Spectrum Analyzer Software Free Mac

RF Spectrum Analyzer Software For RF Explorer. Touchstone For MacOS is a native MacOS application that runs on OS X 10.11 (El Capitan) or higher. Like the Windows version, Touchstone For MacOS turns data collected from RF Explorer spectrum analyzers into highly graphical charts and displays, enabling users to more readily visualize the RF. Spectrum analyzer programs for ham radio use category is a curation of 38 web resources on, Spectrum Analyzer Pro Lab, Spek, PSELab freeware. Resources listed under Spectrum category belongs to Software main collection, and get reviewed and rated by amateur radio operators.

Voxengo SPAN 2.10
Spectrum Analyzer Software Free Mac
Audio Frequency Analyzer Software

Last updated on December 24th, 2020

WiFi Spectrum Analyzer for Windows 10, Mac, iPhone, iPad and Android comparison chart along with prices from select wireless spectrum analyzer manufacturers is presented below. Only WiFi signal analyzers that are available for purchase as a separate standalone unit is compared in this article.

What is a WiFi Spectrum Analyzer ?

It is a well known fact that WLAN interference should be found and mitigated for WLAN optimization activities to be fully effective. 2.4 Ghz and 5 Ghz WiFi frequencies are congested in most of the office locations. Features of WiFi 6 standard tries to address many of the existing pain-points of WiFi communications.

In fact the upcoming WiFi 6E (6 GHz WiFi) will be the best thing to have happened for interference mitigation in a very long time. The High Efficiency(HE) 802.11ax standard combined with a freshly unlicensed 6 Ghz frequency band would relieve a lot of indoor interference worries for Enterprise customers, at least in the early days.

But in any frequency band externally induced interference cannot be ignored by IT teams.

Operating frequency based interference is generated from 2 types of sources:

WiFi signals from neighboring WLANs and other 802.11 sources, and
Non-WiFi signals from sources like cordless phones, wireless CCTV devices, microwave ovens, bluetooth enabled devices etc.

Various WiFi site survey tools are used to inspect wifi networks and wireless interference affecting them. For understanding interference from neighboring WLANs and 802.11 sources, WiFi heatmappers are used. WiFi heatmappers use specialized WiFi adapters or the internal WiFi cards of survey devices like laptops/tablets/mobile phones to capture and analyze WiFi interference in a location. Many popular heatmapping tools are available from top wireless site survey OEMS for this purpose.

However, to specifically find and analyze non-WiFi interference, a WiFi site survey tool called WiFi spectrum analyzer is used. WiFi spectrum analyzer is a wireless spectrum analyzer that inspects the OSI layer 1 (Physical layer) of WiFi networks. This is achieved by using specialized wireless signal processors that are capable of capturing and analyzing data from this layer. Although, data from OSI layer 2 is also captured for analysis purpose.

WiFi Spectrum Analyzer Measurements

Spectrum Trace Graph

Spectrum trace graphs provide a live measurement/ trace of maximum strengths of different signals operating in the selected frequency range. The signal strength is measured in dBm (decibel-milliwatts). In a sample measurement shown above, the frequency is plotted on x-axis and signal strength on y-axis to display captured signals.

The signal strength gives a fair idea about the proximity of signals from the measuring devices. Stronger the signal, closer is the source. Hence when moving around with a spectrum analyzer, focus is given to locations where interfering signals are found to be higher/maximum as rogue signal sources can be found nearby.

A continuous hunt for increasing signal strengths, combined with physical investigation of the area would reveal the interference source.

Spectrogram (Waterfall Graph)

The waterfall graph (Spectrogram or spectral waterfall graph) provides a rolling timeline view of signal strengths measured in a frequency range. In the selected band, frequencies with highest signal strengths are brightly colored for easy understanding. Different color shades are used to mark other frequencies corresponding to varying signal strengths. Through such coloration, the distribution and variation of energy across the selected frequency bands can be easily understood for a selected period of time.

When viewed over a reasonable time span, spectrogram gives a clear snapshot of the frequencies where continuous or intermittent energies are present. WiFi signals appears in bursts, thereby showing a scattered pattern around the channel frequencies. But non-802.11 interference from many known non-radio sources have patterns of constant signal strength (high duty cycle) around a frequency range. This can be seen as a continuous line or pattern as shown in the sample image above.

When such a spectrogram is recorded over a longer duration, any sporadic signal bursts can also be easily identified. By simply looking at the overall waterfall recording and noting the frequencies with sudden short color changes, such interferers can be found and focused on for further analysis. This will help immensely in identifying noise sources that have low duty cycles.

All this information will help to identify the WiFi channels affected by interference in a work space. This will in-turn help the Enterprise IT teams to take corrective action like WiFi channel management, interference mitigation etc.

Some WiFi spectrum analyzer devices also show the waterfall graph based on WiFi channels. They clearly mark out the affected channels using bright colors. This will help to quickly identify the affected WiFi channels, leading to optimization efforts.

Signal Density Graph

Signal density graphs give cumulative signal strength measurements. It is basically the summation of all the live spectrum trace measurements. The signal strengths that occur frequently are more brightly colored. Infrequent signals are denoted with different colors. Such color differentiation helps a surveyor to quickly understand the spectrum characteristics of an area.

Density graphs can give a quick reckoning of unusual signal strengths noted in an area. Any anomalies in the signal strength can be easily understood by deviations from the general signal density noted.

This again can help to re-confirm the frequencies where non-802.11 signals operate so that the WiFi channels can be managed accordingly and the interference can be mitigated.

In some products the spectrum trace and density graph are combined into a single view.

Interference Pattern Matching

Interference signal pattern matching is provided by some WiFi spectrum analyzer manufacturers.

Many types of non-802.11 interference have recognizable signature patterns that can be distinguished in the measurements.

By comparing a known signal pattern with a live signal graph, it can be quickly understood whether the interference noted in an area comes from a particular type of non-802.11 source. If the signal pattern matches, then it would simply mean that a particular interference causing device like wireless CCTV or cordless phone is operating in the survey area. Now since the device type is known it can be easily searched, identified and neutralized.

Also signal pattern matching helps to cut down the time taken to find multiple interference sources operating in a WLAN area. Various signal patterns can be compared one after the other till the patterns match with the live signals. This process will greatly cut the time spent hunting for different interference sources in a highly congested area.

WiFi Signal Analyzer

A WiFi Spectrum Analyzer also captures 802.11 WiFi signals for analysis. That is, going above the OSI Layer 1 to capture and analyze WiFi radio signals. This is important because the WiFi signals and non-WiFi signals need to be compared and analyzed together for quicker resolution of issues. Usually, basic information like signal strength, density graph, channel utilization, channel history, network names (SSID) etc are captured.

WiFi Spectrum Analyzer Comparison Chart (April 2020)

Spectrum Analyzer	Metageek	Oscium	RF Explorer	AirMagnet	WiFi Hound
Company Name	MetaGeek, LLC. Idaho, USA	Dechnia, LLC. Oklahoma, USA	Nuts About Nets, LLC. Washington, USA	LinkRunner LLC. Colorado, USA	Jewell Instruments. New Hampshire, USA
Product Name	Wi-Spy DBx (USB); Wi-Spy Air (Mobile)	WiPry 2500x	RF Explorer WiFi Combo	Airmagnet Spectrum XT	WiFi Hound
Form Factor	USB Adapter(PC) / Matchbox (Mobile)	Matchbox	Deck of cards	USB Adapter	Tablet
Standalone Unit	No	No	Yes	No	Yes
Default Frequency Range (MHz)	2400-2495; 5150-5850	2400-2495; 5150-5850	2350-2550; 4850 - 6100	2402-2494; 4910-4990; 5160-5330; 5490-5710; 5735-5835;	2400-2495; 5150-5850
Power	From USB Port of PC / 4xAAA Batteries (Wi-Spy Air)	4xAAA batteries	Internal battery	From USB Port of PC	Internal battery
Compatible Operating Systems	Windows PC, macOS (Virtual)	Windows PC, macOS	Windows PC, macOS	Windows PC, macOS (Virtual)	NA
Mobile Phone/Tablet Spectrum Analysis	Available for Android, iOS	Available for Android, iOS	Available for Android.	Available for Tablet PC	Available only as Handheld Tablet Device
Directional Antenna Support	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No
Online Price (Indicative)	$999	$650	$270	$3643	$700

Overview of products considered for comparison

Metageek

A popular name in the WLAN Signal Analyzer industry, their solutions have been well tested in the market and proven to be effective in identifying non-802.11 interference in the work areas operating WLAN radios.

Metageek’s solutions consist of both hardware and software. The hardware solution offered by Metageek for spectrum analysis is a USB based spectrum analyzer called Wi-Spy DBx. This can be used to simultaneously analyze both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz WiFi spectrum for interference using their latest analyzer software. There is also a 2.4 GHz version of Wi-Spy, which could be available with local distributors. It is not showcased on the Metageek website right now (April 2020).

Wi-Spy DBx pairs with a PC software called Chanalyzer, which is used to analyze the data captured by Wi-Spy. Chanalyzer captures WiFi data from the internal* WiFi cards of the laptop that is used for the analysis work. ( *external USB WiFi adapters needed when used on windows virtual machines in Macs)

Chanalyzer provides detailed spectrum data like density graphs, waterfall graphs, pattern matching (Fig2), channel utilization graphs etc. It also provides intuitive analysis of data captured from WiFi devices in the area.

Chanalyzer has an option to connect remotely to a Cisco CleanAir enabled access point and conduct a spectrum analysis. It works with Cisco access points in local, monitor or SE-Connect modes. The model numbers with which this Chanalyzer feature will work has been specified by Metageek.

Metageek also provides an optional dual band directional antenna attachment to Wi-Spy DBx that can be used to replace the standard omni-directional antenna on the analyzer. This directional antenna helps to reduce the effort spent in physically locating the interference sources. There are specific live graphs available in the Chanalyzer that work together with device finder antenna towards this effort.

Metageek has a mobile phone based dual band spectrum analyzer solution as well, called Wi-Spy Air. This works on standalone AAA batteries and connects to Android or iOS devices through their free Air Viewer App that only works when Wi-Spy Air is connected. An on-board WiFi chip set allows to measure WiFi related information like retry rates, actual data rates, connected client count, channel utilization etc.

Oscium

Oscium spectrum analyzers belong to the company Dechnia, LLC from Oklahoma, USA.

They have spectrum analyzer solutions in various frequency ranges. Their WiFi spectrum analyzer is called WiPry 2500x, which can analyze both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz ranges. All WiFi and non-WiFi signals can be viewed and analyzed in these frequency ranges . It can be used to visualize ZigBee ( which uses IEEE 802.15.4 standard) channels as well. Hence it can be used to troubleshoot spectrum issues that are affecting home automation products that are using ZigBee standards in 2.4 GHz frequency ranges.

Oscium provides a real time view of spectrum signal strengths and a waterfall view to analyze the spectrum. Different colored heat mapping is also available to understand about the persistent and sporadic signals(Fig4).

Oscium grades each WiFi signal based on levels of congestion noted on the respective channels. Also the SNR and SINR info is displayed for each SSID when it is selected from the common view. There is raw view and average views of signals available. These are superimposed on the density view of the signals for easy understanding.

Oscium also provides optional directional antennas to help pinpointing interference sources. The standard antenna that comes with the device is omni-directional.

The Oscium spectrum analyzer is supported on PC, MAC, iOS and Android.

RF Explorer

RF Explorer is a standalone handheld Spectrum Analyzer, unlike the above 2 examples. RF Explorer comes in various frequency options, including sub-1GHz models. The WiFi spectrum analyzer is called the WiFi combo, which can scan 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz WLAN frequency ranges.

The WiFi combo Spectrum Analyzer is lightweight and comes in a pocket friendly aluminium casing. The LCD screen has good visibility in both indoors and outdoors. 2 SMA connectors are provided for connecting 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz antennas.

The unit has an internal battery that can be charged through a Mini USB cable. The cable can be used to connect the unit to the free PC based software provided by RF Explorer for deeper analysis of data. For extended functionalities, graphs and reporting, a paid “WiFiSurveyor” application is available for download from the website. The WiFiSurveyor software provides detailed graphs and reports about WiFi and non-WiFi signals for easy troubleshooting of WLAN.

The standalone handheld option of RF Explorer Spectrum Analyzer helps in doing rapid spectrum analysis scans at either indoor or outdoor locations. Moreover RF Explorer also provides directional antenna options for quick physical identification of interference sources.

AirMagnet Spectrum XT

AirMagnet Spectrum XT from NetAlly is a USB based WiFi spectrum analyzer solution that can be accessed using laptops and tablets to perform WiFi Spectrum analysis using an AirMagnet Spectrum USB adapter. Optional directional antenna is available for increased accuracy in detecting interference sources.

The AirMagnet Spectrum XT software provides detailed analysis of 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz spectrum by capturing both WiFi and non-WiFi signals in the spectrum.

The software provides detailed spectrum trace, waterfall graph, density graph, pattern matching features etc.

The AirMagnet Spectrum USB also seamlessly integrates with AirMagnet Survey Pro, the WiFi heatmapping and survey software. This helps to conduct simultaneous WiFi and Spectrum Surveys in a single walk and save time.

AirMagnet XT provides a list of non-wifi devices noted during the survey, organized under various categories like cordless phones, bluetooth devices, wireless cameras, microwave ovens etc. This helps to quickly understand the scale of non-wifi interference present in an area. There is an event spectrogram graph that color codes interferers and plots them on a graph based on frequency and duty cycles.

There is a device finder feature, assisted with audio alert. Any particular device can be selected and the software will show real time signal strength of the device and audio alerts will get louder on approach. There is also a live recording feature to record and playback the live spectrum analysis data anytime in the future.

AirMagnet Spectrum XT also provides detailed information of WiFi channels and rates them under various graphs like channel power, speed, 802.11 protocol, address type, utilization, occupancy etc.

WiFi Hound

WiFi Hound from New Hampshire, USA based Triplett is a standalone Android based handheld WiFi spectrum analyzer. The product covers both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency bands, including Zigbee.

WiFi Hound has a 10 inch screen and 6000 mAh LiPo battery and weighs about a kilogram. It comes with a shock resistant case. There is a mini-HDMI port to mirror the screen to a larger display. Files can be backed up through a Micro USB port.

Video recording of the screen is possible, as well as taking snapshots of the screen. Notes can be made to the videos and snapshots for easy reporting. Data logging is available in .csv format. The snapshots can be emailed from the device itself after setting up email in the device.

The overall interface looks simple to use and the device should be useful for doing quick onsite spectrum analysis surveys at home and office by technicians of any skill level.

Summary

WiFi Spectrum Analyzer is available from many manufacturers in various form factors and price points. In this post we have looked and compared standalone spectrum analyzer solutions offered by a select set of vendors. The target of this post was to look at the overall solution package with pricing and not go deeper into technical comparison. A deeper technical comparison article would be covered in a future post. Information in this post can be used as a starting point to dig deeper into each solution before arriving at a purchasing decision.

Note: All product/company/standards names are trademarks™ or registered® trademarks of their respective holders. Use of them does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by them.The product features mentioned in this article are not exhaustive. All prices are indicative only. For the full list of product features, capabilities and prices, kindly contact the manufacturer or its local representative in your region.

'A powerful spectral analysis tool and automation generator with 3D viewer.'

Blue Cat's FreqAnalyst is a free spectrum analyzer plug-in that lets you monitor the spectral content of your audio signal in real time.This plug-in has been designed to provide extreme smoothness and high resolution for both time and frequency: unlike most spectrum analyzers, Blue Cat's FreqAnalyst is able to display continuous variations even with a very high frequency resolution, thanks to.

Blue Cat's FreqAnalyst Pro is a real time spectrum analyzer with advanced functionalities. It uses the same smooth algorithms as its little brother (Blue Cat's FreqAnalyst free plug-in): it has been designed to provide extreme smoothness and high resolution for both time and frequency.

Also in Bundles: All Plugins Pack / Analysis Pack / Master Pack

Detailed Description

The frequency analysis can be fine tuned in details: manage its precision and rate, apply an offset or slope to the measured spectrum. Two thresholding systems are available, and the time response can be changed thanks to the attack and release parameters. Three modes are offered for each channel: instant, peak or average response can be displayed on the same graph. Zooming capabilities and coordinates display let you exactly measure the characteristics of the spectrum.

The four memory slots let you store any curve in memory: it helps you make comparisons between several tracks or effects setup very easily.

A spectrogram view has been added so that you can monitor the evolution of the spectrum over time either in 2D or 3D (3D waterfall mode). All channels are of course available in this view, with exact coordinates display and zooming capabilities.

Like many of our other professional analysis tools, this plug-in also provides output parameters that you can use to control other effects in real time: the generated automation envelopes or MIDI CC messages include the minimum and maximum frequencies and the energy center of the spectrum, expressed in Hertz or as MIDI note value. With the transformation parameters (offset, amount and reverse), you can customize the generation of these parameters and monitor the modifications on the value graphs. Check the DP Meter Pro Tutorials to see how to use this capability within your favorite host.

Thanks to this unique functionality, you can now control any effect with the pitch of the audio signal: imagine a filter on an instrument controlled by the pitch of another instrument, compression depending on the pitch of the signal.. Anything is possible.

For integrated multiple tracks spectrum analysis, check our Blue Cat's FreqAnalyst Multi plug-in.

Features

Main Features:

Mono, stereo or mid/side real time spectrum analyzer.
Total control over the analysis parameters, with slope and offset correction.
Smart interpolation algorithm for extreme display smoothness.
Spectrum and spectrogram views.
Animated zoom for all displays.
Precise measurement capabilities, with note info display.
3D waterfall view with full 3D control.
Solid or wireframe 3D surface display.
Instant, peak and average curves display for each channel.
Save the curves for easy A/B comparison.
Opacity control for the user interface.
Custom absolute and relative threshold control.

Blue Cat Audio Standards:

Available in most plug-in formats for Mac and Windows.
Full MIDI control and automation support, MIDI Learn.
No CPU load on idle: processing shuts down when fed with silence (optimal CPU usage).
Customizable user interface with transparency & zoom.
Automation and MIDI output: record output parameters as automation curves or send MIDI CC messages to other plug-ins for powerful side chain effects.
Smooth Bypass: noiseless plug-in activation / deactivation.
Undo/Redo.
Full featured integrated presets manager.
Copy/paste the state of the plug-in between instances.
Any sample rate supported.

Videos

No Videos available. Please check our Youtube channel for more videos about this software.

Screenshots

User Comments & Reviews

[About 3D View] This looks like a really useful upgrade. Great for analyzing kick vs bass levels.[..] It's pretty awesome, as expected. [..] Was nice being able to zoom in and change the angle. Seeing drum hits in 3D really helps build a mental map of what lies in each bit of the frequency spectrum.

I got a bit lost at one point, with all the zooming and twisting,[..] but then I right clicked it, and it reset, so it's about as perfect as I could've asked for - (novatropic)

Blue Cat's FreqAnalyst Pro is a superb tool to refine my mixes and masters. While you should have your ears as final judge for your audio, this tool can show you where you can tweak and improve your output - - digirockers.com

I have downloaded and tried the FreqAnalyst Pro, and I must say I am impressed. The zoom and slide functions are particularly impressive. I am also glad there is a possibility to store curves to a memory -

The Blue Cat Frequency Analyst jam packed with different ways to visualize your audio. Sure the standard saying among most sound engineers is 'use your ears' but everyone needs a little bit of visual aid. In this case of course it is a lot of visual aid. -

'My favorite part of this plugin is the fact that it provides output parameters that you can use to control other effects in real time![..] Blue Cat Audio furnishes great tutorials on these types of operations so it really isn’t as hard as it sounds. -

To add your own comment about this product, please contact us.

System Requirements

An OpenGL-compatible graphics card for the 3D View.

Windows

Audio Spectrum Analyzer Plugin

An SSE2-enabled processor (Pentium 4 or newer).
Microsoft Windows Vista, Windows 7, 8 or 10.
Any VST / AAX compatible host software (32 or 64 bit).

Mac OS X

An Intel processor.
Mac OS 10.7 or newer.
Any VST / Audio Unit (32/64-bit) / AAX compatible application.

Audio Spectrum Analyzer Vst Download

For more information about supported platforms, see our FAQ.

Voxengo SPAN 2.10

Spectrum Analyzer Vst

Demo Limitations

Audio Spectrum Analyzer Vst Download Free

Limited number of instances of the plug-in per session.
The plug-in is regularly bypassed for a few milliseconds.

Versions History >subscribe to our newsletter

V2.0 (2020/11/12)

DSP:

Spectrum analysis is now performed in the background and does not affect audio performance at all.
FFT precision now goes up to 11.

User Interface:

Refreshed GUI design, with improved usability and touchscreen support.
The GUI can now be zoomed from 70% to 200%.
Now supports retina displays on Mac (text and graphs using high resolution).
Save each memory curve as a file that can be reloaded later as a reference.
Copy and paste memory curves between instances using the system clipboard.
Factory and user skins can now be selected directly from the plug-in menu.
VST: the user interface is now properly resized in Cubase on Windows.
New installer on Mac.

Presets Management:

Brand new presets management system.
Presets can now be selected using MIDI Program change and bank select messages (can be activated with the presets menu/MIDI Program Change item).
Copy/paste the plug-in's current state from the presets menu using the system clipboard.

Compatibility:

Now compatible with MacOS Catalina and Big Sur.
VST3 plug-in format support.
Audio Suite support for offline analysis in Pro Tools.
Dropped support for Windows XP and Mac OS X 10.6 and earlier.
Dropped support for legacy RTAS and DirectX plug-ins formats.

Note: this new version can be installed side by side with the previous version for backward compatibility reasons. Installing this new version won't break your previous projects.

Audio Spectrum Analyzer Free Download