Bettermaker has announced Meterbox, a dedicated hardware metering station designed to keep critical audio measurements visible throughout recording, mixing and mastering sessions. Featuring two high-resolution matte displays, direct DAW integration and a single USB-C connection, the Bettermaker Meterbox gives engineers a convenient way to monitor audio levels, loudness, phase and frequency information without constantly switching between plugin windows.
Dedicated Metering Displays for the Modern Studio
Meterbox features two matte displays with wide viewing angles, designed to remain readable under studio lighting and from different working positions. By moving metering information onto a dedicated hardware display, it allows engineers to keep their DAW workspace focused on editing, mixing and processing while maintaining a constant view of essential audio measurements.
Each screen can operate independently, displaying different types of measurements simultaneously. Alternatively, the displays can be configured to show left and right channels separately, providing a clear stereo metering setup.
The unit connects to a computer using a single USB-C cable that handles both power and data. No external power supply is required, helping keep the studio workspace organized and free of unnecessary cables.
Direct DAW Integration with Flexible Multichannel Monitoring
Unlike conventional standalone hardware meters that require dedicated audio connections, Meterbox receives measurement data directly from a DAW through the Bettermaker Meterbox plugin.
Available in all major plugin formats, the software allows engineers to choose which measurements appear on the hardware displays. This approach provides the flexibility of software-based metering with the convenience of a dedicated physical display.
For more complex sessions, additional node plugins can transmit measurement information from other channels within the DAW. This expands Meterbox beyond conventional stereo monitoring, allowing users to view measurements from 4 to 16 channels simultaneously.
The ability to monitor multiple channels makes Meterbox particularly useful for larger mixing sessions and workflows where keeping track of several audio signals is essential.
Comprehensive Audio Analysis and Loudness Monitoring
Bettermaker has equipped Meterbox with an extensive selection of professional metering tools covering frequency analysis, signal levels, stereo relationships and loudness measurement.
The real-time analyzer (RTA) provides a visual representation of frequency content, helping engineers identify tonal imbalances and monitor changes across the frequency spectrum.
Extended phase correlation metering provides information about the relationship between audio channels, making it useful for evaluating stereo compatibility and identifying potential phase issues.
For loudness monitoring, Meterbox supports LUFS (LKFS) measurements alongside conventional peak and RMS level metering. It also includes dBFS and dBTP measurements, providing information about digital signal levels and true peaks.
Additional options include K-System metering, Dorrough-style metering, traditional VU meters and PPM displays. This selection allows engineers to work with familiar metering standards while adapting the display to different production and mastering requirements.
More Than Just Audio Meters
Beyond audio measurement, Meterbox includes several practical tools for everyday studio use.
An integrated clock provides an easily accessible time reference, while a session timer helps engineers keep track of recording or mixing durations. A visual metronome is also available, offering a convenient timing reference without requiring another window on the computer screen.
These additions make Meterbox a useful companion throughout a production session, even when detailed audio analysis is not the immediate priority.
A Practical Addition to Mixing and Mastering Workflows
One of Meterbox's biggest advantages is its ability to keep audio measurements visible without occupying valuable computer screen space.
Modern recording sessions often involve numerous plugins, editing windows, virtual instruments and routing controls. Having a dedicated metering station makes it easier to maintain awareness of important signal information while concentrating on the creative and technical aspects of a mix.
Its flexible display configuration also allows Meterbox to adapt to different workflows. An engineer might dedicate one display to frequency analysis and another to loudness measurements, or use both screens for independent channel monitoring.
Combined with USB-C connectivity and direct DAW integration, Meterbox offers a straightforward way to add dedicated hardware metering to an existing studio setup.