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ListenAid - intuitive & clean realtime audio spectrum analysis.
ListenAid is an acoustic visualization tool optimized for live sound engineering and system tuning (leveraging transfer functions and multi-resolution processing), delivering maximum performance through Metal and Accelerate hardware acceleration.
Audio Engine & Core DSP
• Lock-Free Processing (RingBuffer): non-blocking, zero-dropout audio.
• Low-Level Math (vDSP): minimal CPU load
• Real-Time Transfer Function: Live reference vs. live channel division: instantly shows frequency responses differences
5 different Analysis models:
• STFT: Standard Short-Time Fourier Transform.
• CWT: Continuous Wavelet Transform for high-frequency time resolution; optimized via integral images.
• CQT: Constant-Q Transform with variable smoothing.
• QTAM: Amplitude demodulation in the frequency domain.
• Multi-Resolution: Concurrent Low, Mid, and High FFT windows for low-end frequency and high-end time resolution.
Metal GPU Rendering
• Spectrogram is GPU-offloaded; maintains 60 FPS even at massive bin sizes
• Phase Reassignment: Analyzes frame phase differences, shifts energy to exact sub-bin frequencies to sharpen visual traces
• Simultaneous FFT Traces: Concurrently plots Live, Reference, and Secondary traces with customizable colors and opacities
• Dynamic Viewport (ViewportMath): Continuous pan and zoom
Analytical Tools & Precision
• Sub-Bin Peak Detection: Calculates precise peak frequencies using FFT phase correction or logarithmic-parabolic interpolation
• Pitch Conversion (FrequencyConverter): translates frequency peaks to notes, showing cent deviations (with adjustable concert pitch)
• Weighting & Tilt: A- and C-Weighting filters; adjustable display tilt
• Smoothing & Averaging: Exponential, RMS, LUFS, Leq or Peak Hold averaging; psychoacoustic fractional octave smoothing (1/96 to 1 full octave).
System Tests & Signal Generation
• Sine Generator: Artifact-free oscillator with amplitude fade envelopes; outputs up to the Nyquist frequency
• Channel Control (SystemTestManager): Routes the generator or loop player via Normal, Solo L/R, or Phase Invert
• Loop Playback: Imports and loops custom audio files to test spaces using known reference tracks
Workflow & Connectivity
• Multipeer Control (MultipeerManager): fully remote-control another instance at the mixing desk (volume, mute, generator, playback)
• Smart Routing: AudioEngine safely intercepts hardware changes and manages BT profiles
• Preset System: Instantly save and recall all DSP and UI configurations via slots A, B, and Y.