WAVS Launches New Desktop App That Syncs With DAW Playhead, BPM & Key

The new standalone app lets producers audition WAVS samples in sync with their DAW, modifying the tempo and key to match their project.

Audio sample platform WAVS has launched a new standalone desktop application and DAW bridge plugin designed to streamline how producers browse and use samples. The update allows users to audition samples from the WAVS library in sync with their DAW’s tempo, key, and timeline position, improving compatibility between WAVS’s catalogue and whichever software they use to make music.

The new app expands WAVS’ offering beyond its web browser interface and VST plugin, now enabling direct drag-and-drop functionality from the desktop to the DAW. According to the company, this feature was previously unavailable on its website version, making the standalone app a more efficient tool for integrating purchased or auditioned samples into production sessions.

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The core innovation in the new release is the DAW bridge plugin, which facilitates real-time communication between a user’s DAW and the WAVS desktop app. Once installed, the plugin transmits the project’s BPM and playback position to the WAVS app. This allows producers to preview samples with automatic time-stretching and key transposition, reflecting the current state of their session.

In addition to tempo and key matching, the app includes features such as half-time and double-time auditioning, sample reversal, and manual semitone pitch shifting.

Another notable addition is Playhead Sync, which enables samples to be previewed in precise alignment with the DAW’s current timeline position – even if playback starts mid-measure.

The WAVS platform continues to leverage AI for sample discovery. Users can search for sounds by parameters such as artist influence, mood, energy, and genre. An AI-driven “similar sounds” feature also helps producers locate comparable samples based on an initial selection.

The platform offers over 100,000 samples, all available for licensing and download. WAVS is positioned as a marketplace catering to both creators and producers, providing tools not only for discovery but also for seamless integration of sounds into digital production environments.

With WAVs new desktop app, it brings the company even more into direct competition with legacy firms such as Splice and Loopmasters/Loopcloud.

The WAVS Desktop App and DAW bridge are available now, with more details and free trials accessible at the company’s official website.