TBProAudio has announced the release of dpMeter, a freeware multi-channel and multi-platform audio metering utility with support for RMS, EBUR128 and TruePeak measurement.
Specialized metering tools such as dpMeter are not really a necessity for everyday mixing tasks, however they can be quite useful in specific situations like audio post-production or mastering audio for TV or radio broadcast. If your digital audio workstation or audio editor of choice don’t include a high precision metering utility, dpMeter by TBProAudio is certainly worth a look.
See also: Free Spectrum Analyzer VST/AU Plugins!
The plugin supports RMS, EBU R128 and true peak measurement and is able to record metering results as automation data. dpMeter also comes with multi-channel support for 5.1 channel audio or up to three stereo pairs. The user interface is easy to understand, with all of the controls available on the left and a large live meter display on the right.
dpMeter supports all major plugin platforms and works on both Windows and Mac OS. The developer has also provided a handy operation manual in PDF format, explaining all the different parameters which are available on the user interface. What I didn’t really like is the fact that the plugin comes with an installer, which is something I find a bit unnecessary with simple freeware tools like this one. It’s not a big deal of course, but I prefer simply extracting an archive and copying a DLL file to a location of my choice than going through a complete installation process. Or maybe I just install too many different plugins on a weekly basis and it’s making me a bit grumpy. :)
This is the only freeware plugin currently being offered by TBProAudio, but they do have several really interesting looking commercial products on their website. A plugin called called GainRider really caught my attention, as it seems to be a rather affordable alternative to the Waves Vocal Rider.
Download
dpMeter is available for free download via TBProAudio (1.42 MB download size, EXE installer, 32-bit & 64-bit VST/AU/RTAS plugin format for Windows and Mac OS).
