Decibel vs MediaInfo
Decibel
process.audioMediaInfo
mediaarea.netSide by side
| Figure | Decibel | MediaInfo |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | — | $0.25/mo |
| Free plan | — | Yes |
| Free trial | Yes | — |
| Open source | — | Yes |
| Web | — | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | — | Yes |
| iOS | Yes | Yes |
| Android | Yes | Yes |
| API | — | Yes |
| Self-hosted | — | Yes |
| Plans published | 1 | 6 |
| Spec score · Audio Analysis Software | 8.4 (#6) | 9.2 (#1) |
| Formats | The product page lists 64-bit AU, VST3, and AAX plugin formats, plus a standalone version. | Supported analysis includes families such as MP4, QuickTime, Matroska, AVI, MPEG, MXF, MPEG-TS, WMV, FLV, Real, FLAC, AAC, DTS and many subtitle formats. |
| Maker | Process.Audio describes itself as the software division of pureMix, founded by music professionals led by Fab Dupont. | MediaArea describes itself as an open-source software company focused on digital media analysis. |
| Purpose | Decibel provides customizable real-time audio metering for sound engineers and video makers. | MediaInfo displays technical and tag data for video and audio files. |
| Support | Process.Audio says it usually responds to support messages within 24 hours. | Users are directed to FAQs, bug reports, feature requests, issue trackers, and a forum; developers can use the SDK and source build instructions. |
Plans
MediaInfo
- Free MediaInfoFree
- MediaInfoFree
- macOS app$0.99, paid once
- More features (yearly)$2.99 a year
- More features (lifetime)$7.99, paid once
- Professional servicesPriced on request
In their own words
Decibel
Decibel provides customizable real-time audio metering for sound engineers and video makers, and can also analyze tracks offline. Its modules measure loudness (LUFS), dynamics (TrueDyn), true peak, RMS, frequency content, and stereo phase. Users can drag a track into the app for offline analysis and export measurement statistics. Available analysis views include LUFS, histogram, spectrum, spectrogram, VU, digital meter, phase scope, stereo cloud, and super meter. Decibel comes as 64-bit AU, VST3, and AAX plugins, plus a standalone version. The product page lists compatibility with Pro Tools, Cubase, Logic Pro X, Ableton, Studio One, and Luna, as well as Premiere Pro; DaVinci Resolve and Final Cut Pro are described as coming soon. It can connect unlimited iOS and Android displays over Wi-Fi or USB for real-time metering. Decibel is listed for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. The maker says it complies with ATSC A/85, EBU R128, Netflix, and DVD/Blu-ray broadcast standards. Licenses are perpetual and include free updates, with no subscriptions.
MediaInfo
MediaInfo displays technical and tag information for video and audio files. It reports details about the container, video and audio streams, text, and chapters, and reads formats including MPEG-4, Matroska, AVI, MXF, H.264/AVC, H.265/HEVC, MP3, AAC, FLAC, SRT, and ASS. Results can be viewed in text, sheet, tree, or HTML form and exported as text, CSV, or HTML. The software is available as a graphical interface, command-line tool, and library, with operating-system shell integration through drag and drop and context menus. MediaInfo is open-source under a BSD-style license; its listed software price is free. MediaInfoOnline offers a browser-based option and states that files remain on the user's machine rather than being uploaded to MediaArea servers, though it is described as a technology preview. Downloads are listed for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Linux distributions, as well as a JavaScript module and source builds. MediaArea separately offers integration, maintenance, development, and support services at unlisted prices.