Disclosure: This page may contain affiliate links. Prices were checked on the date shown and may change.
An introduction to Metric Halo SpectraFoo, based on information from the maker and distributors: what it does, how to use it and who it may suit. It is not scored.
SpectraFoo is used around the world for analysis in mixing, mastering, acoustic analysis, live audio and electronics.
— Metric Halo official site
What is SpectraFoo?
SpectraFoo is a metering and analysis application from Metric Halo. More than 15 tools, including level meters, spectrum analysis, phase and stereo-width displays and waveform views, are available in one application.
It offers standards-based level metering, fast high-resolution spectral analysis, the Phase Torch that shows phase difference by frequency, and correlation meters. It can analyze any number of input or output channels, with up to 24 independent analysis channels.
Uses range from checking mixes and masters to acoustic measurement, live sound and electronics testing. The maker says it is used around the world, and that every Metric Halo interface is tested with it.
It comes in two editions, Standard and Complete. Complete adds a signal generator, transfer function measurement, capture and static analysis, and bit-level meters.
High-resolution spectrum analysis
The Spectragraph displays bands as narrow as about 2/3 Hz and creates up to 84 analyses per second. It may help when you want a detailed look at structure and low-end balance.
Spectragram history display
It adds time to frequency and power, showing history in color. The maker mentions checking whether a kick and bass overlap in the same range.
Phase Torch and phase analysis
It shows the left/right phase difference by frequency in a circular display. It may help check mono compatibility or track down phase problems in wiring.
Three-in-one level meter
A digital meter shows peak, RMS and VU together, calibrated to 0 dBFS. The gap between peak and RMS can guide how much compression a program might need.
Windowsets
Save combinations of analysis instruments and recall them from a menu or key command, for example separate layouts for mixing, mastering and live work.
Complete edition extras
Complete adds a generator with up to 9 simultaneous sine sweeps, transfer function measurement that uses music as the test signal, and bit-level meters.
Specifications
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Editions | Standard / Complete |
| Tools | More than 15 |
| Analysis channels | Up to 24 |
| Spectrum analysis | Bands as narrow as about 2/3 Hz, up to 84 analyses per second |
| Complete extras | Signal generator (24-bit, up to 9 sine sweeps, pink/white noise, burst), transfer function measurement, capture and static analysis, bit-level meters |
What is included and system requirements
- Standard: digital level meter, peak/RMS power history, Spectragraph, Spectragram, power balance history, triggering oscilloscope, Lissajous phase scope, Phase Torch, correlation meter, band power history, envelope history
- Complete: all of the above plus signal generator, transfer function measurement, capture and static analysis, and code-level (bit) meters
How to use it
- Choose Standard or Complete on the maker's page.
- Install and launch SpectraFoo.
- Select the audio input you want to analyze.
- To view a DAW mix, refer to the maker's technote on routing into SpectraFoo from a DAW.
- Open the Spectragraph and level meter to check the basic displays.
- Build a windowset for your purpose and save it.
- Use link groups to keep scaling consistent across several meters.
- With Complete, use the measurement features to check a room or speakers if needed.
Checking a mix
It may suit hunting for frequency clashes while watching the spectrum and left/right balance.
Mastering
The maker shows a mastering layout that combines K-metering, phase and correlation views and bit-level displays for final checks.
Measuring a room or speakers
The maker describes using Complete's transfer function measurement to examine room response, which could help check a home-studio room.
Equipment testing and live sound
Using the generator and THD display to test gear, and tuning a PA for live sound, are among the listed uses.
Who it may suit
- Mix and mastering engineers who want to verify sound with numbers and displays
- People who want to measure room or speaker response
- People who want a detailed view of phase and stereo width
Good to know before you buy
- Features differ by edition; the signal generator and transfer function measurement are only in Complete.
- This is a separate application from the maker's plugins, and parts of its page may be dated. Check supported operating systems on the maker's site before buying.
Price
$299 (Metric Halo official site, checked 2026-10-27). Prices can vary by region and promotion, so check the official page before buying.
The maker lists Standard at $299 and Complete at $549.
See SpectraFoo on the product page
Sources: mhsecure.com (checked 2026-10-27)
Comments