Everything You Need for Live Visuals
73 shaders. 23 effects. Infinite possibilities.
73 Production-Ready Shaders
Every shader is compute-based for maximum performance, built on Metal 3 for Apple Silicon. Real-time parameter control lets you shape visuals on the fly.
Abstract
Flowing organic forms
Geometric
Sharp mathematical patterns
Tunnels
Infinite depth journeys
Particles
GPU-driven particle systems
3D Mesh
Real-time 3D geometry
TrueGod Showcase
Premium signature shaders
Forge Graph Runtime Parity
RenderWave 1.5 ships full runtime parity for Forge-graph-authored shaders. Graphs you build visually now execute against the exact same runtime contract as hand-authored Metal compute shaders — same parameter binding, same audio modulation, same render pipeline.
No translation layer. No second-class status for visual shader authoring. Build a shader graph, drop it into the library, and it behaves identically to the bundled 73.
Render Target Consolidation
1.5 reclaims 126 MB of GPU memory by consolidating render targets in the post-processing chain. Same visual output, lower memory pressure on M1 and M2 Pro hardware — headroom that translates directly to more concurrent effects and higher output resolutions.
Every Effect, Stackable in Any Order
Rebuilt from the ground up in 1.5. Every effect runs at full frame rate with predictable defaults and no parameter collisions between scenes.
4-Step Parameter Automation
- Hermite interpolation for buttery smooth motion
- Capture and loop patterns on the fly
- Per-step parameter recording
Real-Time Audio Reactivity
- Real-time FFT analysis
- Frequency bands: bass, mid, treble, overall
- Beat detection with intensity scaling
- Parameter modulation from any audio source
- Selectable audio input devices
Launchpad Mini MK3
Hardware Control
- CoreMIDI support for all devices
- Hot-plug device detection
- Launchpad Mini MK3 LED feedback
- Preset triggering and parameter control
- Learn mode for easy mapping
Professional Output Options
Multi-Resolution
1080p to 8K output with MetalFX spatial upscaling
External Display
Hot-plug detection with Fill/Fit/Stretch scaling modes
HDR Support
High dynamic range on capable displays
Scaling Modes
Fill, Fit, or Stretch to match any display configuration perfectly
Brand Your Visuals
- Custom text overlays with any font
- Logo import and placement
- Blend mode control
- Opacity and positioning
Smooth Scene Changes
Configurable duration from 0 to 5 seconds
Know Your System
- Real-time FPS display
- GPU utilization tracking
- Memory usage monitoring
- Thermal state awareness
Frequently Asked Questions
What shaders are included with RenderWave?
RenderWave ships with 73 production-ready Metal 3 compute shaders covering abstract forms, geometric patterns, tunnels, particle systems, 3D mesh, and premium TrueGod showcase shaders. Each shader exposes 26+ real-time parameters you can modulate with audio, MIDI, or the step sequencer.
Does RenderWave support audio reactivity?
Yes. RenderWave's audio engine performs real-time FFT analysis and lets you target bass, mid, and treble frequency bands independently. You can assign any band to any shader parameter with adjustable intensity and mode — far more precise than global audio reactivity.
Can I use MIDI controllers with RenderWave?
Yes. RenderWave supports CoreMIDI with hot-plug device detection, learn mode for easy mapping, and Launchpad Mini MK3 LED feedback. You can trigger presets, control parameters, and sequence visuals from any MIDI controller.
What output resolutions does RenderWave support?
RenderWave outputs from 1080p up to 8K via MetalFX spatial upscaling. It supports external displays with hot-plug detection and Fill/Fit/Stretch scaling modes, HDR on capable displays, and Syphon output for routing to other Mac apps like Resolume or MadMapper.
Is there a free trial for RenderWave?
Yes. RenderWave offers a fully unlocked 14-day Studio trial with all 73 shaders, 23 post-processing effects, MIDI, Ableton Link, Syphon, and 8K output. Card required to start the trial — cancel before day 15 and you won't be charged. The Free Edition runs at 1080p with a watermark; the current download flow requires an account and license. Paid plans start at $9.99/month.
Try the full app first.
Start a fully unlocked 14-day trial and run RENDERWAVE in your own setup.
Need help getting started? Check the Help Center or view the Roadmap.