What operating systems does Sonance require?

Sonance requires macOS Big Sur (11.5) or newer, with native support for both 64-bit Intel and Apple Silicon Macs[cite: 5].

Does Sonance support external music libraries or cloud streaming?

No, Sonance plays and visualizes songs from the local Apple Music or iTunes library located in the user's /Users/username/Music directory[cite: 5]. Cloud music and files on external drives are not supported due to macOS App Store limitations[cite: 5].

What is a spectrum analyzer?

A spectrum analyzer is a device or software tool that measures and displays the magnitude of an input signal versus frequency across the spectrum of frequencies.

What is an audio spectrum analyzer?

An audio spectrum analyzer is a specific tool that captures audio signals—via a microphone or audio stream—and breaks them down into individual frequency components to visualize amplitude in real-time.

What is a spectrogram?

A spectrogram is a visual representation of the spectrum of frequencies of a signal as it varies with time, effectively displaying how audio frequencies change over a timeline.

What is a spectrograph?

It functions as the analytical device or software tool (such as an audio spectrum analyzer) that captures sound waves and generates a visual spectrogram showing frequency distribution over time.

What is a decibel meter?

A decibel meter (or sound level meter) is an instrument used to measure sound pressure level (SPL) and quantify noise or sound intensity in decibels.

Can Sonance record and save spectrogram sessions?

Yes. By selecting View -> Spectrogram Recording Control Panel, you can start and stop recordings. Both spectrogram and waveform data are saved directly to high-resolution JPEG images, with the image width scaling automatically at 20 pixels per second of recording.

What is the difference between dB FS and dB SPL?

Sonance features dual decibel measurements: dB FS (Full Spectrum) measures recorded audio files like MP3s from 0.0 dB down to negative infinity, while dB SPL (Sound Pressure Level) measures live hardware input from microphones, line-in, or USB devices up to 194 dB.

An Audio Spectrum Analyzer, Spectrograph, Decibel Meter, and Music Player for macOS

Q: What is Sonance for macOS?

Sonance is a professional macOS audio spectrum analyzer, spectrograph, decibel meter (dB SPL & dB FS), and local Music library player featuring real-time FFT visualization[cite: 5].

Professional Audio Visualization & Analysis for macOS. Elevate your audio workflow with high-precision frequency data, real-time signal feedback, and a built-in local music player.

Download on Mac App Store

Requires macOS Big Sur or newer. Universal App (Intel & Apple Silicon Native).

Waveform View

Display the raw input signal as a continuous wavy line. Monitor real-time input gain, adjustable display widths, freeze capabilities, and precise decibel levels (dB FS and dB SPL).

Spectrum Analyzer

View frequency distributions as vertical bars with custom vertical magnification (vMag) and horizontal zoom (hZoom). Switch between custom and macOS Accelerate FFT algorithms.

Spectrogram View

Examine a 2D map of audio frequencies over time. Customize color ranges, sensitivity, logarithmic scales, and record extended sessions directly to high-resolution JPEGs.

What is Sonance for macOS?

Sonance is an advanced Audio Spectrum Analyzer, Spectrograph, Decibel Meter, and Music Player developed by Rare Works, LLC for macOS. It analyzes live audio feeds from internal microphones, line-in inputs, and USB hardware, or plays tracks directly from your local Apple Music library with native Apple Silicon support.

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Important Note Regarding Music File Compatibility & Storage

Sonance is an audio analyzer and local library player, not a universal media player. Due to strict Apple Mac App Store sandboxing limitations, song files must be located within your local user directory and imported directly into your Apple Music library:

                        /Users/"username"/Music/
                    

External Drives & NAS: Music stored on external hard drives, USB sticks, or network shares are not supported.
Streaming & DRM Tracks: Apple Music streaming-only or DRM-protected files cannot be loaded directly into the built-in player. Tip: You can easily analyze these tracks by playing them through your Mac speakers and using Sonance's live microphone input mode!
Library Import Required: Files dropped into the folder won't appear automatically; they must be fully imported into the macOS Music app library so Sonance can index them.

Experience the Spectrum of Sound.

Sonance bridges the gap between precision hardware telemetry and rich audio entertainment. Whether you are troubleshooting acoustic environments or enjoying your local catalog, get crystal-clear real-time feedback.

Integrated Local Music Player

Play tracks directly from your local Apple Music or iTunes library. Choose between horizontal and vertical player orientations, complete with full shuffle, repeat, and playlist management controls.

Music Library

Select individual songs, multiple songs, or playlists to play. Search or filter through Albums, Artists, Compilations, Composers, and Genres.

Comprehensive Preferences & Customization

Fine-tune every aspect of your analysis pipeline. Adjust FFT windowing functions (Rectangular, Hanning, Hamming, Blackman, Blackman-Harris), bar counts, frame rates, and custom color gradients for Spectral Flames.