A visual tool used to monitor and analyze an audio signal's properties, ensuring clarity, balance, and compliance with loudness standards. Its key functions include; 1. level monitoring (peak and RMS) to manage signal intensity, 2. LUFS/loudness metering for consistent perceived volume, 3. frequency analysis (spectrum analyzer) to assess tonal balance, 4. phase/correlation metering to detect phase issues and mono compatibility, 5. stereo imaging (vectorscope/goniometer) to visualize spatial placement, and 6. dynamic range metering to control compression and preserve musical dynamics.
The first dynamic range meter was invented by Friedemann Tischmeyer, who created the complete DR metering systems, including the real-time DRMeter or DRMeter MkII plus the DROffline or DROffline MkII batch processors This was in response to the "Loudness Wars," aiming to provide a repeatable and easy-to-understand numeric value for dynamic range.
