Metering options

[D'Animation]

Forgive me for double posting between here and the DUC but want as many opinions in as short a time as possible!
I'm having unworkable issues with Zplanes PPMulator plug and I need something workable pretty urgently - what is everyone else using? We do both 5.1 and stereo work, primarily for UK and US markets (plus whoever the distributor sells it on to I guess!)
The main options are:
Dolby Media Meter
TC LM5
Waves Dorrough

In case it makes a difference, we don't have any Dolby boxes, we do all our downmixing with Neyrinck plugs etc

Any opinions?
Thanks
D

[georgia]

I use a DK600M meter. DKaudio

cheers
geo

[quadraphonics]

I second this...we have both the 8 channel and 6 channel versions of this piece of hardware.

RTW also makes a hardware meter that functions really well.

Randall

Originally Posted by georgia

I use a DK600M meter. DKaudio

cheers
geo

[matt-o-]

In Germany meters from RTW are the way to go for Cinema and TV (Models 10600 = 5.1, 10800 = 5.1 +2) and many more models - depends on your budget.

Greetings,
Matthias

[ggegan]

If budget is an issue you might want to check out this free plugin meter from Massey smassey.com

I use it all the time and find it to be excellent.

[D'Animation]

Thanks everyone, budget not an issue as good metering is worth the spend - would never have caught myself saying that Day 1 on the job but you learn...

I've now extended the search out to hardware models as opposed to just plugins as at least you don't have to share screen space.
Thanks
D

[reid]

I've been messing around with the Spectre suite of software meters, and have been very impressed with their look and range of customisation options. Inexpensive too!

[ggegan]

Originally Posted by reid

I've been messing around with the Spectre suite of software meters, and have been very impressed with their look and range of customisation options. Inexpensive too!

Spectre looks pretty cool, except I don't see any mention on the web site of surround metering, 5.1, etc.

[reid]

There's a 6 channel level meter for surround and all the scopes and meters can be fed from as many or as few different audio interface inputs as your computer can see, so it's straightforward to create your own meters according to your needs. Could get a bit cramped for real estate admittedly, but the level of customisation it allows is positively ridiculous

Demo period is two weeks, with no features hobbled, so there's plenty of time to find out if it suits your needs or not.

Scores highly in the vicarious thrill department too - all the meters can be stretched to very large sizes (as big as your screen) which a) comes in handy if you're working in a spacious environment and need to read them from faraway, or b) want to pretend your at the helm of the starship Enterprise. I mean, who could resist a VU the size of an Apple 30" cinema display?