Blue Cat's DP Meter Pro audio metering plugin interface by Blue Cat Audio

Blue Cat Audio·Spectral AnalysisFree trial

Blue Cat's DP Meter Pro: Audio Metering and Side Chain Plugin Free Download

Rated 4.9/5 on Plugin Boutique (28 ratings)

Blue Cat's DP Meter Pro is an audio metering and side chain plugin from Blue Cat Audio. It combines customizable peak, RMS and crest factor meters with MIDI and automation outputs for controlling other effects.

VST3VST2AUAAXWindowsmacOS64-bit

AVAILABLE ATPlugin Boutique

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Free trial available from the developer

01Overview

Blue Cat's DP Meter Pro, often shortened to DPMP, is an analysis tool built around two jobs: monitoring audio levels in detail and turning those measurements into control signals. Its meters can be adjusted in many ways, and the plugin ships with five default scales, including Bob Katz's K-System scales, plus support for custom scales. Mono, stereo, mid-side and surround sources are all supported, which makes it useful across different types of tracks.

Best for

Side chain ducking
Voice-over monitoring
Mix loudness checking
Mono compatibility checks
Stereo width analysis
MIDI-controlled effects

Developer: Blue Cat Audio
Category: Spectral Analysis
Store: Plugin Boutique

02Key features

What you get

Multichannel peak, RMS and crest factor metering
True dynamic range measurement with level histograms
Bob Katz K-System scales (K-12, K-14, K-20) plus custom scales
Mono, stereo, mid-side and surround analysis
Envelopes sent as MIDI CC for real-time control
Automation curve recording for metering and output parameters
Adjustable attack and release metering characteristics
Smooth bypass with zipper-free parameter updates

03In depth

Metering and Dynamic Range Analysis

The plugin measures peak, RMS and crest factor across multiple channels. Instant, average and maximum levels are shown, and large colored statistics displays follow your chosen scale for a quick overview of a track.

Histograms provide a measurement of dynamic range, and graphs show how the audio envelopes change over time. Attack and release shape are adjustable, so you can control how the meters respond. A mid-side switch helps check mono compatibility and measure stereo width and phase cancellation.

Side Chain Control and MIDI Output

Every envelope the meter generates can be reused. You can combine envelopes, reverse them, change the amount of signal, offset them, and record them as automation curves.

The envelopes can also be sent as MIDI CC messages to any MIDI-compatible plugin or external MIDI device. Blue Cat Audio points to uses such as voice-over and ducking, side chain compression, and controlling synths, video effects or lighting systems from an audio signal.

04Specs

Will it run?

Formats, systems and requirements as listed by Plugin Boutique. Missing details are left out, not guessed.

Developer	Blue Cat Audio
Type	Plugin
Category	Spectral Analysis
Formats	VST3, VST2, AU, AAX
Operating systems	Windows, macOS
Architecture	64-bit
Free trial	Yes

05FAQ

Questions, answered

What formats does DP Meter Pro support?

DP Meter Pro is available in VST3, VST2, AU and AAX formats. It is 64-bit and runs on Windows and macOS.

Which systems does DP Meter Pro require?

On macOS it supports Intel and M1 Macs running OS 10.9 or newer, including Catalina and Big Sur. On Windows it supports Windows 7, 8 and 10. It needs a VST, VST3, Audio Unit or AAX compatible DAW, 32-bit or 64-bit.

What do I need to use DP Meter Pro?

You need a VST, VST3, Audio Unit or AAX compatible digital audio workstation that matches your operating system. The plugin is designed to run inside your DAW.

Can DP Meter Pro control other plugins?

Yes. Its envelopes can be sent as MIDI CC messages to any MIDI-compatible plugin or external MIDI device, and recorded as automation curves for other parameters.