Let’s talk about spectrum analysis. It's not the most exciting thing in the big, wide world of music production, but it's one of the best ways you can see what's happening with your audio on a frequency level.

Think of it like a visual map of every sound in your track. A spectrum analyzer can show you exactly what’s going on in the low-end, mids, and highs, so you can better understand where everything sits in the mix. Are your kick drum and sub-bass fighting for the same territory? Do your vocals not have enough low mids or highs? A good spectrum analyzer will show you all of that and more.

Now, while most DAWs come with basic spectrum analysis tools, the best ones I've used are third-party plugins. The top spectrum analyzers offer more detailed visuals, customizable views, and even extra features that go beyond what the built-in options offer. Whether you’re mixing, mastering, or just trying to figure out why something sounds off, these plugins are lifesavers.

Of course, with so many choices out there, it can be tough to know which ones are worth your time. That's why I’ve rounded up the 9 best spectrum analyzer plugins for 2025 that will help you make better decisions and save time mixing and mastering!

1. Voxengo Span

Let’s kick things off with Voxengo SPAN , which is hands down my favorite real-time spectrum analyzer plugin. It's simple yet powerful, and after having used it for so many years, it's hard to remember a time when I didn’t get exactly what I needed from it.

SPAN offers a real-time display of your track’s frequency spectrum with serious precision. You’ve got everything from peak levels to RMS measurements, which can be crucial when you’re trying to get that perfect balance between loudness and clarity. And if you're working with more complex mixes, the FFT (Fast Fourier Transform) analysis is spot-on.

The interface is incredibly customizable as well, allowing you to change up the display modes to match whatever suits your workflow. Whether you prefer the classic "line graph" look or need something with a bit more depth, like the spectrogram view, it’s all there.

SPAN also gives you control over settings like FFT size, smoothing, and more.

You’ll be happy to know Voxengo SPAN works on both Mac and Windows , and supports all the major plugin formats, including VST, AU, AAX, and even DirectX.

2. MeldaProduction MAnalyzer

Next up, let’s talk about MeldaProduction MAnalyzer . It’s a super comprehensive spectrum analyzer that does way more than just give you a pretty frequency display.

MAnalyzer uses peak detection, which makes it incredibly accurate for spotting any issues in your track. The adjustable FFT size gives you flexibility, letting you zoom in on tighter, faster transients or get a broader view of the mix. There’s even an advanced dynamic range feature for tracking how the loudness of your track behaves over time, perfect for mastering.

In terms of compatibility, MAnalyzer works on both Mac and Windows, supporting all the major plugin formats (VST, AU, AAX, and more).

It's worth noting that MAnalyzer is actually part of MeldaProduction’s larger suite of plugins , which means you can expand your toolbox and access a ton of other great tools, from EQs to compressors, all with a similar level of detail and control.

3. Blue Cat’s FreqAnalyst

If you’re looking for a powerful spectrum analyzer that’s got a little more flair and a whole lot of functionality, Blue Cat’s FreqAnalyst is another one of my favorites.

The unique thing about FreqAnalyst is its multiple display modes . You’ve got the classic spectrum view, but it also gives you a spectrogram view , so you can see frequency content over time, which is great when you’re trying to figure out how things like reverb and delay are behaving across the frequency spectrum.

However, if you really want to get next-level, the 3D waterfall view is available in the PRO version.

The plugin offers a real-time display that is both quick and responsive , as well as super accurate. Upgrade to the PRO version , and you also get mid-side processing and phase correlation analysis , two features that are indispensable for anyone serious about mixing and mastering.

The user interface is also fully customizable in the PRO version, with plenty of skin options , so you can make it look just the way you want it.

As for compatibility, FreqAnalyst works on both Mac and Windows and comes in all the major plugin formats (VST, AU, AAX). So no matter what setup you’re working with, it’ll fit right in.

4. Brainworx bx_meter

If you’re looking for a versatile spectrum analyzer that does way more than just show you frequencies, Brainworx bx_meter is definitely one to check out.

At its core, bx_meter gives you a really solid frequency spectrum display, but what sets it apart is the floating window display . This feature is super handy if you’re working with multiple tracks and need to monitor them all at once. You can pop out the meter into its own window, and get a separate real-time view of every track you're working on.

There are also tons of metering tools . Along with the frequency spectrum, bx_meter comes with features like LUFS (Loudness Units Full Scale) , Peak/RMS metering , and dynamic range analysis . This means you get the full picture when it comes to loudness, not just frequency content.

As far as compatibility goes, it works on both Mac and Windows and supports all major plugin formats (VST, AU, AAX).

5. HOFA 4U+ DynamicTiltEQ

This next plugin combines a tilt equalizer with a spectrum analyzer. HOFA 4U+ DynamicTiltEQ is one of those tools that can totally change the way you approach mixing and mastering. You get the best of both worlds - the ability to shape your tone using the tilt EQ and the ability to see exactly what’s going on in your frequencies with the built-in spectrum analyzer.

For those who don't know, a tilt equalizer is designed to adjust the balance between the low and high frequencies without having to deal with each band individually. It’s great for broad tonal shifts.

As for the plugin's advanced features , there's plenty. You get mid/side processing (perfect for creating wider mixes or fixing phase issues between the stereo channels), high-quality oversampling (for crystal-clear sound without any digital nastiness), and a built-in preset manager so you can save your favorite settings and recall them at any time.

Compatibility-wise, HOFA 4U+ DynamicTiltEQ works on both Windows and Mac , and supports all the major plugin formats (VST, AU, AAX).

6. SIR Audio Tools SpectrumAnalyzer

If you're looking for something a bit different in the world of spectrum analyzers, SIR Audio Tools SpectrumAnalyzer is a solid choice. What makes this one so unique is that it gives you a bandpass filter mode , in addition to the classic FFT mode. This means you can isolate specific frequency bands and really focus on how those individual sections are behaving.

All in all, you get better control over frequency balance . Instead of being overwhelmed by a full-spectrum view, you can hone in on specific areas, making it easier to fix any issues that might be hiding in the mix.

SpectrumAnalyzer also comes with a bunch of other useful features that make it even more versatile, such as a stereo imaging display, a correlation meter, and a waveform display.

There’s also a free version of the SpectrumAnalyzer available, so you can get a taste of its features without any risk. The free version is a bit more stripped down, but it still gives you access to the core functions and is more than enough for basic use.

7. Blue Cat’s StereoScope Multi

If you’re into multitasking, Blue Cat’s StereoScope Multi is like having an entire audio analysis team right there in your DAW. It's incredibly versatile, combining a spectrum analyzer , phase correlation meter , and mid/side analysis all in one tidy package. It’s perfect for anyone who’s working on complex mixes and wants to get a solid handle on everything at once.

Though it may come from the same developers as FreqAnalyst, Blue Cat took it a step further with their multitrack variant . You can now display the frequency responses of several, or even every one of, your tracks at once in one window . That means you can monitor the entire mix’s frequency content in real time, and see how all your tracks are behaving in terms of stereo width, phase relationships, and frequency distribution, all in one place.

And just like other Blue Cat plugins, StereoScope Multi is available for both Mac and Windows , and it supports all major plugin formats (VST, AU, AAX).

8. Vengeance-Sound Scope

Vengeance-Sound Scope is a solid free spectrum analyzer plugin that can display up to 64 bands , which means you get a ridiculously sharp and detailed view of your frequencies.

It comes with customizable color coding and scaling options as well, so you can tailor the display to your exact preferences and workflow.

In this plugin, you'll see a range of different analysis modes that can adapt to whatever you're working on, including a classic spectrum mode , RMS mode (for average power readings), and even a peak hold mode that helps you track your loudest moments.

Beyond just the spectrum analyzer, Scope also features a correlation meter , which helps you keep track of your phase relationships, a waveform display for quick visual feedback of your track's dynamics, and a stereo imaging display so you can see how your sound is spreading across the stereo field.

Overall, it's an awesome option for anyone who’s mixing, mastering, or doing post-production work on a budget.

9. TDR Nova

Lastly, I'm going to throw a bit of a curveball at you with the TDR Nova . While it’s not technically a spectrum analyzer plugin, it does come with a built-in spectrum analyzer . TDR Nova is primarily a dynamic equalizer , which means it allows you to not only shape the frequencies of your track but also react to dynamic changes in the audio.

However, with its real-time visual display of your track’s specific frequency ranges, you can see exactly where the dynamic EQ is doing its thing.

The plugin is available in multiple plugin formats (VST, AU, AAX) and works seamlessly in all DAWs . Whether you’re on Mac or Windows, it’ll fit into your workflow without a hitch.

How to Use Spectrum Analyzers

So, someone told you about the best spectrum analyzer plugin on the market, and you downloaded it. Now, what do you do with it? Well, there are several ways to use a spectrum analyzer during the music production process!

Monitoring Your Frequency Spectrum

Most obviously, spectrum analyzers are great for understanding the frequency distribution in a mix. By visually breaking down the sound into its individual frequency components, you can see how everything from your kick drum to your vocals fits together in the sonic space.

I like to use spectrum analyzers to check whether my low-end, mids, and highs are balanced or if there are problematic frequencies that I can't quite put my finger on.

Stereo Imaging and Panning

Analyzers can also be incredibly helpful for checking your stereo width and panning. By using the display and a stereo correlation meter, you can see how wide or narrow your mix is and make sure that no instrument is getting stuck in the center unless that’s your intention.

An in-phase vs out-of-phase indicator (found in most analyzers) can also help you understand phase correlation and avoid phase issues that can cause certain elements of your mix to cancel each other out when summed to mono.

Mixing and Mastering

I also like to use spectrum analyzer plugins as reference tools during the mixing process . They're great for assessing how each element sits in the mix and if any adjustments need to be made to prevent buildup.

During mastering , getting a visual representation of your track's frequency analysis can help ensure the final export sounds great across all playback systems.

Final Thoughts

Obviously, there are a lot of plugins to pick from on this list, though, in reality, most of them do the same thing. It just depends on how many extra bells and whistles you need and how much money you're willing to spend.

With that said, investing in a high-quality spectrum analyzer can make a huge difference in your mixing and mastering process, as you'll be able to make more informed decisions.

Experiment with a few of these different analyzers to figure out which one clicks with your creative process!