Steinberg editor

Steinberg SpectraLayers.

Split audio into spectral layers

4.43 / 5Directory score
Official website

A spectral editor with Unmix tools. View and edit isolated parts on separate layers.

Steinberg Announces Sound Tools in SpectraLayers 13.
Steinberg Announces Sound Tools in SpectraLayers 13. Open the source

Working with layers

SpectraLayers shows how a recording's energy is distributed over time and frequency. Unmix tools create layers you can inspect and edit separately. This helps identify the source of a problem in a mix and remove or reduce it in a short passage. For example, listen to the separated dialogue on its own and compare it with the remaining background.

Checking your own material

The training example has its own rehearsal record. In between the phrases, you can hear the guitar blocking the introduction of the vocals. Start with a passage where both sources are present, and get the rough layers. Turn them on in turn. If there are string attacks left in the voice layer, find this moment on the spectrogram and evaluate whether it is possible to weaken it locally without changing the necessary consonants.

After editing, re-enable all layers. Some artifacts are visible only when listening alone, while others appear when folded.

Editions and handoff

In different editions, a different set of separation tools is available. Before you buy, check the type of material you are working with. To transfer to editing or sound engineering, agree on the sampling frequency and the general start point of the files. So even silence until the first event will retain the position of the layer. Keep the original mixture separately and record where manual editing was applied.

Suitable tasks

  • Separate voice or instrument from mixture
  • Edit the problem sound on a separate layer
Features

Strengths

  • Viewing sound by frequency and time
  • Multiple types of separation depending on the edition
Things to consider

Limitations

  • Separation may leave fragments of neighboring sources
  • Editorial capabilities are different

Selection and conditions

Free access
Not confirmed
Trial period
Not confirmed
No sign-up required
Not confirmed
Russian interface
Not confirmed
Local installation
Not confirmed
API
Not confirmed

“Not confirmed” means there is not enough information. The feature may still be available; check the developer’s terms.

Input formats
Audio
Result
Audio

Terms

The editor is installed on a supported computer. The composition of Unmix tools and integration options are specified for each edition.

From task to first result

Practical example

Task
Separate voice or instrument from mixture
What to prepare
Your own music recording or a file you have permission to process, with a part selected for separation.

Task brief or prompt

Task in the separation interface: isolate vocals and instrumental backing. First preview dense and quiet passages, then save the tracks and original if downloads are available. This processes an audio file rather than generating music from text.

Expected result

Separated audio tracks for listening and further editing, possibly containing leakage from other parts.

How to check the result

  • Compare consonants, beats and sustained sounds with the original.
  • Check synchronization, the beginning and the tail of downloaded files.
  • Confirm that the chosen plan permits downloads.
  • Check music rights and the intended use of the stems.

An editorial teaching example of a task brief, not the result of hands-on testing of the service. Check that the required mode is available, that you have rights to the source material and that the intended use of the result is permitted.

Check details

Official sources

  1. SpectraLayers Features and Editions
  2. SpectraLayers release and new modules
  3. Guide to spectral layers

This description is based on the developer’s material. Features, prices and availability may change; check the primary source before use.