Understanding SADiE:

Uses, Users, and Unique Strengths

SADiE is a high-end Digital Audio Workstation designed for professional recording, editing, mastering, and broadcast applications.

Unlike other DAWs that focus on music production, SADiE is widely used in classical recording, spoken word production, radio broadcasting, and forensic audio due to its non-destructive, object-based editing system.

Even though new development has ended, SADiE remains one of the most precise and efficient editing environments available, trusted by professionals across various audio industries. Mastering engineers rely on its high-precision tools to finalize tracks with unmatched accuracy, while broadcast and radio professionals, including those at BBC and Radio France, depend on SADiE to power their workflows.

Classical and live recording engineers turn to it for multi-track recording in complex, high-fidelity settings, and podcasters and audiobook producers benefit from its detailed editing tools for fine control over spoken-word content. Additionally, archiving and restoration engineers use SADiE’s accuracy and precision to restore and preserve audio with the highest fidelity. Whether working in mastering, broadcasting, or long-form spoken-word production, professionals continue to trust SADiE for its reliability and performance.

SADiE’s workflow is optimized for speed and precision, making it a staple in environments where accuracy and efficiency are critical. Over the years, it has become the DAW of choice for leading media organizations, including national broadcasters and mastering engineers who require industry-leading tools.

Playlist Editor yes
Trim Editor yes
Region Editor yes
3-4 Point Editor yes
Speech Editor yes
VSTâ„¢ Plugin Support yes
Direct-Xâ„¢ Plugin Support yes
MP3 Import/Export yes
Playlist Automation Edit yes
Text EDL Print yes
Software Video tools (AVI) yes
Quicktimeâ„¢ Video Support yes
Auto-Conform (and Re-Link) yes
AES31 File Interchange yes
SADiE 5.6 File Interchange yes
M/S Phase yes
Surround yes
PQ Editor yes
PQ List Printing yes
DDPi Creation/Import yes
WAV Master yes
Mastering Limiter yes
Graphical Parametric Eq. yes
Hi Dither (Noise Shaping) yes
Prism Sound SNS Noise Shaping yes
Sample Accurate Editing yes
Real Time and NRT Processing yes
Edit Whilst Recording yes

Important Notice for Existing SADiE 6 Users

We strongly advise against installing the free version of SADiE 6 on any system that already has a licensed version installed.

This free release is intended only for use on new computers that do not rely on certain legacy features or older, discontinued hardware. Support for key functionalities, such as CEDAR plugins and CD burning and reading has been removed (though DDP writing is still available). The bundled iZotope tools are no longer included in this version.

Additionally, while it remains compatible with BB2, BB2J, and LRX2 hardware, this should be approached with caution and only on a fresh system to avoid overwriting any existing licensed installation. This release does not support older SADiE hardware such as PCM4, PCM8, H8, H16, or H64.

This version is not a direct upgrade or replacement for fully licensed SADiE 6 systems and should be treated as a separate, license free edition.

SADiE Software