Excite Audio’s VISION 4X is a powerful visual audio analysis plugin developed in collaboration with electronic music trio Noisia. This comprehensive tool combines four real-time analyzers – a spectrogram, bar graph, waveform display, and phase correlation meter – into a single, customizable interface. VISION 4X aims to provide producers, sound designers, and audio engineers with detailed insights into their audio, helping them make precise mixing decisions and prepare tracks for professional-level competition.
Pros:
• Comprehensive suite of four high-quality analyzers in one plugin
• Highly customizable interface and display options
• Enhanced low-end resolution in the spectrogram
• Ability to sync with DAW or retrigger on MIDI input
• Includes standalone version for external audio analysis
Cons:
• Relatively high price point may be a barrier for some users
• Steep learning curve for users new to advanced audio analysis tools
The plugin’s standout feature is its high-resolution spectrogram, which offers enhanced low-end detail and allows users to freeze, zoom, and navigate the display for in-depth frequency analysis. The customizable color maps and adjustable frequency and volume ranges further enhance the spectrogram’s utility. The bar graph analyzer provides a familiar spectrum view, while the waveform display includes VU and RMS metering for volume assessment. The phase correlation meter rounds out the suite, helping users identify stereo spread and potential phase issues.
VISION 4X’s interface is highly flexible, with resizable windows for each analyzer and the ability to customize the layout to suit individual workflows. The plugin can be synced to your DAW’s timeline or set to retrigger on MIDI input, making it versatile for various analysis scenarios. Additionally, VISION 4X includes a standalone version, allowing users to analyze audio sources outside their DAW.
Excite Audio, a relatively new player in the plugin market, has quickly gained attention for their innovative and high-quality audio tools. Their collaboration with Noisia, a respected electronic music group known for their technical prowess, lends additional credibility to VISION 4X.
The plugin’s ability to provide multiple analysis views simultaneously sets it apart from many competitors. While individual analyzers like Voxengo SPAN or FabFilter Pro-Q 3 offer some similar features, VISION 4X’s all-in-one approach and customizable layout provide a more streamlined workflow. The spectrogram’s enhanced low-end resolution is particularly noteworthy, as it allows for more detailed analysis of bass-heavy genres.
VISION 4X’s presets, designed by Noisia, offer a valuable starting point for users, demonstrating how professionals utilize the tool. The various color maps and adjustable display parameters allow users to tailor the visual feedback to their preferences and needs, enhancing the plugin’s versatility.
At $89, VISION 4X sits in the mid-to-high price range for analyzer plugins. However, considering its comprehensive feature set and the inclusion of four high-quality analyzers, it offers good value for money for serious producers and audio professionals. The standalone version further increases its utility, justifying the investment for those who frequently work with audio outside their DAW.
Compared to other popular analyzers, VISION 4X holds its own in terms of features and quality. While it may not have some of the advanced DSP capabilities of plugins like iZotope Insight 2, its focus on visual analysis and customization makes it a strong contender in its niche. The interface, while potentially overwhelming at first, is generally intuitive once users become familiar with its layout and options.
Who would benefit most from this product:
• Professional producers and audio engineers seeking a comprehensive analysis tool
• Electronic music producers, particularly those working with bass-heavy genres
• Sound designers requiring detailed spectral analysis
• Mastering engineers looking for precise visual feedback
• Educational institutions teaching advanced audio analysis techniques
VISION 4X is a powerful and flexible audio analysis tool that offers a wealth of information in a single, customizable interface. Its comprehensive feature set, enhanced low-end resolution, and ability to sync with DAW timelines make it a valuable asset for serious audio professionals. While the price and learning curve may be steep for casual users, those who require detailed audio analysis will find VISION 4X to be a worthy investment. The collaboration between Excite Audio and Noisia has resulted in a plugin that combines technical prowess with practical application, making it a strong contender in the crowded field of audio analysis tools.