IrcamLAB The Snail
Audio Analyzer and Tuning Plugin & App
The Snail is a very high-precision frequency-domain analyzer that delivers an easy to understand representation of sounds based on the scales and notes aligned in spectrally active zones.
It offers a new way of tuning and analyzing an instrument in an extremely accurate way, displaying intonation and visualizing music and sounds in a way that can help anyone improve their listening and intonation!
Think of a film camera turning at 24 frames per second filming a bicycle wheel turning at 24 revolutions a second, the spokes will appear to be standing still. That means, for a Fourier analysis of frequency at 439Hz compared to a tuning reference of 440Hz, the demodulated phase will turn at 1Hz (as a slightly de-synchronized stroboscope makes a rotating object have a slow movement). Think of audio signals 'beating' as there is an interference between two sounds at slightly different frequencies.
Compared to standard spectrum analyzers based on Fourier-type analysis, the frequency accuracy is enhanced by a process based on the demodulated phase. This system is based on a recent patented technology, conceived at the laboratory of Science and Technology of Music and Sound IRCAM-CNRS-UPMC.
This product is for Mac and Windows OS as a Standalone application, and as AAX, AU and VST3 plugins.
How Does The Snail Work?
The Modes
Music Mode - is the most suitable to view your music with, if for instance it contains complex polyphonic content.
Tuner Mode - is the preferred to help tune an instrument as it increases the resolution of the analysis.
The Display Views
Snail View - provides a representation of the fundamental frequencies and all related harmonics or overtones in real time.
Sound is displayed as 'blobs' along a spiralled view from the low frequencies in the center to higher frequencies (and their respective musical notes) up the spiral GUI.
Zoomed Tuner View - displays the hexagonal shape which rotates and slows down as you zero down to green on the exact reference frequency.
This display is the closest view to a traditional tuner while being incredibly more precise.
Sonogram View - offers a more standard representation of the sound spectrum over time (vertically), highlighting the prevailing frequencies.
This view provides more detail of the frequencies' energy for analysis.
Features
- Simple intuitive interface
- Ultimate accuracy in tuning
- Different combinations of views available
- Audio player with waveform display to allow analysis of any song or sound
- Live input for tuning of external sources
- Tuner mode or Music mode
- Adjustable Tuning Reference pitch
- Transposing feature
- Display of phase relationships possible
- Hz information display
- User adjustable color schemes
- Click and Tune
- Color grid option
- Show grid option
System Requirements
- MacOS 10.10 Yosemite - 11 Big Sur (Intel only)
- Windows 7 and above (64-bit only)
- 2GB RAM or more
- Compatible host software for plugin use
Plugin Formats
AAX Native, AU, VST3, Standalone
System Requirements
- MacOS 10.10 Yosemite and above
- Windows 7 and above (64-bit only)
- Intel CPU
- 2GB RAM or more
Plugin Formats
AAX Native, AU, VST3, and Standalone
User Manual

Education Proof
Products with education pricing are for students & teachers only. To prove your education status we require that you upload proof in the form of an image/PDF.
Types of proof
StudentStudent ID Card, Letter of enrollment, or similar
Teacher/LecturerTeacher ID Card, Lecturer ID Card, Payslip, Letter from the school/college
Education proof is submitted to the manufacturer and is accepted at their discretion.
x
Digital Download Info
Digital Products are delivered electronically via Email. No physical product will be shipped to you!
In most cases, the product you purchase from us is a serial number/license code/activation code to register the product with the manufacturer and download directly from them. This ensures you receive the latest version of products, and the best support when neccessary.
The email you receive from us after purchase will contain the license code and a link to our Install Instructions page. You can visit that page by clicking here: Install Instructions.
x
Crossgrade Proof
This crossgrade is for owners of a competing DAW. To prove your DAW ownership, we require that you upload proof in the form of an image/PDF.
Types of proof
A copy of your purchase receipt for the original license or the most recent update/upgrade
A screenshot of your product registration
A photo of your package (either CD/DVD or printed manual), with the unique serial number included in the photo.
x