You can use MasterCheck Pro to create specific masters for different platforms. For instance, a mix designed for a loudness war at a club might need a different True-Peak and PLR setting than a master destined for the quiet normalization of Spotify.
The standard version of MasterCheck is already a powerful metering utility, but the Pro version expands its facilities very significantly by allowing the user to hear (as well as see) how a track will work on different media platforms. This is what sets it apart from standard loudness meters.
Based on industry reviews, here is a summary of the strengths and weaknesses of this plugin.
With streaming being the primary mode of music consumption, the "loudness war" has shifted to a "consistency battle." If your master is too loud, streaming platforms will reduce its volume, potentially causing it to sound quieter and less punchy than a properly managed, quieter master.
to see how MasterCheck integrates with other mixing and mastering tools. MasterCheck - Codec & Loudness Preview Plug-in
If the True Peak meter shows clipping under the codec preview, back off your final limiter’s ceiling (often to -1.0 or -2.0 dBTP) until the distortion disappears.
MasterCheck Pro allows professionals to how their audio will be processed by various streaming platforms before export. This helps avoid common issues like over-compression or codec distortion caused by automatic loudness normalization.
The plug-in measures integrated loudness (LUFS), Short-Term LUFS, Peak-to-Loudness Ratio (PLR), and Peak-to-Short-Term Ratio (PSR). The PLR and PSR meters are crucial for monitoring dynamic range, helping you avoid over-compressing your music. 4. Dynamic Presets for Major Platforms
The provided download includes:
is a specialized audio metering and optimization tool designed for music producers and mastering engineers who need to deliver high-quality audio across modern digital platforms. As streaming services like Spotify, YouTube, and Apple Music have moved away from peak-based normalization toward loudness-based standards, tools like MasterCheck Pro have become essential for ensuring a master retains its punch and clarity after it is uploaded. Key Features of MasterCheck Pro V1.7.0.1
The standout capability of MasterCheck Pro is its real-time codec auditioning engine. Instead of bouncing your mix, converting it to an MP3 or AAC file, and checking it on various devices, the plugin applies the compression algorithms directly inside your Digital Audio Workstation (DAW).
While the software might be available on various platforms, the safest and most professional route is always to purchase a legitimate license from NUGEN Audio or an authorized reseller. The peace of mind, regular updates, and technical support are well worth the investment for serious audio professionals.
Different platforms encode your lossless WAV files into lossy formats like AAC, MP3, or Ogg Vorbis. MasterCheck Pro lets you audition these codecs in real time. You can hear if the data compression is introducing artifacts, distorting your high frequencies, or causing clipping. 2. True Peak Metering (Inter-Sample Peaks)
If you're looking to dive deeper into this tool, I can help you: Understand (LUFS) Setup A/B comparisons with reference tracks