Comparison

TB Spectrogram vs LiveSpec

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

TB Spectrogram

This app provides real-time audio analysis with a spectrogram, spectrum analyzer, and goniometer. It can be used as a standalone application or as an AUv3 plugin within compatible music production hosts. Visualize your audio in detail with adjustable settings and multiple display options.

Highlights
  • Real-time spectrogram and spectrum analysis
  • Goniometer for stereo signal analysis
  • AUv3 plugin compatibility
  • Adjustable frequency and time resolution
  • Customizable color themes
  • On-screen piano keyboard mapping
Features
Read full description

ToneBoosters Spectrogram shows a real-time spectrogram, spectrum, and goniometer AUv3 plugin! We have taken the stunning visual spectrum analyzer features from our latest and greatest Equalizer Pro plugin and released it as a separate app / AUv3 plugin! The ToneBoosters Spectrogram app captures the microphone input and processes the signals in real time. To use it as a plug-in, use an AUv3-compatible host app such as Steinberg Cubasis, Apple Garageband, Audio Evolution Mobile Studio, Auria, AUM, or others. ToneBoosters Spectrogram will appear in the list of Audio Unit extensions for effect plug-ins. Key features: - Fully resizable (as AUv3 plugin) - Color themes for the user interface - Max screen support in Garageband - Adjustable color themes for UI and for spectrogram independently - Adjustable dynamic range - Adjustable frequency resolution - Adjustable time resolution - Adjustable spectral slope - Spectrogram AGC and dimming support - Show spectrogram and spectrum analyzer as overlay or individually - Spectrum analyzer also supports peak hold - Split-band goniometer for stereo signal analysis (correlation, left/right balance in one or two bands!) - On-screen piano keyboard to map spectrum analyzer to piano notes - Optimised for iPad and compatible with iPhone and iPod Touch What you should know: - Licenses acquired for this platform are not compatible with other platforms. - Audio Unit (AUv3) extensions require an iPad mini 2, iPad 4 or later models.

About

LiveSpec

This audio analysis tool allows users to measure and optimize sound in any environment. It provides real-time spectrum analysis, sound level monitoring, and tools for system tuning and live mixing. The app supports various audio interfaces and offers iCloud syncing for configurations.

Highlights
  • Real-time spectrum analyzer
  • Spectrograph for sound over time
  • SPL monitor with A/C weighting
  • Dose meter for safe listening time
  • Live Mix plugin host
  • Transfer function with phase
  • Impulse response and delay finding
  • Parametric and Graphic EQ
Read full description

LiveSpec is the audio analyzer you can carry into any room. Point it at a stage, a sanctuary, or a stream feed and see exactly what is happening, then fix it with confidence. Whether you tune arenas for a living or run the board at church on Sunday, the tools are the same and they are all included. RUN THE SHOW Real time analyzer with sharp, smooth traces and a 3D view that shows how the spectrum moves. Spectrograph that unfolds your sound over time, so feedback and rumble have nowhere to hide. SPL monitor with A and C weighting, LAeq and LCeq, a stoplight for your limit, and logging you can export to prove how loud the night really was. Dose meter with NIOSH and OSHA standards, so you know how much safe listening time is left. Live Mix plugin host that runs Audio Unit plugins on your stream or broadcast feed, with input and output meters and LUFS targets. Mix Balance targets that give your whole team one standard to mix to, every night. Auto EQ with Smart Listen that hears the mix and suggests the correction, then lets you shape it. TUNE THE SYSTEM Transfer function with phase and coherence, so you can trust what the trace tells you. Impulse response, delay finding, and speaker alignment, with multiple microphones averaged into one picture. Decay, waterfall, RT60, and harmonic distortion views when you need to look deeper. Parametric and Graphic EQ with profiles that match the grid of popular consoles and processors, so what you design is what you can actually dial in. Signal generator with popular noise types, sweeps, and a playlist for your reference tracks. Setup wizard that finds your interface, checks your channels, and has you measuring in about a minute. MADE FOR THE JOB Works with the built in microphone or any USB audio interface, from a single mic to a full multichannel rig. Calibration files for your measurement microphones. Measurement configurations, targets, captures, and settings sync between your iPhone, iPad, and Mac through iCloud. Dark themes designed for a dim front of house position, with every panel readable at arm's length. ONE PLAN, EVERYTHING INCLUDED Start with a 7 day free trial. All Access is $17.99 per month or $149.99 per year and covers every feature on every device signed into your Apple account. No add ons, no tiers, nothing held back. Subscriptions renew automatically unless cancelled at least 24 hours before the end of the current period. Payment is charged to your Apple account, and you can manage or cancel in your account settings at any time. Privacy policy: https://linearphase.com/privacy Terms of use: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

Screenshots

TB Spectrogram2 screens
LiveSpec4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: LiveSpec at 5.0 against TB Spectrogram's 4.4. TB Spectrogram's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 6) and ratings volume (50 vs 1). On price, update cadence, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. LiveSpec sells 6 in-app purchases, starting at $17.99 per month. TB Spectrogram asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

LiveSpec holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.4. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: TB Spectrogram has 50 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

TB Spectrogram ships an update every 3 weeks, LiveSpec every 2 weeks. Both last shipped on October 14, 2026.

Scorecard5 real differences · 5 level
TB Spectrogram versus LiveSpec: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterTB SpectrogramLiveSpec
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.4 (50 ratings)5.0 (1 ratings) — better
Positive reviews71.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings50 — better1
Update frequencyEvery 3 weeksEvery 2 weeks — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationPaidFree with in-app purchases — better
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, Mac
Requires iOS13.0 — better17.0
Further details — not scored
Size15 MB19 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperToneBoostersLinear Phase LLC

Customer experience

TB Spectrogram

All ratings50 ratings
Positive86.0%
Neutral2.0%
Negative12.0%
Written reviews31 reviews
Positive71.0%
Neutral6.5%
Negative22.6%

LiveSpec

All ratings1 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

In-app purchases

None

TB Spectrogram

No in-app purchases

6 purchases

LiveSpec

Subscriptions6
  • All Access Monthly$17.991 Month
  • Live Mix Monthly$19.991 Month
  • System Tune Monthly$19.991 Month
Show 3 more
  • All Access Annual$149.991 Year
  • Live Mix Annual$149.991 Year
  • System Tune Annual$149.991 Year

Questions

Is TB Spectrogram free?
TB Spectrogram is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is LiveSpec free?
LiveSpec is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, TB Spectrogram or LiveSpec?
LiveSpec is rated higher. TB Spectrogram averages 4.4 out of 5 from 50 ratings, while LiveSpec averages 5.0 from 1 ratings.
Do TB Spectrogram or LiveSpec have ads?
Neither TB Spectrogram nor LiveSpec shows ads.
Which is updated more often, TB Spectrogram or LiveSpec?
TB Spectrogram ships an update every 3 weeks, and LiveSpec every 2 weeks. Most recently, TB Spectrogram was updated on October 14, 2026 and LiveSpec on October 14, 2026.

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