If you are cruising the market looking for the best spectrum analyzer plugin (whether paid or free), then this article has got you covered up!
Firstly, you have to understand what exactly you need a spectrum analyzer for. Almost all spectrum analyzers function in the same way.
Spectrum analyzers are tools that provide a user with detailed information about the sounds by dividing the frequency spectrum to show the range of frequencies. The horizontal (x) axis corresponds to the frequency, and the vertical (y) axis corresponds to the amplitude of the frequencies.
The frequencies displayed on a spectrum analyzer are normally from 20Hz to 20kHz, which is the range that can be heard by a human ear.
Spectrum analyzers are very useful to check the overall frequency balance of the mix or when comparing certain parts of a mix. This makes it especially useful when mixing using lower-quality monitors or in a non-treated (acoustically) room which can lead to an accidentally unbalanced mix.
The 6 Best Spectrum Analyzer VST Plugins 2023
1. Excite Audio VISION 4X by Noisia (Complete Spectral Solution)
More Info & Price (Trial Available)
VISION4X is a spectral analysis plugin by Excite Audio and Noisia.
It is a spectral analysis tool that allows you to visualize the frequency content of audio signals in real-time. The plugin can be used in various ways, such as analyzing a mix to identify and address issues with frequency balance or as a creative tool for sound design.
The plugin features a real-time frequency analyzer with a resolution of up to 1/24th of an octave and includes a stereo correlation meter, loudness meter, and peak meter.
Key Features:
- Configurable FFT size
The plugin allows you to adjust the FFT (Fast Fourier Transform) size, affecting the balance between frequency and time resolution. Larger FFT sizes provide higher frequency resolution but lower time resolution, while smaller FFT sizes provide lower frequency resolution but higher time resolution. - Spectrogram
The plugin’s spectrogram is designed to be easy to read and interpret, with a range of color schemes to choose from. In a spectrogram, the horizontal axis represents time, the vertical axis represents frequency, and the color represents the amplitude of the frequency at a given point in time. The brighter the color, the higher the amplitude of the frequency.
The spectrogram in the plugin allows you to see the distribution of frequencies across the entire audio spectrum in real-time; this way, you can easily identify problems such as frequency masking, phase cancellation, and other issues that may affect audio quality.
It also allows you to adjust the frequency range, time resolution, and color scheme to analyze the audio better, making it easy to fine-tune the audio signal to achieve a balanced and polished final product. - Bar Graph
The bar graph is divided into several vertical bars, each representing a specific harmonic frequency, such that the height of each bar corresponds to the amplitude of that harmonic frequency in the sound. This allows you to quickly identify which harmonic frequencies are present in a sound and to make adjustments to those frequencies. - Phase Correlation Meter
The plugin includes a phase correlation meter that allows you to visualize the phase relationship between the different oscillators in the synthesizer. The phase correlation meter displays the phase relationship between the oscillators on a scale from -1 to 1. A value of -1 indicates that the oscillators are completely out of phase with each other, while a value of 1 indicates that they are perfectly in phase.
Compatibility:
Noisia’s VISION4X 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, and many others.
Summary:
Overall, the plugin proves to be one of the most advanced and versatile spectrum analysis tools and is helpful in mixing and mastering. It’s a one-stop shop for your virtual setup’s visual and graphical monitoring needs.
2. Voxengo SPAN (Our Pick)
Voxengo SPAN is one of the most popular and widely used spectrum analysis plugins that you can find. It is a FREE plugin that manages to compete shoulder to shoulder with industry giants.
SPAN has an extremely flexible system that allows you to set up spectrum analyzer preferences. You can specify the Fourier block size in samples, set the percentage for the FFT window overlap, and specify the spectrum’s visual slope. In addition to that, Voxengo SPAN supports multi-channel display in both real-time and all-time maximums.
Key Features:
- Voxengo SPAN has a real-time FFT spectrum analyzer
- Phase correlation meter that enables you to detect phase cancellations
- Colorful interface with interchangeable colors.
- You can listen to a specific frequency through a bandpass filter
- K-level metering to prevent extreme loudness
- Notes can be viewed as semitones and cents, which is not a common feature among many other paid spectrum analyzers
- GUI is scalable, and you can zoom in into the spectrum to view specific ranges in detail
Voxengo has also released an extended version of the SPAN, and it’s called SPAN Plus. On top of the features mentioned, SPAN Plus has many additional features like spectrum export into a PNG image, static spectrums display, and real-time spectrum import/export for comparisons between two tracks.
Compatibility:
Voxengo SPAN and SPAN Plus require Windows XP or higher for PC and macOS 10.11 or higher for Mac. It comes in VST/AU/AAX formats and supports both 32 and 64 bit systems for Windows but only 64-bits for macOS.
Summary:
Overall, Voxengo SPAN comes as a surprise to you due to its incredibly high quality and because it’s a free tool which is very rare. This makes the Voxengo SPAN a viral spectrum analyzer plugin that is used in many professional studios by engineers. We have seen very little to no flaws in this plugin, and we highly recommend that you check it out and judge for yourself.
Related Reading:
Top 5 Audio Metering Plugins (LUFS, RMS, LRA, True Peak)
3. sonible true:balance (Spectrum/Stereo Analysis, Metering & Referencing)
More Info & Price (Trial Available)
true:balance is a plugin for spectrum analysis, frequency balancing, stereo balancing, and referencing your mixes.
The plugin gives you the real-time frequency analysis of your audio, divided into three ranges: low, mid, and high, for each of which it gives separate decibel (dB) ratings, width ratings, and correlation meter ratings. Further, you can load up presets of genres like Rock, Jazz, Hip-hop, etc., for which you can compare the different frequency ranges and their energies.
Key Features:
- Great referencing
The plugin allows you to load up custom references. You can load reference song(s) on the plugin and compare their lows, mids, and highs, in terms of amplitude and stereo width, with your mix. The plugin will inform you about the range by which you’re close to the reference track. Then, you can adjust your tracks according to those suggestions and get a better-sounding balance. - Flexible metering
The plugin shows you a decibel meter, a correlation meter, an advanced spectral balance meter, and a meter for stereo width. Further, there’s also a “Mono Check” feature in the plugin that lets you check the mono compatibility of the mix. - Intuitive Interface
The plugin has a beautiful GUI and is overall easy to use and intuitive. The suggestions that the plugin gives make it even more intuitive. You can easily load up genres and references, and the plugin allows multiple windows. Hence, you can simultaneously target spectral balancing for an EDM song, Pop song, reference song, etc. - Versatility
The plugin is designed for experienced professionals and determined bedroom producers/engineers. You may not have the highest-grade equipment, but with true:balance, you can achieve the highest-grade references and spectral monitoring. The hints and insights you get with the plugin can be the missing link in your mixes.
Compatibility:
true:balance requires a minimum of macOS 10.12 or Windows 10 operating systems, 4 GB RAM, Intel DualCore i5 processor, and is available in VST2, VST3, AAX, and MultiRack Native plugin formats.
Summary:
true:balance is one of the most advanced and easy mixing plugins, and it can help you get your balances just right, ensuring that the output is compatible with most devices and systems. It’s especially great for bedroom producers with limited monitoring resources and systems.
4. iZotope Insight 2 (Metering & Spectrum/Stereo Analysis)
More Info & Price (Trial Available)
Much like most of the plugins developed by iZotope, Insight 2 is another standout spectrum analyzer plugin that provides you with all the tools required to have an in-depth vision of the track frequency range.
iZotope Insight 2 is an upgrade to the original iZotope Insight spectrum analyzer. Insight is made up of 5 modules that can all be opened in one resizable window. These 5 modules are:
- Spectrogram – this displays the frequency and amplitude distribution for the signal as a function of time.
- Sound Field – this displays the sound signal position, and you can choose between mono, stereo, and surround viewing modes. Mono/stereo mode is a Vectorscope. Vectorscope has three further analysis modes i.e., Polar sample, which shows each sample separately as dots, Polar level, which displays the average levels of the samples; and Lissajous Vectorscope, which displays a plot of the samples on an oscilloscope. Surround mode is a Surround sound view.
- Spectrum Analyzer – displays a graph of frequency against amplitude. You can zoom in over an area of interest by using the mouse wheel or by dragging a box over the area. Different spectrum types like Full and 1/3 Octave or Critical bands can be selected for a better understanding of the graph.
- Level Meters – this consists of a Balance Meter and a Correlation meter. The Balance Meter sums up the left and right channels and displays their stereo location. The correlation Meter is responsible for detecting phase cancellation as it shows the similarity level between two channels.
- Loudness History Graph – this shows a graph of short-term, Momentary Max, and Integrated loudness levels against time. Target level violations appear in red, and the graph itself can be exported in multiple formats like image, CSV, etc. for later inspection.
Insight 2 provides the same functions as the original functions with the addition of a few extra features for better controllability and efficiency. These new features are listed below.
Key Features:
- Intelligibility meter which tells you which frequencies are being overshadowed by the rest of the mix
- iZotope Relay which allows you to route tracks to iZotope Insight 2 for instant inspection
- Insight 2 supports multi-channel audio
- Resizable windows
- Resizable meters
Compatibility:
iZotope Insight 2 requires Windows 7 or higher for PC and OS X 10.9.5 or higher for Mac. It comes in VST/VST3/AU/AAX formats and only supports 64-bit systems.
Summary:
iZotope Insight 2 is considered an industry-standard spectrum analyzer by many producers and engineers. It is less expensive than the original Insight plugin but is still a relatively expensive spectrum analyzer plugin.
Related Reading:
Top 10 Izotope Plugins & Products (Paid & Free)
5. Schulz Audio Spectrum 2 (Visual Spectrum Analyzer)
More Info & Price (Trial Available)
Schulz Audio Spectrum 2 is a highly versatile and easy-to-use multi-channel spectrum analyzer that offers you a ton of interesting features and capabilities.
Spectrum 2 hopes to aid you in finding clashing frequencies and editing them for a cleaner mix. This is a multi-channel plugin which means that it can display frequencies from multiple channels at the same time. The plugin also implements a “Zero Routing” technology which allows the signals to overlap each other when displaying more than one channel.
Key Features:
- Schulz Audio Spectrum 2 is lightweight and designed to have smooth graphics
- Zero routing technology to overlap frequencies when viewing multiple channels
- You can choose colors for each of the displayed spectrums to allow for clearer viewing
- Instances or a range of frequencies can be renamed
- You get 2 displaying mode options – spectrogram and spectrograph
- Adjustable Block/Window size ranging from 2k to 16k
- Adjustable refresh rate ranging from 40ms to 200ms
- You can view frequencies in Hz or as musical notes
Compatibility:
Schulz Audio Spectrum 2 requires Windows Vista or higher for PC and OS X 10.7 or higher for Mac. It comes in VST/VST3/AU/AAX formats and supports both 32 and 64 bit systems.
Summary:
Overall, the Spectrum 2 by Schulz Audio is another exciting spectrum analyzer plugin. Its most interesting feature is that it allows you to analyze multiple tracks for a single effect which is added to the master channel and is applied to all channels. Its smooth graphics, CPU-friendly design, as well as lower price makes it a desirable spectrum analyzer for many producers and engineers.
Download our free Delay plugin:
Deelay by Integraudio & Sixth Sample – Free Delay VST/AU Plugin
6. MeldaProduction MMultiAnalyzer (Advanced Spectrum With Many Features)
More Info & Price (Trial Available)
MeldaProduction is well-known for its high-quality, high-value plugins that offer professional tools for a reasonable price. The MMultiAnalyzer continues to maintain the company’s reputation and is one of the best spectrum analyzers you can get.
MMultiAnalyzer is a spectacular multi-track analyzer that enables you to view frequency collisions on a colorful sonogram for you to easily regulate audio inconsistency and frequency collisions.
Key Features:
- Advanced edit mode which enables in-depth manipulation with controls including reharmonization, normalization, and super-resolution
- MMultiAnalyzer has one of the most advanced interfaces on the market. The interface’s color scheme can be changed. It is resizable and is GPU accelerated, which ensures smooth performances
- The visualization engine offered in this plugin is distinctive and has classic meters and time graphs
- Automatic Gain Compensation (AGC) feature which helps maintain the track’s overall output volume
- MMultiAnalyzer comes equipped with a safety limiter to prevent harsh transients from causing damage to the ear
- This plugin has 4 multi parameters for multiple channel spectrum display, with each parameter offering a different viewing mode like overlapped, side-by-side, etc
- Highly versatile modulators for better control
- After purchase, you will get free-for-life updates
Compatibility:
MMultiAnalyzer is compatible with Windows Vista or higher for PC and OS X 10.7 or higher for Mac. It comes in VST/VST3/AU/AAX formats and supports both 32 and 64 bit systems.
Summary:
The MMultiAnalyzer by MeldaProduction is a highly recommended spectrum analyzer plugin and for obvious reasons. Its colorful display, as well as in-depth functionality, allows for easier and more efficient frequency display and control. In addition to that, it comes at a fairly reasonable price, just like most of MeldaProduction’s plugins.
Related Reading:
Top 12 MeldaProduction Plugins For Music Production
Bonuses:
1. Sugar Audio Oscarizor 2D/3D Multi-Channel Spectrum Analyzer (Creative 3D Spectrum Analyzer – Free/Paid)
More Info & Price (Trial Available)
Another company that introduces a spectrum analyzer plugin to the market is Oscarizor .
The plugin itself is no different than others mentioned on this list in terms of workflow. However, this plugin is one of the few plugins that allow you to display a frequency spectrum in 3D. In addition to that, the 2D/3D Multi-Channel Spectrum Analyzer packs an incredible set of features that we will discuss.
Key Features:
- You can choose to view the spectrum in either 2D or 3D formats, which is a rare feature among spectrum analyzers
- DAW host synchronization is useful for you to compare waveforms exactly
- This plugin makes use of side-chaining and send/receive channels to display parallel waveforms and to allow for spectrum comparisons
- This plugin has an impressive instrument tuner that automatically sets the block size for the FFT spectrum
- You can view up to 10 channels at the same time
- The user interface is totally resizable to fit all screens and DAW displays
- You can zoom in using the mouse wheel to view specific frequency ranges
- The spectrum itself can be freely rotated in 360 degrees in all axes
- 3 view modes, i.e., mixed mono, stereo, and M/S
- The 2D/3D Multi-Channel Spectrum Analyzer has a big library of factory presets and a presets manager to load and save presets quickly
Compatibility:
Oscarizor 2D/3D Multi-Channel Spectrum Analyzer is compatible with Windows 7 or higher for PC and OS X 10.7 or higher for Mac. It comes in VST/VST3/AU/AAX formats and supports only 64-bit systems. This plugin has a limited free version that does not have a 3D view, multichannel display, FFT customization, and some more controls.
Summary:
Much like the MMultiAnalyzer by MeldaProducation, the Oscarizor 2D/3D Multi-Channel Spectrum Analyzer is a spectacular spectrum analyzer plugin with many unique features that make it a standout among the rest of the spectrum analyzer plugins found in the market. Furthermore, the fact that it comes at a relatively more affordable price, as well as a free version, makes it available for a wider range of users.
2. NuGen Visualizer (Visual Spectrum Analyzer)
More Info & Price (Trial Available)
NuGen may not be a household name in the plugin market. However, it has been gaining a little bit of traction over recent years due to their consistently high-quality products.
The NuGen Visualizer is as capable as some of the more well-known spectrum plugins. It provides you with powerful tools and features to analyze the audio frequency and improve the workflow. Moreover, NuGen Visualizer enables you to recreate optimum mix settings and reduce frequency-repeated errors.
Key Features:
- NuGen Visualizer has a single-screen interface for you to view the audio frequency spectrum. This interface is resizable, which makes it flexible to use with multiple screens and DAWs. Additionally, you can customize the display for different viewing modes, all with the click of a button
- Impressive comparison mode that allows you to display frequency spectrums from two separate audio channels in different ways for comparison. You can choose to view the audio tracks either overlapping each other, in a differential display, or side by side
- NuGen Visualizer has several level meters like RMS, Peak, K12, and many more
- Provides you with 9 different analysis tools for the frequency spectrum. These tools include a spectrogram, a stereo spectrogram, FFT Spectrum analysis, stereo spectrum analysis, stereoscope, vectorscope, stereo bias meter, stats, and parameter module, and a correlation meter
Compatibility:
NuGen Visualizer is compatible with Windows XP or higher for PC and OS X 10.6 or higher for Mac. It comes in VST/AU/AAX formats and supports both 32 and 64 bit systems.
Summary:
Overall, the Visualizer tool by NuGen is an incredibly powerful tool with an attractive, controllable interface that can handle a wide range of audio-related duties. It comes at a relatively higher price when compared to plugins of its caliber, but its versatility and features justify its price point.
3. FabFilter Pro-Q 3 (Shape the EQ And See The Results)
More Info & Price (Trial Available)
Despite being designed specifically as an equalizer tool, Fabfilter Pro-Q3 has one of the most powerful spectrum analyzers.
This plugin is by far one of the most popular EQs and spectrum analyzers in the market. You have so much control over the spectrum as it is designed to be an equalizer first. However, this plugin manages to display the frequency spectrum in a way that is so similar to the dedicated spectrum analyzer plugins mentioned in this article.
The spectrum analyzer in the Pro-Q3 is customizable and offers multiple viewing modes.
Key Features:
- The pre and post buttons that are seen on the top left corner in the image above are used to show the audio spectrum before and after applying EQ
- To view the overall spectrum, you can switch on the external spectrum from the button as shown above
- Freeze button at the bottom left of the panel shown above. This causes the spectrum to build up a maximum over a period of time by stopping it from falling or moving out
- Fabfilter Pro-Q3 supports for huge vertical range (up to 120 dB), which can be set manually for better viewing
- A resolution setting to control the precision of the spectrum analyzer
Compatibility:
Fabfilter Pro-Q3 is compatible with Windows 7 or higher for PC and OS X 10.8 or higher for Mac. It comes in VST/VST3/AU/AAX formats and supports both 32/64 bit systems for PC and only 64-bits for Mac.
Summary:
Fabfilter Pro-Q3 is a vital EQ for any producer and engineer. Its in-depth control over sound makes this plugin an irreplaceable one when it comes to the equalizer market. Its ability to display the frequency spectrum in a detailed and controllable way has earned it an honorable mention in this article.
It obviously comes at a higher price, but the fact that it is more than an EQ really justifies that.
What Is The Best Software Spectrum Analyzer?
If you are cruising the plugin market looking for the best spectrum analyzer, then this article has got you covered up. Firstly, you have to understand what exactly you need a spectrum analyzer for. Almost all spectrum analyzers function in the same way. Plugins mentioned on this list differ only in terms of additional features as well as price.
Oftentimes, you may find yourself not needing the extra “cool” features that many of these plugins offer. Thankfully, most of these plugins have a free trial for you to try them out and figure out what you need. If you ask us, we highly recommend getting the Voxengo SPAN since this plugin offers what every other spectrum analyzer offers, and it is totally FREE.
What is the difference between a Signal Analyzer And Spectrum analyzer?
Both signal and spectrum analyzers have the same function. The only difference is that signal analyzers have digital signal processing (DSP) in order for it to solve functions like fast Fourier Transform (FFT). Signal analyzers can also have very high bandwidths.
Related Reading:
10 Tips to use a Spectrum Analyzer when Mixing & Mastering
What Is The Difference Between an Oscilloscope and a Spectrum Analyzer?
Oscilloscopes are normally used to find the time delay between two signals. On the other hand, spectrum analyzers are used to display and edit the frequency properties of a signal.
The difference between an oscilloscope and a spectrum analyzer is that the graph displayed in an oscilloscope is a graph of the signal against time. In contrast, the displayed graph in a spectrum analyzer is of the signal against frequency.
The figure above shows an example of an output waveform in an oscilloscope, showing a square wave in a time domain.
The figure above shows an example of an output waveform of a spectrum analyzer showing a graph of amplitude (in dB) against frequency (Hz).
What Is Reference Level In Spectrum analyzer?
The reference level is the maximum level of amplitude that can be displayed. For example, if we have the highest peak in volume of our signal at 20 dB and we set the reference level at 15 dB, then half of the waveform of that peak will be cut off.
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