8.6Great
Acoustica 8 is Acon Digital's audio editor, restoration, and mastering suite, with machine-learning DeNoise 3 and DeHum 3 and a redesigned interface.
Plugin comparison
Acon Digital Acoustica 8 vs Steinberg SpectraLayers 13
Specs, price and the Dubspot Score, side by side — with our verdict on which effect to buy.
Independent score / workflow fit / buying signal
Contenders
The side-by-side
8.7Great
Steinberg's AI-driven spectral audio editor, updated to version 13 with sound-effect unmixing, spectral reconstruction, and two-voice separation for modern post-production.
Score verdict
Which should you buy?
On the Dubspot Score, Steinberg SpectraLayers 13 comes out ahead (8.7). That said, the right pick depends on your workflow and budget — read both reviews before deciding.
Technical matrix
Specs compared
| Signal | Acon Digital Acoustica 8 | Steinberg SpectraLayers 13 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Standard $149, Premium $299, Ultimate $449 | €359 Pro / €89.99 Elements |
| Dubspot Score | 8.6 | 8.7 |
| Formats | Standalone, VST3, AU, AAX | Standalone, VST3 ARA2, AU ARA2, AAX AudioSuite |
| Type | Audio editor, restoration, and mastering suite | Spectral audio editor (standalone + ARA 2) |
| Editions | Standard, Premium, Ultimate | Pro, Elements, Go |
| Restoration | DeNoise 3 and DeHum 3 on machine-learning models; full Restoration Suite | — |
| Editing | Spectral (frequency-based) editing; cut, copy, paste, mix, drag-and-drop | — |
| Channels | Stereo (Standard); up to 8 channels and immersive (Premium / Ultimate) | — |
| Plugin versions | VST3, AU, AAX in Premium and Ultimate | — |
| Interface | Redesigned, with Launch Page and dockable, rearrangeable tools | — |
| Platforms | Windows and macOS (standalone) | — |
| License | Perpetual (all editions) | — |
| New modules | — | Unmix Sound Effects, Ambience Heal, Reconstruct, Attenuate, Voice DeClick, Unmix Two Voices, Voice DeCrosstalk, Level Check, Fade |
| macOS support | — | macOS 12 / 13 / 14 / 15 / 26 (Intel & Apple silicon) |
| Windows support | — | Windows 10 & 11 21H2+ (x64), Windows 11 on Arm 24H2+ |
| Released | — | 2026-07-01 |
See the full plugin database for more comparisons.