Steinberg has announced the immediate availability of SpectraLayers 12, the latest version of its spectral audio editing software. This update introduces a host of new tools and enhancements, significantly advancing its unmixing and speech processing capabilities for music, post-production, sound design, and restoration.
A major focus of SpectraLayers 12 is on unmixing. Two new modules have been added: Unmix Soundtrack and Unmix Instrument. The Soundtrack module is designed for post-production, separating audio into distinct dialogue, effects, and music layers. The Instrument module allows users to isolate and extract specific instruments by first analyzing a target instrument and then fine-tuning the separation.
Existing unmixing processes have also been improved. The Unmix Song algorithm now offers better vocal separation and enhanced results for drums, bass, and brass. The Unmix Drums process can now extract six individual kit pieces: kick, snare, toms, hi-hats, ride, and crash cymbals. For dialogue work, the Unmix Noisy Speech module provides clearer separation between speech and noise with fewer artifacts.
Voice processing sees significant upgrades. A new Voice Enhance module uses generative AI to reconstruct and improve low-quality voice recordings. The new DePlosive module automatically targets and removes plosives from speech. Additionally, the Voice DeNoise and Unmix Transcription modules have been improved, with the latter now supporting twice as many languages with double the accuracy.
Workflow enhancements are a key part of this release. Users can now apply tools and processes across multiple layers simultaneously, both in standalone mode and in ARA mode within Cubase or Nuendo. Selection tools for frequencies, harmonics, and transients have been upgraded for more precise and faster editing.
Since we first introduced unmixing algorithms in SpectraLayers, there hasn't been any other application that could match its quality. Now, with version 12, the clarity of the separated stems is exceptional... you could almost believe that they were never part of a mix. This version also has a strong focus on the needs of the post-production industry, with innovative features like soundtrack unmixing and speech enhancement. Existing voice processing algorithms are constantly being refined and updated, while workflow and productivity improvements requested by our loyal users haven't been forgotten.
Luis Dongo, Marketing Manager Pro Audio at Steinberg.
Key Features in SpectraLayers 12:
- New Unmixing Modules: Unmix Soundtrack and Unmix Instrument.
- Improved Unmixing: Enhanced Song, Drums, and Noisy Speech processes.
- New Voice Modules: Voice Enhance and DePlosive.
- Improved Voice Modules: Voice DeNoise and Unmix Transcription.
- Multi-layer Editing: Work on multiple layers simultaneously.
- Upgraded Selection Tools: More precise selection of frequencies, harmonics, and transients.
- Batch Processing: Custom naming schemes for files and folders.
- Phase Rotation Module: Correct asymmetrical waveforms to maximize gain.
- Workflow Enhancements: Direct resizing of active selections, in-place rendering of volume envelopes, improved VST 3 module handling, and a consolidated history panel.
- Native Windows on Arm support.
Pricing and Availability
SpectraLayers Pro 12 and SpectraLayers Elements 12 are available now:
- SpectraLayers Pro 12: €349 or $349.99 USD.
- SpectraLayers Pro 12 Education: €179 or $179.99 USD.
- SpectraLayers Elements 12: €89.99 or $89.99 USD.
Updates, upgrades, and crossgrades are also available from the Steinberg Online Shop.
Customers who have activated SpectraLayers Pro 11 or Elements 11 on or after May 28, 2025, are eligible for a free grace period update.
