Most of us rely on specific plug-ins that are part of our workflow. It seems everyday new and improved products are released giving us many options. Options are great however sometimes you find something that just works for you and the latest greatest doesn’t meet or exceed your needs. Such is the case for my favorite free plug-in T-RackS Metering by IK Multimedia.
T-RackS Metering is always on my mains when tracking and mixing.
Three reasons why I always use this plug-in :
1. The spectrum analyzer. I haven’t found any other that functions quite the same.
2. The GUI is well designed and doesn’t take up much screen space.
3. It’s free.
Here’s some info about T-RackS Metering :
Nothing beats the T-RackS Metering module for getting your mix under control. This is a complete metering section with level, phase and frequency in a single, easy-to-read display for immediate access.
It features the following sections:
-
Precision, three-scale Peak meter with sample accuracy and digital “overs” warning
-
Real Perceived Loudness meter
-
Phase Scope with options to match style and indication you are used to
-
Phase correlation
-
Spectrum Analyzer with Peak, RMS and Averaging indications
-
RMS Meter
-
Loudness and RMS Meter “optimal” zone indication, selectable by genre and style
Peak metering shows the maximum level reached by the signal down to the single sample, while “Perceived Loudness” metering gives the listener a more effective sense of the average loudness of the track which is calculated by combining an accurate frequency weighting of the program and can be used as a reliable reference for how loud the track is being mixed. The added bonus of the selectable genres or music styles gives the user a “ballpark” reference for the music that’s being mixed.
The RMS meter is a standard reference showing the “power” of the audio signal. Typical RMS level for commercial tracks hovers at around -9dB, but this is not complete information as the RMS level is based on a flat frequency response which does not take into account the massive amount of low frequencies which are vey common in modern pop and rock mixes. Using it in conjunction with the “Perceived Loudness” will provide very useful and trusted information to set the loudness of mixes or masters.
The Phase Scope included in the meter is superior to the average plug as it reacts 40 to 50 times faster providing much more useful information. When the level of a track is pushed very hard, the scope will reflect it with a progressive squaring of the picture with sharp edges.
The Phase Correlator is a handy tool to measure the phase relationship between the Left and Right channels of a stereo mix. A +1 value shows that the mix is completely mono, while a -1 value shows a completely out-of-phase signal. In normal conditions, a mix will show values continuously varying between +1 and 0.
The Spectrum Analyzer is an 1/6-octave FFT type with flexible, customizable settings that can be tailored to a wide number of diverse situations – in either Peak or RMS mode with fast or slow response – so that the overall frequency balance of the mix can always be easily displayed.
For more information on T-RackS Complete Metering suite, and everything IK Multimedia, click here.
If you have a favorite metering plug-in or want to share what’s your favorite free plug-in please comment.
Pro Tools Users Blog 