Essential Information About NUGEN MasterCheck Software
- Simulates level normalization and encoding of major streaming platforms for faithful playback on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, Tidal, SoundCloud, and podcasts.
- Essential modern mastering measurements: Integrated LUFS, True Peak, PLR/PSR to avoid over-compression and inter-sample overs.
- Real-world listening of codecs (AAC, MP3, Ogg, Opus, FLAC...) with detection of artifacts and frequency masking.
- Equalized level A/B referencing ("Offset to match") to compare a master or effects chain without volume bias.
What NUGEN MasterCheck Is For
MasterCheck is designed to ensure the reliability of your masters within the streaming ecosystem, where normalization and data compression are systematic. It helps you find the ideal balance between perceived impact and dynamics, prevent True Peak clipping caused by encoding, and validate the compatibility of your mixes on speakers, headphones, and small loudspeakers. Ideal for mastering as well as mixing, for music, digital radio, and podcasts.
Main Features
Codec Listening and Service Presets
Instantly hear the effect of common encoders at typical bitrates and spot stereo loss, "fizzing," and high-frequency masking. Dedicated presets for platforms allow you to anticipate exactly how the listener will experience the sound.
Measurement, Normalization, and Headroom
Monitor integrated LUFS, True Peak, and dynamic indices PLR/PSR to stay within the "safe zones." MasterCheck highlights the point where normalization will start to degrade perception, optimizing headroom for transients.
A/B References and Workflow
Load a reference via "External ref," align levels with "Offset to match," and objectively compare your processing. Resizable interface, color-coded markers, and configurable splits speed up decision-making.
For Mastering and Mixing
Avoid pushing beyond streaming service normalization targets: an overly loud master will be attenuated anyway. In mixing, audition at platform playback levels to preserve useful micro-dynamics for mastering.
Technical Specifications
System Requirements
- Mac: macOS 10.9 or higher, 1 GB RAM.
- Windows: Windows 7 or higher, 1 GB RAM.
- Plugin formats: VST3, AU, AAX.
Simulated Formats and Codecs
- Ogg Vorbis, FLAC, Opus.
- AAC-LC, HE-AAC v1 (AAC+), HE-AAC v2 (DAB+).
- MP3.
- Presets tailored to major streaming services.
Measurements and Indicators
- Integrated LUFS and short-term level for streaming compliance.
- True Peak with alerts for overs and inter-sample peaks.
- PLR (Peak to Loudness Ratio) and PSR to monitor dynamics.
Features
- Contextual codec listening and encoding distortion detection.
- External A/B reference with automatic level equalization ("Offset to match").
- Visualization of safe zones and customizable threshold markers.
- Preparation of mixes for mastering and digital services.
- Listening to effects chains at equalized levels for unbiased decisions.
Included Content
- NUGEN MasterCheck plugin.
- Presets for normalization and streaming service profiles.
- "External ref" function for loading references.
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