Metric Halo SPECTRAFOO COMPLETE

Metric Halo's SpectraFoo is a complex and very complete metering and spectrum analyzer plug-in. There is both a standard and complete version of the plug-in, with the complete version of course having more features. It's useful for applications of all kinds, including of course mixing and mastering. The interface has a serious amount of metering and other features, including a signal generator, level metering, spectrum analysis, bit range metering, and many other useful meters. There is definitely a whole lot going on, especially upon your initial glance of the interface, so it's crucial that you take the time to break it down piece by piece of you're looking to learn how to use this plug-in inside and out for all of it's helpful features. However, once you've got done what everything is (or even before), you can show any combination of the modules that you'd like to. This is great as it allows you to set up interfaces differently for different applications. I myself have yet to utilize all of the features here. A manual might be helpful, but I haven't checked it out.

SUITABILITY/PERFORMANCE

I'm running the Metric Halo SpectraFoo software on a Mac Book Pro that consists of 4 GB of RAM and a 2.2 Ghz Intel Core 2 Duo processor. I've been running it as a stand alone plug-in and I've yet to try using it in a DAW, but I do believe that it's possible. I've used it primarily for checking out mixes after they're done and haven't had any issues related to performance.

OVERALL OPINION

Metric Halo's SpectraFoo is probably the most complete metering software out there. There are some free ones out there that are great like RND's Inspector, but this one is a lot more in depth than just about any of the others that I've seen out there. It's also got a great interface that is easy on the eyes and very customizable. If you're doing serious mixing and/or mastering and don't have the best set up to work with (or even if you do), SpectraFoo can make your life a whole lot easier by helping you to visualize everything. Definitely worth the energy and price for those interested.