice
- **Bass Reducer:** Cuts low frequencies for cleaner sound on small speakers
- **Loudness:** Classic loudness curve for low-volume listening
- **Headphones:** Optimized for headphone playback
- **Small Speakers:** Compensates for speakers that lack bass response
- **Live:** Adds presence and energy typical of live performances
- **Powerful:** Aggressive V-shaped curve with boosted bass and treble

**Specialized Presets:** Optimized for specific content types and use cases.
- **Podcast:** Speech clarity optimization with enhanced mid-range
- **Spoken Word:** Similar to Podcast but with more aggressive voice focus
- **Gaming:** Spatial audio enhancement for games with balanced effects
- **Piano:** Warm mid-range focus for keyboard and piano music
- **Cinema:** Full spectrum enhancement for movie soundtracks and immersive audio
- **Full Bass:** Extreme low-end emphasis across the sub and bass range for bass-heavy listening
- **Full Treble:** Extreme high-frequency boost with rolled-off lows for air, sparkle and brilliance
- **Lofi:** Rolled-off highs and warm lows for a vintage lofi character
- **Soft:** Gentle, relaxed sound with reduced highs for easy listening

### **Custom Presets**

WaveShaper allows you to create and manage your own custom EQ presets:

**Automatic Custom Mode:**
When you select a preset and then manually adjust any equalizer band, the preset selection automatically switches to "Custom". This indicates that your current EQ settings no longer match any saved preset and are your own custom configuration.

**Saving Custom Presets:**
1. Adjust the equalizer bands to your desired settings (on the Equalizer page or by modifying any preset).
2. Navigate to the **Presets** page.
3. Enter a name for your preset in the text field at the top.
4. Click the **Save Preset** button to store your custom preset.

**Managing Custom Presets:**
- Custom presets appear alongside the built-in presets in the dropdown list.
- You can overwrite an existing custom preset by saving with the same name.
- Delete custom presets using the Delete Preset button (built-in presets cannot be deleted).
- Export and import presets to share or backup your configurations.
- Add optional descriptions and tags to organize your preset collection.
- Maximum of 50 custom presets can be saved.

### **Preset Modes**

WaveShaper offers three intelligent modes for automatic preset selection, accessible on the Presets page:

| Mode | Description |
|------|-------------|
| **Manual** | Full control over preset selection. Choose presets manually from the dropdown menu. Your selection persists until you change it. Ideal when you know exactly which EQ curve you want. |
| **Keyword** | Filename-based detection. WaveShaper analyzes the audio filename for genre keywords (e.g., "rock", "jazz", "vocal", "bass", "podcast") and automatically applies a matching preset when a file is loaded. Fast and lightweight. |
| **Analyze** | Intelligent FFT frequency analysis. When a file is loaded, WaveShaper performs real-time spectral analysis of the audio content and automatically selects the best-matching preset based on the actual sound characteristics. |

**Keyword Mode Keywords:**
Keyword mode recognizes the following words in filenames:
- `vocal`, `voice`, `speech` → **Vocal**
- `rock`, `metal` → **Rock**
- `jazz` → **Jazz**
- `classical`, `orchestra` → **Classical**
- `piano` → **Piano**
- `bass`, `hip`, `rap` → **Hip Hop**
- `podcast`, `interview` → **Podcast**
- `game`, `gaming` → **Gaming**
- `dance`, `club` → **Dance**
- `cinema`, `movie`, `film` → **Cinema**
- And more...

**How Analyze Mode Works:**

Analyze mode uses Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) analysis to understand the frequency content of your audio:

1. **Multi-Point Sampling:** Analyzes the frequency spectrum at multiple positions (10s, 30s, 60s) to get a representative sample of the entire track.
2. **6-Band Energy Analysis:** Calculates energy distribution across six frequency bands:
- Sub-Bass & Bass (20-120 Hz)
- Low-Mid / Warmth (120-400 Hz)
- Mid / Vocals & Instruments (400-2500 Hz)
- High-Mid / Presence (2500-5000 Hz)
- Treble / Brilliance (5000-10000 Hz)
- Presence / Air (10000+ Hz)
3. **Pattern Matching:** Compares the frequency profile against 44 preset characteristics to find the closest match.
4. **Automatic Application:** Applies the best-matching preset and updates the Active Preset display.

**Example Analyze Mode Detections:**
- Heavy sub-bass with warm low-mids → **Deep Bass** (e.g., dubstep, trap music)
- Strong mids with minimal highs → **Classical** or **Piano** (e.g., symphony, piano sonata)
- Full spectrum with presence in all bands → **Cinema** (e.g., movie soundtrack, orchestral score)
- Bass + highs with scooped mids → **Electronic** or **Dance** (e.g., EDM, house music)
- Speech-focused with clear mid-range → **Podcast** or **Spoken Word** (e.g., audiobook, interview)

## **Audio Effects Explained**

Beyond equalization, WaveShaper provides a comprehensive suite of audio effects that can transform your sound from subtle enhancement to dramatic creative manipulation. The Effects page is organized into five panels: Time Stretch, Reverb, Delay, Saturation and Modulation.

### **Time Stretching**

Time stretching allows you to change the tempo of audio without affecting its pitch, or shift pitch without changing tempo. This is essential for tempo matching, creative effects and correcting pitch issues.

**Processing Modes:**
- Standard, High Quality, Best Quality, Low Latency, Maximum Quality

**Algorithms:**
- **PSOLA:** Best for monophonic sources like vocals
- **WSOLA:** Good general-purpose algorithm
- **Phase Vocoder:** Preserves harmonic content well
- **Granular:** Suitable for extreme stretching
- **Harmonic-Percussive:** Separates and processes tonal and rhythmic content independently

**Speed Range:** `0.25x` to `4.0x` playback speed
**Pitch Shift:** `-12` to `+12` semitones (one full octave up or down)
**Preserve Formants:** When enabled, pitch shifting retains natural vocal and instrument character, preventing unnatural resonance effects that occur when shifting pitch without formant correction.

### **Reverb and Space**

Reverb simulates the natural reflections of sound in physical spaces. When you clap your hands in a large hall, you hear the sound bounce off walls and decay over time. WaveShaper's reverb engine uses an 8-line Feedback Delay Network (FDN) with a Hadamard mixing matrix for energy-preserving, colorless reverb tails, combined with a 4-stage allpass input diffuser and per-line modulated delay for natural spatial depth. Six reverb environments are available:

- **Room:** Small room ambience, subtle and natural
- **Hall:** Concert hall with longer decay for orchestral depth
- **Cathedral:** Very large space with extended reverb tail
- **Chamber:** Studio recording room simulation
- **Plate:** Classic studio reverb with smooth, dense decay
- **Spring:** Vintage spring reverb character

Each reverb type can be fine-tuned with five parameters:
- **Pre-Delay** (0-200 ms): The gap before reverb onset, creating a sense of distance
- **Decay Time**: How long the reverb tail lasts
- **Room Size**: How large the simulated space feels
- **HF Damping**: How quickly high frequencies decay, for natural or bright tails
- **Dry/Wet**: The balance between original and reverberant signal

### **Delay Effects**

Delay creates echoes by repeating the audio signal after a set time interval. WaveShaper's delay engine uses Thiran allpass fractional interpolation for smooth sub-sample accuracy with soft saturation in the feedback path. Six delay modes are available:

- **Simple:** Single repeat for basic echo effects
- **Ping-Pong:** Alternates between left and right speakers for spacious stereo effects
- **Multi-Tap:** Multiple delay times create rhythmic patterns
- **Filtered:** Delay with frequency filtering for darker, more vintage echoes
- **Stereo:** Independent delay times for each channel
- **Reverse:** Reversed delay trails for creative sound design

Delay parameters include **Delay Time** (up to 1000 ms), **Feedback** (controls how many times the delay repeats) and **Dry/Wet** (blend between the original signal and the delayed output).

### **Saturation**

Saturation adds harmonic distortion and warmth to your audio, emulating the pleasant characteristics of analog hardware. WaveShaper's saturation engine uses first-order Antiderivative Anti-Aliasing (ADAA) with closed-form antiderivatives for each model, suppressing aliasing artifacts by approximately 40 dB compared to naive waveshaping. Five saturation models are available:

- **Tape:** Warm, smooth saturation inspired by magnetic tape recorders
- **Tube:** Rich harmonic distortion with the character of vacuum tube amplifiers
- **Transistor:** Tighter, more aggressive clipping with solid-state character
- **Diode:** Asymmetric clipping for a raw, edgy distortion
- **Hard Clip:** Digital hard clipping for extreme distortion effects

Saturation parameters include **Drive Amount** (intensity of the effect), **Dry/Wet** (blend between clean and saturated signal) and **Output Gain** (compensate for volume changes).

### **Modulation**

Modulation effects add movement and animation to your audio by varying parameters over time using a PolyBLEP anti-aliased low-frequency oscillator (LFO). Chorus and flanger use Bucket Brigade Device (BBD) emulation with Thiran allpass fractional delay interpolation, while the phaser implements a 6-stage cascaded allpass chain. Six modulation types are available:

- **Tremolo:** Volume modulation creates a wavering, pulsing effect
- **Vibrato:** Pitch modulation adds subtle pitch variation for a natural, animated sound
- **Pan Modulation:** Stereo position sweeps left and right automatically for spatial movement
- **Chorus:** Multi-voice delay modulation creates a thick, ensemble-like sound
- **Phaser:** Allpass filter chain with LFO modulation for sweeping, jet-like tones
- **Flanger:** Short delay modulation produces metallic, swooshing effects

### **Creative Effects**

For more experimental sound design, WaveShaper includes seven creative effects built with overlap-add (OLA) windowing, TPDF dithered quantization and Hann-windowed granular synthesis:

- **Reverse:** Plays audio backwards using double-buffered OLA with Hann crossfade for seamless transitions
- **Stutter:** Creates rhythmic chopping effects by repeating short segments with envelope shaping
- **Gate:** LFO-modulated amplitude gating with multiple waveform shapes for rhythmic silence patterns
- **Bitcrush:** Reduces bit depth with TPDF dithering for lo-fi, digital distortion character
- **Lo-Fi:** Degrades audio quality for vintage, nostalgic sound textures
- **Ring Mod:** Ring modulation produces metallic, bell-like tonal effects
- **Granular:** Breaks audio into tiny grains for textural, ambient manipulation

## **Dynamic Compression Guide**

### **What is Compression**

Dynamic compression is essential for controlling the volume differences in audio. Without compression, quiet parts might be too soft while loud parts distort or overpower the mix. A compressor automatically reduces the volume of signals that exceed a certain threshold, creating a more consistent and professional sound. WaveShaper's compressor uses logarithmic gain computation in the dB domain with branching smooth ballistics for transparent dynamics control.

Think of compression like an automatic volume control that turns down the loud parts. This allows you to then raise the overall level, making quiet details more audible while preventing peaks from distorting.

### **Compression Presets**

Six purpose-built presets provide optimized starting points:

| Preset | Best For |
|--------|----------|
| **Vocal** | Spoken word, singing, podcasts |
| **Drums** | Drum loops, percussion, rhythmic material |
| **Bass** | Bass instruments, sub-heavy content |
| **Master** | Full mixes and mastering chains |
| **Gentle** | Subtle leveling without audible compression |
| **Custom** | Your own settings |

Each preset automatically configures the compressor parameters (threshold, ratio, attack, release, makeup gain and mix level) for the target material. You can further adjust any parameter after selecting a preset.

### **Compressor Controls**

The compressor provides precise control over dynamics processing:

- **Release** (Fast, Medium, Slow, Custom): How quickly compression disengages after the signal drops below threshold
- **Ratio** (1:1 to 20:1): The amount of gain reduction applied. Higher ratios mean more aggressive compression. Ratios above 10:1 approach limiting behavior.
- **Threshold** (-60 dB to 0 dB): The level above which compression begins. Lower thresholds compress more of the signal.
- **Attack** (1-500 ms): How quickly the compressor responds to signals exceeding the threshold
- **Makeup Gain** (0-24 dB): Compensates for the volume loss from compression
- **Parallel Mix** (0-100%): Blends compressed and uncompressed signals for parallel compression

**Additional Controls:**
- **Auto Makeup Gain:** Automatically compensates for gain reduction
- **Soft/Hard Knee:** Controls the transition curve at the threshold. Soft knee provides gradual onset, hard knee provides immediate compression.

### **Gate and Expander**

The Gate/Expander section removes unwanted noise and bleed from recordings by attenuating audio that falls below a set threshold:

- **Gate Threshold** (-80 dB to 0 dB): Audio below this level is attenuated
- **Range/Depth** (-80 dB to 0 dB): How much the signal is reduced when gated
- **Attack** (0-50 ms): How quickly the gate opens when signal exceeds threshold
- **Release** (10-500 ms): How quickly the gate closes after signal drops below threshold
- **Hold** (0-200 ms): Minimum time the gate stays open after triggering, preventing chattering on transients

## **Mastering Suite**

The Mastering page provides professional-grade tools for the final stage of audio production. It combines loudness metering, limiting, stereo imaging and analog-style effects into a cohesive mastering workflow.

### **Mastering Meter**

The mastering meter provides real-time monitoring across three display modes:

- **Peak / LUFS:** Displays left and right channel peak levels alongside integrated LUFS (Loudness Units Full Scale) measurement for broadcast-standard loudness monitoring
- **True Peak:** Shows inter-sample peak levels that may exceed 0 dBFS in the digital domain, critical for streaming and broadcast compliance
- **Loudness:** Dedicated LUFS display with loudness range (LRA) analysis

The meter shows separate bars for Left (L), Right (R) and Integrated (I) measurements with tooltips displaying precise dB values on hover.

### **Mastering Presets**

Six mastering presets provide industry-standard starting points:

| Preset | Target | Best For |
|--------|--------|----------|
| **Streaming** | -14 LUFS | Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube |
| **Broadcast** | -23 LUFS | TV, radio, podcast distribution |
| **Loud Master** | -8 LUFS | Competitive loudness for EDM, pop |
| **CD Master** | -12 LUFS | Physical CD distribution |
| **Vinyl** | -16 LUFS | Warm vinyl-style mastering |
| **Custom** | Adjustable | Your own target loudness |

Each preset configures **Target Loudness** (-24 to -6 LUFS) and **Output Gain** (-12 to +12 dB) for the selected delivery format.

### **Limiter**

The brick-wall limiter prevents audio from exceeding a set ceiling, ensuring clean output without digital clipping. Five limiter styles are available: **Transparent**, **Punchy**, **Aggressive**, **Brickwall** and **Soft Clip**, each offering a different character from transparent peak control to saturated warmth.

- **Lookahead** (1, 2, 5 or 10 ms): Anticipates peaks for transparent limiting. Longer lookahead catches more peaks but adds latency.
- **Ceiling** (-30 to 0 dB): Maximum output level. Set to -1 dB or lower for safe headroom.
- **Release** (10-500 ms): How quickly the limiter disengages after peak reduction

**Limiter Options:**
- **True Peak:** Enables inter-sample peak detection for accurate limiting
- **Auto Release:** Dynamically adjusts release time based on program material
- **Link Stereo:** Links left and right channel limiting to preserve stereo image

### **Stereo and Effects**

The Stereo & Effects panel provides mastering-grade stereo and analog processing:

**Stereo Mode and Width:**
- **Mono / Narrow / Normal / Wide / Extra Wide:** Quick stereo width presets
- **Width** (0-200%): Precise stereo width control from full mono (0%) to double-wide (200%)
- **Mid/Side** (-100 to +100): Balance between center (mid) and side content. Positive values emphasize sides for wider imaging, negative values emphasize center for focused mono content.

**Analog Effects:**
- **Exciter** (0-100%): Adds harmonic overtones and high-frequency sparkle for presence and air
- **Tape Saturation** (0-100%): Emulates the warm compression and harmonic richness of analog tape machines

## **Visualization and Monitoring**

### **Spectrum Analyzer**

The real-time spectrum analyzer displays the frequency content of your audio, helping you identify problematic frequencies, verify EQ adjustments and ensure a balanced mix.

**Display Modes:**
- **Linear:** Equal spacing across frequencies
- **Logarithmic:** More resolution in lower frequencies (matches human hearing perception)
- **Smooth:** Averaged display for easier reading
- **Peak:** Shows maximum values with decay
- **RMS:** Shows average energy levels
- **Octave:** Groups frequencies into octave bands for simplified analysis
- **Avg Hold:** Displays running averages with peak hold indicators

### **Activity Dashboard**

The Dashboard tracks your usage patterns and provides an overview of your audio processing activities. It includes user activity charts, account information, workspace analysis and recent audio history with quick-access context menus for playback, file location and favorites.

## **Managing Your Library**

The Audio Library is your central hub for organizing audio files. By default, you can store up to 200 audio files, with the limit adjustable up to 600 on the Library page.

**Importing Audio:**
- Drag and drop files directly onto the library
- Use the Import button to browse for files
- Files are automatically analyzed for format, duration and sample rate

**Sorting Options:**
- Name A-Z / Name Z-A
- Largest Size / Smallest Size
- Newest Date / Oldest Date

**Medio Integration:** If you have [Medio - Universal Downloader](https://github.com/BerndHagen/Medio-Universal-Downloader) installed, a Medio Integration toggle appears in Settings under General Settings. When enabled and signed in through Arctisoft Hub, WaveShaper can access your Medio download library (`Documents/Medio`) directly, allowing you to quickly load audio extracted from videos without navigating through folders. This feature requires an Arctisoft account - guest users without a signed-in account will not see Medio library content.

## **Audio Playback**

The Player page provides comprehensive audio playback with real-time visualization, multiple playback modes, audio enhancement and full transport controls.

### **Playback Modes**

Five playback modes control how tracks are sequenced:

- **Normal:** Plays tracks in library order
- **Shuffle:** Randomizes playback order
- **Repeat One:** Continuously loops the current track
- **Repeat All:** Loops through all tracks in the library
- **Smart Mix:** Intelligent sequencing that considers audio characteristics

### **Audio Modes**

Five audio processing modes enhance playback for different listening scenarios:

- **Standard:** Clean, unprocessed output for reference listening
- **Night Mode:** Reduces dynamic range and limits volume for quiet environments
- **3D Audio:** Spatial audio enhancement for headphone listening with virtual surround
- **Cinema:** Full spectrum enhancement with spacious staging for movie-like immersion
- **Concert:** Live concert simulation with room ambience and crowd energy

A **Mono Check** toggle collapses stereo to mono, allowing you to verify stereo compatibility of your mix.

### **Player Controls**

- **Volume:** Master output volume with trackbar control (0-100%)
- **Stereo Balance:** Adjust left/right balance (-100 to +100)
- **Loop Mode:** Automatically repeat the current track once playback finishes
- **Crossfade:** Smooth transition between tracks (Off, Short 1s, Medium 3s, Long 5s)
- **Dynamic Range:** Compressed (Narrow), Normal, Wide or Extreme dynamic range for playback
- **Transport:** Play, Stop, Previous and Next buttons for full playback control

## **Preset Management**

The Presets page provides advanced tools for organizing, comparing and managing your EQ presets beyond basic save and load functionality.

### **A/B Comparison**

Compare two preset configurations side-by-side during playback:

1. **Select Preset A / Preset B:** Choose a preset from the dropdown or select "(Current)" to use the active EQ state.
2. **Capture A / Capture B:** Capture the selected preset into slot A or B for comparison.
3. **Toggle A / B:** Instantly switch between the two captured states.
4. **Bypass:** Temporarily disable all EQ to compare with the unprocessed signal.
5. **Swap A↔B:** Exchange the contents of both slots.

This is essential for making informed mixing decisions by directly comparing different EQ approaches in real-time.

### **Preset Categories**

Advanced preset management features include:

- **Transition Mode:** Control how presets crossfade (Smooth, Instant or Crossfade)
- **Preset Quality:** Processing quality level (Basic, Standard, High, Ultra)
- **Complexity:** Adjust the processing complexity for the selected preset
- **Preset Morph (A/B):** Smoothly blend between two presets by sliding between them

## **Configuring Audio Settings**

The Settings page provides comprehensive control over audio processing, engine configuration and export parameters.

### **General Settings**

- **Startup View:** Choose which page opens when WaveShaper launches (Dashboard, Equalizer, Library, Player, Effects, Compress, Presets or Settings)
- **Audio Mode:** Global audio channel mode (Stereo, Mono or Surround)
- **Sample Rate:** Playback sample rate selection (44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz, 96 kHz, 176.4 kHz, 192 kHz)
- **Bit Depth:** Audio processing bit depth (16 Bit, 24 Bit, 32 Bit)
- **Latency Mode:** Balance between responsiveness and stability (Low, Normal, High)
- **Dithering Type:** Algorithm for reducing quantization artifacts when lowering bit depth:
- None, RPDF (Rectangular), TPDF (Triangular), TPDF + High-pass, Noise Shaping 1 (Gentle), Noise Shaping 2 (Medium), Noise Shaping 3 (POW-r style)
- **Dithering:** Toggle dithering noise application when reducing bit depth
- **Medio Integration:** Enable or disable access to the Medio download library. This option only appears if [Medio - Universal Downloader](https://github.com/BerndHagen/Medio-Universal-Downloader) is installed on your system. Requires an Arctisoft account - guest users without a signed-in account will see no Medio library content.
- **Global Bypass:** Temporarily disable all EQ, compression and audio effects for A/B comparison

### **Processing Settings**

- **Real-Time Processing:** Toggle instant audio effect processing during playback for immediate feedback
- **Audio Quality:** Processing quality level (Low/Fast, Medium, High/Best, Ultra)
- **DSP Threads:** Number of processing threads (1-10) for parallel audio computation

### **Audio Engine**

- **Audio Driver:** Output driver selection (Standard WaveOut, WASAPI Shared, WASAPI Exclusive, DirectSound)
- **Buffer Size:** Audio buffer size in samples (64, 128, 256, 512, 1024, 2048). Smaller buffers reduce latency, larger buffers improve stability.

### **Audio Devices**

- **Input Device:** Select the audio input device for recording or monitoring
- **Output Device:** Select the audio output device for playback

### **Audio Export**

- **Normalization:** Output level normalization (Off, Peak -1 dB, LUFS -14 Streaming, LUFS -16 Apple, LUFS -23 Broadcast)
- **Audio Quality:** Bitrate selection (MP3: 32-320 kbps, AAC: 48-256 kbps)
- **Export Format:** Output file format (WAV, FLAC, MP3, AAC, OGG)

Settings can be saved, imported from file, exported to file or reset to defaults using the action buttons.

## **Getting Started Guide**

### **Step 1: Import Your Audio**

1. Launch WaveShaper and navigate to the **Library** tab.
2. Import your audio file by dragging it onto the audio library or clicking **Import Audio**.
3. Double-click the imported file to load it for processing.

### **Step 2: Shape Your Sound with EQ**

1. Navigate to the **Equalizer** tab.
2. Select a preset that matches your music genre, or start with **Flat** for a neutral baseline.
3. Adjust individual bands by dragging the sliders up (boost) or down (cut).
4. Use the Q-Factor control for narrow surgical adjustments or wide tonal changes.
5. Preview your changes using the **Play Audio** button.

### **Step 3: Add Effects**

1. Open the **Effects** tab.
2. Add space with reverb by selecting a room type and adjusting pre-delay, decay, room size and damping.
3. Create echoes with delay by choosing a mode and setting time and feedback.
4. Add warmth with saturation by selecting a model and dialing in the drive amount.
5. Experiment with time stretching, modulation and creative effects.

### **Step 4: Control Dynamics with Compression**

1. Go to the **Compress** tab.
2. Select a preset based on your material (Vocal, Drums, Bass, Master).
3. Fine-tune threshold and ratio for the amount of compression.
4. Adjust attack and release to shape transients.
5. Use the Gate/Expander to clean up noise between phrases.

### **Step 5: Master Your Audio**

1. Navigate to the **Mastering** tab.
2. Select a mastering preset matching your delivery target (Streaming, Broadcast, CD).
3. Enable the limiter and set the ceiling to prevent clipping.
4. Adjust stereo width and add exciter or tape saturation for character.
5. Monitor loudness levels on the mastering meter to meet platform standards.

### **Step 6: Export Your Processed Audio**

1. Return to the **Library** tab.
2. Select your audio file and click **Export Audio**.
3. Choose output format (`WAV`, `FLAC`, `MP3`, `AAC` or `OGG`).
4. Configure normalization and quality settings in Settings if needed.
5. Click **Export** and select your destination folder.

## **Customization**

### **Color Themes**

Personalize WaveShaper with seven color themes that completely transform the application's appearance. Each theme shifts the entire color palette including backgrounds, borders, accents and visualizations:

- **Ocean Blue** - Deep blue tones (default)
- **Emerald Mist** - Natural emerald greens
- **Sunset Orange** - Warm amber hues
- **Nebula Night** - Rich amethyst purples
- **Cherry Blossom** - Soft rose and pink tones
- **Ruby Ember** - Deep cherry reds
- **Phantom Frost** - Bright cyan and teal

Changes apply immediately without restart.

### **Audio Quality and Performance**

Optimize WaveShaper for your hardware through the Settings page:

- **Audio Quality:** Choose from Low (Fast), Medium, High (Best) or Ultra processing quality
- **DSP Threads:** Allocate 1-10 processing threads based on your CPU capabilities
- **Buffer Size:** Adjust from 64 to 2048 samples to balance latency and stability
- **Audio Driver:** Select WASAPI Shared (compatible), WASAPI Exclusive (low-latency) or DirectSound

## **Updating Software**

WaveShaper is updated through [Arctisoft Studio Hub](https://github.com/BerndHagen/Arctisoft-Studio-Hub). When a new version is available, the Hub detects it automatically and handles the download and installation process. The application restarts with the new version after installation.

For manual updates or first-time installation, download the latest installer from the [Releases](https://github.com/BerndHagen/WaveShaper-Audio-Processing-Studio/releases) page and run it. The installer handles all dependencies and creates Start Menu and optional Desktop shortcuts.

## **Copyright**

This software is the intellectual property of the Author and is protected by international copyright laws.

1. **License:** You are granted a non-exclusive, non-transferable license to use the software for personal and commercial purposes.

2. **Modifications Prohibited:** Modification, decompiling, reverse-engineering or derivative work is prohibited without prior written consent.

3. **Attribution:** When redistributing, appropriate credit to the Author is required, including a link to the original source.

4. **Third-Party Libraries:** WaveShaper uses NAudio (MIT), NAudio.Lame (LGPL), TagLibSharp (LGPL), Newtonsoft.Json (MIT) and OggVorbisEncoder (MIT). Please review and comply with their respective licenses.

5. **Warranty Disclaimer:** WaveShaper is provided *"as is,"* without warranties of any kind. The Author assumes no liability for damages resulting from use.

6. **Limitation of Liability:** The Author is not responsible for any indirect, special, incidental or consequential damages arising from use of the software.

7. **Termination:** The license may be terminated if these terms are violated. Upon termination, all use must cease and copies deleted.

By using WaveShaper, you agree to these terms and conditions.

## **Screenshots**

Preview WaveShaper's interface and features before downloading. Note that future updates may introduce additional functionality.

WaveShaper - Dashboard
WaveShaper - Equalizer

WaveShaper - Library
WaveShaper - Player

WaveShaper - Effects
WaveShaper - Mastering

WaveShaper - Compressor
WaveShaper - Presets