Let’s look at some of the best loudness meter plugins for LUFS and true peak. To make your music sound good on any platform or system, you need to control loudness. Without the right tools, your tracks could end up too quiet, too loud, or not as consistent as professional releases.
The best Loudness metering plugins show you exact LUFS, RMS, true peak, and dynamic range levels. This helps you make better choices when mixing and mastering. With these tools, you can meet streaming platform standards, avoid clipping, and keep the right balance between punch and clarity in your music.
I’ve tried both free and paid plugins to see which ones give accurate readings and helpful features. Some are made for quick real-time monitoring, while others offer advanced tools like histograms, reference tracks, and different metering modes.
No matter if you’re making music for Spotify, film, or broadcast, the right meter makes loudness management much easier.
1. Goodhertz Loudness (FREE)
I put the freebie first for a reason. Goodhertz Loudness VST really stands out because it gives you professional loudness metering and smooth gain control. After trying it myself, I can say it handles everything from quick LUFS checks to detailed long-term analysis, all for free. The interface is simple, with a clear waveform display and real-time metering values, so you can always see what’s happening with your audio.
What impressed me about this free loudness meter is that it’s more than just a meter. It lets you trim gain precisely, using special algorithms that stop clicks and pops, even when you automate volume changes. It also uses full 64-bit processing, so your audio stays clean no matter how much you adjust the levels.
- Multiple Loudness Standards
I can switch between LUFS, RMS, Peak, and True Peak metering based on what I need. Each mode gives accurate readings that match professional broadcast and streaming standards. When I master for Spotify, I use LUFS mode. For tracking peaks while mixing, I use True Peak.
- Three Time Window Options
This LUFS plugin gives you Momentary, Short Term, and Long Term measurement windows for LUFS and RMS. I use Momentary for instant feedback on level changes. Short-term helps me judge how a section sounds over a few seconds. Long-term shows the overall loudness for the whole track, which is what streaming platforms measure.
- Target Loudness System
I can set a target value for any metering type, and the plugin tells me exactly how much gain I need to reach it. When I prepare tracks for different platforms, this saves me from doing the math or making lots of test bounces. I just set my target LUFS and use the suggested gain adjustment.
2. ADPTR AUDIO Metric AB
This pludin does more than play reference tracks. Metric AB is complete comparison system that shows you exactly how your mix stacks up against commercial releases through multiple analysis tools working simultaneously.
You can load up to 16 reference tracks and switch between them with a single button. The loudness matching feature removes volume bias from my comparisons, which means you’re hearing real differences in tone and balance instead of just louder-sounds-better tricks.
The analyzer suite gives me everything I need in one window. I get LUFS readings, spectrum displays, stereo imaging, and dynamics measurements all updating in real time as I switch between my mix and any reference.
Here is what you get:
- Loudness Matching Modes
Four different loudness matching options normalize levels between your mix and references. Real-time LUFS metering shows Momentary, Short-Term, and Integrated values plus Loudness Range. You can set target LUFS values and get alerts when your mix exceeds them
- Multi-Band Analysis Tools
Also, the spectrum analyzer offers multiple graph types including Plot, Octave, and 3rd Octave views. You get a multi-band correlation display that shows phase issues across different frequency ranges. The PSR meter reveals how compressed my track is compared to references. A filter bank lets me solo specific frequency ranges to compare bass, mids, or treble directly.
- Workflow/Utility Features
The interface resizes from S to XL to fit my screen setup. Keyboard shortcuts speed up reference switching during mixing sessions. The plugin supports VST2, VST3, AU, and AAX formats across Mac and Windows, including Apple M1 and M2 chips.
- A/B Reference System
You can import 16 different reference tracks into the plugin. Lastly, the A/B button lets you instantly switch between my mix and any loaded reference. Playback syncs to your DAW transport with multiple modes like Latch, Cue, Sync, or Manual. I set loop points and cue markers for each reference track individually, which helps me focus on specific sections.
3. Youlean Loudness Meter Pro
Youlean Loudness Meter Pro is my go-to tool for checking loudness in streaming, broadcast, and mastering projects. The Pro version adds offline file analysis, exportable reports, and more detailed metering that meets professional broadcast standards.
I like that it works for both real-time monitoring while mixing and for analyzing finished files by simply dragging and dropping them in. The interface fits any screen size, and I can pick either a detailed or simple view depending on what I need.
- LUFS Metering with Multiple Time Windows
What you get are three essentials. The plugin gives you three key loudness readings: momentary (about 400 ms), short-term (3 seconds), and integrated (the whole session). These help you see how loudness changes in your mix. Momentary shows quick peaks, while integrated shows the overall loudness. I use all three to keep my track consistent and meet platform standards. Adjustable Quality
The True Peak meter finds inter-sample peaks that standard peak meters can miss. I can set thresholds and watch for overshoots that might cause clipping during format conversion. Eco mode helps save CPU while still giving accurate measurements. This can help you avoid distortion problems that only show up after encoding.
- Loudness Range and Dynamics Analysis
The Loudness Range (LRA) meter shows how much my mix changes in dynamics. A narrow range means the audio is heavily compressed, while a wider range shows more dynamic variation. The dynamics graph gives me a quick look at how compression is working by comparing peak levels to loudness. I can quickly tell if I’m over-compressing my mix.
- Drag and Drop File Analysis
I can drop audio or video files straight into the plugin for offline analysis. This way, I don’t have to import files into my DAW just to check loudness. I use this feature for quick checks of reference tracks or client projects.
- Streaming Platform Presets
It comes with presets for Spotify, YouTube, Apple Music, Netflix, and broadcast standards like EBU R128. I just pick the platform I want and can instantly see if my mix meets its loudness requirements.
- A/B Comparison States
- Exportable Loudness Reports
I can export measurements as PDF, PNG, or SVG files. This is really helpful for client documentation and broadcast submissions. The reports include all the metering data, graphs, and loudness history in a professional format.
4. SSL Meter Pro
I think it would be shame not to include Meter Pro in the list of the best loudness meter plugins.
This plugin offers a complete real-time analysis solution in a single package. Meter Pro VST covers loudness metering, phase coherence, RTA, and stereo balance monitoring. You can work with formats from basic stereo up to 7.1.4 for immersive audio projects.
The plugin shines when you need to meet specific delivery standards. It includes presets for major platforms like Netflix, YouTube, Spotify, and broadcast specs like ITU and EBU. This saves time since you do not have to manually configure target levels for each project type.
Some of the main features are:
- Multi-Standard Loudness Analysis
The plugin displays momentary, short-term, and integrated loudness with histogram views. You can choose from prebuilt standards or set custom target loudness and gating values. Dolby Dialogue Detection mode helps when working with spoken content. This range of options lets you handle music, film, and broadcast work without switching tools.
- Advanced Peak Metering
True peak monitoring uses oversampling to catch inter-sample peaks that standard meters miss. The RMS and peak bargraphs offer multiple scaling options including K-20, K-14, K-12, Linear, and Non-Linear modes. This gives accurate readings that prevent clipping and distortion in final exports.
- Real-Time Frequency Analysis
A 31-band RTA shows frequency distribution as the mix plays. You can use this to spot problem areas like muddy low-mids or harsh highs. The visual feedback helps you make faster EQ decisions during mixing sessions.
- Phase and Stereo Tools
The Lissajous phase scope and correlation meter show stereo phase relationships instantly. You can check mono compatibility and identify phase issues before they cause problems. The stereo balance meter shows if the mix leans too far left or right.
- Immersive Format Support
Meter Pro handles multichannel configurations up to 7.1.4 channels. You can meter Dolby Atmos sessions and surround mixes with the same accuracy as stereo projects. This makes it valuable for film and game audio work.
- Hardware Integration
The plugin connects with SSL’s UF1 controller and 360° ecosystem. You can view metering data and control parameters directly from the hardware surface. This integration creates a more tactile workflow for those who prefer hardware control.
5. TC Electronic Loudness Meter
TC Electronic’s Loudness Meter adds broadcast-level accuracy to your DAW. I’ve used it on projects that required strict loudness standards, and it always delivered the precision I expect from a company with a strong reputation in broadcast tools.
The interface is clear and straightforward, not flashy. Features like the LM6 Loudness Radar Meter and true peak displays are easy to read during important mixing moments. I like that it sticks to loudness measurement and does that job very well.
You Get:
- LM6 Loudness Radar Meter
This circular meter shows loudness across several channels at the same time. I can check my stereo or surround mix balance in real time without changing views. The radar display helps me spot imbalances that bar meters might miss. It’s especially helpful for 5.1 surround projects where channel balance is important.
- State-of-the-Art True Peak Metering
The true peak meter finds clipping problems that regular peak meters can’t catch. It spots issues in DACs, codecs, and filters before your audio gets to listeners.
- Multiple Broadcast Standard Compliance
It works with major broadcast standards like EBU R128, ATSC A/85, and more. I can switch standards based on where my content will be used. Each one has preset target levels and ranges, which saves time when working for different broadcasters or streaming services.
- Comprehensive Metering Suite
Besides loudness, it measures RMS, peak, dynamic range, and LUFS in short-term, momentary, and integrated formats. I can use correlation meters for both stereo and surround mixes. The real-time analyzer with 1/3 octave resolution helps me find frequency problems. I can also log stats for client reports.
- Downmix Compliance Monitoring
The downmix meter uses TC Electronic’s measurement tools to check how surround mixes will sound in stereo.
6. Mastering The Mix LEVELS
The LEVELS LUFS plugin is a solid option if you want fast, clear feedback on loudness, dynamics, and stereo imaging. Its main goal is to highlight the most important details in your mix without overwhelming you with data.
Color-coded alerts make it easy for me to spot issues right away, which helps me work faster.
I use LEVELS for both mixing and mastering. Presets for platforms like YouTube, Spotify, and club systems make it easy to check if my track meets loudness standards. The Bass Space analyzer also helps me find low-frequency problems before they show up on bigger systems or in mono.
Here’s what the plugin offers:
- True Peak Metering
LEVELS uses 16x oversampling to spot true peak levels and catch inter-sample clipping that regular meters might miss. I can tell exactly when my signal is close to distorting, even between samples. The plugin has both true peak and standard peak meters, and you can adjust the thresholds based on your delivery format. This setup helps make sure your masters won’t clip on streaming platforms or when converting formats.
- Integrated and Short-Term LUFS
The plugin follows EBU R128 standards for both integrated and short-term loudness measurements. You can use integrated LUFS to check the overall volume of your track, while short-term LUFS lets you check loudness changes in different sections, like verses and choruses. This helps you make better choices about compression, limiting, and gain staging.
- Dynamic Range Display with Color Feedback
LEVELS measures dynamic range by comparing peak levels to short-term LUFS over time. The main oscilloscope changes color to show how much dynamics are left in your mix. Green means good dynamics, orange means you’re getting close to heavy compression, and red warns that your mix is too compressed.
- Bass Space Low-Frequency Analyzer
This feature checks frequencies at 40 Hz, 80 Hz, 120 Hz, and 160 Hz to show where the low-end energy is. I can quickly see if my bass or kick has too much stereo width, which can cause phase problems in mono. The Bass Space meter has saved me from mix issues many times, especially with synth bass or layered kicks.
- Platform-Specific Presets
The LEVELS plugin includes presets for common delivery formats, such as streaming, CD, broadcast, and club playback. Each preset sets the right thresholds for peaks, LUFS targets, and headroom to meet industry standards.
If you’re mastering for YouTube, just load the YouTube preset, and it will show if you’re hitting about -14 LUFS. This eliminates the guesswork and helps me ensure my mixes sound consistent everywhere.
7. PROCESS.AUDIO Decibel
This plugin actually centers around a unique “Super Meter” that tracks three critical measurements at once: LUFS for loudness, TrueDyn for dynamics, and True Peak for peaks. I can monitor both short-term values on the outer rim and integrated values on the inner rim, all from a single visual display.
The modular design lets you build my own metering layout. You can add or remove modules, resize them, and arrange everything to match your workflow. Decibel VST plugin also supports remote metering on mobile devices, so you can push the display to an iPad or Android tablet and keep your DAW screen clear.
- Super Meter with TrueDyn Technology
The Super Meter combines LUFS, TrueDyn, and True Peak into one circular display. You can see short-term measurements (based on a 3-second span) on the outer rim and integrated measurements (from the start of playback) on the inner rim. The color-coded rings help you understand how loud, dynamic, and peaky my audio is without checking multiple meters. TrueDyn measures dynamic range and shows how much compression or dynamics are present in my signal over time.
- LUFS Histogram and Loudness Timeline
The LUFS histogram shows how loudness and dynamic range change across the entire track. Red dots mark spots where your signal exceeded the True Peak limit, helping you identify problem areas quickly. You can see patterns in your mix’s loudness and adjust processing before finalizing the master.
- Drag-and-Drop Offline Analysis
I can drag audio files directly into Decibel for instant analysis. The plugin measures LUFS, TrueDyn, and True Peak without playing the file in my DAW. This feature speeds up my workflow when I need to check stems, reference tracks, or client files.
- Modular and Scalable Interface
Decibel includes multiple meter modules: LUFS meters, spectrum analyzer, spectrogram, phase scope, stereo cloud, VU meter, and customizable number boxes. I can add only the meters I need and arrange them as I want. Each module is resizable, and I can mirror the entire interface to a mobile device for external metering.
- Target Validator with Visual Feedback
The Target Validator lets you set three targets: integrated LUFS, Loudness Range (LRA), and True Peak. Lights indicate when you hit or exceed each target. The LUFS target light turns blue when reached, and the True Peak light turns red when exceeded
8. Youlean Loudness Meter 2
The free version of the Youlean 2 LUFS plugin is one of the most popular free metering tools out there, and for good reason. It covers all the main loudness measurements you need, like LUFS, true peak, and dynamic range. The interface is simple and easy to read, giving real-time feedback that helps me make better choices when mixing and mastering.
I like that this free version is still very accurate. It follows the ITU-R BS.1770 standards, so its readings match what professional broadcasters and streaming services look for. The plugin works with VST, AU, and AAX formats, so it fits into any DAW I use.
- Integrated LUFS Measurement
The plugin shows Momentary, Short-Term, and Integrated LUFS all on one screen. I can see how the loudness changes every second or check the average for the whole track. This setup gives me quick feedback and a full overview. The measurements are accurate enough for professional streaming and broadcast delivery.
- True Peak Metering
Youlean finds inter-sample peaks that regular peak meters might miss. These hidden peaks can cause clipping when your audio is converted or streamed.
- Dynamic Range Display
The free version gives you Loudness Range (LRA) and other dynamic readings. I can check if my mix has enough variation or if it sounds too flat from too much compression. This feature helps me keep the music lively while still meeting loudness goals. Streaming services prefer tracks with good dynamics, so watching LRA during mastering is important.
- Broadcast Standard Presets
The plugin comes with presets for ITU-R BS.1770-4, EBU R128, ATSC A/85, and other delivery standards. If you are mastering for TV, film, or a certain streaming platform, you just pick the right preset. The plugin sets the target levels and tolerances for you. This way, you don’t have to remember all the different loudness standards for each client or platform.
- Flexible Interface Options
9. TBProAudio dpMeter5
Here’s another free plugin that still offers professional features. You can use the dpMeter5 loudness meter for both stereo and surround projects, and it gives you broadcast-level accuracy. The interface is simple and quick, so you can easily keep track of several loudness parameters at the same time.
I’m most impressed by how it meets industry standards like EBU R128 and ITU-R BS.1770-4. I can rely on its readings for streaming, broadcast, or client projects. The plugin works for everything from simple stereo to 5.1 surround, so I can use it on all kinds of projects.
- Multiple Metering Standards
dpMeter5 offers three metering modes: RMS, EBU R128, and DIAL (dialog-gated). I use different modes depending on whether I’m mixing music, preparing for broadcast, or working on projects with lots of dialogue. The DIAL mode uses Dolby’s gating standard, which is really helpful for film and podcast work. Each mode shows integrated, momentary, and short-term measurements, plus true peak readings.
- Multi-Channel Configuration
The plugin works with everything from stereo to 5.1 surround, covering 2 to 6 channels. I can meter both regular stereo mixes and more complex surround sessions without changing tools. It supports 2.0, 4.0, 4.1, and 5.1 setups on its own. This means I don’t need different plugins for different formats.
- True Peak Detection
The dpMeter5 plugin detects inter-sample peaks using ITU BS.1770-4 algorithms. I use this to avoid clipping when converting formats or encoding for streaming. The true peak meters show exactly where my signal could go over 0 dBFS after sample rate conversion. This feature has saved me from having my master’s rejected more than once.
- DAW Integration Features
I can sync the metering with my DAW’s transport or let it run all the time. The automation recording feature lets me save metering data as automation lanes, which helps me check how dynamics change over time. Pre-gain controls let me change input sensitivity without changing my mix level.
I’d say this is the second-best free loudness meter plugin you can get right now.
10. Brainworx bx_meter
bx_meter helps you see exactly what’s going on with your mix dynamics. After spending a few hours adjusting EQ and compression, I sometimes lose track of how balanced things really sound. This free Plugin Alliance tool makes it easy to check peak levels, RMS energy, and how they relate.
The centered dynamic LED display is what I appreciate most. It shows me instantly whether my mix has breathing room or if I’ve squashed it too much with processing. The Mid/Side mode adds another dimension, letting me see how the center content compares to the stereo width.
Here are some features you get with bx_meter:
- Peak and RMS Display with Dynamic LEDs
I can view both peak and RMS measurements at the same time, with numbers and visual meters. The LED bank in the center moves depending on the difference between peak and RMS. If the LEDs group near the RMS, my mix is probably very compressed. If they spread out, it means there are more natural dynamics. The hold function freezes the highest values so I can spot quick peaks.
- Mid/Side and L/R Monitoring
This loudness meter plugin lets you switch between regular left/right stereo and Mid/Side modes. In M/S mode, I can check the center of the mix separately from the stereo width. This makes it easier to decide on panning, stereo effects, and how everything fits together. Each mode gives its own peak and RMS values for detailed analysis.
- Weighting Filters for Perceptual Metering
bx_meter has A, C, and K weighting filters that adjust the readings to match how we actually hear loudness at different frequencies. I can pick which weighting to use, which changes how the meters react to bass or bright sounds. The plugin also lets me solo each filter to hear its effect on the frequency balance. This makes the metering more useful than just flat measurements.
- Correlation and Balance Metering
The correlation meter shows if my stereo signal is in phase, which is important for mono playback. If I see negative values, I know some parts of my mix might disappear in mono. The balance meter tells me if my mix is too far left or right. These tools help me spot issues I might miss when just listening in stereo.
- Solo Functions for Each Component
You can use solo buttons to listen to just the Left, Right, Mid, or Side signals by themselves.
Frequently Asked Questions
Loudness metering uses technical measurements that can be confusing, especially when the numbers look too high or too low. Knowing the differences between meter types and why they matter helps you make better choices when mixing and mastering.
Why is My LUFS So High?
If your LUFS reading is high, your track is louder than your target. I’ve noticed this happens when producers use their limiters too much or add too much gain at different stages of the mix.
Most streaming platforms aim for -14 to -9 LUFS integrated. If your track is at -6 LUFS, the platform will turn it down during playback. This means you lose dynamic range for loudness that gets reduced anyway.
To fix this, I back off the mastering limiter and check my gain staging. I lower the output gain on my limiter or remove plugins that add extra loudness. Each genre has its own loudness standards, but keeping within streaming targets stops your track from being turned down automatically.
What’s The Difference Between Peak, True Peak, LUFS, and RMS?
Peak metering shows the highest instantaneous amplitude in your signal. It measures the exact moment when your waveform reaches its maximum level. RMS measures average loudness over time and LUFS measures perceived loudness based on how human ears actually hear. It weighs different frequencies according to our hearing sensitivity.
Why is My LUFS So Low?
If your LUFS reading is low, your track will sound quieter than professional songs. I’ve seen this happen when I mix too carefully or don’t use enough compression and limiting in mastering. This usually happens because there’s too much dynamic range or not enough gain added after processing. If your LUFS is -20 but you want -9, your track will sound much quieter than others in a playlist.
To fix low LUFS, I use compression to control the dynamics. Adding a mastering limiter helps me raise the loudness while keeping peaks in check. Tools like Youlean Loudness Meter Pro let me watch these changes in real time as I work.
Does True Peak Matter in Mastering?
True Peak matters significantly in modern mastering workflows. I’ve learned that ignoring True Peak levels causes distortion when files get converted between formats or encoded for streaming platforms. Streaming services and broadcast standards require specific True Peak limits.
Most platforms want True Peak levels below -1 dBTP, while some broadcasting standards demand -2 dBTP. When my masters exceed these limits, the encoding process can introduce unwanted distortion that ruins the final sound.
Plugins like SSL Meter Pro show both peak and True Peak at the same time. I always check True Peak during my final limiting. This step helps avoid technical rejections from platforms and keeps the audio quality good on all systems.
Does LUFS Matter in Music?
LUFS is important because it affects how loud your music sounds to people. I’ve found that hitting the right LUFS target for each platform helps my tracks match up with professional releases. Different situations need different LUFS targets. Spotify uses -14 LUFS, YouTube uses -13, and Apple Music goes for -16. Club music is usually around -8 to -6 LUFS, while more dynamic styles like jazz can be -18 LUFS or even lower.
Meeting these targets doesn’t mean crushing your dynamics. You can balance loudness with musical dynamics by understanding that streaming normalization will turn down tracks that exceed platform targets. Using plugins like ADPTR AUDIO Metric AB lets you compare my LUFS readings against reference tracks and streaming standards before final export.
Hello, I’m Viliam, I started this audio plugin focused blog to keep you updated on the latest trends, news and everything plugin related. I’ll put the most emphasis on the topics covering best VST, AU and AAX plugins. If you find some great plugin suggestions for us to include on our site, feel free to let me know, so I can take a look!
