A spectrum analyzer is useful to measure the values of a signal against frequency within ranges of frequencies. Generally, it can test the spectrum of both unknown and known signals. Commonly, it measures electrical input signals. However, a combination of other signals like optical light waves and acoustic light waves are also testable using additional tools.
By testing the spectra of the electrical signals, it observes the bandwidth, distortion, dominant frequency, power, harmonics, and other components of signals in time domain waveform. This Analyzer displays the frequency on the horizontal axis and the amplitude on the vertical axis. Sometimes, a spectrum analyzer works as an Oscilloscope to provide both functions.
Every music producer, sound engineer, or home recordist needs access to EQ (equalization) plugins. Many Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs) have EQ built into them but can sometimes leave a little something to be desired. Maybe they don’t allow you to apply high- or low-cut pass filters, or maybe they don’t feature the full spectrum of 19 Best Free EQ VST Plugins 2021 – For Vocals. Download RTA Cross font for PC/Mac for free, take a test-drive and see the entire character set. Moreover, you can embed it to your website with @font-face support.
In the past, spectrum analyzers were hardware devices of large sizes. These devices were costly and only present in laboratories. Only highly professionals worked with instruments to analyze the spectrum of multiple signals. But, with the advancement of technology, this work is so easy and does not need bulky devices for analyzing.
- Best Audio Spectrum Analyzer Software For Windows, Mac, and Linux
What is Audio Spectrum Analyzer Software?
Nowadays, a large number of programs are present that can work like a spectrum analyzer. These programs only need installed sound cards to work correctly. Programs that can only analyze the audio spectrum are known as Audio Spectrum Analyzer software. These applications are providing all the features of a real spectrum analyzer. They offer a complete waveform of the original signal having all points.
Some of these include Oscilloscope, Generator, and Sweep frequency characteristics. Most of these apps have a simple and user-friendly interface to provide the best results to users. They have a high-resolution analyzer to display signals in real-time. Some programs are providing custom audio samples to enhance your work experience. Most of these applications include Visual Analyzer for the best enhancement. You can work with multiple commands to change the primary settings.
Best Audio Spectrum Analyzer Software For Windows, Mac, and Linux
Here is the list of open-source audio analyzer software that are present for all major operating systems like Windows, Mac, and Linux. Most of these apps have downloaded versions, but some are providing services online.
1. Visual Analyzer
Visual Analyzer is a reliable program having the aim to analyze the audio of any source. The program has resemblance with Visual Analyzer and can show the rough points on the screen so that you can analyze signals having frequencies over 3000/5000 Hz. Working with this app, you can also get a perfect waveform having total points of a real signal. Plus, it is assisting you in applying a sinusoidal signal with a range of 15 to 20 Khz.
The simple primary window of the program allows the user to adjust the settings from the right panel. The user can enable the Cepstrum tool; in this way, the scope window will show the ‘cepstrum’ of the signal. He can work with Visual Analyzer in two different ways, the ‘Floating’ and the ‘Standard’ mode. In the beginning, you will well get the ‘Standard’ mode, and you can move to other modes from the upper menu.
All features of this program are present in the main window to specify dimensions. This window also displays the spectrum and the scope window. A set of commands is also present in the Setting window. In the ‘Floating’ mode, you will get multiple buttons without the main window and commands like Spectrum Analyzer, Oscilloscope, and other commands.
Features
- Standard mode
- Floating mode
- Apply a sinusoidal signal
- View perfect waveform
- Analyze signals
Pros
- Enable the Cepsturm feature
- Spectrum Analyzer tool
- Multiple commands
Cons
- Does not support oscilloscope measurements
Download: Visual Analyzer for Windows
2. AUDio MEasurement System
AUDio MEasurement System is an exciting program that can enhance your working experience regarding frequency analysis. It is a useful tool to measure audio by using the sound card in the computer. Multiple handy features are present in this application. The simple and straightforward interface of the AUDio MEasurement System can work smartly and helps you to have a look at all features instantly.
It is a portable program, and you can work with it without installation. Just click the icon and start analyzing. You can also take it with you in a USB drive to run it on multiple systems anytime and anywhere. Some of the useful features of the program are FFT, Generator, Oscilloscope, and Sweep frequency characteristics.
It is a pretty small program with many advanced features to facilitate both professionals and new ones. It a cross-platform application for audio measurement and is compatible with Windows and Linux. Overall, it is a handy app to audio testing in seconds.
Features
- Generator
- Oscilloscope
- Sweep frequency
Pros
- Portable version
- FFT Spectrum Analyzers
- Use the sound card for analysis
Cons
- Limited features
3. Friture
Friture is a fast audio analyzing program having a set of tools and widgets to test audio data. It assists professionals in analyzing an audio single to get info about the characteristics of the signal, such as harmonics, fundamentals, and feedback. It can also show the receiver, source, and room behavior like gain peaks and reverberation. The user can also set adjustments in the preprocessing such as room equalization.
Work with the 2D spectrogram tool to view audio data against both time and frequency. It fixes the time-frequency resolution according to the window length of the Fourier transform. The spectrum widget is also a handy tool to view audio data against frequency. In this way, a person can visualize the properties of the signal like harmonics, fundamental frequency, and feedback frequencies.
Plus, this tool also shows the peaks for each frequency part. It has a label to point out the frequency of the global maximum. Work with delay estimator to get time delay among two input channels, useful to set speakers in a room. The cross-correlation algorithm is part of it for delay estimation. The octave spectrum feature can show audio data against time, just like the Spectrum tool. It makes groups of audio data in frequency bins. The outcome of a fraction-of-octave filter will display on each frequency bin.
Features
- Level widget to show peak power
- Delay estimator
- Octave Spectrum widget
- Scope tool to show audio data versus time
Pros
- 2D spectrograms
- Audio data versus frequency
- Characteristics of signals
Cons
- Errors on Windows versions
- Hanging problem
Download: Friture for Windows | Mac | Linux
4. TrueRTA
TrueRTA is an audio analyzer software designed to test and run a complete analysis of sound systems. It uses a measurement microphone, your PC, and a USB interface for such testing. A user-friendly interface of TrueRTA contains handy features and provides quick access to all functions and features. Some of the exciting features are a digital level meter, a low distortion, a dual-trace oscilloscope, a crest factor meter, and a high-resolution analyzer.
It has a large display area to show a graphical representation of Oscilloscope, analysis, and RTA modes. A simple panel is there to provide control over a generator and assists you to adjust amplitude, frequency and wave type. Work with TrueRTA to choose the channel, the output and input sampling frequencies, and the audio device. According to hardware configuration, it enables the user to set the internal buffer size of this tool to get the best possible synchronization between voice and display.
For the Oscilloscope, he can use and get a waveform of the inserted signal. Besides, he can adjust the input voltage and oscilloscope time base. He can toggle between right and left channels as fundamental for the sweep triggering. To work as the spectrum analyzer, it provides a panel in the primary window to adjust the settings.
Features
- Graphical representation of analysis
- Control the generator
- Choose the channel
- Adjust input and output sampling frequencies
Pros
- Adjust internal buffer size
- View a waveform
- Set Input voltage
- Adjust time base
- Visual Analyzer
- Measure the frequency response
Cons
- Does not offer Oscillator tool
Download: TrueRTA for Windows
5. Oscilloscope
Oscilloscope is an open-source audio analyzer software that works as a real-time oscilloscope. This compact program enables the user to visualize the audio waveform by using the system sound card. It is a standard oscilloscope to analyze an audio signal. For working with this program, you have to connect audio testing equipment with your sound card. Work with a microphone or other devices for analyzing sound signals.
The primary window of this app shows the graphical presentation of the audio signal and assist the user in configuring the delay, sweeping, and gaining parameters. Besides, he can work with numerous graph types to read real-time spectra. The program enables the user to save the capture data to a DAT file for comparing multiple intervals or signals for the same sound input. To collaborate with other applications, he can copy the waveform information to the clipboard.
Oscilloscope contains a spectrum analyzer to show the amplitude spectrum through channels for the sound receiver. For working with dual-trace mode, he can use the phase adjustment tool to adjust the information before measuring the phase shift. The clean interface offers access to all the controls. Documentation is part of it to train new ones. It is a portable program, and you can work with an Oscilloscope without installation.
Features
- Documentation
- Clean interface
- Adjust data from phase shift measurements
- Phase adjustment tool
- Visual Analyzer
Pros
- Move the waveform to clipboard
- Save data to a DAT file
- Work with various graph types
- Configure parameters
Cons
- Difficult to use for new ones
6. Real-time Spectrum Analysis
Real-time Spectrum Analysis is a versatile, cost-effective, and intuitive program that is offering three visualization modes like Persistence, Spectrogram, and Time domain. The clean and straightforward interface is part of it having handy tools to sound measurements. Standard settings like Bandwidth, Amplitude, and Frequency are present on the main window, and other functions and settings are present in a menu system. You can get each set using few clicks.
Additionally, you can save custom settings keeping in view the spectrum center and front. It can work with 100 kHz, 10 MHz, 40 MHz, and 100 MHz and provide a clear image of any tool such as situation awareness, measurement, and test, or real-time spectrum monitoring. You can select visualization mode depending on your analysis needs. It provides automatic measurements like Occupied Bandwidth mode and Channel Power with a single click.
Numerous trace types, different markers, and built-in vertical and horizontal cursors can quickly analyze all signal related parameters. You can work with correction algorithms to get a complete view of the spectrum. Plus, it provides you the option to record and save data for later in-depth analysis in real-time. Work with triggering tools to manage the file size and capture the only part of your interest.
Features
- Frequency settings
- Bandwidth settings
- Amplitude settings
- Intuitive menu system
- Save customize settings
Pros
- Three viewing modes
- Channel power
- Bandwidth mode
- Multiple trace types
- Numerous markers
- Vertical and horizontal cursors
Cons
- Advanced features are missing
Download: Real-time Spectrum Analysis for Windows
7. Audiotool
Audiotool is a straightforward music creation application designed for music lovers. It is an online music listening platform directly accessible from your browser. If you want to listen to the latest music, created by the vast community of the platform, go to the Music Area. The music area includes thousands of soundtracks, and you can listen to them free. It provides you the option to insert individual tracks to your creating album or add them in your favorite section.
In this way, you can arrange your EDM tracks in preferred categories. It offers the ability to create songs from scratch, making it different from other music platforms. Start your work by clicking the App button. It includes many tools to enhance your music, creating ability. This online platform contains synths, drums, and many effects like delay, phaser, reverb, and crusher.
Drag and drop mechanics is behind its user interface, helping you to add new components to your task efficiently. Plus, you can get access to thousands of samples created by others. The built-in publishing platform is part of it, and you can publish your tracks on the website as well as on other platforms like YouTube or Soundcloud.
Features
- EDM tracks
- Arrange music in categories
- Add tracks to albums
- Create music from scratch
Pros
- Online music platform
- Contains music effects
- Add new components to music
- Built-in publishing platform
Cons
- Frequency measuring tools are missing
Visit:Audiotool
8. Zelscope
Zelscope is a reliable and useful program created to change your computer into a spectrum analyzer and Oscilloscope. It can show the phase components and amplitude of the spectrum. The interface of Zelscope is like a traditional oscilloscope. It provides multiple features to control offset, conventional gain, trigger, and time base.
For working with this program, a system faster than 300 MHz is needed with installed drivers of the sound card. You can export your raw data as WAV file as well as can save screenshots to EMF and BMP formats. Additionally, copy-paste functions are there for both data files and screenshots. Its interface includes three modes, such as XY, single trace, and dual trace.
You can work with a spectrum analyzer tool to analyze both the phase and amplitude of a soundtrack. The application offers time and voltage difference readout as well as direct frequency readout. It enables the user to adjust the slope, delay, and trigger level. He can work with single-shot triggering mode and can get a retrigger view.
Features
Free Rta Software For Mac
- Left and right click cursor sets
- Direct frequency readout
- Spectrum analyzer
Pros
- 8-bit and 16-bit acquisition
- Single and dual-trace modes
- Export files to WAV format
- Work with the copy-paste function
Cons
- Does not support frequency analysis
Download: Zelscope for Windows
9. Sound Card Spectrum Analyzer
Sound Card Spectrum Analyzer is a fast spectrum analyzing program for Windows systems. The application includes a real-time oscilloscope as well as a spectrum analyzer. It provides the facility to its users to continuously monitor the input signal and don’t miss any triggering events. The program provides a screen refresh rate of around 50 frames per second. For triggering methods, it supports post-triggers and pre-triggers.
The dual-channel Oscilloscope feature has the ability to provide four views, and each picture includes waveform data differently. This exciting app can also combine the information or separately shows data from each channel. For channels A and B, it gives a Lissajous pattern display in a real way. A dual-channel spectrum analyzer is a new tool that gives four real-time views like amplitude spectrum display, cross-correlation display, phase spectrum display, and autocorrelation display.
The user can adjust FFT points in a range between 128 and 32768. Besides, he can access choosable windowing tools like Hanning, Rectangle, Triangle, Blackman, and Hamming. It uses the sound card of your system to provide a dual-channel oscilloscope and channel spectrum analyzer. The program supports multiple languages such as English, German, French, Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, Korean, and more.
Features
- Configure font size, and colors
- Export results to TXT format
- Zooming and scrolling
- Save data curves to BMP format
- Amplitude spectrum
- Adjust FFT size
Pros
- Record length to different sizes
- Amplitude spectrum display
- Multiple measurements
- Supports marks and cursor reader
Cons
- Difficult to use
Download: Sound Card Spectrum Analyzer for Windows
10. Spectrum Audio Analyzer Pro
Spectrum Audio Analyzer Pro is a robust analyzer that provides complete measurements of both output and input signals. It is a new tool for both music producers and sound engineers. This application is those people who have previous knowledge of spectrum analysis. The interface of the program contains everything well organized.
It facilitates you to encode WAV to MP3 and vice versa, divide the stereo signals into two mono files and normalize wave files. This program can work as a mobile instrument to test and calibrate the data for speakers, microphones, and chambers. Work with the ‘Sound Check’ tool to get frequency response measurements for custom and given audio samples. It will save your time for sound checking for concerts.
The ‘Compare’ feature is there to test the output and input between line levels simultaneously. It integrates a WAV/MP3 player to check modifications in the sample rate. Spectrum Audio Analyzer Pro assists you to alter the display mode of the Analyzer for peaks, bars, lines, scroll, and vertical lines. You can also toggle between mon and stereo analysis methods. Besides, change the outfit of the spectrum, its draw, and the decay scale.
Features
- Customize outfit of spectrum
- Select between mono and stereo analysis methods
- Detect modifications
- Perform audio checks for concerts
Pros
- Encode WAVE to MP3
- Normalize wave files
- Split the stereo signals
Cons
- Need basic knowledge before use
- Does not support oscillation feature
Pricing
- Spectrum Analyzer pro Live: $99
- Spectrum Analyzer Pro Lab: $149
- Graphic Equalizer Studio: $49
Free Rta Mac
Download: Spectrum Audio Analyzer Pro for Windows
The Verdict
Overall, these programs are providing the most straightforward and fast tools for your work and make your work easy by working fast. You have the option to convert audio files between multiple formats. Some professionals programs need previous knowledge of spectrum analyzing before use. Many of these programs work as traditional Oscilloscopes to provide you control over offset, conventional gain, trigger, and time base.
Free Rta Software For Mac
Few programs help you to create your music from scratch and offer you significant effects for such purposes as delay, phaser, crusher, and reverb. Professional Spectrum Analyzer provides different views for dual-channel Oscilloscope and dual-channel spectrum analyses. They support pre-triggers and post-triggers. You can also adjust FFT points in a better way.