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x42-plugins
What it is
x42-plugins is a suite of audio, MIDI, and utility tools offered as LV2 plugins and JACK applications. The collection includes equalizers, meters, synthesizers, tuners, and sequencers. Its Meter Collection provides needle and bar-graph meters, an EBU R128 meter, phase displays, and spectrum analysis. The Equalizer is a four-band parametric EQ with shelf and high- and low-pass filters, zero latency, and spectrum and spectrogram displays. LV2 plugins need an LV2-capable host; standalone applications require JACK. Ardour, Harrison Mixbus, REAPER, Audacity, and Carla are among the named LV2-capable applications, and x42-meters, x42-eq, and x42-whirl are included with Harrison Mixbus and Mixbus32C. The software is available for Linux, macOS, and Windows, with source code under the GNU General Public License version 2 or later. Free access has a demo restriction: without a valid license signature, audio processing continues, but the interface stops responding to mouse input and eventually fades to black. One-time licenses are $19 for Whirl Speaker, $29 for Equalizer, and $49 for Meter Collection.
For and against
For
- Includes audio, MIDI, and utility plugins.
- Meter Collection provides EBU R128 and spectrum analysis.
- Equalizer includes zero-latency processing and display tools.
- Source code is available under GPL version 2 or later.
- Personal license works across the owner's systems and machines.
Against
- LV2 plugins require an LV2-capable host.
- Standalone applications require JACK.
- Demo interface eventually fades to black.
- Windows installer is not digitally signed.
The verdict
x42-plugins brings a broad set of audio and MIDI tools, with detailed metering and equalizer features. Host requirements and the demo interface restriction are important to consider before choosing a license.
Who it suits
It suits audio users looking for metering, equalization, and other audio or MIDI tools, provided their host supports LV2 or they can run JACK for standalone applications. Check operating-system and host compatibility before purchasing an activation code.
Plans and prices
Whirl Speaker license
Personal license · valid across operating systems and the owner's machines
Read 3 Oct 2026 · x42-plugins.com
Equalizer license
Personal license · valid across operating systems and the owner's machines
Read 3 Oct 2026 · x42-plugins.com
Meter Collection license
Personal license · valid across operating systems and the owner's machines
Read 3 Oct 2026 · x42-plugins.com
On the record
- Audio and MIDI tools
- The collection includes audio, MIDI, and utility plugins such as equalizers, meters, synthesizers, tuners, and sequencers.x42-plugins.com · read 3 Oct 2026
- Compatibility caveat
- The maker advises testing compatibility with the operating system and host applications before purchasing an activation code.x42-plugins.com · read 3 Oct 2026
- Demo restriction
- Without a valid license signature, plugins process audio normally, but their GUI does not respond to mouse interaction and eventually fades to black.x42-plugins.com · read 3 Oct 2026
- Equalizer features
- The Equalizer is a four-band parametric EQ with shelf and high- and low-pass filters, zero latency, and built-in spectrum and spectrogram displays.x42-plugins.com · read 3 Oct 2026
- Host integrations
- The FAQ names Ardour, Harrison Mixbus, REAPER, Audacity, and Carla among software that supports LV2.x42-plugins.com · read 3 Oct 2026
- License scope
- A purchased license is personal, cannot be shared with other individuals, and can be used across operating systems and the owner's machines.x42-plugins.com · read 3 Oct 2026
- Meter features
- Meter Collection includes standards-based needle and bar-graph meters, an EBU R128 meter, phase displays, and spectrum analysis.x42-plugins.com · read 3 Oct 2026
- Mixbus inclusion
- x42-meters, x42-eq, and x42-whirl are included with Harrison Mixbus and Mixbus32C.x42-plugins.com · read 3 Oct 2026
- Open source license
- The plugins are licensed under the GNU General Public License version 2 or, at the user's option, any later version; source code is available.x42-plugins.com · read 3 Oct 2026
- Product
- x42-plugins are professional audio processing units available as LV2 plugins and JACK applications.x42-plugins.com · read 3 Oct 2026
- Security note
- The FAQ states that the Windows installer is not digitally signed.x42-plugins.com · read 3 Oct 2026
- Support
- Support inquiries can be sent by email, and the Harrison Mixbus forum serves as a user forum for x42-plugins.x42-plugins.com · read 3 Oct 2026
- Supported formats
- The software comes as a standalone application and as a plugin; LV2 plugins need an LV2-capable host, and standalone applications require JACK.x42-plugins.com · read 3 Oct 2026
