MiniMeters Audio Analysis Tool for Real-Time Monitoring

Producers often struggle to find a reliable, flexible tool that provides real-time insight into complex audio signals across multiple platforms—especially when compatibility issues or rigid interfaces disrupt workflow. Without accurate visual feedback, subtle imbalances in stereo imaging, loudness inconsistencies, or frequency masking can go unnoticed, compromising the final output.

System Requirements for Cross-Platform Compatibility

MiniMeters is designed to operate seamlessly across major operating systems, ensuring consistent performance regardless of your setup. Understanding the technical prerequisites helps avoid instability and ensures full access to advanced features like Audio Output Capture and Stick Mode.

Windows Support

• Operating System: Windows 10 or newer
• Processor Architecture: x86_64 (64-bit)

This configuration supports direct capture from the default audio device, enabling real-time monitoring without additional routing.

macOS Requirements

• Operating System: macOS 10.15 (Catalina) or newer
• Processor: Compatible with both Intel and Apple Silicon architectures
• Audio Output Capture: Requires macOS 14.2 or later

The latest macOS versions unlock enhanced audio pipeline access, particularly for system-wide output monitoring—an essential feature for post-production and live mixing workflows.

Linux Specifications

• Kernel Version: 5.4.0-174 or newer
• Processor Architecture: x86_64 or arm64
• Distribution: Tested on Ubuntu 20.04 and later; built on Ubuntu 22.04 using glibc v2.31

For Wayland users, wlr-layer-shell must be supported to enable Stick Mode. On X11 environments, _NET_WM_WINDOW_TYPE_DOCK is required for persistent overlay functionality.

Solve Analysis Gaps with a Modular Design

Traditional metering tools often limit users to a single view, forcing compromises in precision and context. MiniMeters eliminates this limitation through a modular architecture that delivers targeted insights exactly where needed.

Seven Integrated Modules for Comprehensive Monitoring

1. MiniMeters (Quad Layout): Combines four key meters into one compact interface for high-density monitoring.
2. Oscilloscope: Visualizes waveform shape and timing, ideal for detecting clipping or phase anomalies.
3. Spectrogram: Displays frequency content over time, revealing tonal changes and transients.
4. Spectrum: Offers a real-time FFT-based frequency distribution view for balancing EQ decisions.
5. Loudness: Monitors integrated and momentary loudness levels compliant with broadcast standards (e.g., LUFS).
6. Stereometer: Analyzes stereo image width and phase correlation to prevent mono compatibility issues.
7. VU Meter: Emulates analog behavior for intuitive level assessment during mixing.
8. Waveform: Shows amplitude over time, useful for spotting volume fluctuations and dynamics.

Each module functions independently, allowing you to deploy only what’s necessary for your current task—reducing clutter and improving focus.

Customize Your Workflow Environment

Rigid UIs hinder creativity and efficiency, especially when switching between mastering, mixing, and live sound applications. MiniMeters addresses this by offering deep interface customization options.

Layout and Appearance Control

• Create multi-window setups across monitors for expanded visibility.
• Switch to a unified single-panel layout for minimal screen usage.
• Adjust color schemes to match studio lighting or reduce eye strain during long sessions.

These options ensure the software adapts to your environment—not the other way around.

Seamless Integration Across Audio Workflows

Whether working inside a DAW or analyzing system output, MiniMeters bridges gaps between production stages with robust input handling and plugin support.

Direct Audio Device Capture

On Windows and compatible Linux/macOS systems, MiniMeters captures audio directly from the default output device. This allows producers to monitor streaming content, game audio, or browser-based sources without third-party loopback drivers.

Plugin-Based DAW Integration

MiniMeters includes native VST, AU, and CLAP plugins, enabling direct signal routing from digital audio workstations. Insert the plugin on any track or bus to visualize transient response, spectral balance, or stereo coherence in real time.

This integration streamlines critical listening tasks, such as identifying low-end buildup or verifying panning accuracy, all within a familiar production environment.

Flexible Signal Routing Benefits

• Analyze individual tracks or full mixes with sample-accurate precision.
• Use sidechain inputs to measure dynamic processing effects.
• Compare module outputs across different stages of processing.

The combination of standalone capture and plugin operation makes MiniMeters equally effective in pre-mastering checks and creative sound design.