Our verdict: Acoustica is a serious audio editor and restoration tool that costs far less than the big post-production suites. The spectral editor, dialogue isolation and noise reduction are aimed at podcasts, post-production and music restoration. The Standard edition is limited to stereo and keeps some tools in-app only, so multichannel work needs a pricier edition.
About Acoustica
Acoustica is developed by Acon Digital and has been in development for over twenty years. Version 8 adds machine-learning DeNoise 3 and DeHum, Extract:Dialogue 2 in higher editions, AudioFill interpolation and a redesigned interface. An ARA2 plug-in lets you open Acoustica's clip editor inside Pro Tools, Cubase, Studio Pro, Reaper and other ARA hosts.
The 30-day trial is fully functional and needs no credit card. After 30 days you need a license to keep using it. Acoustica is sold as a one-time purchase with no subscription: Standard costs $149, Premium $299 and Ultimate $449, with the multichannel and extra restoration tools in the higher editions.
What it does well
- Spectral editor. Paint out barks, sirens and coughs with stereo-view spectrograms and time-frequency feathering.
- Restoration tools. AI-powered DeNoise 3 and DeHum, plus click, crackle and hum removal.
- Multitrack and clip editing. Edit stereo clips and arrange several tracks in one project.
- ARA2 integration. Use the Acoustica editor directly inside Pro Tools and other ARA-compatible DAWs.
- Mixing and mastering. Dynamics, EQ, limiting and dithering tools for finishing tracks inside the editor.
Who it is for
Good fit
Podcast editors, post-production engineers and musicians restoring old or noisy recordings.
Look elsewhere
Beginners who only need basic cutting, and anyone who wants surround tools in the cheapest edition.
Pros and cons
Pros
- One-time price, no subscription
- Strong spectral repair tools
- ARA2 integration with major DAWs
- Card-free 30-day trial
Cons
- Trial stops after 30 days
- Standard edition is stereo only
- Many advanced tools are in Premium or Ultimate
How to install Acoustica
The button downloads the 64-bit Windows installer directly from Acon Digital. The trial needs no credit card. Install the ARA or VST3 plug-ins if you want to use Acoustica inside your DAW.
Questions about Acoustica
Is Acoustica free?
No. Acon Digital offers a fully functional 30-day trial with no credit card. After that you need a license: Standard costs $149, Premium $299 and Ultimate $449, all one-time purchases.
Is there still a free Acoustica edition?
Not for version 8. The official product page lists only the 30-day trial and the three paid editions.
Does Acoustica work inside my DAW?
Yes. All editions include an ARA2 plug-in for compatible DAWs and a transfer plug-in for Pro Tools.
