10 Best Free/Paid Spectrum Analyzer VST Plugins

Spectrum analysis in music production is the process of analyzing the frequency content of an audio signal. This allows you to visualize the distribution of energy across the frequency spectrum and identify any issues or imbalances in the mix.

Many DAWs come with built-in spectral analysis tools that can be used to analyze the frequency content of audio tracks or the overall mix. These tools can be used to identify frequency clashes or resonances, as well as to help with EQ and balancing.

There are many third-party plugins available that can be used for spectral analysis. These plugins typically provide a real-time display of the frequency spectrum of the audio signal, allowing you to see which frequencies are prominent and which are lacking.

To perform spectrum analysis in music production, you typically need to first play or record your audio, then apply the spectral analysis tool or plugin to the track or mix. You can then observe the frequency spectrum display to identify any issues or imbalances in the mix, and make adjustments as needed using EQ, panning, or other techniques.

This can help you achieve a more balanced and well-defined mix, and avoid issues such as frequency masking or resonances that can cause muddiness or harshness in the final result.

Here are 10 of the best free or paid spectrum analyzer VST plugins, in no particular order:

Voxengo SPAN

Voxengo SPAN is a real-time spectrum analyzer plugin for digital audio workstations (DAWs). It provides a visual representation of the frequency spectrum of an audio signal, allowing you to analyze the distribution of energy across the frequency range and identify any issues or imbalances in the mix.

The plugin features a highly customizable interface, with multiple display modes, adjustable FFT size, and window type, and a range of metering options including peak hold, K-system metering, and correlation metering. It also includes advanced features such as phase correlation analysis, mid/side processing, and a built-in preset manager for saving and recalling your favorite settings.

Voxengo SPAN is available for both Windows and Mac operating systems and supports a wide range of audio formats including VST, VST3, AU, and AAX. It is widely used by audio engineers, producers, and musicians for analyzing and optimizing the frequency content of their audio. It has a reputation for being a highly accurate and reliable spectral analysis tool.

Free Download: Voxengo SPAN

Blue Cat’s FreqAnalyst

A powerful spectrum analyzer with high precision and multiple display modes, including a spectrogram view and 3D waterfall view (PRO version). It provides a real-time display of the frequency spectrum of an audio signal, allowing you to analyze the distribution of energy across the frequency range and identify any issues or imbalances in the mix. The PRO version also includes advanced features such as phase correlation analysis, mid/side processing, and a fully customizable user interface with multiple skin options.

Blue Cat’s FreqAnalyst is available for free for both Windows and Mac operating systems and supports a wide range of audio formats including VST, VST3, AU, and AAX. It is widely used by audio engineers, producers, and musicians for analyzing and optimizing the frequency content of their audio. It has a reputation for being a highly accurate and reliable spectral analysis tool.

As an official Blue Cat Audio distributor, you can download FreqAnalyst Plugin for free directly from our website. Just go to the product page and checkout with 0 price.

MeldaProduction MAnalyzer

A comprehensive spectral analysis tool with a wide range of features, including peak detection, adjustable FFT size and window type, and advanced metering options. MeldaProduction MAnalyzer is available for both Windows and Mac operating systems, and supports a wide range of audio formats including VST, VST3, AU, and AAX.

It is widely used by audio engineers, producers, and musicians for analyzing and optimizing the frequency content of their audio, and has a reputation for being a highly accurate and reliable spectral analysis tool. Additionally, MAnalyzer is part of MeldaProduction’s larger suite of plugins, which offers a range of advanced processing tools for audio production.

Free Download: MeldaProduction MAnalyzer

HOFA 4U+ DynamicTiltEQ

A unique plugin that combines a tilt equalizer with a spectrum analyzer, allowing you to adjust the balance of your audio while monitoring its frequency content. HOFA 4U+ DynamicTiltEQ is a dynamic equalizer plugin that provides a unique approach to equalization by combining a tilt filter with a dynamic EQ, allowing you to easily adjust the overall tonal balance of your mix while also addressing specific frequency issues.

The plugin features a tilt filter that allows you to adjust the balance between low and high frequencies, as well as a dynamic EQ that can be used to boost or cut specific frequency ranges based on the amplitude of the signal. It also includes a range of advanced features such as mid/side processing, high-quality oversampling, and a built-in preset manager for saving and recalling your favorite settings.

HOFA 4U+ DynamicTiltEQ is available for both Windows and Mac operating systems, and supports a wide range of audio formats including VST, VST3, AU, and AAX. It is widely used by audio engineers, producers, and musicians for shaping the tonal balance of their mixes and addressing specific frequency issues, and has a reputation for being a powerful and versatile equalization tool.

Buy Link: HOFA 4U+ Dynamic TiltEQ

Brainworx bx_meter

A versatile metering plugin includes a peak meter, RMS meter, and spectrum analyzer, with a floating window display for monitoring multiple tracks simultaneously. Brainworx bx_meter is a metering plugin that provides advanced-level metering and monitoring capabilities. It is designed to help audio engineers and producers monitor the levels of their audio signals.

The plugin features a comprehensive set of metering tools, including peak and RMS level meters, a correlation meter, a phase scope, a stereo width meter, and a loudness meter with support for a range of international loudness standards.

Brainworx bx_meter is available for both Windows and Mac operating systems and supports a wide range of audio formats including VST, VST3, AU, and AAX. It is widely used by audio engineers, producers, and musicians for monitoring the levels of their audio signals

Buy Link: Brainworx bx_meter

SIR Audio Tools SpectrumAnalyzer

Unlike many other spectrum analyzer audio plugins, SpectrumAnalyzer has a mode based on bandpass filters in addition to FFT. This enables far better control over a mix’s frequency balance. SpectrumAnalyzer also features a number of other useful tools, including a correlation meter, a stereo imaging display, and a waveform display.

These tools can be used to gain deeper insights into the audio signal and make more informed mixing and mastering decisions. Besides a paid version you can also download a free version of SIR Audio Tools SpectrumAnalyzer with fewer features but is still useful.

Free Version Download: SIR Audio Tools SpectrumAnalyzer

Vengeance-Sound Scope

Vengeance-Sound Scope is a plugin for audio analysis and visualization that provide users with a detailed understanding of the frequency balance and dynamics of their audio signal.

The plugin features a high-resolution spectrum analyzer that can display up to 64 bands with customizable color coding and scaling options. It also offers a range of different analysis modes, including peak, RMS, and energy, which can be used to identify and analyze various aspects of the audio signal.

In addition to its spectrum analysis capabilities, Vengeance-Sound Scope also features a number of other useful tools, such as a waveform display, a correlation meter, and a stereo imaging display. These tools can be used to gain deeper insights into the audio signal and make more informed mixing and mastering decisions.

Overall, Vengeance-Sound Scope is a powerful and flexible audio analysis tool that can be used in a variety of applications, including music production, post-production, and live sound.

Free Download: Vengeance-Sound Scope

Blue Cat’s StereoScope Multi

A versatile stereo analysis tool with a spectrum analyzer, phase correlation meter, and mid/side analysis capabilities, allowing you to visualize the stereo image of your audio. Many music enthusiasts are already familiar with the FreqAnalyst – it delivers meaningful information when loaded into the master track or any other track in the arrangement.

Now the Blue Cats have gone one step further and have added a multitrack variant to the FreqAnalyst. The aim should be to be able to display the frequency responses of several (or all?) tracks at once in one window so that the user can find out why their own piece simply doesn’t sound like what came across so fat on the radio the other day.

Blue Cat’s StereoScope Multi is available for both Windows and Mac operating systems and supports a wide range of audio formats including VST, VST3, AU, and AAX. It is widely used by audio engineers, producers, and musicians for analyzing the stereo field of their mixes.

Voxengo Marvel GEQ

A graphic equalizer plugin with a built-in spectrum analyzer, ideal for shaping the frequency response of individual tracks or entire mixes. The plugin features a 16-band graphic equalizer with an adjustable band range, filter bandwidth, and filter type. It also includes a range of advanced features such as multi-channel support, mid/side processing, high-quality oversampling, and a built-in preset manager for saving and recalling your favorite settings.

You can correct any imbalances in your mix or individual tracks by boosting or cutting specific frequency ranges. By adjusting the frequency content of your mix, you can shape the overall tone and character to achieve the desired sound. By cutting specific frequencies, you can remove unwanted noise or resonances from your mix or individual tracks.

The plugin can be used for a variety of purposes, such as music production, sound design, post-production, and broadcast applications.

Voxengo Marvel GEQ is available for both Windows and Mac operating systems and supports a wide range of audio formats including VST, VST3, AU, and AAX.

Free Download: Voxengo GEQ

TDR Nova

A dynamic equalizer with a built-in spectrum analyzer, allows you to adjust the frequency response of your audio in real-time based on its spectral content. While TDR Nova’s spectrum analysis capabilities may not be as advanced as some dedicated spectrum analysis plugins, it can still be a useful tool for visualizing the frequency content of your audio signals and identifying any issues or imbalances. Overall, TDR Nova is primarily designed as a dynamic equalizer, but it can still provide some useful spectrum analysis features as well.

TDR Nova is available in multiple plugin formats, including VST, VST3, AU, and AAX. These formats are compatible with a wide range of digital audio workstations (DAWs), including Ableton Live, Logic Pro X, Pro Tools, Cubase, and many others.

Free Download: TDR Nova

All of these plugins are available for free and can be used in most major digital audio workstations (DAWs) as VST plugins.