We're currently living in the age of digital audio. Spectral Analysis is an incredibly powerful tool that is essential to any music producer.

But there are so many different Spectral Analysis plugins in the music production landscape, so we decided to create the ultimate list of the top Spectral Analysis plugins today that will help you find the perfect fit.


MAATgo

Spectral Analysis by MAAT



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Description


Take Control of how you Listen

MAATgo :: Software

A universal monitor controller and visualization plug-in for computer playback

Introduction

Available for all major plug-in formats, including VST 2, VST 3 and AAX for macOS and Windows plus Audio Units for macOS, MAATgo delivers complete “preamp” channel routing, plus a software goniometer that authentically replicates an analogue oscilloscope experience.

Control Is Power

If music is your profession, your passion or both, MAATgo is for you. MAATgo is explicitly built for everyone who listens to HRA (High-Resolution Audio) files and streams on their computer. Whether your mixing, mastering or just sinking into your fave recording, MAATgo will enhance your experience and provide for more discerning listening.




Features

  • Combines a variety of channel steering and blending controls with a balance adjustment and goniometer.
  • Stereo image and routing controls include a sum or L+R mode, a difference or L-R mode, a swap mode that interchanges the position of left and right, and polarity inversion for left, right or both.
  • Five essential options for specialized monitoring modes
  • Solo is available, pre-vectorscope, with a single button push.
  • Traditional left/right soloing (as phantom centre) can be chosen
  • MONO/DIFF(erence)
  • M/S (Mid/Side).
  • Mono mode lets you listen for any cancellation in the phantom centre, and is also important for checking how the centre relates to the edge with content panned for separation.
  • Stereo perspective can be swapped or flipped with the left and right channels changing places. Each solo control is a single button, allowing you to check placement and amplitude easily for all aspects of your mix.
  • L-R (Left Minus Right) mode can be used for “karaoke” since many popular songs have mostly monaural vocals. Since L-R mode removes any mono content, vocals are usually reduced significantly or eliminated entirely. If you’re listening for pleasure, this lets you sing along, accompanied by the rhythm track.
  • Polarity inversion modes let you check signal chain integrity, while the left–only and right–only controls offer a more nuanced view into your stereo sound field.
  • See What You’re Hearing

  • The goniometer or “phase scope” quickly conveys global trends and troubles, letting you gauge frequency response and phase shift, with an additional visual out–of–phase warning built in. Plus, an optional autogain feature insures that you’ll see an understandable display with a wide range of input amplitudes.

  • Visualization has long been part of music on a computer, and MAATgo’s options are easy to like. Unlike an oscilloscope which takes up room in your equipment rack, MAATgo has a notable absence of knobs. Control over gain, focus, “phosphor” colour, drawing style and persistence are all there in the preferences, and everything can be saved as a personal preset.

  • Stream Through

  • A bonus with MAATgo is the standalone or “native” version that’s included. It’s native in that it runs on its own, without the help of a DAW, plugin host or player app. The standalone version lets you really savvy geeks out there use MAATgo as a stream-through processor, just like component separates in the hi-fi hardware world. To use MAATgo standalone, you usually need a “virtual audio device,” an audio driver that provides a software “device” your operating system can use for patching. For Windows, we recommend VB-Audio’s HI-FI Cable. For macOS, we recommend Existential Audio’s BlackHole. Both are free.

  • History Repeats

  • In the Golden Age of consumer hi-fi, some preamplifiers had not only a “balance” knob, but stereo/mono blend controls and even an oscilloscope to instantaneously display amplitude, frequency and the phase relationship between the left and right channels. Marantz, Panasonic, Pioneer and SAE sometimes included an oscilloscope in their receivers, while the Apt Corporation’s legendary and groundbreaking Holman Preamplifier had a range of channel re-routing switches and a continuous stereo/mono blend control. This was not “feature creep,” needless features just to fill out a list. The Apt’s re-patching and intermix controls served a very useful purpose.

  • Back in the Analog Era, when pros had custom hardware or monitor sections on their desk, most hi-fi enthusiasts had “separates.” These were individual stereo components, like a tuner or preamp, each serving one purpose. With the advent of “computer audio,” that rig can be reduced to a personal computer feeding a DAC or digital–to–analogue converter. In turn, the DAC feeds a power amplifier or powered loudspeakers. While this minimalist setup eliminates a preamplifier, it has only a volume control and most player applications lack typical controls other than volume. Enter MAATgo, a preamp’s worth of advanced choices. When any of the controls are disabled, they are completely “out of circuit” and do not affect the sound quality. When any control is enabled, its DSP uses 64 bit, double-precision floating-point math to ensure maximum fidelity. Also, MAATgo will operate at up to 384 kHz, compatible with the highest fidelity lossless PCM files and streams generally available.

  • It All Adds Up To Versatile

  • Better informed means better enjoyment…Whether you’re troubleshooting an issue, setting up a new system, or just exploring the nuances of your or your client’s music, MAATgo makes it easier. With all of its functionality, it’s a no–brainer for day-to-day pro audio. For enthusiasts, it’s faster and more pleasant to track down a noisy cable or component, burn in new speakers or headphones, set up a new rig, or even figure out how a reissue sounds different from the previous generation. All that and more with just a button click.

  • Easy On You…And Your System

  • All of MAATgo’s functionality is wrapped in an information-rich yet visually unobtrusive, resizable user interface that occupies only a small slice of screen real estate. Likewise, the plug-in is very “lightweight,” demanding an absolute minimum of CPU resources so it won’t slow down your player and host.

  • Low cost, unprecedented control and intuitive operation all add up to MAATgo as a must-have tweak to any computer audiophile’s playback solution.


Rating


Value For Money

Sound Quality

General Ease of Use

Number of Presets


Mac:

  • macOS 10.9 - 10.15 (Universal Binary 2) (64-bit only)

PC:

  • Windows 7 and newer (32 / 64-bit)

Supported Formats:

  • AAX Native (Pro Tools 10.3.10 and newer)
  • AU, VST 2, VST 3
  • Sample rates from 44.1 to 384 kHz.

OS Compatibility



spiral

Spectral Analysis by Photosounder



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Description


Spiral is a music analysis plugin. It's a fresh take on spectral analysis focused on allowing you to see and understand music and the notes that make it up instantly. This is achieved mainly by coiling the spectrum into a spiral framed by a chromatic circle, thus allowing you to instantly see what's happening musically and spectrally. Several other factors help you see better what you're listening to:




Features

  • The colours represent position in the stereo mix which means that quite often instruments have their own colour.
  • Portions of the sound can be recorded in Spiral's memory and then played back at a much slower rate (between 0% and 100%). This is quite necessary and handy when writing down notes or analysing chords.
  • Analysis resolution can be adjusted. You'll want to lower it when analysis notes played very fast as it gives you more precision in time, and increase it when analysing complex chords, bass instruments or when tuning an instrument.
  • The spiral visualisation can be rotated so that you may have the root of the scale on top and thus be able to recognise notes more readily.
  • By clicking on the visualisation you can create overlays that represent the harmonics for a given note. Adjusting those overlays can greatly help you in identifying the individual notes that make up a chord.

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Rating


Value For Money

Sound Quality

General Ease of Use

Number of Presets


Windows

  • VST (32/64bits)

Mac

  • VST (32/64bits)
  • Audio Unit  (32/64bits)

OS Compatibility



Blue Cat's Oscilloscope Multi

Spectral Analysis by Blue Cat Audio



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Description


Unique waveform visualizer and comparator

Blue Cat's Oscilloscope Multi is a unique multi-track real-time waveform renderer and comparator. It lets you visualize and compare the contents of several audio tracks on the same screen thanks to its X-Y view. The plugin offers stereo or mid-side channel waveform extraction as well as several synchronization modes. The zooming and precise measurement capabilities let you analyze the waveform in detail and the XY phase scope view will help you track phase issues within an effect chain or while recording with multiple microphones.

The additional histogram display complements the toolset allowing you to check the distribution of the values in the waveform and get an idea of the average peak level. The four memory slots let you store any waveform in memory. This helps you make comparisons between several setups or portions of your audio project very easily. Thanks to Blue Cat's skinning language support and the included window opacity management feature, you can adapt the plug-in user interface to your personal needs and enhance your workflow.

Features

  • Multiple tracks real-time oscilloscope: visualize and compare the waveform of several audio tracks on the same screen
  • Waveform display with loop, flow and trigger modes
  • Histogram display
  • Dual-channel XY phasescope view (Lissajous) for easy phase cancellation and mono compatibility issues detection on multiple tracks or within an effect chain
  • Latency compensation capability to align waveforms
  • Choose a name for each curve for easier sharing
  • Animated zoom for all displays
  • Precise measurement capabilities
  • Save the curves for easy A/B comparison
  • Left-Right or Mid-Side operation modes
  • Unique data sharing technology with multi-core processors support
  • Opacity control for the user interface
  • Native DSP code for optimal performance
  • Full MIDI control and automation support with silent, zipper-free parameters update, advanced response control and MIDI Learn
  • No CPU load on idle: when the plug-in is fed with silence, the processing smoothly shuts down, to optimize the CPU usage of your DAW
  • Skinnable and customizable user interface with transparency management
  • Smooth Bypass: activate/deactivate the plug-in with absolutely no noise
  • Undo/Redo
  • Import/Export presets in a host independent format



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Rating


Value For Money

Sound Quality

General Ease of Use

Number of Presets


Mac OS

  • An Intel or Apple Silicon processor (M1)
  • Mac OS 10.9 or newer
  • VST / VST3 / Audio Unit / AAX compatible DAW (32-bit or 64-bit)

Windows

  • Windows 7 / 8 / 10
  • VST / VST3 / AAX compatible DAW (32 or 64 bit)

OS Compatibility



MMultiAnalyzer

Spectral Analysis by MeldaProduction



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Description


MMultiAnalyzer is a unique multitrack analyzer and sonogram, which looks inside your audio material and reveals problems and frequency collisions quickly, easily, and with astonishing accuracy. Just put an instance on each track you are interested in and the plugins automatically find each other.

Spectrum Analyzer, Sonogram, Collision and Loudness

The plugin is not only extremely easy-to-use, it also lets you look into your material with ways not possible before - multitrack sonogram, collision detector and loudness comparison.

Unique Features to Make Your Audio Easily Understandable

Standard analysis may sometimes be a little confusing. With unique features, such as normalization, super-resolution and deharmonization, you can quickly understand your audio material and reveal problems you are looking for.




Features

  • The most advanced user interface on the market - stylable, resizable, GPU accelerated
  • Unique visualisation engine with classic meters and time graphs
  • exceptionally versatile modulators
  • Adjustable oscillator shape technology
  • 4 multiparameters
  • M/S, single channel, up to 8 channels surround processing...
  • Smart randomisation
  • Automatic gain compensation (AGC)
  • Safety limiter
  • Adjustable up-sampling 1x-16x
  • MIDI controllers with MIDI learn
  • Very fast, optimised for SSE/SSE2/SSE3 processors
  • Global preset management and online preset exchange
  • Supports VST, VST3, AU and AAX interfaces on Windows & Mac, both 32-bit and 64-bit
  • No dongle nor internet access is required for activation
  • Free-for-life updates

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Rating


Value For Money

Sound Quality

General Ease of Use

Number of Presets


Windows

  • Windows Vista / 7 / 8 / 10 (32-bit or 64-bit)
  • VST / VST3 / AAX compatible host (32-bit or 64-bit)
  • Intel/AMD processor with SSE2 support

Always use 32-bit plugins in 32-bit hosts, or 64-bit plugins in 64-bit hosts!
 
64-bit plugins can't work in 32-bit hosts even if the operating system is 64-bit. Do NOT use 32-bit plugins in 64-bit hosts. They would have to be bridged and can become slow and unstable.
 
Mac OS X

  • Mac OS X 10.9 and newer (64-bit only)
  • VST / VST3 / AU / AAX compatible host (64-bit only)
  • Intel/AMD processor with SSE2 support or Apple Silicon processor

Note: Please check your product PDF documentation for more information and installation instructions.

OS Compatibility



Mixing Analyzer

Spectral Analysis by 2nd Sense Audio



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Description


Mixing Analyzer Module of ReSample

Mixing Analyzer enables you to monitor real-time spectrums of multiple tracks simultaneously and detect frequency collision and some extent of masking. Simply insert Mixing Analyzer plugins on your tracks. Then all spectrums and their collisions between each other can be viewed on any plugin instance. The plugin displays the collisions by spectrum, matrix, and logs.



Video


Rating


Value For Money

Sound Quality

General Ease of Use

Number of Presets


Mac

  • OS X 10.6+ (32/64 bit)
  • VST 2.x (32/64 bit)
  • Audio Units (32/64 bit)
  • AAX Native (32/64 bit)

Windows

  • Windows 7+ (32/64 bit)
  • VST 2.x (32/64 bit)
  • AAX Native (32/64 bit)

OS Compatibility



Blue Cat's DP Meter Pro

Spectral Analysis by Blue Cat Audio



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Description


Unique audio metering and side chaining tool

Blue Cat's DP Meter Pro (DPMP) is a unique audio analysis tool. It combines very flexible and customizable audio meters with advanced side chaining control capabilities thanks to its MIDI and automation outputs.

The metering capabilities of the DPMP plug-in let you control and monitor audio signals exactly the way you want. Almost every aspect of the peak, RMS and crest factor meters can be customized. It proposes five different scales by default, including Bob Katz's popular K-System scales (K-12, K-14, K-20), and you can create your own.

Large coloured statistics displays following your own scales are included for an overview of a track, while histograms give you a precise measurement of the dynamic range of your track. The graphs show the evolution of the audio envelopes over time and the mid-side switch lets you verify mono compatibility problems and check the "stereoness" of your audio sources very easily. Whether you are working with mono, stereo or surround tracks, this plug-in will fit into your workflow.

All envelopes (peak, RMS, crest factor...) can be reused for additional monitoring or side chaining purposes: combined together, reversed, modified and recorded as automation curves or sent as MIDI CC messages, they can control other effects in real-time.

The DP Meter Pro possibilities are endless, from voice over and ducking to side chain compression, multiple tracks monitoring or dynamic stereo enhancement. It is also possible to control external MIDI hardware (such as synths and MIDI effects), video effects or lighting systems with an audio signal.

Features

  • Multichannel peak, RMS & crest factor meter
  • True dynamic range measurement with levels histograms
  • Instant, average and maximum audio levels
  • Modular user interface to fit into your workflow, with multiple screen sizes
  • Total control over the metering characteristics, including attack/release shape
  • Bob Katz's K-System scales support (K-12 / K-14 / K-20 and custom)
  • Mono, stereo, mid-side or surround analysis
  • Record measurements (peak, RMS, crest factor, clip etc.) as automation curves
  • Control in real time any MIDI-compatible plug-in or external MIDI device with the generated envelopes thanks to the plugin's MIDI CC output
  • Manage the shape of the output envelope: record reversed envelope, change the amount of signal and offset the generated envelope. This lets you use the plug-in for side chain ducking, compression and much more
  • Easy 'stereoness' and phase cancellation measurement
  • Native DSP code for optimal performance
  • Full MIDI control and automation support with silent, zipper-free parameters update, advanced response control and MIDI Learn
  • No CPU load on idle: when the plug-in is fed with silence, the processing smoothly shuts down, to optimize the CPU usage of your Digital Audio Workstation
  • Customizable user interface with transparency management and zoom
  • Automation and MIDI output: record output parameters as automation curves or send MIDI CC messages to other plug-ins for powerful side chain effects
  • Smooth Bypass: activate/deactivate the plug-in with absolutely no noise
  • Undo/Redo
  • Full-featured integrated presets manager
  • Copy/paste the state of the plug-in between instances using the system clipboard



Video


Rating


Value For Money

Sound Quality

General Ease of Use

Number of Presets


Mac OS

  • Intel & M1 Compatible
  • Mac OS 10.9 or newer (Catalina and Big Sur are both supported)
  • VST / VST3 / Audio Unit / AAX compatible DAW (32-bit or 64-bit)

Windows

  • Windows 7 / 8 / 10
  • VST / VST3/ AAX compatible DAW (32 or 64 bit)

OS Compatibility



Blue Cat's FreqAnalyst Multi

Spectral Analysis by Blue Cat Audio



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Description


Unique multi-track spectral analysis tool

Blue Cat's FreqAnalyst Multi is a unique multi-track real-time spectrum analyzer: it lets you visualize the spectral content of several audio tracks on the same screen with extreme smoothness and high resolution, for both time and frequency. It is the ideal solution for mixing: you can use it as a frequency overlap detector and actually see which part of the spectrum every single instrument uses. It is now also possible to easily compare the spectrum of several instances (for EQ matching or response curve measurement) thanks to the new 'Diff' view which displays the difference between several curves.

Just like with Blue Cat's FreqAnalyst Pro plug-in, the frequency analysis can be fine-tuned and three modes are offered for each channel: instant, peak or average response of several audio tracks can be displayed on the same graph (the plugin supports up to 16 curves). Zooming capabilities and coordinates let you exactly measure the characteristics of the spectrum for each audio track. Thanks to the advanced routing capabilities you can define different settings for each track and thus adapt the analysis for each audio signal you want to analyze. 

The four memory slots let you store any curve in memory: it helps you make comparisons between several setups or portions of your audio project very easily.

Thanks to the included window opacity management feature and advanced layout customization capabilities, you can adapt the plug-in user interface to your personal needs and enhance your workflow. It is also possible to create a completely custom user interface using Blue Cat's skinning language.

Features

  • Mono, stereo or mid/side multiple tracks real-time spectrum analyzer: visualize and compare the spectrum of several audio tracks on the same screen
  • Unique data sharing technology with multi-core processors support
  • Compute and display the difference between spectra for easy EQ matching and response curve measurement
  • Total control over the analysis parameters, with slope and offset correction
  • Smart interpolation algorithm for extreme display smoothness
  • Spectrum view with zooming and precise measurement capabilities as well as note info display
  • Multiple display sizes
  • Instant, peak and average curves display for each track
  • Choose a name for each curve for easier sharing
  • Save the curves for easy A/B comparison
  • Opacity control for the user interface
  • Custom absolute and relative threshold control
  • Native DSP code for optimal performance
  • Full MIDI control and automation support with silent, zipper-free parameters update, advanced response control and MIDI Learn
  • No CPU load on idle: when the plug-in is fed with silence, the processing smoothly shuts down, to optimize the CPU usage of your Digital Audio Workstation
  • Customizable user interface with transparency management and zoom
  • Smooth Bypass: activate/deactivate the plug-in with absolutely no noise
  • Undo/Redo
  • Fully-featured integrated presets manager
  • Copy/paste the state of the plug-in between instances using the system clipboard



Video


Rating


Value For Money

Sound Quality

General Ease of Use

Number of Presets


Mac OS

  • An Intel or Apple Silicon processor (M1)
  • Mac OS 10.9 or newer
  • VST / VST3 / Audio Unit / AAX compatible DAW (32-bit or 64-bit)

Windows

  • Windows 7 / 8 / 10
  • VST / VST3 / AAX compatible DAW (32 or 64 bit)

OS Compatibility



Blue Cat's FreqAnalyst Pro

Spectral Analysis by Blue Cat Audio



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Description


Powerful spectral analysis tool and automation generator

Blue Cat's FreqAnalyst Pro is a real-time spectrum analyzer with advanced functionalities. It uses the same smooth algorithms as its little brother (Blue Cat's FreqAnalyst free plug-in). It has been designed to provide extreme smoothness and high resolution for both time and frequency. The frequency analysis can be fine-tuned. Manage precision and rate and apply an offset or slope to the measured spectrum. Two threshold systems are available and the time response can be changed thanks to the attack and release parameters.

Three modes are offered for each channel: instant, peak or average response can be displayed on the same graph. Zooming capabilities and coordinates displays let you exactly measure the characteristics of the spectrum. The four memory slots allow you to store any curve in memory. This helps you make comparisons between several tracks or effects setups very easily. A spectrogram view has been added so that you can monitor the evolution of the spectrum over time either in 2D or 3D (3D waterfall mode). All channels are of course available in this view, with exact coordinates display and zooming capabilities. Like many of Blue Cat's other professional analysis tools, this plug-in also provides output parameters that you can use to control other effects in real-time. The generated automation envelopes or MIDI CC messages include the minimum and maximum frequencies and the energy centre of the spectrum, expressed in Hertz or as MIDI note value.

With the transformation parameters (offset, amount and reverse), you can customize the generation of these parameters and monitor the modifications on the value graphs. Thanks to this unique functionality, you can now control any effect with the pitch of the audio signal: imagine a filter on an instrument controlled by the pitch of another instrument, compression depending on the pitch of the signal... Anything is possible.

Features

  • Mono, stereo or mid/side real-time spectrum analyzer
  • Total control over the analysis parameters, with slope and offset correction
  • Smart interpolation algorithm for extreme display smoothness
  • Spectrum and spectrogram views
  • Animated zoom for all displays
  • Precise measurement capabilities, with note info display
  • 3D waterfall view with full 3D control
  • Solid or wireframe 3D surface display
  • Instant, peak and average curves display for each channel
  • Save the curves for easy A/B comparison
  • Opacity control for the user interface
  • Custom absolute and relative threshold control
  • Native DSP code for optimal performance.Full MIDI control and automation support with silent, zipper-free parameters update, advanced response control and MIDI Learn
  • No CPU load on idle: when the plug-in is fed with silence, the processing smoothly shuts down, to optimize the CPU usage of your DAW
  • Skinnable and customizable user interface with transparency management
  • Automation and MIDI output: record output parameters as automation curves or send MIDI CC messages to other plug-ins for powerful side chain effects 
  • Smooth Bypass: activate/deactivate the plug-in with absolutely no noise.
  • Undo/Redo
  • Import/Export presets in a host independent format



Video


Rating


Value For Money

Sound Quality

General Ease of Use

Number of Presets


Mac OS

  • An Intel or Apple Silicon processor (M1)
  • Mac OS 10.9 or newer
  • VST / VST3 / Audio Unit / AAX compatible DAW (32-bit or 64-bit)

Windows

  • Windows 7 / 8 / 10
  • VST / VST3/ AAX compatible DAW (32 or 64 bit)

OS Compatibility



Insight 2 EDU

Spectral Analysis by iZotope



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Description


Introducing Insight 2: Intelligent Metering for Music & Post

Upgrade Note: Upgrade from Insight 1

Insight 2 is a comprehensive metering and audio analysis plug-in that is a core component of award-winning post production studios, music studios, and broadcast facilities. It is perfect for visualizing changes made during mixing and mastering, troubleshooting problematic mixes, monitoring the intelligibility of your dialogue, and ensuring compliance with broadcast loudness standards.

With Insight 2, you can immediately detect potential mix problems through real-time visual monitoring and colour-coded alerts. Customize your view by choosing the meters you want to see, set your preferred targets, and resize the window to fit your current workflow. You can also route any audio track in your DAW to Insight 2 to quickly check loudness, levels, intelligibility, phase, frequency content, and more.

With layouts and targets for every stage of post and music production, you can deliver the optimum mix the first time around. Save time and money when mixing and mastering audio by monitoring your audio with the highest accuracy. Keep an eye as well as an ear on your mix at all times with Insight 2!

Insight 2 now supports the Netflix loudness spec!

Get Insight Into Any Mix

Get a complete set of meters that can be customized and form fit to any session. Gain valuable perspective on any aspect of your mix, from loudness, intelligibility, spectral balance, and more.

Whether you’re measuring loudness for broadcast compliance, ensuring clear dialogue for film, or managing a complex 7.1.2 Dolby Atmos session, Insight 2 is the metering tool for the job.

Let Your Dialogue Be Heard

Don’t let your dialogue get lost in the mix! Insight 2’s new Intelligibility Meter takes the guesswork out of setting dialogue levels and provides you with a clearer picture of how an audience will experience the dialogue, no matter their listening environment. Mix with confidence using visual benchmarks that confirm your dialogue is sufficiently clear.

Perfect for music and post-production

  • Updated look and feel
  • Re-designed to be easier to use
  • Current loudness standards
  • Multichannel support up to Dolby Atmos 7.1.2
  • Ensure that dialogue is clear in the mix with the Intelligibility Meter
  • Resize the meters and window as small or large as wanted
  • Colored warnings available for Level meters
  • Expanded inter-plugin communication with iZotope Relay

Introducing the Intelligibility Meter

Setting the dialogue level can be subjective and situational. Insight 2’s Intelligibility Meter takes the guesswork out of setting dialogue levels and provides you with a clearer picture of how an audience will experience the dialogue.

You can now measure the intelligibility of your dialogue compared to the rest of the mix to ensure that your dialogue level can be clearly heard in different listening environments. iZotope's own powerful DSP is used to determine when levels in your mix are preventing the dialogue from being clearly heard.dialogue

New Style

Updated Look & Feel

Insight 2 has an updated design that matches the rest of the iZotope family. The most important targets have been emphasized to make Insight 2 easier to read at a glance.

Resizing

Now you can easily resize individual meters in the main window by clicking and dragging between two-meter frames. Additionally, the main window can now be resized to be as small as the smallest meter—perfect for throwing your loudness meters up in the corner of your third monitor!

Customize Your Layout

Insight 2 is customizable and flexible for your perfect setup. You can display and resize any meter you want or select one of the many Layouts designed for specific post and music production settings.

New Features

Intelligibility Meter

A brand new addition to Insight 2, The Intelligibility Meter provides guidance on whether dialogue is likely to be overshadowed by the loudness of the rest of your mix. Using iZotope Relay or other compatible plug-ins, Insight 2 takes information from your dialogue track and gives you the best recommendation on where your dialogue should be when compared to the rest of your mix. Select from different target Listening Environments, ranging from low to high noise, to check how the intelligibility of your dialogue holds up for listeners in those spaces. Now it’s even easier to ensure your dialogue tracks are loud and clear on any sound source!

Multichannel Support

Analyze your audio in surround sound up to Dolby Atmos 7.1.2.

Deliver for Today’s Standards

Set your loudness targets for EBU R128, BS.1770-1, BS.1770-2/3/4, ATSC A/85, OP-59, and more.

Sound Field

Analyze the channel spread of your audio in stereo or surround.

Spectogram

The Spectrogram lets you view your audio on a 3d topographical plane.

Custom UI

Display and resize any meter you want and create your own unique workspace.

iZotope Relay: Communicate Across Your Session

Perform detailed analysis by routing audio from any tracks or buses to Insight 2 with Relay. Enjoy the flexibility of using any plug-in while still getting all the benefits of our innovative new tools across your entire mix.

Get a clear picture of how your tracks stack up against your entire mix using the included iZotope Relay plug-in. Any channel with the Relay plug-in on it can be viewed in Intelligibility Meter and on the Spectrogram inside Insight 2, letting you visually compare your track to the rest of the mix. Relay is also compatible with iZotope's Visual Mixer plug-in, letting you adjust the levels, pan, and width of your tracks in a visual space.

Important note: Visual Mixer is available seperately in Neutron 2 Advanced and is not included with Insight.

Relay features:

  • Inter-plugin communication with compatible iZotope products (Intelligibility Meter, Tonal Balance Control, Masking Meter, Visual Mixer, and more)
  • Delay Offset: align multi-mic'd sources and correcting phase issues in your tracks
  • Phase Invert: quickly compare and contrast the phase of tracks in your mix
  • Sum to Mono: audition your stereo audio data to see how it translates to mono listening formats
  • Swap Channels: Switch left and right channels of any stereo track to audition the stereo image and check for balance issues
  • High Pass Filter: Clean up and control the sub frequency content in your tracks with a simple High Pass Filter in Relay

Meters in Insight 2

Easily show or hide meters with the meter selection buttons at the top of the screen.

Insight 2 includes meters for:

  • Loudness
  • Levels
  • Sound Field
  • History
  • Intelligibility
  • Spectrum
  • Spectrogram



Video


Rating


Value For Money

Sound Quality

General Ease of Use

Number of Presets


Operating Systems:

  • Mac: OS X 10.8.5 (Mountain Lion) Pro Tools 10 only; OS X 10.9.5 (Mavericks) - macOS 10.15 (64-bit only)
  • Windows: 7 - 10

Plug-in Formats:

  • AU, AAX, AAX-AS. RTAS, DPM-AS, VST2, VST3

Supported Hosts:

  • Ableton Live 9 - 10, Cubase 9.5, Digital Performer 9, FL Studio 12, Logic Pro X, Nuendo 8, Pro Tools 10 - 12, Reaper 5, Reason 10, Studio One 3 - 4

OS Compatibility



Modular Add-On: Buchla 296e Spectral Processor

Spectral Analysis by Softube



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Description


This product is an expansion for Softube Modular. If you do not currently own Modular, you can purchase it HERE.

High-end spectral filtering and processing

Scratch the surface of any synthesizer, and you’ll find the heritage of a few great brands. Buchla has been responsible for some of the most innovative, creative, and sonically spectacular electronic musical equipment ever made, and we’re proud to have such a legendary name in our Modular system. In addition to our previously released 259e Twisted Waveform Generator, take advantage of the myriad spectral processing capabilities of the big friendly filter bank; the new 296e Spectral Processor; the only software version of this module officially licensed by Buchla U.S.A.

The real thing

Our Buchla 296e module is officially licensed and endorsed by Buchla U.S.A. It's not just a copy, or a homage. It's the real thing.

Programmable graphic EQ

There's a lot you can do with 16 bands, each tuned to the discrimination curve of the human ear. Especially with external incoming CV, this module can perform complex sonic wonders.

Performs detailed spectral transfer functions

Spectral analysis and resynthesis opens up vocoding possibilities, using one module or chaining two together.

Rare and exclusive

The 296e is one of the most expensive and exclusive hardware synth modules in the world, and for very good reason. Its complexity, versatility, and sheer quality make it legendary.

Sculpt any sound with this ultimately programmable 16-band graphic EQ. Morph between two separate modulatable response curves. Control the individual levels of each band through external incoming CV or use the internal spectral transfer (vocoding) to link the envelopes of odd and even bands with their VCAs (and vice versa). And use the “freeze” function (as a toggle-button, or externally controlled by CV) to sample and hold these values (envelope times, A levels, or B levels).

The 296e Spectral Processor is capable of a startling variety of effects, wonderful world-building from mere white noise, or the separation of musical inputs into any elemental collection of individual parts, to be reused and reimagined at will.

Ear-pleasing vocoder

The center frequency of each band is pre-selected to complement the human ear’s discrimination curve, with the result that each one sounds meaningfully unique and pleasing. Its capability for intricate transformations allow it to be a real time performance filter, a programmable compound equalizer, and even a spectrum transferring vocoder.

16 band-pass filters are available, each with its own VCA on input, and envelope follower on output. They can be divided into two collections of eight, odd and even. In hardware this function can be used to split the module for use as a limited vocoder, with eight bands performing analysis and eight performing resynthesis. But of course, in software you can affordably run a pair of 296e modules side-by-side, for a full 16-band spectral transfer vocoding experience. The user can adjust envelope decay times, and pre-emphasis may be applied to smooth the frequency response for even more malleable vocoding.

Special MIDI function

A special addition in our software version of the module is the ability to ‘play’ the individual filter bands using MIDI. Note values attach to the different fixed filter frequencies, while MIDI velocity data affects the amplitude value of a given band’s VCA.

Add to this the wealth of great-sounding combination options available at a single click in Softube Modular, and the Buchla 296e turns an already attractive ecosystem into a truly expansive spectrum.




Features

  • Officially licensed and endorsed by Buchla U.S.A. – the only such emulation of this rare and exclusive module.
  • 16 band-pass filters, each with its own VCA and envelope follower.
  • Separate envelope decay times for each band.
  • Programmable graphic EQ.
  • Real time performance filter.
  • Morph between ‘A’ and ‘B’ level settings.
  • Performs complex spectral transfer functions.
  • Special new feature allows for ‘playing’ the filters with MIDI.
  • Use as a vocoder, split into two banks of eight, or using two modules at once for full 16-band operation.
  • Externally controllable “freeze” function stores the input spectrum as envelope values, or A and B levels, in the module’s memory.
  • Multiband extraction of envelopes from audio inputs.

Video


Rating


Value For Money

Sound Quality

General Ease of Use

Number of Presets


  • Mac OS X 10.13 or newer (older OS versions will not work) (64-bit only).
  • Windows 10 64-bit (older Windows versions may work but are not tested) (64-bit only).
  • Mac: Intel Core i3 / i5 / i7 / Xeon - M1 support pending.
  • Windows: Intel Core i3 / i5 / i7 / Xeon / AMD Quad-Core or newer.
  • Screen resolution 1280x800 or larger.
  • Supported sample rates: 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4 and 192 kHz, in both mono and stereo.
  • 8 GB RAM or more is recommended, as well as at least 8 GB hard disk space for installation (individual plug-ins take less space, while sample libraries may require additional disk space).
  • A Softube account is required to register and install the software.
  • An iLok account is required for authorisation of the software.
  • Internet access for downloading installer and managing licenses.
  • iLok generation 2 and up, if you intend to use a physical iLok dongle for authorizing your plug-ins (note that an iLok dongle is not a requirement).
  • In theory, any 64-bit VST, VST3, AU, or AAX (11.0.2 or higher) compatible host application should work.
  • The most recent maintenance release of the DAW application is recommended.

However, due to plug-in host differences between DAWs - and Softube's own rigorous testing standards - Softube only officially test their plug-ins and instruments in the most recent versions of Pro Tools, Logic Pro, Cubase, Live, Studio One, Digital Performer, Reaper and Sonar. Softube plugins are not tested in the non-listed systems, but they most likely work as long as the system requirements are met.

  • Softube Modular is required to run this software.
  • Make sure that you always use the latest iLok License Manager. It is not included in the Softube installer but can be downloaded from www.ilok.com​

OS Compatibility



Insight 2

Spectral Analysis by iZotope



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Description


Introducing Insight 2: Intelligent Metering for Music & Post

Upgrade Note: Upgrade from Insight 1

Insight 2 is a comprehensive metering and audio analysis plug-in that is a core component of award-winning post production studios, music studios, and broadcast facilities. It is perfect for visualizing changes made during mixing and mastering, troubleshooting problematic mixes, monitoring the intelligibility of your dialogue, and ensuring compliance with broadcast loudness standards.

With Insight 2, you can immediately detect potential mix problems through real-time visual monitoring and colour-coded alerts. Customize your view by choosing the meters you want to see, set your preferred targets, and resize the window to fit your current workflow. You can also route any audio track in your DAW to Insight 2 to quickly check loudness, levels, intelligibility, phase, frequency content, and more.

With layouts and targets for every stage of post and music production, you can deliver the optimum mix the first time around. Save time and money when mixing and mastering audio by monitoring your audio with the highest accuracy. Keep an eye as well as an ear on your mix at all times with Insight 2!

Insight 2 now supports the Netflix loudness spec!

Get Insight Into Any Mix

Get a complete set of meters that can be customized and form fit to any session. Gain valuable perspective on any aspect of your mix, from loudness, intelligibility, spectral balance, and more.

Whether you’re measuring loudness for broadcast compliance, ensuring clear dialogue for film, or managing a complex 7.1.2 Dolby Atmos session, Insight 2 is the metering tool for the job.

Let Your Dialogue Be Heard

Don’t let your dialogue get lost in the mix! Insight 2’s new Intelligibility Meter takes the guesswork out of setting dialogue levels and provides you with a clearer picture of how an audience will experience the dialogue, no matter their listening environment. Mix with confidence using visual benchmarks that confirm your dialogue is sufficiently clear.

Perfect for music and post-production

  • Updated look and feel
  • Re-designed to be easier to use
  • Current loudness standards
  • Multichannel support up to Dolby Atmos 7.1.2
  • Ensure that dialogue is clear in the mix with the Intelligibility Meter
  • Resize the meters and window as small or large as wanted
  • Colored warnings available for Level meters
  • Expanded inter-plugin communication with iZotope Relay

Introducing the Intelligibility Meter

Setting the dialogue level can be subjective and situational. Insight 2’s Intelligibility Meter takes the guesswork out of setting dialogue levels and provides you with a clearer picture of how an audience will experience the dialogue.

You can now measure the intelligibility of your dialogue compared to the rest of the mix to ensure that your dialogue level can be clearly heard in different listening environments. iZotope's own powerful DSP is used to determine when levels in your mix are preventing the dialogue from being clearly heard.dialogue

New Style

Updated Look & Feel

Insight 2 has an updated design that matches the rest of the iZotope family. The most important targets have been emphasized to make Insight 2 easier to read at a glance.

Resizing

Now you can easily resize individual meters in the main window by clicking and dragging between two-meter frames. Additionally, the main window can now be resized to be as small as the smallest meter—perfect for throwing your loudness meters up in the corner of your third monitor!

Customize Your Layout

Insight 2 is customizable and flexible for your perfect setup. You can display and resize any meter you want or select one of the many Layouts designed for specific post and music production settings.

New Features

Intelligibility Meter

A brand new addition to Insight 2, The Intelligibility Meter provides guidance on whether dialogue is likely to be overshadowed by the loudness of the rest of your mix. Using iZotope Relay or other compatible plug-ins, Insight 2 takes information from your dialogue track and gives you the best recommendation on where your dialogue should be when compared to the rest of your mix. Select from different target Listening Environments, ranging from low to high noise, to check how the intelligibility of your dialogue holds up for listeners in those spaces. Now it’s even easier to ensure your dialogue tracks are loud and clear on any sound source!

Multichannel Support

Analyze your audio in surround sound up to Dolby Atmos 7.1.2.

Deliver for Today’s Standards

Set your loudness targets for EBU R128, BS.1770-1, BS.1770-2/3/4, ATSC A/85, OP-59, and more.

Sound Field

Analyze the channel spread of your audio in stereo or surround.

Spectogram

The Spectrogram lets you view your audio on a 3d topographical plane.

Custom UI

Display and resize any meter you want and create your own unique workspace.

iZotope Relay: Communicate Across Your Session

Perform detailed analysis by routing audio from any tracks or buses to Insight 2 with Relay. Enjoy the flexibility of using any plug-in while still getting all the benefits of our innovative new tools across your entire mix.

Get a clear picture of how your tracks stack up against your entire mix using the included iZotope Relay plug-in. Any channel with the Relay plug-in on it can be viewed in Intelligibility Meter and on the Spectrogram inside Insight 2, letting you visually compare your track to the rest of the mix. Relay is also compatible with iZotope's Visual Mixer plug-in, letting you adjust the levels, pan, and width of your tracks in a visual space.

Important note: Visual Mixer is available seperately in Neutron 2 Advanced and is not included with Insight.

Relay features:

  • Inter-plugin communication with compatible iZotope products (Intelligibility Meter, Tonal Balance Control, Masking Meter, Visual Mixer, and more)
  • Delay Offset: align multi-mic'd sources and correcting phase issues in your tracks
  • Phase Invert: quickly compare and contrast the phase of tracks in your mix
  • Sum to Mono: audition your stereo audio data to see how it translates to mono listening formats
  • Swap Channels: Switch left and right channels of any stereo track to audition the stereo image and check for balance issues
  • High Pass Filter: Clean up and control the sub frequency content in your tracks with a simple High Pass Filter in Relay

Meters in Insight 2

Easily show or hide meters with the meter selection buttons at the top of the screen.

Insight 2 includes meters for:

  • Loudness
  • Levels
  • Sound Field
  • History
  • Intelligibility
  • Spectrum
  • Spectrogram



Video


Rating


Value For Money

Sound Quality

General Ease of Use

Number of Presets


Operating Systems:

  • Mac: OS X 10.8.5 (Mountain Lion) Pro Tools 10 only; OS X 10.9.5 (Mavericks) - macOS 10.15 (64-bit only)
  • Windows: 7 - 10

Plug-in Formats:

  • AU, AAX, AAX-AS. RTAS, DPM-AS, VST2, VST3

Supported Hosts:

  • Ableton Live 9 - 10, Cubase 9.5, Digital Performer 9, FL Studio 12, Logic Pro X, Nuendo 8, Pro Tools 10 - 12, Reaper 5, Reason 10, Studio One 3 - 4

OS Compatibility