BMA Spectrum Analyzer vs Retro Spectrum
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
BMA Spectrum Analyzer
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BMA Spectrum Analyzer turns your iPhone or iPad into a professional real-time audio spectrum analyzer. Built around a precision FFT engine with a retro instrument aesthetic, it delivers instant visual feedback on any sound source - from mixing and mastering to live events and room acoustics. HOW IT WORKS Point the microphone at any audio source and watch the frequency spectrum come alive across the full 31.5 Hz – 20 kHz range. The METER panel tracks AVG, PEAK, CREST and MAX levels with frequency readout in real time. FREE • Real-time spectrum display • 2 band configurations: 7 and 11 bands • 2 visual themes • Live METER with AVG, PEAK, CREST and MAX • Tap-to-read frequency and level PRO - ONE-TIME PURCHASE • Full controls: fall rate, hold time and compression • All 5 band configurations: 7, 11, 14, 21 and 31 bands • All 11 visual themes • Peak hold display, brightness mode and linear scale • Spectral envelope (ENV) average curve overlay • FFT resolution selector • High-precision dual 4096-point FFT for low frequencies • SPL calibration offset for live sound measurement SPL CALIBRATION Installing sound for a live event or venue? Calibrate against a reference SPL meter and the app displays calibrated dB SPL readings in the METER panel - useful for system checks, venue tuning and compliance measurements. DESIGNED FOR Musicians - Audio Engineers - Live Sound Technicians - Studio Producers - Educators - Audiophiles PRIVACY All audio processing runs entirely on-device. Microphone audio is never stored or transmitted. No account required.
Retro Spectrum
Transform your phone into a retro audio visualizer for your car or desk. It analyzes sound from your speakers in real-time, displaying dynamic visuals inspired by classic 80s-90s car stereos. Enjoy multiple retro skins and track identification for a unique audio-visual experience.
- Real-time spectrum analyzer
- Retro 80s-90s car stereo style
- Listens via microphone to any speaker source
- Multiple retro skin options
- Now Playing song identification
- Desk mode with clock and date
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Retro Spectrum turns your phone into a retro audio display for your car or your desk. Mount your phone, play music through your speakers, and watch a real-time spectrum analyzer light up in the style of classic 80s–90s car stereos. Built for JDM and neo-classic car fans, and just as good as an always-on visualizer on your desk. HOW IT WORKS Retro Spectrum listens through your device's microphone and analyzes the sound in real time. Because it uses the mic, it reacts to ANY source playing through your speakers—streaming, radio, CD, anything. No cables, no pairing. Important: it responds to sound from SPEAKERS, not headphones or earphones. Point your phone toward the speakers and turn the volume up. RETRO SKINS Switch between display styles inspired by legendary in-dash stereos: • VFD Green — a fluorescent-tube display (included free) • Plasma Orange — spinning-CD deck with artwork and a big clock • JDM Night — KENWOOD-style dual-zone EQ with 7-segment clock • Bubble Grid — synthwave neon grid with a perspective floor • Wireframe LCD — Y2K retro-future tunnel HUD • Gaming RGB — flowing RGB bars with mirror reflections NOW PLAYING See the song that's playing right now. When you use Apple Music, the title, artist, and artwork are read directly from the system for instant accuracy. For any other source, Retro Spectrum identifies the track from the mic using Shazam technology. Double-tap to look up a song on demand. DESK MODE A built-in clock, date, and battery readout make Retro Spectrum a great always-on display for your desk setup—a glowing retro visualizer and clock in one. PRIVACY Microphone audio is analyzed on your device and is never recorded or saved. Song recognition can be turned off anytime. See our privacy policy for details. FREE + SKIN PACK The app and the VFD Green skin are free. Unlock all the other skins with a single one-time Skin Pack purchase.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is rating: Retro Spectrum at 4.8 against BMA Spectrum Analyzer's 4.0. Retro Spectrum also leads on update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 6 weeks) and ratings volume (8 vs 2). On price, ads, in-app purchases 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
Both are free to download. BMA Spectrum Analyzer sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and Retro Spectrum sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.
Retro Spectrum holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 4.0. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 2 and 8 respectively.
BMA Spectrum Analyzer ships an update every 6 weeks, Retro Spectrum every 3 weeks. Both last shipped on October 24, 2026.
| Parameter | BMA Spectrum Analyzer | Retro Spectrum |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 4.0 (2 ratings) | 4.8 (8 ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | — | 100.0% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 2 | 8 — better |
| Update frequency | Every 6 weeks | Every 3 weeks — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Monetization | — | Free with in-app purchases |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad — better | iPhone |
| Requires iOS | 16.6 | 16.0 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 1 MB | 4 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | JAVIER PUGA SORIANO | TAKUMA FUJITSUKA |
In-app purchases
BMA Spectrum Analyzer
- BMA Spectrum Analyzer$2.99
Retro Spectrum
- Skin Pack$1.99
Questions
Is BMA Spectrum Analyzer free?
Is Retro Spectrum free?
Which has better reviews, BMA Spectrum Analyzer or Retro Spectrum?
Do BMA Spectrum Analyzer or Retro Spectrum have ads?
Which is updated more often, BMA Spectrum Analyzer or Retro Spectrum?
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