The latest version of Steinberg’s post-production-focused DAW has just arrived, and comes packed with new dialogue editing, sound design and mixing tools, as well as improved automation, simplified multi-channel managements and more.
Analysis & Automation
First on the list of upgrades for Nuendo 15 is a new Analyzer Track that Steinberg say is capable of precisely measuring and displaying dialogue intelligibility. Based on Fraunhofer IDMT technology, the feature employs colour-based metering that allows problem areas to be instantly identified, and includes adjustable thresholds to that allow dialogue to be aligned with broadcaster specifications.
The DAW’s film mixing automation system has been significantly updated, too, and now features a new space-saving vertical view. New automation functions then include the ability to select parameters by simply touching plug-in controls, automation copy/paste, individual track punch out in Latch Mode, clearer visual automation states and more.
Convert Channels then deliver a long-requested feature that automatically splits or merges files tomatch a selected track layout. Surround clips can be quickly broken down into structured stems, or mono files combined into stereo pairs during import or across multiple tracks, reducing repetitive setup tasks and streamlining session preparation.
Import & Export Improvements
Broadcast and post-production will be pleased to see that it’s now possible to carry out direct imports of MXF video and audio tracks from OP1a containers. The change offers immediate compatibility with AVC Intra 50/100/200 and MPEG-2 codecs, and more formats will be supported through future updates. Support for MPF and MXF/S ADM imports also means full scene metadata can now be brought into a session.
Video export capabilities have been updated, too, with new resolution and encoding options added. These include a range of presets, software or GPU encoding, and support for text overlays from the active marker track, allowing timecode, dialogue and other ADR attributes to be burned into the exported video. a quick export option also streamlines audio rendering, supporting faster previews and intermediate deliverables during active sessions.
Sound Design & Music
Music and sound design users haven’t been left out, and all of the new sound-design features added in Cubase 15 are now present in Nuendo, including the AI-powered stem separation, redesigned Expression Maps and DAWproject format support. New plug-in effects include UltraShaper, which combines transient shaping, clip limiting and EQ; the real-time PitchShifter; and OmniVocal, which is capable of creating natural-sounding synthesised vocals. There are also six new Modulators.
Additonal built-in sounds are provided by additional HALion libraries, while Groove Agent SE has gained 40 new drum kits, and 30 new Chord Pack presets deliver an array of new ready-to-use harmonic structures.
And More!
A new Hub makes it quicker and easier to get a session up and running, and includes resizable panels, project previews and enhanced search and filtering options. a redesigned ADR panel then provides a clearer structure and more streamlined visual layout, while Folder Tracks can also now be assigned their own group channel, with tracks in the folder automatically routed to their corresponding bus. Volume and pan controls are available directly within the track controls area, including customisable layouts per track type and in macOS, Nuendo 15 now supports native full-screen mode, enabling immersive editing and mixing across Project and MixConsole windows.
Other new features and improvements include:
- WaveLab Go, a new ARA extension which builds on WaveLab Pro’s highly regarded
- editing technology, comprising mastering-grade audio analysis, editing and repair tools.
- An updated Score Editor with new tools and enhanced workflows.
- New colour schemes which improve the readability of various SuperVision modules.
- Improved Headphones Match, with new and updated compensation curves for
- headphones from Audeze, Audio Technica, Beyerdynamic, Fiio, Sennheiser, Shure and more.
- All stock effect plug-ins include user-adjustable interface scaling.
- Pinch-to-zoom gestures on compatible macOS devices for smooth navigation and precise timeline control.
- The Sampler Track now enables instant sample replacement via MediaBay Hot Swap, with improved filtering to speed up selection and auditioning.
Compatibility
Nuendo 15 is supported on PCs running Windows 10 or above, and Macs running macOS 14 and above.
Pricing & Availability
Nuendo 15 is available now, priced at $999.99£829 / €999. An update from version 14 costs $199.99£165 / €199, and all updates are subject to a 20% discount until 25 April 2026. GBP prices include VAT. Those who have activated Nuendo 14 or earlier versions since 25 February 2026 are eligible for a free, downloadable grace period update to the latest version.
