Pinguin Audio Meter 4.5 Pro: A Plugin that Analyzes the Frequency Response of Audio Signals
Pinguin Audio Meter 4.5 Pro: A Plugin for Audio Frequency Analysis
If you are an audio professional or enthusiast, you know how important it is to analyze the frequency response of your audio signals. Whether you are mixing, mastering, recording, or just listening to music, you want to make sure that your audio sounds balanced, clear, and accurate across the frequency spectrum.
Pinguin Audio Meter 4.5 Prol
But how can you do that without spending a fortune on expensive hardware or software tools? How can you get a reliable and comprehensive feedback on your audio quality in real time?
The answer is Pinguin Audio Meter 4.5 Pro, a plugin that analyzes the frequency response of audio signals using four high-quality instruments: a digital peak meter, a spectrum analyzer, a correlation meter, and a stereo meter.
In this article, we will review what Pinguin Audio Meter 4.5 Pro does, what are its features and benefits, how to install and use it, how it compares with other audio frequency analysis plugins, and what are its pros and cons. We will also answer some frequently asked questions about this plugin at the end of the article.
So, if you are ready to take your audio frequency analysis to the next level, read on and discover how Pinguin Audio Meter 4.5 Pro can help you achieve that.
Features and Benefits of Pinguin Audio Meter 4.5 Pro
Pinguin Audio Meter 4.5 Pro is a plugin that analyzes the frequency response of audio signals using four high-quality instruments: a digital peak meter, a spectrum analyzer, a correlation meter, and a stereo meter. Each instrument has its own window and settings, and can be resized and positioned according to your preference. You can also switch between different views and modes for each instrument, depending on your needs and preferences.
Let's take a closer look at each instrument and see what they can do for you.
PPM: High Resolution Digital Peak Meter
The PPM (Peak Programme Meter) is an instrument that measures the peak level of audio signals in decibels (dB). The peak level is the highest amplitude that an audio signal reaches in a given time period. It is important to monitor the peak level of your audio signals to avoid clipping, distortion, or overload.
The PPM of Pinguin Audio Meter 4.5 Pro is a high resolution digital peak meter that offers several advantages over other peak meters. Some of these advantages are:
It has a fast response time and a high accuracy, which means that it can capture even the shortest peaks and transients in your audio signals.
It has a wide dynamic range, which means that it can measure both very loud and very quiet audio signals without losing resolution or precision.
It has a flexible scaling system, which means that you can adjust the range and reference level of the meter according to your needs and standards.
It has a dual channel mode, which means that you can measure the peak level of two audio channels simultaneously, either in mono or stereo.
It has a peak hold function, which means that you can freeze the highest peak level displayed on the meter for later reference or comparison.
It has a reset function, which means that you can clear the peak hold value and start measuring from zero again.
To use the PPM of Pinguin Audio Meter 4.5 Pro, you just need to select the input source for the meter, choose the scaling system and reference level, and enable or disable the peak hold function. You can also switch between different views and modes for the meter, such as:
Vertical or horizontal orientation
Linear or logarithmic scale
Absolute or relative values
Mono or stereo mode
Numeric or graphical display
The PPM of Pinguin Audio Meter 4.5 Pro is a powerful and versatile tool that can help you monitor the peak level of your audio signals with ease and accuracy.
Spectrum Analyzer (FFT, real time)
The spectrum analyzer is an instrument that visualizes the frequency spectrum of audio signals. The frequency spectrum is the distribution of energy or amplitude across different frequencies in an audio signal. It is important to analyze the frequency spectrum of your audio signals to identify and correct any problems or imbalances in your audio quality.
The spectrum analyzer of Pinguin Audio Meter 4.5 Pro is a real time spectrum analyzer that uses FFT (Fast Fourier Transform) to calculate and display the frequency spectrum of audio signals. FFT is a mathematical method that converts time-domain signals into frequency-domain signals. It is faster and more efficient than other methods of spectrum analysis.
The spectrum analyzer of Pinguin Audio Meter 4.5 Pro offers several benefits over other spectrum analyzers. Some of these benefits are:
It has a high resolution and a high speed, which means that it can show even the finest details and changes in the frequency spectrum of your audio signals.
It has a wide frequency range, which means that it can cover both low and high frequencies in your audio signals without losing resolution or precision.
It has a flexible scaling system, which means that you can adjust the range and reference level of the analyzer according to your needs and standards.
It has a dual channel mode, which means that you can analyze the frequency spectrum of two audio channels simultaneously, either in mono or stereo.
It has a peak hold function, which means that you can freeze the highest peak level displayed on the analyzer for later reference or comparison.
It has a reset function, which means that you can clear the peak hold value and start analyzing from zero again.
To use the spectrum analyzer of Pinguin Audio Meter 4.5 Pro, you just need to select the input source for the analyzer, choose the scaling system and reference level, and enable or disable the peak hold function. You can also switch between different views and modes for the analyzer, such as:
Vertical or horizontal orientation
Linear or logarithmic scale
Absolute or relative values
Mono or stereo mode
Numeric or graphical display
Color or grayscale mode
Smooth or sharp mode
The spectrum analyzer of Pinguin Audio Meter 4.5 Pro is a powerful and versatile tool that can help you visualize and understand the frequency spectrum of your audio signals with ease and accuracy.
Correlation Meter
The correlation meter is an instrument that measures the phase correlation between two audio channels. The phase correlation is the degree of alignment or synchronization between the waveforms of two audio signals. It is important to check the phase correlation between two audio channels to ensure a good stereo imaging and sound quality.
The correlation meter of Pinguin Audio Meter 4.5 Pro is a simple and effective tool that shows the phase correlation between two audio channels using a scale from -1 to +1. The scale indicates the following values:
+1: Perfect positive correlation, which means that the two audio channels are in phase and have the same polarity.
0: No correlation, which means that the two audio channels are independent and have no relation.
-1: Perfect negative correlation, which means that the two audio channels are out of phase and have opposite polarity.
The ideal value for phase correlation is +1, which indicates a coherent and balanced stereo image. Values close to 0 indicate a wide and spacious stereo image, but may also cause some cancellation or interference between the two audio channels. Values close to -1 indicate a reversed and inverted stereo image, which may cause severe cancellation or distortion between the two audio channels.
To use the correlation meter of Pinguin Audio Meter 4.5 Pro, you just need to select the input source for the meter, and observe the value displayed on the scale. You can also switch between different views and modes for the meter, such as:
Vertical or horizontal orientation
Linear or logarithmic scale
Absolute or relative values
Numeric or graphical display
The correlation meter of Pinguin Audio Meter 4.5 Pro is a simple and effective tool that can help you check and improve the phase correlation between two audio channels with ease and accuracy.
Stereo Meter (Phase Scope = Gonio Meter)
The stereo meter is an instrument that monitors the stereo field width and phase correlation of audio signals in a X-Y view. The stereo field width is the degree of separation or difference between the left and right audio channels. The phase correlation is the degree of alignment or synchronization between the waveforms of two audio signals.
The stereo meter of Pinguin Audio Meter 4.5 Pro is also known as a phase scope or a gonio meter. It shows the stereo field width and phase correlation of audio signals using a Lissajous curve, which is a shape formed by plotting two sine waves on a X-Y plane. The shape of the Lissajous curve indicates the following values:
A straight line from bottom left to top right: Perfect positive correlation, which means that the two audio channels are in phase and have the same polarity. This indicates a mono signal or a very narrow stereo image.
A straight line from top left to bottom right: Perfect negative correlation, which means that the two audio channels are out of phase and have opposite polarity. This indicates a reversed and inverted stereo image, which may cause severe cancellation or distortion between the two audio channels.
A circle: No correlation, which means that the two audio channels are independent and have no relation. This indicates a very wide and spacious stereo image, but may also cause some cancellation or interference between the two audio channels.
An ellipse: Partial correlation, which means that the two audio channels have some degree of phase alignment and polarity difference. This indicates a normal and balanced stereo image, with a variable width and depth.
To use the stereo meter of Pinguin Audio Meter 4.5 Pro, you just need to select the input source for the meter, and observe the shape of the Lissajous curve displayed on the X-Y view. You can also switch between different views and modes for the meter, such as:
Vertical or horizontal orientation
Linear or logarithmic scale
Absolute or relative values
Numeric or graphical display
Color or grayscale mode
Smooth or sharp mode
The stereo meter of Pinguin Audio Meter 4.5 Pro is a useful and intuitive tool that can help you monitor and adjust the stereo field width and phase correlation of your audio signals with ease and accuracy.
How to Install and Use Pinguin Audio Meter 4.5 Pro
Pinguin Audio Meter 4.5 Pro is a plugin that can be used with any audio editing software that supports VST, AU, or AAX formats. It is compatible with both Windows and Mac operating systems, and it requires a minimum of 512 MB of RAM and 50 MB of disk space.
To install and use Pinguin Audio Meter 4.5 Pro, you need to follow these steps:
Download the plugin from the official website of Pinguin Engineering (https://www.pinguin-engineering.com/).
Extract the zip file and run the installer for your operating system.
Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the installation process.
Launch your audio editing software and scan for new plugins.
Insert Pinguin Audio Meter 4.5 Pro as an effect plugin on your audio track or bus.
Select the input source and output destination for the plugin.
Access and customize the user interface and settings of the plugin.
Start analyzing your audio signals using the four instruments of the plugin.
Export and save your data from the plugin to a file or another audio editing software.
Pinguin Audio Meter 4.5 Pro is easy to install and use, and it provides you with a comprehensive and reliable feedback on your audio frequency response.
Comparison with Other Audio Frequency Analysis Plugins
Pinguin Audio Meter 4.5 Pro is not the only plugin that can analyze the frequency response of audio signals. There are many other plugins that offer similar or different features and benefits for audio frequency analysis. Some of these plugins are:
Stuart Sound Frequency Analysis Plugin
Stuart Sound Frequency Analysis Plugin is a plugin that analyzes the frequency response of audio signals using three instruments: a spectrum analyzer, a spectrogram, and a sonogram. A spectrum analyzer shows the frequency spectrum of audio signals in real time. A spectrogram shows the frequency spectrum of audio signals over time. A sonogram shows the frequency spectrum of audio signals in a 3D view.
The features and benefits of Stuart Sound Frequency Analysis Plugin are:
It has a high resolution and a high speed, which means that it can show even the finest details and changes in the frequency spectrum of your audio signals.
It has a wide frequency range, which means that it can cover both low and high frequencies in your audio signals without losing resolution or precision.
It has a flexible scaling system, which means that you can adjust the range and reference level of the analyzer according to your needs and standards.
It has a dual channel mode, which means that you can analyze the frequency spectrum of two audio channels simultaneously, either in mono or stereo.
It has a peak hold function, which means that you can freeze the highest peak level displayed on the analyzer for later reference or comparison.
It has a reset function, which means that you can clear the peak hold value and start analyzing from zero again.
It has a spectrogram and a sonogram, which means that you can see the frequency spectrum of your audio signals over time and in a 3D view, which can help you identify and correct any problems or imbalances in your audio quality.
The drawbacks of Stuart Sound Frequency Analysis Plugin are:
It does not have a digital peak meter, a correlation meter, or a stereo meter, which means that it cannot measure the peak level, the phase correlation, or the stereo field width of your audio signals.
It is not compatible with AAX format, which means that it cannot be used with some audio editing software that supports AAX format.
It is not free, which means that you have to pay a fee to download and use it.
The comparison between Stuart Sound Frequency Analysis Plugin and Pinguin Audio Meter 4.5 Pro is:
FeatureStuart Sound Frequency Analysis PluginPinguin Audio Meter 4.5 Pro
Spectrum AnalyzerYesYes
Digital Peak MeterNoYes
Correlation MeterNoYes
Stereo MeterNoYes
SpectrogramYesNo
SonogramYesNo
VST FormatYesYes
AU FormatYesYes
AAX FormatNoYes
Price$49.99 USD (one-time payment)$99.00 USD (one-time payment)
As you can see, Stuart Sound Frequency Analysis Plugin and Pinguin Audio Meter 4.5 Pro have some similarities and differences in their features and benefits. Depending on your needs and preferences, you may choose one or the other for your audio frequency analysis.
Voxengo SPAN Plugin
Voxengo SPAN Plugin is a plugin that analyzes the frequency response of audio signals using a spectrum analyzer and a spectrogram. A spectrum analyzer shows the frequency spectrum of audio signals in real time. A spectrogram shows the frequency spectrum of audio signals over time.
The features and benefits of Voxengo SPAN Plugin are:
It has a high resolution and a high speed, which means that it can show even the finest details and changes in the frequency spectrum of your audio signals.
It has a wide frequency range, which means that it can cover both low and high frequencies in your audio signals without losing resolution or precision.
It has a flexible scaling system, which means that you can adjust the range and reference level of the analyzer according to your needs and standards.
It has a dual channel mode, which means that you can analyze the frequency spectrum of two audio channels simultaneously, either in mono or stereo.
It has a peak hold function, which means that you can freeze the highest peak level displayed on the analyzer for later reference or comparison.
It has a reset function, which means that you can clear the peak hold value and start analyzing from zero again.
It has a spectrogram, which means that you can see the frequency spectrum of your audio signals over time, which can help you identify and correct any problems or imbalances in your audio quality.
It has a K-metering system, which means that you can measure the loudness of your audio signals using the K-system standard, which is based on human perception of loudness rather than peak level.
It has a clipping detection function, which means that you can detect and prevent any clipping or distortion in your audio signals by adjusting the input gain or output level.
The drawbacks of Voxengo SPAN Plugin are:
It does not have a digital peak meter, a correlation meter, or a stereo meter, which means that it cannot measure the peak level, the phase correlation, or the stereo field width of your audio signals.
It does not have a sonogram, which means that it cannot show the frequency spectrum of your audio signals in a 3D view.
It is not free, which means that you have to pay a fee to download and use it.
The comparison between Voxengo SPAN Plugin and Pinguin Audio Meter 4.5 Pro is:
FeatureVoxengo SPAN PluginPinguin Audio Meter 4.5 Pro
Spectrum AnalyzerYesYes
Digital Peak MeterNoYes
Correlation MeterNoYes
Stereo MeterNoYes
SpectrogramYesNo
SonogramNoNo
VST FormatYesYes
AU FormatYesYes
AAX FormatNoYes
Price$34.95 USD (one-time payment)$99.00 USD (one-time payment)
As you can see, Voxengo SPAN Plugin and Pinguin Audio Meter 4.5 Pro have some similarities and differences in their features and benefits. Depending on your needs and preferences, you may choose one or the other for your audio frequency analysis.
Blue Cat's FreqAnalyst Plugin
Blue Cat's FreqAnalyst Plugin is a plugin that analyzes the frequency response of audio signals using a spectrum analyzer and a spectrogram. A spectrum analyzer shows the frequency spectrum of audio signals in real time. A spectrogram shows the frequency spectrum of audio signals over time.
The features and benefits of Blue Cat's FreqAnalyst Plugin are: