What platforms does SPAN support?

SPAN is available on Windows, macOS.

What is SPAN best for?

SPAN is best for real-time spectrum analysis (fft with adjustable resolution and slope), checking mix frequency balance (average spectrum vs real-time comparison), identifying problem frequencies (visual isolation of resonances and buildups), stereo correlation monitoring (mono compatibility checking for game audio), comparing tonal balance across assets (consistent visual reference).

SPAN (Free Analyzer)

Name: SPAN
Author: Voxengo

by Voxengo · Free Plugins

A professional-grade real-time FFT spectrum analyzer. Essential for visual mix analysis across any DAW — AAX, AU, and VST supported.

AnalyzerVSTVST3AUAAXWindowsmacOS

What it does

A free spectrum analyzer from Voxengo that's become an industry standard. Shows the frequency content of your audio in real time with adjustable resolution, slope, and averaging. Accurate, configurable, and lightweight.

The display is highly customizable — you can change the FFT size, overlap, smoothing, slope compensation, and color scheme. Shows both real-time and average spectrum, which helps you see both transients and the overall tonal balance. Also has a correlation meter and stereo analysis built in.

Voxengo has been making quality plugins for decades. SPAN is probably the most widely used free analyzer out there.

Why it's useful for game dev

Essential for checking frequency content of game audio assets. Verify that your sound effects have the right tonal balance, catch unwanted frequencies, and ensure consistency across similar assets. The correlation meter helps check mono compatibility, which matters for game audio on various playback systems.

Pros

+Free and industry-standard quality
+Highly configurable display
+Real-time plus average spectrum display
+Built-in correlation meter
+Very low CPU usage
+From established developer (Voxengo)

Cons

−Analysis only — doesn't process audio
−UI looks dated but is functional
−Configuration options can be overwhelming at first

Use Cases

Best suited for

•Real-time spectrum analysis (FFT with adjustable resolution and slope)
•Checking mix frequency balance (average spectrum vs real-time comparison)
•Identifying problem frequencies (visual isolation of resonances and buildups)
•Stereo correlation monitoring (mono compatibility checking for game audio)
•Comparing tonal balance across assets (consistent visual reference)

Less suitable for

•Any kind of audio processing or correction
•Loudness metering to broadcast standards like LUFS
•Surround or immersive audio analysis beyond stereo

analyzer metering mixing

SPAN

https://www.voxengo.com/product/span/

Visit SPAN

Key Concepts

LUFS

Loudness Units relative to Full Scale — a standardized measurement of perceived audio loudness.

Curated Alternatives

Orban Loudness Meter

Orban

Better if you specifically need LUFS loudness metering for broadcast compliance

Youlean Loudness Meter

Youlean

Combines loudness metering with basic spectrum display in one plugin

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