Best Audio Metering Plugin

[Sherlene Holloman]

Amateur producers will make excuses and blame their setup for a poor mix.
Professional producers will find a way to overcome the challenges and employ effective tools to get a great mix.

The key word in this definition is visually. Metering plugins are tools that allow our eyes to see what our ears are hearing. By using metering plugins, we can use our eyes to help our ears make mix decisions.

I usually use the built-in spectrum analyzer in FabFilter Pro-Q2 to compare the frequencies of different tracks simultaneously. I then employ EQ accordingly to give each element the space it needs and make them fit together.

FabFilter Pro-Q even has an EQ Match function that lets you match the spectrum of your track to the spectrum of your reference. You can select then edit the EQ moves Pro-Q has made to taste after it matches the spectrums. IZotope Ozone also has this feature as well.

A goniometer shows you the different stereo information present in your audio signal. Goniometers generally work by displaying mono information in the central vertical axis and stereo information on the horizontal axis.

A good rule of thumb is to keep your mixes at or around 0 on the phase correlation meter. Straying a bit away from this number is fine, but you should always check your mix in mono to make sure it still sounds good.

Youlean (Julijan Nikolic) is also part of the FL Studio alpha team, and many of his work like Patcher presets and ZGameEditor Visualizer effects are already part of FL Studio.Why Youlean Loudness Meter?Once I learned about loudness metering using LUFS, I was really fascinated. The problem was that the plugins for measuring it were (and still are) really expensive and there were no free ones that can get you started.

Get results in just a few seconds!A/B statesCompare two totally different measurements in just one click.Export everything in PDF, PNG or SVG fileEasily export PDF, PNG or SVG of all your measurements.

In combination with system time coding, pinpoint the loudness problems in live events, or just make a wall poster of your favorite song!100% accurate meteringThe plugin is calibrated and tested against ITU-R BS2217 testing materials.

TPKnowing the true peak value is really important since it indicates the true maximum level of audio after conversion to analog or different digital form such as conversion from WAV to MP3. If your audio goes above 0dB TP you might get clipping in converted audio.Lifetime FREE updatesEvery PRO User gets lifetime FREE updates!

*For more answers go to the FAQ pageCan I install Youlean Loudness Meter on multiple computers?You can use the plugin on multiple computers as long as these are your personal machines and you are the only user.

This option is not applicable to companies, organizations or schools, they need to purchase a multiple license version.Can plugin alter the audio so that it fits the selected standard?No, currently the plugin is only doing the analysis, and it can not alter the audio loudness.

This feature might be added in the future though.Is there an EDU discount?Yes, if you are a student or a teacher you can qualify for an educational discount of 30%. You need to contact me before the purchase.

Access top metering and utility plugins for precise mixing, mastering, and AB testing. Use them to learn from your favorite mastering engineers, get competitive loudness levels and get a whole new perspective on mixing and mastering.

Uncover a comprehensive range of metering and utility plugins designed to optimize your mixing, mastering, and AB testing processes. From avoiding clipping to achieving loud and pristine mixes, our selection of plugins, including ADPTR AUDIO Metric AB, ADPTR AUDIO Streamliner, bx_meter, and SPL HawkEye, equips you with the tools you need to elevate your audio projects to new heights.

Our collection of metering and utility plugins offers indispensable solutions for mixing, mastering, and AB testing, ensuring your audio projects reach their full potential. With tools like ADPTR AUDIO Metric AB, ADPTR AUDIO Streamliner, bx_meter, and SPL HawkEye, you can meticulously monitor levels, avoid clipping, and fine-tune your mixes for optimal sound quality.

ADPTR AUDIO Metric AB empowers you to compare multiple audio sources with ease, facilitating precise AB testing to ensure your mixes stand out. ADPTR AUDIO Streamliner streamlines your workflow by automatically adjusting levels to avoid clipping, allowing you to focus on creative decisions without worrying about technical limitations.

bx_meter provides detailed metering capabilities, giving you insight into every aspect of your mix's dynamics. SPL HawkEye offers comprehensive analysis tools, allowing you to identify and address any issues in your audio with precision.

Probably, this is the plugin that started entire generations of music producers.
It includes a frequency spectrum visualizer, a Peak meter, an RMS meter, True Peak metering, a correlation meter, and also a Max CREST Factor meter.

Bass Space identifies if any channels within your mix are outputting unwanted low frequencies. You will only be able to use Bass Space on a stem master (music bounced into groups with kick and bass separated), not on a stereo master (just one audio file).

Dynamic Range consists of an oscilloscope showing how dynamics change in real-time.
Levels also offer M/S, L/R, and Mono listening.
The presets allow for targeted metering for different applications.

Also, you can analyze multiple files at once, and you can use the presets to see if your masters are fitting the selected standard.
If you bother playing your master inside the DAW and look at the meters moving, this is the tool for you!

These are the elite of the digital realm. They require some commitment to your wallet, but the number of features and the quality of performance they offer is among the very best you can find around nowadays.

This plugin is a well-rounded metering suite. It comes with a full set of Peak, RMS, LUFS, Correlation, Frequency Spectrum, Spectrogram, Stereo Image, and, last but not least, an L/R and M/S VU meter.

Undoubtedly one of the best options available right now. It offers loudness metering, Peak and RMS meters, a stereo image visualizer, a spectrum analyzer, a spectrogram, a history panel, and an Intelligibility feature.

Based on the design of classic VU meters of their time. I personally use this as slow RMS meter, very useful for balancing the louder parts of songs within the context of album mastering. It even features a mono maker for summing everything below a given frequency to mono.

This one is always good to look at when you have slight doubts or need validation of the general distribution of energy over the frequency spectrum. Generally speaking, you are looking for a reasonably flat response here rolling off at around 8k. However, this is a huge generalisation and should not be forced out of a given mix if there is energy lacking in some frequency domains. Use it as a reference. The same goes for all meters for that matter.

Sometimes I get to the goal quite quickly without the use of meters. Orban is unique in the sense that it's not actually a plug-in. It's in fact an app that allows you to get your loudness and true peak levels from a printed mix or master. This saves time as I don't have to play the song through just to know my LUFS values and such. Good for just checking the numbers after the fact and for comparing tracks.

Ian Shepherd and the good people at Meterplugs have created a solid range of metering plugins that go way beyond yesteryear's familiar standards. Their flagship plugins include Dynameter and Perception, helping you find the right balance between loud and dynamic, the sweetspot if you will.

Ever struggle with tracks sounding different on headphones, speakers, and streaming platforms? Wish you could confidently ensure industry-standard loudness and clarity without sacrificing your creative vision?

That's where a dedicated loudness meter plugin comes in, giving you the tools you need to measure and monitor your mixes like a pro using industry-standard scales. And guess what? There's an awesome free one out there called Loudness by Goodhertz.

Youlean Loudness meter is a great tool that effortlessly determines Short-term and Integrated LUFS, Loudness Range, Real-time Dynamics, Average Dynamics, Instantaneous and Short-term Maximum LUFS, and True Peak for mono, stereo, and 5.1 audio. It also offers an instantaneous visual representation, including a LUFS meter and loudness distribution graph.

You probably know that spectrum analyzers are essential tools for music production. They show you the frequency distribution of your audio signal, which can help you identify problems, balance your mix, and achieve a better sound.

The first one is Span from voxengo. This plugin is perfect for comparing your songs' mid/side ratio and stereo image with other tracks. It has a very clear and customizable display, letting you adjust the analysis's resolution, speed, and range. You can also switch between different modes, such as average, max, or real-time.

But the best feature of span is that it allows you to import other audio files and overlay their spectra on top of yours. This way, you can easily compare your mix with reference tracks and see how they differ in terms of frequency balance, stereo width, and dynamics.

The second plugin is TDR Prism by popular software developer Tokyo Dawn Labs. This new and advanced frequency analyzer specifically targets human audio perception. This user-friendly audio plugin allows you to gain precise insights into the spectral characteristics of a signal.

TDR Prism offers a variety of features, such as spectral weighting and tilt methods as well as peak/RMS smoothing options, which also include human hearing filters and real-time indicators for auditory masking of individual tracks.

c80f0f1006