May 2026 DAW Roundup: FL Studio Powers Up, Steinberg Polishes Atmos Mastering

Spring is in full swing, and so is the pace of music tech updates. This week we’re spotlighting Image-Line’s hefty FL Studio 2025.2 update alongside the debut of FLkey 2, plus Steinberg’s latest WaveLab maintenance update that brings welcome enhancements for Dolby Atmos mastering. Let’s dive into the details that will keep your productions fresh and workflow smooth.

FL Studio 2025.2: Slicing, Emphasizing, and Looping Your Way to Creativity

FL Studio users, rejoice. The 2025.2 update is here with some serious creative muscle. The revamped Fruity Slicer 2 promises more intuitive sample slicing, making chopping up loops and beats a breeze. New plugin Emphasizer adds a fresh layer of sonic shaping, while the expanded Loop Starter genres give you more ready-to-go content for quick inspiration. It’s a tidy package that keeps Image-Line’s flagship DAW sharp and fun.

Official FL Studio 2025.2 release notes

FLkey 2: A Keyboard That Speaks FL Studio Fluently

Joining the software update is the new FLkey 2, a MIDI keyboard born from Image-Line’s collaboration with Novation. This isn’t just any controller — it boasts responsive RGB pads, endless encoders, and a crisp OLED display, all designed for tight integration with FL Studio’s workflow. If you’ve been wanting hardware that truly feels like a native extension of your DAW, FLkey 2 might be worth a look.

FLkey 2 announcement

WaveLab 13.0.20: Dolby Atmos Mastering Gets a Boost

On the Steinberg front, WaveLab 13.0.20 is a maintenance update that packs some practical improvements for Dolby Atmos engineers. New features include channel preview and selective channel import, which streamline working with complex stems. Individual waveform displays and hybrid bed support round out the update, making immersive audio mastering a bit more approachable.

WaveLab 13.0.20 release notes

That wraps up this week’s roundup — a neat trio of updates that each offer something to producers across different workflows. Whether you’re slicing beats in FL Studio, playing live with FLkey 2, or mastering in WaveLab, there’s fresh gear and software to explore.

Don’t forget to check out DAW LibrarY’s carefully curated templates and presets to complement your DAW setup. For Logic Pro users, our Logic Pro X Templates section is packed with inspiring projects. Cubase fans will find plenty in Cubase Templates, while Ableton Live producers should browse through our Ableton Live Templates for fresh ideas and workflow boosts.