Head-to-head comparison
WaveLab Cast vs Welder
Two of the recording tools podcasters reach for. Here's how they differ on pricing, features, audience, and the trade-offs that actually matter day-to-day.
Steinberg's podcast-focused audio editor with multitrack recording and direct upload to hosts.
Best for: Steinberg loyalists
Lightweight remote session studio aimed at startup founders and marketers.
Best for: Quick marketing recordings
At a glance
The honest trade-offs
WaveLab Cast
Pros
- Built on Steinberg's mature audio engine
- Direct upload to Spreaker, Podbean, SoundCloud
- 30-day free trial of the full app
Watch-outs
- Smaller community and fewer tutorials
- Less narrative-focused than Hindenburg
- Mac and Windows only
Welder
Pros
- Simple browser-based interface
- Includes SRT and TXT transcripts
- Backups remain accessible after downgrade
Watch-outs
- Dropped local recording in February 2022
- Smaller feature set than category leaders
- Quiet update cadence vs competitors
Which one should you pick?
Pick WaveLab Cast if
You’re building around steinberg loyalists. WaveLab Cast 2 is the underrated podcast tool from a serious audio company. Same engine as Steinberg's mastering flagship, with direct upload to Spreaker, Podbean, and SoundCloud.
Pick Welder if
You’re building around quick marketing recordings. Welder has been quiet for years and dropped local recording back in February 2022, which makes it noticeably less competitive against Riverside, SquadCast, and Boomcaster in 2026. Sessions live or die by the connection during recording — the exact opposite of where the category has moved.
Also worth comparing
Or see all WaveLab Cast alternatives.
Frequently asked
What does WaveLab Cast do better than Welder?
WaveLab Cast's standout is "Built on Steinberg's mature audio engine". Welder doesn't make that promise — it leans into "Simple browser-based interface" instead. If the first sentence describes your workflow, pick WaveLab Cast; if the second does, pick Welder.
What are the trade-offs?
WaveLab Cast: smaller community and fewer tutorials. Welder: dropped local recording in february 2022. Whether either matters depends entirely on what you actually need — neither is a deal-breaker by itself.
Do they support the same platforms?
WaveLab Cast works on macOS, Windows where Welder doesn't. Welder works on Web where WaveLab Cast doesn't. If you're on a specific OS or device, that may decide for you.
Can I use WaveLab Cast and Welder together?
Both are recording tools so most teams pick one. Some workflows do combine them — for example, using WaveLab Cast for one show or episode type and Welder for another. Worth trying both free tiers before committing.