GainStage Pro: Recording Level Utility Plugin by Hertz Instruments

Rated 4.3/5 on Plugin Boutique (1,313 ratings)

GainStage Pro is a utility plugin from Hertz Instruments that analyzes your input signal and shows whether your recording level is too hot, too low or right for recording. It runs as a VST3, AU or AAX plugin.

VST3AUAAXWindowsmacOS64-bit

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01Overview

Setting recording levels is easy to get wrong, especially when you are unsure which meters to read or what values to aim for. GainStage Pro is built to remove that guesswork. Placed on a track armed for recording, it analyzes the incoming signal and presents a graphical indication of the level. You then adjust the preamp gain on your audio interface to match. The plugin is aimed at producers and engineers who want a fast, clear check on input levels before they record.

Best for

Recording level setup
Audio interface gain staging
Vocal tracking input check
Instrument recording prep
Home studio tracking

Developer: Hertz Instruments
Category: Utilities
Store: Plugin Boutique

02Key features

What you get

Analyzes incoming signal to indicate if level is too hot, too cold or right
Clear graphical level indication instead of raw meter readings
Designed to be placed on an armed recording track
Guides adjustment of audio interface preamp gain
Available in VST3, AU and AAX formats
Runs on Windows and macOS in 64-bit
License covers 2 computers

03In depth

How GainStage Pro Shows Your Recording Level

Hertz Instruments designed GainStage Pro around one job: telling you whether your signal is too hot, too cold or in a good range for recording. Instead of asking you to interpret meter ballistics and dB values, the plugin gives a clear visual indication of the signal's state.

To use it, load GainStage Pro on the track that is armed for recording in your DAW. Play or sing the source, watch the indication, and adjust the preamp gain on your audio interface until the level reads as correct. The workflow keeps the adjustment on the hardware, where the gain stage actually happens.

Compatibility and Setup Requirements

GainStage Pro is available in VST3, AU and AAX formats and runs on both Windows and macOS. It needs a 64-bit host. On macOS the listed minimum is macOS 10.13 or later, and on Windows Windows 7 or later. Both platforms call for a 1 GHz Intel dual-core processor, 8 GB of RAM and a screen resolution of 1280 x 1024 or higher.

The plugin works with the DAW you already use. The developer names FL Studio, Ableton, Pro Tools, Cubase, Reaper and Logic Pro among the compatible hosts. The license covers 2 computers.

04Specs

Will it run?

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

Developer	Hertz Instruments
Type	Plugin
Category	Utility
Formats	VST3, AU, AAX
Operating systems	Windows, macOS
Architecture	64-bit

05FAQ

Questions, answered

What is GainStage Pro used for?

GainStage Pro helps you set recording levels. It analyzes the signal on an armed track and shows whether the level is too hot, too cold or right, so you can adjust the preamp gain on your audio interface.

What formats and operating systems does GainStage Pro support?

It is available in VST3, AU and AAX formats. It runs on Windows and macOS in 64-bit. The listed minimum is macOS 10.13 or later and Windows 7 or later.

What do I need to use GainStage Pro?

You need a 64-bit DAW that supports VST3, AU or AAX, a 1 GHz Intel dual-core processor, 8 GB of RAM and a screen resolution of 1280 x 1024 or higher. The license covers 2 computers.