EQ plugins probably seem pretty straightforward with basic functions and maybe a few extra features. While this may be mostly true, you shouldn’t underestimate how essential an EQ plugin is to creating the best sound for your mix. If you take a look, you’ll quickly find that there are hundreds and hundreds of EQ plugins currently available. These are not all made equal. Sifting through these numerous options to find the one that will work best for what you need can be a daunting task.
Best Free Vocal VST Plugins. It's well-known that dynamic sounds are much harder to mix – and the vocals are super dynamic. Luckily, there is no need to stress out every time you get to the mixer and start working on getting the “perfect vocals.” All you need to do is to know which free vocal mastering VST plugins to use. Best Free Drum VST My mother always told me “march to the beat of your own drum”, but I guess she was wrong, because I found a bunch of really good free drum vsts. Amongst them, is the T.REX 606, a classic sound that could have easily cost hundreds of dollars, but for some reason is free. FREE VST PLUGINS VST Effects FREQUENCY EQ. EQ FREQUENCY VST Effects. Music Box Plugins – Gentleman EQ. Equalizer Studio size 62 MB / 35 MB Equalizer Studio is a pack of 7 EQs. 2KQ (high-end exciter). 4BQ (4-band equalizer). 10BQ (10-band equalizer).
Yes, your stock EQ plugin is quick and easy to use on your DAW, but you shouldn’t limit your creativity. It’s worth it to expand your horizons a bit to discover new controls and sounds to really advance your mix. Now we’re going to take a look at some of the best EQ plugins that we recommend.
Top 11 EQ VST Plugins
1. FabFilter FabFilter Pro-Q 3
There’s no question that the FabFilter Pro-Q 3 is among the top EQs currently available. It has an abundance of features that work across the musical genres. Its 24 separate bands make it possible to shape any sound with surgical precision. For each band there are eight distinct filter shapes to explore as well as nine slopes for low and high-pass filters. You’ll also get other features that you would expect like bandwidth controls, frequency, and gain.
One feature that absolutely stands out with this plugin is the amazing spectrum analyzer. This gives you the ability to see your waveform frequencies. If you look at the bottom of the analyzer, you will see a small piano roll that gives you a visual of the notes and the corresponding frequencies. This will help you quickly identify and correct any frequencies that stand out too much.
You’ll find three processing modes to work with: Zero Latency, Linear Phase, and Natural Phase. Within each of these modes you’ll find different processing capabilities that will help you get where you want to go. You also have the option to switch between mid/side processing and left/right mode to set how you will process your incoming signal.
There’s a reason why the Pro-Q 3 is one of the most in-demand EQ plugins that money can buy. It would be difficult to find a plugin that offers more versatility and functionality.
Pros
Best API EQ VSTs. Free Plugin: Bee-Happy 550. Bee-Happy 500 is a free API-style plugin for those looking to start with classic 70’s console EQ. Cheap Plugin: Sly-Fi Axis. Sly-Fi Axis is part of the UBK family of products that includes the innovative Kush Audio hardware and software. 7 Best Free EQ Plugin Software for Music Producers on a Budget EQs or equalizers are among the most useful–and most commonly-used–sound processing tools in the audio world. They’re capable of brightening dull sound sources and tempering harsh and overly bright ones, it has near-limitless uses in studio and live settings.
- Spectrum visualizer is very beneficial
- Awesome selection of filter types
- Fantastic surgical capabilities
Cons
- Dynamic EQ is not super clear
2. Softube Tube-Tech Equalizer Collection
If you’re not familiar with the smooth, warm tones that tube-driven passive equalizers produce, you need to get familiar. These incredible tones will improve the overall quality of just about any instrument or vocal sound. These types of equalizers have been used by top engineers in studios around the world for many years. Now that sound can be produced with just your computer and a plugin like those found in the Tube-Tech Equalizer Collection.
The PE 1C should be your go-to if your goal is to add punch to your low-end or shimmer to your high-end. It’s a digitized version of the legendary Pultec tube-driven equalizer, which certainly stands apart from other equalizers in this category. Another plugin from this collection is the ME 1B, which can get the job done with its high frequency peak, mid frequency dip, and low frequency peak controls.
The Tube Tech Equalizer Plugin includes emulations of some of the most popular equalizers ever used, so it’s certainly an awesome addition to your EQ collection.
Pros
- Both tube-techs sound amazing
- Dual EQ interface is impressive
- Ideal for adding coloration
Cons
- Can’t reorder the EQs
- Preset manager can be bothersome
3. iZotope Ozone 9
The iZotope Ozone 9 gives you more bang for your buck with not one but two EQs: the Dynamic EQ and the Vintage EQ. The Vintage EQ is based on the incredible Pultec EQ. It makes it easy to add that classic warm tone that analogs are known for to your signal. It’s simple to use as you only have to handle the cuts and boosts. This particular EQ does not have bandwidth controls.
The different sections of the Vintage EQ allow you to boost and cut the frequency ranges that you specify. If you prefer not to work entirely in stereo, you can easily toggle into mid/side or left/right mode. This feature, which allows you to split your signal, is really cool, especially when working with top-notch analog tones.
The Dynamic EQ, on the other hand, gives the user increased control with six bands and a user-friendly interface. The bands only go into action when the input signal surpasses the threshold that you determine. In this way, you can control the signal only when necessary. With many multiband compressors, you’ll experience phase shift in the EQ process. That isn’t the case with the Dynamic EQ. It’s also super easy to bounce between analog and digital modes to see what works best for your sound.
These two EQ plugins offer pretty much everything you could want when you’re ready to tackle EQ. However, we should note that you will have to purchase the entire Ozone package to gain access to them.
Pros
- You get two separate EQs with distinct features
- Vintage EQ gives a warm analog sound
- Dynamic EQ increases the user’s control over their sound
Cons
- Ozone 9 might be cost-prohibitive for some
4. Soundtoys Sie-Q
Soundtoys has an incredible range of effects plugins that rightfully get a lot of attention, but don’t overlook the Sie-Q, which also happens to be one of the top analog EQs currently available, particularly if you’re on a budget. The Sie-Q was inspired by the Siemens w295b, a 1960s German EQ that was included in the Siemens Sitral Console. With the original hardware, you had to insert different EQ cassettes based on the particular sound that you were looking for.
The Sie-Q’s Low and High controls enable you to get variable frequency responses based on the gain level. They also let you boost or cut frequencies up to 8dB. With the Mid control, you can focus in on six frequencies that are found between 500Hz and 5.6kHz.
One unique feature is the saturation knob. This puts the power in your hands to add some distortion if you like to your signal as it moves out. This plugin is not meant for those who are trying to produce a super clean mix. But if you are going for a warm vintage coloration, you’ll be impressed with the sounds you can achieve with the Sie-Q.
Pros
- Unusual overdriven sound
- Inexpensive
Cons
- Not super flexible
5. Sonible Smart: EQ 2
The Sonsible Smart EQ 2 is indeed among the smartest EQ plugins currently available. The features on this plugin make it more than capable to handle all of your EQ needs. The Sonsible Smart Engine Filter Technology will target any tonal imbalances that occur as a result of EQ. This element alone makes this a must-have plug-in.
The EQ 2 fully analyzes the incoming signal and then creates a customized filter curve that delivers a natural balance. If your goal is to eliminate all the nasty sections of the signal, the EQ 2 can definitely handle this for you. If you think your signal could benefit from increased clarity or punch, this plugin can take care of that too. The Sonsible Smart EQ 2 does all the heavy work involved in refining audio while you reap the benefits.
Pros
- The EQ curves are super transparent
- The AI works accurately, saving on time and effort
Cons
- Delay time for locking in the EQ might not work well for live situations
6. Boz Digital Labs The Hoser XT
The Hoser XT is an emulation off the classic M462B Ward-Beck Systems hardware equalizer that enjoyed popularity years ago. This channel-style EQ is an ideal choice if you want to inject some color and cohesion into your mixes. As a bonus, you also get the original Hoser plugin with your purchase. Sound engineers love the Hoser XT because it is CPU-friendly and won’t crash in the middle of a session.
The Hoser XT gives you authentic analog tones that seem to improve any signal. Don’t be shy with going all in with the gain on frequencies because distortion will not be an issue. There’s also mid/side processing and left/right processing capabilities, which enables you to add some stereo width to mono signals, among other benefits.
As we already mentioned, you will also receive the Hoser, which features a more compact design. It only offers mono and stereo modes and does not have an M/S processing option.
Pros
- Very authentic emulation
- Super easy on the CPU
- Added Mid/Side Control
Cons
- Doesn’t have a solid demo version
7. Sonnox Oxford Dynamic EQ
If you’re a producer in these modern times and you don’t have a dynamic equalizer plugin at your disposal, it’s time to fix that. If you have the money to spend, I would go straight to the Sonnox Oxford Dynamic EQ. This plugin has five separate bands and Oxford Type-3 EQ filters. These filters go way beyond what’s expected. They give you proportional-Q settings and also have an onset detection feature, which is particularly beneficial when you have an instrument like drums with powerful transient signals.
Another cool feature is the EQ listen mode, which enables you to listen specifically to the audio that is being processed in that moment. This makes dynamic control changes a breeze since you won’t have to A/B multiple times. This EQ VST also gives you mid/side processing, which is becoming more common with this style of plugin. This can be utilized to address high energy to the outside or low energy to the center. The GUI is basic but effective, the bands are versatile, and the processing is incredibly precise. It costs more than other dynamic EQ plugins currently available, but it’s certainly worth it if you can afford it.
Pros
- Well organized GUI
- Superior sound quality
- Crazy flexibility
Cons
- Quite expensive
8. Tokyo Dawn Labs TDR Nova GE
Producers are drawn to dynamic equalizers because of their versatility and capabilities. If you don’t want to dig too deep in the wallet, the Tokyo Dawn Labs TDR Nova GE is a great dynamic equalizer option. It will give you the tone that you expect from a dynamic parametric equalizer along with additional features that can be utilized for almost any type of mix.
The Nova GE features six dynamic EQ bands that work independently from each other. Their dynamic processing capabilities include downward compression (otherwise known as gating) along with upward and downward compression. In addition to the standard EQ filters, you’ll also have access to a variety of low and high-pass filters.
If you want to take advantage of some AI-style automation, be sure to utilize the Smart Operation panel. When this is activated, the plugin handles equalizing on its own, which involves removing unwanted resonances, matching spectrum frequencies, and so much more. We should point out the convenient drag and drop display, where you’ll find a number of easy-to-access knobs you can use to tweak the signal processing parameters. You’ll also definitely want to try out the equal loudness function, which makes it easy to find the ideal setting while keeping the overall loudness consistent.
The Tokyo Dawn Labs TDR Nova GE is an impressive equalizer that should be used by way more sound engineers.
Pros
- Top-notch dynamic equalizing
- Gorgeous interface
- Smart Operation and Equal Loudness functions
Cons
- No simultaneous analysis of the input and output
9. Softube Chandler Limited® Curve Bender Mastering EQ
The Softube Chandler Limited is a highly recommended digital mastering equalizer with that desirable analog quality. It offers insane control, incredible sound quality, and component-level modeling. This plugin perfectly emulates the original equalizer circuit from the EMI TG12345.
The curves on this EQ plugin have been meticulously designed to offer subtle mastering touch-ups. Whatever you are looking to achieve in your mastering, this EQ makes it simple. You’ll also have mid/side processing capabilities so that you can perfectly tweak your stereo field. The original console only offered two bands, but the Mastering EQ gives you two additional bands to work with. You also go from nine filter points in the original to 51 in this digital version. This gives you incredible room for creativity as you sculpt your master without having to worry about harshness.
This plugin also provides you with some amazing presets from celebrated mastering engineers like Joe Chicarelli, Tony Maserati, Maor Appelbaum, and Kevin Kadish. Whatever you are looking to achieve as you perfect your stereo field and finalize your mix, the Curve Bender will help get you there.
Pros
- Awesome sound for mastering
- Authentic control
- Adds excitement to the whole frequency range
Cons
- Out setting on frequency selectors isn’t needed
10. Wavesfactory Spectre Enhancer
The Wavesfactory Spectre stands out among all the other ones we’ve mentioned with its unique functionality. It doesn’t utilize phase manipulation processing like you would expect it to. It actually works through harmonic saturation. It’s pretty limited because it only works for boosting, but what it does it does well. It is an ideal option if you are looking to add some body and punch to your mix.
Surprisingly, it combines its graphical EQ features with an enhancer. This gives you the unique capability to process not only the dry input signal but also the EQ signal. You will be impressed by the efficiency of this plugin when you are working on sub-busses, single tracks, or even the complete mix. It offers multi-band enhancement with 10 distinct saturation algorithms. This is an unusual way to add color and zest to your signals.
The Wavesfactory Spectre never claimed that it can cover all of your EQ needs, but you should certainly consider adding this funky EQ to your collection. It has a unique way of enlivening a static mix.
Pros
- Unusual and creative EQ/enhancer hybrid
- Stereo, left/right, and mid/side processing
- Offers a great selection of quality saturation algorithms
Cons
- There’s no input or output visualization
11. Voxengo Voxengo PrimeEQ
Beginner producers have an overwhelming amount of software and gear that they’ll need to accumulate. There’s no reason to spend more than necessary on plugins when you are just figuring things out. Our advice is to master the cheaper plugins and then graduate to some of the higher ends when you are ready. The Prime EQ is one of those cheaper plugins that we recommend working with in the beginning. It’s a strong parametric equalizer that can help you achieve all your EQ goals.
The interface is designed to give the user complete control. Use the differential filter display to figure out how a specific filter affects the overall shape of the EQ signal. You can make changes efficiently because of the control points located on the EQ. The PrimeEQ does not make use of a continuous EQ curve like you might expect. Instead it features independent parametric filters.
One thing that’s helpful for new mixers is that it gives you a visual representation of the frequencies that are running through it. PrimeEQ may be an affordable option, but there’s still plenty to love about this plugin with its amazing customization options and its helpful visual interface.
Pros
- Versatile interface
- An abundance of filter options
- Cheaper than most EQ plugins
Cons
- Not enough presets
- Default setting is not preconfigured
Plug into EQ
Becoming more experienced with EQ can improve your mixes by leaps and bounds. Invest some time and money into some of the EQ plugins we’ve suggested and see the results for yourself. Make sure you target the right plugin for your skill level and work your way up. Never underestimate the importance of EQ in shaping the perfect mix.
A good spectrum analyzer plug-in is essential for letting you know what is going on with your audio.
Even if you have a good monitoring system in your studio, a spectrum analyzer will help you identify potential problem areas in your mix.
Here, we run down some of the best spectrum analyzer VSTs available, giving you a range of potentially useful options.
Other Helpful Posts:
Top 7 Spectrum Analyzer VST Plugins
1. iZotope Insight
Demo & Price
iZotope’s aptly-named Insight gives you a broad overview of the spectral content of your audio while giving you the ability to get as detailed as you wish. It comes with plenty metering options to choose from, that can be customized as you fit, enabling you to use it for any type of session. Whether you simply want to check the spectral balance of your mix or you want to tweak the loudness or intelligibility of specific tracks.
Specs and useful features
Insight lets you visualize audio streams in ways that probably only a few spectrum analyzer plugins can. Unlike other plug-ins that force you into a specific way of working, Insight lets you customize the user interface according to your preferences or the demands of the session.
With Insight, you can choose to display only the meters that you need for any given situation. The interface is resizable as well, so you can keep it fairly compact when your screen gets too crowded. If you want to have visual access to more information, you could simply maximize the interface to occupy the full screen.
Of course, you have a great degree of control over viewing the display as well. You can adjust partition sizes however you want, and each meter even comes with dedicated display settings.
User impressions
“Comprehensive” is one word that is commonly used to describe Insight. It gives users the flexibility to view data however they wish, with zooming, scaling, and even freezing options provided.
The option to choose between 2D and 3D spectrogram displays scored points among many users as well. For users that need the ability to change viewing modes for different projects, Insight stands apart from most other spectrum analyzer plug-ins.
Bottom-line
iZotope’s Insight could very well handle all your spectrum analysis needs and then some. If flexibility and accuracy are your primary concerns–as they should be when shopping for a spectrum analyzer–you can’t go wrong with Insight.
2. NuGen Visualizer
Demo & Price
NuGen’s Visualizer may not be a household name in the world of spectrum analyzer plug-ins, but that in no way indicates any shortcomings on its part. Just as capable as its more popular counterparts, it provides feature-packed tools for analyzing audio and enhancing workflow. Furthermore, Visualizer helps you recreate optimal mix settings and avoid frequently-repeated errors.
Specs and useful features
Visualizer provides a single-screen interface for viewing the frequency content of the audio material. The interface can be resized freely, taking up very little screen space or providing a comprehensive overview as needed. There are also many options to customize the display, and you could switch to any of several views simply by clicking a button.
But it’s what you can do within those views that matter the most. Visualizer has a useful comparison mode that let you view frequency content and other information from two audio channels in a few different ways. You have the option to view both audio tracks overlaid on top of each other, side-by-side, or in a differential display.
Other features–such as the stereo spectrogram, vectorscope, stereo bias meter, and peak hold control–give you a range of options by which to analyze your audio. You can even view frequencies by how they correlate to each other, making it easy for you to identify potential frequency overlaps.
User impressions
Users of Visualizer have found numerous applications for the plug-in, particularly during the mixdown and mastering stages of production. One common application is the examination of the differences that a mastering chain imparts on a mix. The plug-in makes it possible to identify frequency clashes quickly, and the ability to customize the display makes audio analysis both easy and efficient.
Bottom-line
NuGen Visualizer is a powerful and attractive-looking spectrum analyzer plug-in that can handle a multitude of audio-related tasks. It is a good deal more expensive than other plug-ins in its category, but the extra cost is justifiable given its versatility and range of features.
3. MeldaProduction MMultiAnalyzer
Demo & Price
MeldaProduction is known for its high-value plug-ins that provide professional features at a reasonable price point. MMultiAnalyzer upholds the company’s reputation admirably, with a host of features that make it possible to analyze audio and deal with any issues easily and accurately.
With a selection of audio analysis and enhancement features, MMultiAnalyzer enables you to analyze multiple tracks simultaneously. Simply patch in an instance of the plug-in in each track that you want to analyze, and they will detect each other automatically. All data will then be available to all instances of the plug-in.
Pro Eq Vst
Specs and useful features
MMultiAnalyzer is more than just a spectrum analyzer plug-in. It also has a built-in sonogram, and collision detection, loudness comparison, and stereo analysis features. Even with all these features, the plug-in never gets too complicated to use. Whether you use it as a multi-track sonogram, a collision detector, or a stereo analyzer, the MMultiAnalyzer workflow is fast and intuitive.
MMultiAnalyzer also comes with features that make it easy to identify specific frequencies. These include normalization, super-resolution, and de-harmonization features, all of which help you pinpoint problem areas in your audio.
User impressions
Like all MeldaProduction’s plug-ins, MMultiAnalyzer is customizable to a remarkable degree. The interface is freely resizable, and users have the option to display the controls as knobs, buttons, or sliders. Even with all the impressive technical features onboard, the plug-in’s customizability is what stands out the most among many users.
Of course, the aforementioned technical features are the main draw for professional users and serious hobbyists. The ‘smart’ metering is one of the most advanced of its kind, giving users the option to display frequency measurements in a variety of graphs and meters.
Bottom-line
MMultiAnalyzer is one of the most versatile spectrum analyzer plug-ins around. It is absolutely flawless in terms of accuracy, and the degree to which you could customize the interface is a definite plus. Even with so many capable spectrum analyzer plug-ins available, this one stands apart from the rest.
4. Blue Cat Audio Analysis Pack
Demo & Price
Blue Cat’s Audio Analysis Pack gives you pretty much everything you need to analyze and measure the frequency content of audio in one convenient package. The pack contains a dazzling array of useful plug-ins, all of which are available individually as well. Among these are two frequency analysis plug-ins, both of which provide performance equal to that of dedicated spectrum analyzers. Furthermore, these plug-ins let you can control other plug-ins–and even MIDI instruments–with the resulting measurements.
Specs and useful features
Because this is a review of spectrum analyzer plug-ins, we will focus on those specific types of plug-ins in the pack.
First up is FreqAnalyst Multi, which provides a variety of spectrum analysis features for multiple tracks. Ideally-suited for mixing and mastering, it provides a detailed view of the frequency and time of several tracks simultaneously, all from a single screen. A useful and versatile mixing tool, it will also find plenty of use as a frequency overlap detector.
Best Free Vst Eq Visual Tutorial
The second smartphone plug-in is FreqAnalyst Pro, which adds automation generation capabilities and a 3D viewer to the standard set of spectrum analysis features. Offering much of the same functionality as the free FreqAnalyst plug-in, it provides an extremely smooth and high-resolution view of frequency as well as time.
User impressions
Best Free Vst Eq Visual Software
The individual plug-ins in the Audio Analysis Pack come with an impressive wealth of features that provide tremendous value. Most users seem sufficiently impressed with the amount of information provided, with the automation and MIDI capabilities simply being the icing on the cake. For many, the clever implementation of CC/automation generation features makes these tools so much more versatile than most standard spectrum analyzer plug-ins.
Bottom-line
The overall value provided by the Audio Analysis Pack is pretty impressive. Even if you opt to purchase just the individual spectrum analyzer plug-ins, expect to get plenty of bang for the buck.
5. Photosounder Spiral
Demo & Price
To describe Photosounder’s Spiral as a music analysis plug-in would be accurate–but it does underplay its capabilities a bit. Spiral certainly does a great job of revealing the frequency content of music, but its fresh and innovative approach to audio analysis places it so far ahead of other plug-ins that it is almost in an entirely different category.
Frequencies are displayed in a spiral (no surprise there), with a chromatic band encircling it. It is a simple enough concept to be sure, but the ability to see what is going on in your music quickly and intuitively is noteworthy. Spiral also provides many other features that give you a more detailed and informative view of your audio.
Specs and useful features
In the Spiral display, individual instruments have specific colors that represent their unique positions in the stereo mix. The plug-in also makes it possible to capture or record bits of audio into memory and play it back at slower speeds. This feature is helpful for identifying individual notes or deciphering chords.
You can even adjust the resolution at which stored audio plays back. You can lower the resolution for more precise time measurement for instance, or increase it when you need to analyze low-frequency instruments or complex chords.
User impressions
Users found Spiral to be as useful as an audio analysis tool as a musical aid. The bright colors and stereo separation make it possible to identify tones and notes quickly and accurately.
As a learning tool, Spiral is pretty much incomparable in the world of spectrum analyzer plug-ins. Its ability to highlight specific sections of the audio, capture it, and play it back at slower speeds are features that simply don’t exist in any other spectrum analyzer plug-in.
Bottom-line
Spiral probably isn’t the best choice for analyzing audio for mixing or mastering purposes. More a musical aid than a frequency analysis tool, it should nevertheless find a welcome place in your plug-in collection.
6. 2nd Sense Audio Mixing Analyzer
Demo & Price
2nd Sense’s Audio Mixing Analyzer hides an impressive wealth of features in a simple and modernistic interface. Like the best spectrum analyzer plug-ins, it allows the real-time monitoring of multiple tracks of audio, with the data viewable from a single window. It also identifies instances where frequencies collide and mask each other. Whether you need to pinpoint problem frequencies in specific audio tracks or simply want to check your level balances, Audio Mixing Analyzer could be a useful tool.
Specs and useful features
Like other spectrum analyzer plug-ins that allow for the monitoring of multiple audio streams, Audio Mixing Analyzer is meant to be loaded onto each track to be analyzed. All tracks will then be visible on any instance of the plug-in, each in a different color. You can also label each track as you see fit.
A vertical line will pop up on the display if any frequencies clash or overlap. You can then instantly see where two or more parts are occupying the same frequency range. An included threshold knob lets you control how frequencies clashes are displayed, with shorter instances showing up as more pronounced movements of the indicator line.
A scrolling display below the spectrum display provides real-time information on the clashing frequencies, as well as the measure and beat position where they occur. There are also illuminating blocks to the left that indicate the presence of tracks with conflicting frequency content.
User impressions
Audio Mixing Analyzer may be fairly simple, but users seem satisfied at the amount of information provided. By presenting data as text as well as visual form, users can identify frequency clashes easily, and quickly determine what steps to take to remedy potential issues.
Bottom-line
Audio Mixing Analyzer isn’t the most fully-featured spectrum analyzer around. In fact, it is one of the simplest in this rundown, without a lot of esoteric display settings and customizability options onboard. Nevertheless, it is a capable enough analyzer for the most part, and it should find plenty of use in any studio.
7. Voxengo SPAN
Demo & Price
Voxengo’s SPAN is something of a classic in the audio world, providing spectrum analysis capabilities equal to that of the best plug-ins. Remarkably, SPAN is free, which makes its professional features and capabilities even more impressive.
Even so, Voxengo saw fit to release an “extended” version of SPAN, dubbing it the SPAN Plus. Building on the already impressive features of its freeware predecessor, SPAN Plus added a static spectrum display option, PNG file export, and the ability to import and export spectrum data in real-time.
Specs and useful features
SPAN Plus has a new “mode” system that gives you the flexibility to set the display according to your preferences. This feature lets you view Fourier block size in samples, and lets you set the overlap percentage of the FFT window. You can also specify the visual slope of the spectrum, change how the secondary spectrum is displayed, and even smoothen out the spectral display as desired.
SPAN Plus makes it possible to perform a variety of analysis methods. You can compare the spectrums of different tracks at the same time, with unique colors for each channel.
User impressions
SPAN Plus especially impresses users with its ability to perform multi-track comparisons from a single window. The ability to compare EQ curves pre- and post-mastering on the same graph makes it a flexible and useful tool for mixing and mastering.
It is interesting to note that many users find the free SPAN to be just as capable as the SPAN Plus for their needs. But that is more a testament to the excellence of the free plug-in than it is a criticism of SPAN Plus.
Bottom-line
SPAN Plus is an excellent spectrum analyzer plug-in in more ways than one. Admittedly, you could get pretty much the same features in the free version of SPAN. But if the ability to compare the spectrums of two different audio sources at the same time is important to you, SPAN Plus is a no-brainer.
Spectrum Analyzer VSTs
What is spectrum analysis?
In an audio and musical context, spectral analysis is the process of measuring the frequency content of audio signals. Using a function known as “Fourier transform”, audio is broken down into its component frequencies and displayed on a screen.
Spectrum analyzers–purpose and function
Spectrum analyzers essentially provide visual representations of sound. They measure the frequencies of audio signals and display the results in a graph in real-time. The horizontal axis represents the pitch/frequency of the audio, while the vertical axis represents the amplitude. Pitch/frequency is measured in Hertz, and amplitude is measured in decibels.
By providing a visual representation of audio, spectrum analyzers make it easier to identify specific areas of the frequency range that may cause problems in the mix later on. When used in conjunction with standard audio monitoring, spectrum analyzers can enhance efficiency during the mixing and mastering processes.
Essential features
The display is the most important part of a spectrum analyzer. This is where you can see the frequency content of your audio and how “hard” specific frequencies are hitting. You can then figure out which frequencies you will have to cut or boost to fix any problem.
The best spectrum analyzers give you more specific details on frequencies and levels when you place your cursor at certain points on the display. Some plug-ins even allow you to zoom in for a more accurate view of the levels.
How to choose the best spectrum analyzer
Best Eq Vst
Accuracy is, of course, one of the most important aspects of a spectrum analyzer. You will want to pay particular attention to this quality when comparing the different spectrum analyzer plug-ins available.
Dynamic Eq Vst
You should also look into the option to set the FFT block size a few different ways. This feature allows you to view frequencies at different resolutions, which could help you identify problem areas in specific frequency ranges.
Free Vst Graphic Eq
One important thing to keep in mind is that spectrum analyzers can not–and should not–take the place of proper monitoring via speakers or headphones. By all means, use spectrum analyzer plug-ins for an added perspective while mixing or mastering. But don’t forget that what ultimately matters is how the music sounds–not how it looks.