Dusk Audio Spectrum Analyzer vs MiniMeters
Dusk Audio Spectrum Analyzer
duskaudio.comMiniMeters
minimeters.appSide by side
| Figure | Dusk Audio Spectrum Analyzer | MiniMeters |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | Yes |
| API | — | Yes |
| Plans published | 1 | 2 |
| Spec score · Audio Analysis Software | 8.0 (#15) | 9.0 (#2) |
| Maker | Dusk Audio describes itself as a solo endeavor; the opened About page does not state headquarters or a founding date. | The product is made by Direct, identified on the developer's site as Joseph Lyncheski. |
| Purpose | Spectrum Analyzer is a real-time measurement plugin for viewing frequency spectrum, loudness, true peak, stereo correlation, and K-System headroom. | MiniMeters is an audio metering application and plug-in suite for Windows, macOS, and Linux. |
| Support | Users can report bugs and suggest features through GitHub Issues; financial support is optional. | Support is offered through Discord and email. |
Plans
In their own words
Dusk Audio Spectrum Analyzer
Dusk Audio Spectrum Analyzer is a free, real-time plugin for measuring frequency spectrum, loudness, true peak, stereo correlation, and K-System headroom. Its FFT display offers 2048, 4096, and 8192 sample resolutions, with adjustable smoothing and slope and an optional peak hold. Loudness readings cover EBU R128 Momentary, Short-term, Integrated, and Loudness Range measurements. True peak detection follows ITU-R BS.1770-4 with 4x oversampling; the stereo correlation meter runs from -1 to +1. Channel views include Stereo, Mono, Mid, and Side. The manual describes it as a pure analyzer that leaves the audio path unchanged, so output matches input regardless of settings. It requires a 64-bit DAW supporting VST3, LV2, or AU. Listed formats are Linux VST3 and LV2, Windows VST3, and macOS VST3 and AU. Minimum systems are Debian 12+, Ubuntu 22.04+, or Fedora 36+ on Linux, Windows 10+, and macOS 10.13+. The plugins are free and open source, with source code on GitHub. The listed price is free.
MiniMeters
MiniMeters is an audio metering application and plug-in suite for Windows, macOS, and Linux. The standalone app can monitor stereo input or supported system output, or receive audio from its Audio Server plug-in. Its modules display VU, waveform, spectrogram, spectrum, stereometer, loudness, and oscilloscope measurements. Users can arrange meters in a horizontal bar, separate them into windows, or use Quad Layout. MiniMeters can record audio directly and clip the previous 10 or 60 seconds of received audio. Individual plug-ins come in VST3, CLAP, and Audio Unit formats, and require a compatible host. The maker describes it as a display tool for measurements, not an audio processor. The no-time-limit demo is limited to Waveform and Loudness modules and places demo text on screen. The paid product costs 20.00 USD once, with a minimum price of $20 USD, and includes the standalone app, Audio Server plug-in, and meter plug-ins. Minimum requirements include Windows 10, macOS 10.15, or Linux kernel 5.4.0-174; macOS 14.2 is required for audio output capture.