Spectral Leveler
Released — Version 1.2.0.
Real-time spectrogram dynamics tool for voice, dialogue, and musical sources.
Spectral Leveler is a macOS spectral dynamics plug-in ( AAX / AU / VST3) that lets you shape audio by frequency window and level window directly on a real-time spectrogram. Adjust the target range, then control Gain, Attack, and Release for smooth, selective leveling.
Latest release is now available with resizable window support.
What it does
- Display a real-time spectrogram while audio is playing.
- Set a frequency window (upper / lower bounds) directly in the display.
- Set a level window with the color level bar (target only the desired dB range).
- Apply spectral gain with Attack / Release smoothing for natural control.
- Useful for dialogue harshness, sibilant bands, resonant peaks, and transient-heavy sources.
Status
Current status
- Release: v1.2.0 is now publicly available.
- Latest update: the plug-in window can now be resized.
- Formats: AAX / AU / VST3 for Apple Silicon macOS.
- Focus: Fast day-to-day spectral level control for dialogue, vocals, and instruments.
Future updates and release notes will be posted here.
Release history
v1.2.0 — Resizable window support
2026-03-06
- Window size can now be adjusted to fit different workflows.
- Includes signed Apple Silicon AAX / AU / VST3 builds.
Download: SpectralLeveler_1.2.0.pkg
v1.1.0 — Algorithm refinement update
2026-02-26
- Updated spectral leveling algorithm for smoother, more consistent behavior.
- Improved gain response inside the selected frequency and level windows.
- Includes signed Apple Silicon AAX / AU / VST3 builds.
Download: SpectralLeveler_1.1.0.pkg
v1.0.0 — Initial public release
2026
- First public build of Spectral Leveler for Apple Silicon macOS.
- Includes AAX / AU / VST3 plug-in formats.
- Real-time spectrogram workflow with frequency and level window targeting.
Download: SpectralLeveler_1.0.0.pkg
Typical use cases
Dialogue / VO
Tame harsh consonants and resonant bands in a selected frequency and level range without flattening the entire voice.
Vocals
Smooth bright peaks dynamically while preserving body and tone. Great for “just the painful bits” control.
Instruments
Control string harshness, pick attack spikes, or resonant zones with visual targeting and musical attack / release timing.
De-esser support
Focus on a sibilant frequency window and a high-level dB window to reduce only “S / SH” peaks while leaving the rest of the vocal untouched.
Podcast cleanup
Fast daily cleanup for spoken content: control edgy moments, mouth-noise-heavy bands, or transient spikes without opening a full repair suite.
Mix-bus spot control
Use gentle settings to catch occasional spectral peaks in stems or buses where a normal compressor or static EQ feels too broad.
In practice, Spectral Leveler is designed for the “RX is powerful, but I just want to fix this quickly in the DAW” workflow.
Planned controls
- Frequency window: upper / lower range targeting on the spectrogram.
- Level window: upper / lower dB targeting via color level bar.
- Gain: positive or negative spectral gain within the selected window.
- Attack / Release: smoothing for natural dynamic behavior.
- Before / After view: compare spectrogram response before and after processing.
Requirements
- Apple Silicon Mac.
- A plug-in host that supports AAX (Pro Tools), AU, or VST3.
- Download links and version details are listed on this page.
Install
-
Download the latest
SpectralLeveler_1.2.0.pkgfrom this page. - Run the installer (AAX / AU / VST3 will be installed to standard macOS plug-in locations).
- Launch your host and rescan plug-ins if needed.
Support
Email: kjdevapphelp@gmail.com
Please include: macOS version, host app / Pro Tools version, and a short description (or screenshot) of the issue.