In the realm of music production, a myriad of digital audio workstations (DAWs) are at the disposal of creators, each with its unique features and capabilities. Browser-based DAWs have gained popularity due to their accessibility. This article shares my experience with the trial version of WavTool Pro, a platform that’s been gaining attention in this space.
Performance Issues with WavTool Pro
WavTool positions itself as an accessible browser-based DAW, but my trial run revealed several significant concerns. Notably, CPU usage frequently spiked above 60%, noticeably slowing down my computer’s performance. Additionally, audio playback was marred by interruptions, making it challenging to focus on music production. These issues were encountered on an Intel-based MacBook Air, suggesting that WavTool’s optimization might still be a work in progress. This is particularly perplexing as I didn’t encounter such problems with other software like Korg Gadget, Ableton Live, Reason Studios, or even another browser-based DAW, BandLab.
The AI Composition Feature
One of the most intriguing features of WavTool is its AI-assisted composition tool, which generates musical phrases based on user-provided prompts. Theoretically, this could offer unique and engaging ideas. However, despite experimenting with various prompts, especially for generating basslines, the outcomes often fell short of expectations. This area, in particular, seems ripe for improvement in future updates.
Technical Glitches and Errors
Additionally, I encountered technical issues beyond performance concerns. The process of converting audio stems to MIDI often resulted in freezes or failures, accompanied by error messages like “Audio Processing Error, Uncaught RangeError: offset is out of bounds.” Such glitches further impede the workflow, highlighting areas where WavTool Pro needs refinement to ensure reliability and smooth operation.
Looking Forward
The trial experience with WavTool Pro highlighted the platform’s potential alongside areas needing enhancement, such as performance optimization, the precision of its AI composition feature, and resolving technical glitches. For now, I’ve decided against extending the trial period. However, I remain open to revisiting WavTool once these issues are addressed or exploring other products as they emerge.
The value of a DAW as a tool for musical creation lies in its ease of use and functionality, contributing to the creative process. WavTool is no exception, and its future evolution is something to watch. It will be interesting to see how it compares to other products and evolves based on user feedback, hopefully growing into a more user-friendly and powerful tool for music creators.