SPAN Plus free download: A deeper look at your mix

If you need to see exactly what’s happening in your mix beyond what your ears tell you, a good spectrum analyzer is non-negotiable. While the free version of Voxengo’s SPAN is a staple for many, SPAN Plus extends that functionality with some specific tools borrowed from their premium equalizer.

You can think of this as a diagnostic upgrade. It gives you a real-time fast Fourier transform (FFT) audio spectrum analyzer, which is the technical way of saying it shows you the precise frequency balance of your audio as it plays. This is crucial for identifying muddiness, harsh resonances, or spots where instruments are fighting for space.

Core Analysis and Display

At its heart, this is a professional-grade analyzer. It provides a real-time view of your audio’s spectrum, but it also lets you work with static spectrums. This means you can pause the analysis to examine a specific moment in detail, which is helpful for pinpointing transient issues or a single problematic note.

A key feature here is the ability to handle real-time spectrum import and export. In practice, this lets you compare the spectrum of one track against another within your session, or even save a reference curve to match.

Practical Extras from GlissEQ

This is where the “Plus” part comes in. The plugin reproduces the spectrum analysis functionality found in Voxengo’s GlissEQ dynamic parametric equalizer. While SPAN Plus isn’t an EQ itself, it gives you the detailed, actionable analysis that informs how you’d use a surgical EQ like GlissEQ. For finishing touches, you can also export your spectrum graphs directly as PNG files for use in reports or project notes.

Technical Setup

SPAN Plus comes as a VST and Audio Unit (AU) plugin, so it will slot into most major digital audio workstations used for professional music and audio production. There’s no mention of specific system requirements or limitations in the provided facts, suggesting it runs efficiently like its free counterpart.

Final Verdict

This is a straightforward upgrade for anyone who already relies on the free SPAN but needs more detailed comparison and reference tools. If you regularly find yourself needing to match the spectral balance between tracks, analyze static moments, or export your findings, the SPAN Plus free download adds those specific utilities. It doesn’t process audio—it just gives you better eyes on your sound. If your mixing workflow is heavily diagnostic, this is a logical step up.