NUGEN Audio Launches MasterCheck 2, Expanding Streaming Compliance and Immersive Audio Support

NUGEN Audio, the London‑based software developer that first broke ground with loudness metering in 2004, has unveiled MasterCheck 2—a plug‑in that lets engineers hear how their masters will sound on every major streaming platform before the files even leave the studio.

MasterCheck 2 builds on the original MasterCheck (released in 2014) and MasterCheck Pro (2017). The new version adds real‑time emulation of the loudness normalization and codec compression applied by services such as Spotify, Apple Music, Tidal, YouTube, Soundcloud, Bandcamp, Qobuz, and Pandora. It also expands to immersive audio formats, supporting up to 7.1.4 channels—including Dolby Atmos—so post‑production workflows for cinema, streaming, and gaming can be verified in a single interface.

Designed to sit at the end of a mastering chain, MasterCheck 2 does not alter the audio signal. Instead, it measures integrated LUFS, true‑peak levels, and applies the same data‑compression algorithms that platforms use during their upload processes. By loading a preset that matches the target service, engineers can hear the master’s final loudness and dynamics as they will be delivered to listeners, allowing adjustments before the track leaves the studio and reducing the risk of downstream distortion.

The plug‑in is available in AAX, VST3, AU, and AudioSuite formats for 64‑bit systems. Minimum requirements are macOS 11 or Windows 8 with 512 MB of RAM. It is priced at $249 and can be purchased from major retail sites such as Sweetwater, Plugin Boutique, and the NUGEN Audio website.

NUGEN Audio’s collaboration with streaming giants and broadcast networks—Netflix, Amazon, Disney, and YouTube—enabled the team to write the compliance code that powers MasterCheck 2. The company’s focus on analysis, problem solving, and meeting technical specifications is evident in the plug‑in’s detailed metering and auditioning tools.

The original MasterCheck was the first tool to demonstrate how early streaming services automatically lowered a mix’s loudness. MasterCheck Pro added a codec auditioning engine that let engineers hear the impact of MP3 and AAC compression before bouncing a track. With MasterCheck 2, NUGEN rebuilt the framework from the ground up, adding multichannel support and a vectorised, resizable GUI that can be displayed in portrait or landscape.

Immersive audio support is a key addition. MasterCheck 2 can receive a Dolby Atmos bed or other 3‑D formats up to 7.1.4 channels, making it useful for post‑production workflows that target cinema, streaming, or gaming platforms that require spatial audio.

The loudness normalization targets used by streaming services are defined by industry standards such as EBU R 128 and ITU‑R BS.1770. MasterCheck 2’s metering displays integrated LUFS and true‑peak values in real time, allowing engineers to meet the specific loudness targets of each platform.

Because MasterCheck 2 does not process the audio, it can be used as a reference tool during mixing and mastering. Engineers can compare the loudness of a track before and after applying the plug‑in’s emulation to understand how the final product will be perceived by listeners on different services.

The release of MasterCheck 2 comes at a time when many producers are seeking tools that simplify compliance with the diverse loudness and codec requirements of streaming platforms. By providing a single interface that covers both standard stereo and immersive formats, NUGEN Audio offers a workflow that aligns with the current industry trend toward cross‑platform delivery.

In summary, MasterCheck 2 extends NUGEN Audio’s legacy of loudness metering and compliance tools by adding real‑time streaming emulation, immersive audio support, and a modern interface. The plug‑in is available for purchase at $249 and is positioned as a key resource for engineers who need to ensure that their masters meet the technical specifications of today’s streaming and broadcast platforms.