Spectral analyzer plugins are essential tools for music production. They offer a window into an audio track’s soundscape and a detailed look at the frequencies of a track in real time.
A spectral analyzer breaks down the frequency spectrum of any audio, providing an instant visual understanding of its harmonic content and energy distribution. Because of this, spectral analyzer plugins are not only tools that help you understand sound behavior but also powerful allies in mixing and mastering. They make it easier for you to identify frequency problems, perform accurate equalization, and make informed decisions to improve overall sound quality.
In addition to their primary analysis function, spectral analyzer plugins can offer you a variety of additional features, among which you can find functions such as peak detection, visualization of dynamics, comparison of spectra between tracks, the ability to freeze the screen to inspect static frequencies and integration with other plugins for a smoother workflow.
Using Spectrum Effectively
Here are some ways to get the most out of this tool:
- Identify Frequency Issues:
Look at the spectrum to detect peaks or dips at specific frequencies. Excessive peaks can indicate resonance problems or instruments that stick out too much, while dips can signal frequencies masked or attenuated by other elements in the mix. By identifying these issues, you can take steps to correct them using equalization or other audio processing techniques.
- Balance Your Mixes:
Use the analyzer to ensure that all frequencies are properly balanced in your mix. Verify that the bass, midrange, and treble are present and well represented without dominating excessively over the others. This will help you create a clearer mix.
- Optimize Instrument Separation:
By viewing the frequency spectrum of each track individually, you can identify which instruments occupy which frequency ranges. This allows you to make adjustments to ensure that different instruments are not competing with each other for space in the spectrum, resulting in better separation and clarity in the final mix.
- Monitor Dynamics:
Some spectral analyzers also provide information on signal dynamics, showing the amplitude of frequencies over time. Use this function to identify parts of the track that may be too dynamic or lacking dynamics and apply compression or other dynamics control processes as necessary.
Best paid and free spectrum analyzer plugins
Excite Audio VISION 4X
More Info & Price (Trial Available)
The Excite Audio Vision 4X is a spectrum analyzer that combines four custom-built tools in a single interface that you can individually resize and adapt for greater working comfort.
This plugin has a high-resolution Spectrogram focused on the low-end, which you can set in three FFT modes: Transient, Harmonic, and All-Around if you want a more general view of the audio you are analyzing. You can customize its colors most conveniently, and it has a Freeze button to pause the analysis and zoom in if necessary.
The Bar Graph Section shows a spectrum analyzer you can configure in various ways for more detailed analysis. You can choose from 4 bars to a complete line graph using the number of bars you want. You can also adjust the movement speed to match your track and detect Peaks or other existing issues. It includes several Reference Curve presets showing precisely which frequencies you should attenuate or highlight to achieve the desired result.
The Waveform section is a good option to add to the Spectrogram or the Bar Graph. Thus, it provides more information about volume gain and timing. It also includes VU and RMS metering tools and highlights above 0dB for complete monitoring.
In the Phase Correlation Meter section, you can monitor how the tracks behave in the stereo image and the phase differences between both sides. Any value below zero indicates phase issues that must be checked to avoid generating sound losses.
Excite Audio VISION 4X plugin is compatible with digital audio workstations (DAWs) that support VST, AU, and AAX formats. This includes popular DAWs such as Ableton Live, Logic Pro, FL Studio, Pro Tools, etc.
TDR Prism
The TDR Prism is a precise, fully configurable spectrum analyzer whose performance focuses on human audio perception. It can be downloaded for free.
You can use it to analyze audio files, sidechains, or other instances within a project. It can display up to four inputs independently and is fully resizable.
The Prism has a pause button at the top right. This option allows you to take a screenshot any time you analyze the frequencies in detail. It also has an Auditory Masking Mode that will tell you when this issue happens in real-time and several frequency weighting modes.
In the Inputs section, you can select different panning modes (LR Avg, Left, Right, Sum, and Diff), Rms/Peak option, analysis speed (Slow, Fast, and Infinit), custom colors, and display type (Line, Fill and XRay). In this section, you can also choose the type of Resolution, where you would select options, among which you will find Human Mode, which provides an analysis with smoother curves and can be very useful. On the other hand, if you choose the Raw option, it will give you a highly precise resolution.
The Prism offers three processing options (Low, Medium, and high) in the Precision Option, depending on the CPU usage you want to use. Its resizing capacity can even be configured in full-screen mode, which is helpful for this monitoring tool. TDR also offers a paid version of this product, including additional features to work even more in detail.
TDR Prism is available in audio units and a digital workstations (DAWs) that support VST 2, VST 3, and AAX. It is compatible with Windows (Vista or above) and Mac OS X 10.9.
Sonible true:balance
More Info & Price (Trial Available)
The true:balance is a real-time Spectrum Analyzer created by Sonible that includes optimization guides that will be very practical for you.
This plugin also includes Spectral Reference options that will help you emulate the characteristic EQ values of each genre and Correlation Meters in each of its bands (Low, Mid, and High), all in a simple interface.
By selecting one of its presets, among which you will find all the most popular genres (Electronic, Rock, Pop, Jazz, Hip Hop, Podcast, etc.), true:balance will begin to analyze the sound and adjust the necessary changes. It will show you the average spectrum of the chosen genre and the real-time spectrum that is being examined so that you can distinguish the differences in the curve.
In addition, its three bands, Low, Mid, and High, will reflect the difference in dB and the approximate amount of correction. Each of these bands has its correlation and stereo width meters, which you can see at the bottom of the interface. It also includes Speed and Resolution parameters to modify how the analyzer behaves.
You will find a dB Meter and the Balance and Mono Check buttons to the right of the interface. Balance Check analyzes and compares both signals to suggest possible modifications that bring you closer to the reference track. Mono Check will alert you if there is a problem in your audio’s mono spectrum. This entire process will occur with posters of different colors appearing on the viewer, depending on the result.
In addition to choosing genres, this plugin offers the option to load multiple reference tracks. By doing so, true:balance will analyze them and provide the spectral curve to follow and the necessary recommendations to get closer to that sound. You can load up to 8 references and change them with just one click in the panel at the top right.
Sonible true:balance is compatible with macOS 10.12+ (M1 Apple Silicon supported) (64-bit only). RAM – at least 4 GB (recommended). CPU – at least Intel DualCore i5 (recommended). Plugin Formats – AU, VST2, VST3, AAX, MultiRack Native. Windows 10+ (64-bit only). RAM – at least 4 GB (recommended). CPU – at least Intel DualCore i5 (recommended). Plugin Formats – VST2, VST3, AAX, MultiRack Native.
Voxengo SPAN FREE
The SPAN is an FFT-type Spectrum Analyzer created by Voxengo. It offers much flexibility when working on your audio; you can download it for free.
To start analyzing the sound with the SPAN, you can choose one of the presets displayed by pressing the upper left part (Default, Stereo Mastering, Low-Freq Inspection, Stereo Smoothed, and Mid Side Stereo). By choosing Mid Side Stereo, you will see how both spectra behave in the mix simultaneously, and you can assign them the color you want. With the Hold button, you will freeze the spectrum image anytime.
By entering the configuration section at the top right, you can adjust parameters to define the type of analysis, such as Average Time, Block Size, or Smoothing. Increasing the Block Size will give you a higher resolution, reflected in a more detailed analysis. You can choose up to 1/24 of an Octave in the Smooth option.
Returning to the main section, the SPAN can isolate your chosen frequencies by holding down the command key, right-clicking, and dragging the cursor. This will only hear the sections you scroll through, giving you a better picture of what you are analyzing.
You’ll see a stereo Correlation Meter below the spectrum window, a true peak level detector, and a clipping detector. The Correlation Meter informs you if there is any possible phase cancellation. To the right of the interface, you will see an Output Meter. If you want the spectrum window to occupy the entire interface, you can do so with the Hide Meters and Stats button.
In the Routing section, you can configure several sending options, allowing you to analyze several channels simultaneously or even group them. The SPAN is resizable and allows you to zoom in on specific frequencies, making it a complete tool.
Voxengo SPAN is compatible with 64-bit Mac OS and Windows PC VST, AudioUnit, AAX, VST3 plugin host software: REAPER, Ableton Live, Cubase, Logic Pro, Pro Tools, FL Studio, Studio One, OBS, Bitwig Studio, Nuendo, WaveLab, Vegas, SoundForge, GarageBand, Cakewalk, Adobe Audition, Samplitude, Digital Performer, Mixcraft, Edius, others.
iZotope Insight 2
More Info & Price (Trial Available)
The iZOTOPE Insight 2 is a metering plugin for music and post-production with professional-level tools. It allows you to analyze even the most minor details of your productions.
It has different analysis stages that can be used individually or combined with others. In addition to a spectrum analyzer, it has Loudness, Levels, Sound Field, History, Intelligibility, and Spectrogram sections.
At the top of the interface, you will find the Layouts option, which functions as presets. When you click on it, a long list will be displayed in three categories: Audio Analysis, Loudness Mastering, and Music production. By choosing the most appropriate one, you will begin to analyze quickly.
The Loudness section comprises three Luf Meters that return different values depending on your Target option (EBU R128, Netflix, Spotify, Portaria 354, and YouTube, among many others). Insight 2 will thus tell you whether to increase or reduce the values of your master track.
In the Levels section, you will find a traditional Peak RMS Meter. In the Sound Field section, you can clearly see how the sound behaves in the stereo image and check for phase errors with the correlation meter located to the right. The sound field can be set to a Polar Sample for a smooth spectrum and a Polar Level for a more dynamic spectrum.
In the History section, Insight 2 generates a log of the track played, allowing you to visualize the dynamics throughout the entire track and thus know which parts need adjustments. In the Intelligibility section, the plugin will tell you if the vocals are at the appropriate gain levels concerning the mix, and you can choose between different Listener Environments and other options.
The Spectrum section shows you a simple analyzer in which you can monitor the general behavior of your track and configure some other parameters. However, the interesting thing happens in the Spectrogram section since you will find a visualizer that will graph the behavior of the sound three-dimensionally. You can also configure sends and assign colors to see how the tracks interact. You can view these graphs from different perspectives by choosing the Front High, Front Low, Diagonal, Side Low, and Side High options.
iZotope Insight 2 is compatible with Mac: macOS Monterey (12.7.2), macOS Ventura (13.6.3), macOS Sonoma (14.3.1)* Supported on Intel Macs or Apple silicon (M-series) Macs (native and Rosetta). Win: Windows 10, Windows 11. Plugin formats: AAX, AU, VST3, VST2 .Macs. Supported hosts: Logic Pro 10.8, Pro Tools 2022 – 2023, Ableton Live 11, Cubase 13, Nuendo 12.
SIR SpectrumAnalyzer
More Info & Price (Trial Available)
The SpectrumAnalyzer, created by SIR Audio Tools, is a free tool that includes everything you need to work on your audio and detect frequency issues.
This plugin includes a list of presets that will be displayed when started, from which you can choose different types of analysis and curve smoothing. You can adjust the FFT (Fast Fourier Transform) and the band-pass filter here. This plugin has an analog-style engine, which can offer more accurate time resolution.
In the configuration section, you can adjust parameters within the Resolution, Peaks, Display, and Channels options, among others. To the left of the display, the SpectrumAnalyzer has a Peak & RMS Meter, which can be hidden if you don’t need to use it. Within the viewer, you can select areas that, when chosen, will show labels for each peak with their specific frequency.
An interesting option of this plugin is the possibility of adding channels, which we will activate by clicking on the lower right corner that says Add Slot. With both channels activated, we can send and configure all the options individually to obtain different analyses of the same audio. Although you can use only two channels in the free version, you can extend it up to four in the full version.
You can also open this plugin in the master and the channels you want to analyze, activate the sends using the Aux option at the top, and compare different signals in the same window in real-time, which is very useful for analyzing those that move at similar frequencies.
This analyzer is entirely resizable; you can adjust the width and length independently. You can also change the colors, choose between different spectral smoothing algorithms, and adapt the GUI size and scaling, making it a customizable tool.
SIR SpectrumAnalyzer requires Windows 7 or newer, 20 MB of hard disk space, a VST-host application (like Cubase, Tracktion, etc.), Pro-Tools 11 or newer, and Mac OS 10.9 or newer. It also requires Audio-Unit or VST compatible Host software, Pro-Tools 11 or newer.
MeldaProduction MMultiAnalyzer
More Info & Price (Trial Available)
The MMultiAnalyzer is a multi-channel Spectrum Analyzer created by MeldaProduction that will provide you with a detailed view of your mixes.
It includes several tools and sections to analyze every aspect of your master mix and individual tracks in a well-distributed interface. In the interface’s main menu, you will find the Resolution, Smoothness, Gain, and Slope parameters, among others. With the Deharmonize parameter, you can easily detect the fundamental frequency of each track.
The first section is the Spectrum section, where you will analyze the behavior of the signals. The interesting thing is that by adding an MMultiAnalyzer to each track, you can observe all the spectra in a single display, differentiating them by the color you designate for each one. The Areas option will show you a summary of the areas where each instrument moves the most.
In the Sonogram section, you can observe how the sound waves of the different tracks behave and adjust the resolution for a better interpretation. The Collisions section will show you which areas the frequencies collide, turning red over the most affected sector. This is useful for analyzing kicks and bass or vocals and synths that generally share frequencies.
The Loudness & Waves section will show you a clear map of the dynamics of the signals, individually and globally, as you choose, always respecting the color assigned to each track. You can choose between Momentary, Short Term, and Integrated options here.
In the Stereo section, you will see what proportion of the mix is occupied by the center and which is occupied by the sides, and thus determine if it is necessary to expand the width of the signals or reduce it. Finally, the Oscilloscope section will allow you to see the dynamics of the signals from another perspective.
The MMultiAnalyzer is resizable, can be associated with MIDI controllers for more intuitive use, and can analyze up to eight channels simultaneously.
MMultiAnalyzer is compatible with Windows 8 / 10 / 11 (64-bit), a VST / VST3 / AAX compatible host (64-bit), an Intel/AMD processor with SSE2 support, MacOS 10.14 and newer (64-bit), a VST / VST3 / AU / AAX compatible host, an Intel/AMD/M1 processor with SSE2 support, and Native Apple Silicon ARM CPU support.
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