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What is an Audio Spectrum Analyzer?
An audio spectrum analyzer is a software tool used to measure and visualize the frequency spectrum of audio signals. It displays the magnitude of various frequency components within an audio signal, providing a graphical representation of sound energy distribution across the frequency range.
Here is a list of Nine free audio spectrum analyzer software options, which can be useful for analyzing audio signals and visualizing their frequency components:
Visual Analyzer
- Description: A comprehensive audio analysis tool that provides real-time waveform and spectrum analysis. No additional hardware is required as it uses the sound card in your PC
- Platform: Windows
- Link: Visual Analyzer
Sonic Visualiser
- Description: An application for viewing and analyzing the contents of music audio files. t’s designed for musicologists, archivists, signal-processing researchers, and anyone else looking for a friendly way to look at what lies inside the audio file.
- Platform: Windows, Mac, Linux
- Link: Sonic Visualiser
Spek
- Description: A simple, multi-platform audio spectrum analyzer that supports a wide range of audio formats. Spek helps to analyse your audio files by showing their spectrogram. Spek is free software.
- Platform: Windows, Mac, Linux
- Link: Spek (Download it here)
WaveSurfer
- Description: An open-source tool for sound visualization and analysis, suitable for both novices and experts.
- Platform: Windows, Mac, Linux
- Link: WaveSurfer
Audacity
- Description: A powerful, free, open-source audio editor with a built-in spectrum analyzer.
- Platform: Windows, Mac, Linux
- Link: Audacity
ARTA
- Description: An audio measurement and analysis software program with a real-time spectrum analyzer. ARTA stands for Audio Real Time Analysis.
ARTA software uses standard and professional PC sound cards for audio signal acquisition and generation. ARTA has functions of following measurement systems:
- Frequency response measurement system
- Fourier analyzer
- Spectrum analyzer
- THD analyzer
- Storage scope
- Platform: Windows
- Link: ARTA
TrueRTA
- Description: A real-time audio analyzer that performs detailed audio measurements. TrueRTA’s audio spectrum analyzer software shows a detailed picture of what you’re hearing in real-time, that is, as it happens. TrueRTA accurately tests audio systems using a Windows PC with basic sound capability.
- Platform: Windows
- Link: TrueRTA
Sigview
- Description: A spectrum analyzer and signal analysis software tool for audio and vibration analysis. offers both real-time and offline capabilities. It comes equipped with a wide array of powerful tools for signal analysis and statistical functions, all complemented by a comprehensive visualization system. The software is designed to be highly customizable and flexible, and does not require programming knowledge to use effectively.
- Platform: Windows
- Link: Sigview
Friture
- Description: A real-time audio analyzer tool that allows users to visualize and analyze live audio data. Friture has several widgets including spectrum analyzer, rolling 2D spectrogram, fraction-of-octave analyzer, delay estimator and more.
- Platform: Windows, Mac, Linux
- Link: Friture
Hardware Requirements
These software tools offer various features and capabilities, ranging from simple visualization to comprehensive audio analysis. They are suitable for different levels of expertise and use cases.
To set up a PC-based audio spectrum analyzer, you need a combination of hardware components that will allow you to capture, process, and analyze audio signals. Here are the key hardware requirements:
1. Computer (PC)
- Processor: A modern multi-core processor (e.g., Intel i5/i7 or AMD Ryzen) to handle real-time processing.
- RAM: At least 8GB of RAM for smooth operation and to manage the demands of audio processing software.
- Storage: SSD for fast data access and sufficient storage for software and recorded audio data.
- Operating System: Windows, MacOS, or Linux, depending on the compatibility of your chosen software.
2. Audio Interface
- Description: An audio interface is essential for capturing high-quality audio signals from various sources like microphones, instruments, or line-level outputs.
- Features: Look for an interface with good preamps, low latency, and multiple input/output options.
- Examples: Focusrite Scarlett 2i2, PreSonus AudioBox USB, Behringer UMC202HD.
3. Microphone
- Description: A good quality microphone is necessary for capturing audio signals accurately, especially for acoustic measurements.
- Types: Condenser microphones are generally preferred for their sensitivity and wide frequency response.
- Examples: Audio-Technica AT2020, Shure SM58.
4. Cables and Connectors
- XLR Cables: For connecting microphones to the audio interface.
- USB/Thunderbolt Cables: For connecting the audio interface to the computer.
- Other Cables: Depending on your setup, you may need 1/4-inch TRS cables, RCA cables, or other adapters.
5. Headphones/Monitors
- Description: High-quality headphones or studio monitors are crucial for monitoring the audio being analyzed.
- Examples: Audio-Technica ATH-M50x, KRK Rokit 5.
6. Optional Hardware
- Microphone Stand: For stable positioning of the microphone.
- Pop Filter: To reduce plosive sounds if you’re capturing vocals.
- Acoustic Treatment: To minimize room reflections and external noise, providing a more accurate analysis environment.
To set up a PC-based audio spectrum analyzer, you’ll need a capable computer, an audio interface, a good quality microphone, necessary cables and connectors, and high-quality headphones or monitors. Optional equipment like microphone stands and acoustic treatment can further enhance your setup. This combination of hardware will enable you to capture, process, and analyze audio signals effectively.
Summary
In this post we have provided a list of best audio spectrum analyzers and listed the hardware requirements such that you can build a complete system.
