M Media Audio, a company with a rich history in professional audio dating back to 1994, has recently unveiled two significant additions to its product lineup. These include the Reference Player, a new standalone desktop audio player, and Third Rail, an innovative graphic EQ plugin. Both tools are engineered by working audio professionals, aiming to deliver mastering-grade functionality for both critical listening and demanding production workflows. Indeed, these releases underscore M Media Audio’s dedication to developing robust, practical tools for contemporary music creators and audio engineers across Windows, macOS, and Linux platforms.

Introducing Third Rail: A Unique Tube Graphic EQ Plugin

The Third Rail emerges as a distinctive VST3 and AU plugin, offering a tube-driven stereo 31-band 1/3-octave graphic equalizer. Historically, tube EQs and graphic EQs developed along separate paths due to the technological constraints of their respective eras. Tube EQs typically featured broad, musical controls, whereas graphic EQs, characterized by their precise fader-per-band interface, predominantly utilized solid-state components. M Media Audio, however, has successfully bridged this gap, creating a practical and sonically rich tube graphic EQ. This innovative design allows users to sculpt frequencies with meticulous accuracy while simultaneously imparting the warmth and character inherent to tube circuitry.Moreover, the Third Rail is crafted for intuitive operation, featuring real ISO center frequencies and an expansive ±24 dB range per band. A particularly notable feature is the INPUT knob; when driven hard, it activates a musical tube saturation stage. This effect adds a desirable weight to the low end and introduces a smooth, non-harsh brightness to the high frequencies, enhancing the audio in a subtle yet profound manner. Furthermore, the plugin incorporates a unique “COLOR” knob, which dynamically recolors the fader highlights and LED meters in real-time, providing visual customization without altering the audio signal. For enhanced workflow, it includes ten factory presets, A/B comparison capabilities, and comprehensive save/import/export functions.Features

• Tube-driven stereo 31-band 1/3-octave graphic EQ
• Real ISO center frequencies with ±24 dB per band
• INPUT knob for musical tube saturation
• COLOR knob for live visual recoloring of UI elements
• 10 factory presets, A/B compare, save/import/export
• Available as VST3 (Windows, Linux) and VST3 + AU (macOS Universal Binary)

Reference Player: Mastering-Grade Desktop Audio Playback

In addition to their plugin offerings, M Media Audio has also launched the Reference Player, a powerful standalone desktop audio player. Currently available for Windows and Linux, with a macOS version slated for future release, this player transcends basic file playback. It integrates a full mastering-grade signal chain directly into its core, comprising VCA-style bus compression, a 31-band graphic EQ with precise ISO center frequencies, and a transparent brickwall limiter. As a result, audio playback immediately benefits from enhanced quality, even without any manual adjustments from the user.For those requiring more detailed audio analysis and control, the Reference Player provides tools typically found in a professional mastering environment. This includes real-time spectrum, phase, and BS.1770 LUFS metering, alongside two prominent RMS-based VU meters that serve as a central visual element. Additionally, the player features a dynamic theming engine, enabling instant changes to colors and artwork for a personalized user experience. It supports a variety of audio sources, such as file playback, CD, and Line In, and conveniently offers CD ripping directly to MP3. A watched-folder library further streamlines the management of extensive music collections, making it a comprehensive solution for both critical listening and everyday enjoyment.

M Media Audio’s Development Philosophy and Pricing

M Media Audio’s development philosophy is deeply rooted in practical, real-world mixing and mastering workflows. Their tools are meticulously designed to solve common audio challenges efficiently, encourage creative exploration, and consistently deliver reliable results. All plugins, including the new Third Rail, and the Reference Player are offered with perpetual licenses. This means a single purchase grants permanent ownership, free from subscriptions or cloud dependencies. Furthermore, each license permits three simultaneous activations, accommodating setups such as a studio desktop, a laptop, and a backup machine. This commitment to straightforward licensing and direct customer support reflects their dedication to the professional audio community. The Third Rail plugin is priced at $19, while the Reference Player is available for $29.

Price
Third Rail: 19.00 USD
Reference Player: 29.00 USD

More info: M Media Audio | Third Rail