Voxengo SPAN Review: The Ultimate Free Spectrum Analyzer for Music Producers

Whether you're mixing, mastering, or just dabbling in music production, having quality analyzing tools can significantly enhance your workflow and the final outcome. Voxengo SPAN, a free and powerful spectrum analyzer, is a go-to for many producers for its precision and versatility. This article provides an in-depth look at why SPAN stands out among other similar plugins, with an exploration of its features, benefits, practical usage tips, and comparisons with other spectrum analyzers.

What is Voxengo SPAN?

Voxengo SPAN is a real-time “fast Fourier transform” audio spectrum analyzer plug-in for professional music and audio production applications. Offered as a free tool by Voxengo, known for their high-quality audio plugins, SPAN provides a robust set of features that make it an essential tool in any music producer’s toolkit.

Key Features and Unique Aspects

SPAN offers a comprehensive range of features that help it stand out in the crowded market of audio analysis tools. Here’s a rundown of its key features:

• Real-time spectrum analysis: SPAN provides you with a detailed view of the frequency content of your audio, updated in real time as the audio plays.
• Flexible modes: It features multiple modes such as FFT block size ranging from 1K to 16K, window overlap percentages, and a choice of different window functions to fine-tune the detail and update speed of the display.
• Multi-channel analysis: With support for multi-channel analysis, SPAN can show spectra from two different channels or channel groups at the same time. This is particularly useful for comparing the frequency content of different parts of a mix.
• Output Level Metering: SPAN includes RMS, peak level, and clipping detectors, offering a comprehensive view of both spectral and output level information.
• Customizable Interface: It features a highly customizable interface, including the ability to change the color scheme, which can facilitate better visibility and personal comfort while working for prolonged periods.

Comparison to Alternatives

While SPAN is widely favored in the audio production community, there are several other spectrum analyzer plugins available, both free and paid. Here’s how SPAN stacks up against some of its competitors:

• Blue Cat's FreqAnalyst: Also free, this tool is simpler and might not offer as detailed spectral analysis as SPAN does. However, it’s a lightweight alternative for those seeking basic functionality.
• iZotope Insight: A part of iZotope’s post-production suite, Insight offers detailed visualizations and is designed for post-production professionals. It’s a paid tool that includes comprehensive audio analysis capabilities beyond spectrum analysis.
• FabFilter Pro-Q 3: Although primarily an EQ plugin, it features an excellent spectrum analyzer. This is a premium option for users looking for high-end functionality combined with other processing capabilities.

Usage Tips for Best Results

Here are some tips to get the most out of Voxengo SPAN:

• Peak Alignment: Use the peak alignment feature to stack harmonics of a sound, helping to analyze their structure better.
• M/S Monitoring: Utilize SPAN’s Mid/Side mode to scrutinize how elements sit in the stereo field, which can be especially helpful in mastering sessions.
• Use presets: Start with the default presets available in SPAN before customizing the settings. These presets are designed to be effective for a variety of situations and are a good starting point for most tasks.

System Requirements and Compatibility Details

Before downloading and installing SPAN, ensure your system meets the following requirements:

• Compatible with Windows (7, 8, 10) and macOS (10.11 and later).
• Available as both VST and AU plugin formats.

Download and Additional Resources

You can download Voxengo SPAN directly from Splice's official website here. This link has been verified and is functional as of the latest update of this article.

Voxengo SPAN continues to be a top choice for audio professionals and enthusiasts alike. Its robust set of features, combined with the zero cost and comprehensive visualization options, provide a rare value proposition in digital audio production tools.