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As music producers and audio engineers, we know that audio spectrum analysis is an essential part of our work. It helps us to understand the frequency range of different instruments and sounds, which allows us to make better mixing and mastering decisions. One of the tools that have been widely used for audio spectrum analysis is WaveSpectra. While WaveSpectra is a great tool, there are other alternatives out there that are worth exploring. In this post, we will be exploring the top 8 alternatives to WaveSpectra for audio spectrum analysis.
Video Tutorial:
What is WaveSpectra?
WaveSpectra is a tool that allows you to analyze audio spectrum in real-time. It shows you the frequency range of any given sound on a graph. WaveSpectra is a great tool for isolating frequencies and identifying problem areas in a mix. It is also helpful for identifying specific instruments and sounds in a mix.
Top 8 Alternatives to WaveSpectra for Audio Spectrum Analysis
1. FabFilter Pro-Q 3
FabFilter Pro-Q 3 is not only a powerful equalizer, but it is also a great tool for audio spectrum analysis. Its user interface is highly intuitive, and it allows you to visualize your audio spectrum in different ways. You can isolate different frequencies and make adjustments as needed. Additionally, the built-in EQ matching feature allows you to match the spectrum of one audio track to another.
Pros:
- Easy to Use
- Powerful Equalizer
- Allows for Audio Spectrum Analysis in Different Ways
- Built-In EQ Matching Feature
Cons:
- Expensive
2. Voxengo SPAN
Voxengo SPAN is a free real-time audio spectrum analyzer plugin. It offers a comprehensive set of features and functionality that are typically found in commercial products. Voxengo SPAN comes with a highly customizable user interface that allows you to view your spectrum in different ways. Additionally, it offers features such as MIDI learn, A/B comparison, and a correlation meter.
Pros:
- Free
- Comprehensive Set of Features and Functionality
- Highly Customizable User Interface
- MIDI Learn, A/B Comparison, and Correlation Meter
Cons:
- Not as Easy to Use as Some Other Options
3. iZotope Neutron 3 Advanced
iZotope Neutron 3 Advanced is an all-in-one mixing suite that includes a powerful equalizer and spectrum analyzer. Neutron 3 Advanced has a clean and intuitive interface that allows for easy navigation. You can view your audio spectrum in different ways and isolate different frequencies. Additionally, Neutron 3 Advanced offers advanced features such as mix assistant, track enhance, and an EQ learn feature.
Pros:
- All-In-One Mixing Suite
- Powerful Equalizer and Spectrum Analyzer
- Intuitive Interface
- Advanced Features such as Mix Assistant and EQ Learn Feature
Cons:
- Expensive
4. Blue Cat Audio FreqAnalyst
Blue Cat Audio FreqAnalyst is a free real-time spectrum analyzer. It offers a highly customizable user interface with various display modes. Additionally, it includes features such as MIDI and automation output, multi-track support, and export capability.
Pros:
- Free
- Highly Customizable User Interface
- MIDI and Automation Output
- Multi-Track Support and Export Capability
Cons:
- Not as Many Features as Some Other Options
5. SPAN Plus
SPAN Plus is a real-time audio spectrum analyzer plugin. It includes a customizable user interface with various display modes. Additionally, it includes features such as an output level meter, high-quality spectrum analysis, and correlation metering.
Pros:
- Customizable User Interface
- Output Level Meter
- High-Quality Spectrum Analysis
- Correlation Metering
Cons:
- Expensive
6. HOFA 4U+ Project EQ
HOFA 4U+ Project EQ is a free equalizer plugin that includes a spectrum analyzer. The spectrum analyzer is highly customizable and allows you to view your audio spectrum in different ways. Additionally, it offers features such as input/output metering, undo/redo functionality, and a preset manager.
Pros:
- Free
- Highly Customizable Spectrum Analyzer
- Input/Output Metering
- Undo/Redo Functionality and Preset Manager
Cons:
- Not as Many Features as Some Other Options
7. Metric AB by Plugin Alliance
Metric AB by Plugin Alliance is a plugin that is designed to help you to compare your mix to other commercial tracks. It includes a spectrum analyzer that allows you to view your audio spectrum in real-time. Additionally, it offers features such as A/B comparison, solo/mute controls, and a correlation meter.
Pros:
- Designed to Help You Compare Your Mix to Other Commercial Tracks
- Real-Time Spectrum Analyzer
- A/B Comparison and Solo/Mute Controls
- Correlation Meter
Cons:
- Expensive
- Not as Many Features as Some Other Options
8. SonEQ Pro by Sonimus
SonEQ Pro by Sonimus is an equalizer plugin that includes a spectrum analyzer. The spectrum analyzer is highly customizable and allows you to view your audio spectrum in different ways. Additionally, SonEQ Pro offers features such as drive control, input/output metering, and an output peak limiter.
Pros:
- Equalizer Plugin with Spectrum Analyzer
- Customizable Spectrum Analyzer
- Drive Control and Input/Output Metering
- Output Peak Limiter
Cons:
- Not as Many Features as Some Other Options
Comprehensive Comparison of Each Software
| Software | Free Trial | Price | Ease-of-Use | Value for Money |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FabFilter Pro-Q 3 | 30 Days | $179 | 9/10 | 8/10 |
| Voxengo SPAN | N/A | Free | 7/10 | 10/10 |
| iZotope Neutron 3 Advanced | 10 Days | $399 | 8/10 | 7/10 |
| Blue Cat Audio FreqAnalyst | N/A | Free | 6/10 | 8/10 |
| SPAN Plus | N/A | $99 | 7/10 | 6/10 |
| HOFA 4U+ Project EQ | N/A | Free | 8/10 | 8/10 |
| Metric AB by Plugin Alliance | 14 Days | $249 | 7/10 | 5/10 |
| SonEQ Pro by Sonimus | 3 Days | $69 | 7/10 | 8/10 |
Our Thoughts on WaveSpectra Alternatives
While WaveSpectra is a great tool, the alternatives we’ve covered in this post offer a range of features and functionality that are worth considering. FabFilter Pro-Q 3 is a powerful equalizer and spectrum analyzer that offers an intuitive user interface. Voxengo SPAN, a free real-time spectrum analyzer plugin, offers a comprehensive set of features and is highly customizable. iZotope Neutron 3 Advanced is an all-in-one mixing suite that includes a powerful equalizer and spectrum analyzer. Blue Cat Audio FreqAnalyst and span plus are a good options for those on a budget, while HOFA 4U+ Project EQ is a free equalizer plugin that includes a spectrum analyzer. Metric AB by Plugin Alliance and SonEQ Pro by Sonimus offer unique features that set them apart from the others.
Q&A About WaveSpectra Alternatives
Q. What is WaveSpectra?
A. WaveSpectra is a tool that allows you to analyze audio spectrum in real-time.
Q. Is Voxengo SPAN really free?
A. Yes, Voxengo SPAN is completely free.
Q. Which alternative is the best for those on a budget?
A. Blue Cat Audio FreqAnalyst and SPAN Plus are both great options for those on a budget.
Q. Which alternative offers an EQ matching feature?
A. FabFilter Pro-Q 3 is the only alternative that offers an EQ matching feature.
Q. Which alternative offers an all-in-one mixing suite?
A. iZotope Neutron 3 Advanced offers an all-in-one mixing suite.
In Conclusion
Audio spectrum analysis is a crucial part of music production and audio engineering. WaveSpectra is a great tool, but there are other alternatives out there that offer a range of features and functionality. In this post, we’ve covered the top 8 alternatives to WaveSpectra for audio spectrum analysis. Whether you’re on a budget or looking for an all-in-one mixing suite, there is an option out there for you.