Trident Audio Developments – TriMeter v1.1.0 for WiN

TriMeter, a multi-functional audio metering and monitoring plugin from Trident Audio Developments, is a uniquely versatile and indispensable monitoring tool suitable for a wide range of audio applications and use cases. With a set of carefully implemented, industry-proven features, combined with a highly visual and intuitive interface, TriMeter is designed to improve the many workflows and practices of professional audio engineers, performers, content creators, and audio enthusiasts.

Peculiarities

TriMeter’s two VU meters , carefully modeled to match the specifications and performance of the legendary Trident analog console meters, provide an important feature often overlooked in respond similarly to the human ear, effectively “averaging” or “smoothing” shorter, momentary peaks or transients for a more natural response. Using VU meters in digital applications often results in cleaner mixes and more natural-sounding audio.

With the ability to activate 0 VU -18 dBFS calibration at the touch of a button, TriMeter also helps achieve optimal gain structure and sufficient headroom during recording.

While VU meters offer many advantages, such as those listed above, PPM meters, or Peak Program Metering, often provide a clearer picture of faster level changes and problematic peaks.

Not to be confused with peak metering capabilities in a DAW, PPM meters can and will mask even the most transient peaks or transients, instead offering a kind of additional reference point to

VU meters. TriMeter’s dual PPM implementation, located directly below each VU meter, functions similarly to classic analog Trident consoles and also offers a hybrid “clip hold” indicator or an over-level indicator for signals exceeding the equivalent of 0 dBFS.

LUFS Meter (Built-in)

LUFS (Loudness Units, Full-Range) is the most modern method and industry standard for measuring and defining loudness. While legacy measurement methods such as VU and PPM remain essential for creating high-quality mixes and audio projects in digital environments, most broadcasters and online streaming platforms specify a “target” LUFS value , which can vary greatly depending on the organization. Online content creators, such as podcasters or content producers for streaming apps, are increasingly faced with the need to achieve such targets.

Unlike other LUFS metering software and plugin providers, which often develop complex (and often extremely expensive) solutions for highly specialized industry users, TriMeter’s unique implementation of LUFS display—developed according to the standard’s precise specifications—offers a simple and visually intuitive method for monitoring integrated LUFS throughout a program, performance, or project of any length.

Linear Output Gain Control

The rotary output gain control is located in the center of the TriMeter graphical interface. With linear gain control of +/- 18 dB, channel gain can be increased or decreased to suit any requirements, without adding any distortion, nonlinearity, or “boxy sound” to the audio itself.

Mono Summing

Summing two channels of (stereo) audio to mono is a technique often used in sound engineering, mixing, and production. For example, it can be an effective way to subjectively evaluate the balance of tracks and content panned left and right in a stereo mix or project.

TriMeter offers a convenient one-button summing feature when processing two input channels.

Polarity Reversal

TriMeter offers a one-button polarity reversal feature, often extremely useful for diagnosing and correcting audible phase problems caused by improper microphone or cable placement.

Application Examples

• Add TriMeter to any track for VU and PPM level metering that emulates a Trident console
• Add TriMeter to the stereo bus/master track, using integrating LUFS metering to estimate loudness targets for music production, podcasts, and streaming content
• Activate high-headroom (-18 dBFS) VU monitoring during recording to help achieve
  a balanced, distortion-free mix
• Add TriMeter to any stereo track and switch to Mono Sum mode to help balance
  individual elements or panning in a mix
• Add TriMeter to any stereo or mono track for simple gain adjustments or polarity inversion
• Assign parameters to the control surface for quick, easy control