Professional Audio Processing
Right in Your Browser
Apply professional-grade audio DSP to any browser tab in real time. TabDSP delivers broadcast-quality EQ, dynamics processing, and true peak limiting—all while you stream, watch, or create.
What Is TabDSP?
TabDSP is a browser extension that brings professional audio plugin workflow to every tab. Whether you're enhancing music playback, or ensuring broadcast compliance for a livestream, TabDSP gives you the tools professionals use—without leaving your browser.
Unlike simple "bass boost" extensions, TabDSP uses the same DSP algorithms found in high-end studio plugins. We're talking surgical EQ, transparent dynamics control, and ITU-compliant true peak limiting. The kind of processing that separates amateur hour from broadcast-ready.
▶ Gear Head Details
TabDSP leverages the Web Audio API's AudioWorklet interface for sample-accurate DSP processing. All processing runs in dedicated audio threads with real-time priority, separate from UI rendering. This ensures glitch-free audio even under CPU load.
Key implementations:
- Spectrum Analysis: AnalyserNode FFT (8192-point) with constant-Q power summation — 512 log-spaced bins (Q=12), Blackman window, native C++ execution with zero AudioWorklet overhead
- Linear Phase EQ: 511-tap FIR filter with Kaiser windowing for surgical phase-coherent processing
- Multiband Compression: Linkwitz-Riley 24dB/oct crossover network with per-band RMS envelope followers
- True Peak Limiting: 4x polyphase FIR oversampling with ITU-R BS.1770-4 compliant inter-sample peak detection
- LUFS Metering: Full ITU-R BS.1770-4 implementation with K-weighting and gating
All parameter changes use coefficient smoothing with exponential ramps to eliminate zipper noise and clicks. Modular architecture supports drag-and-drop reordering with 50ms crossfade transitions.
Graphic EQ
8-band parametric with real-time spectrum analysis
Dynamics
Single-band & multiband compression with true RMS detection
True Peak Limiting
Broadcast-compliant with 15 compliance presets
What TabDSP Doesn't Do
We believe in transparency. Here's what TabDSP can't do:
Process Outgoing Audio
TabDSP only processes audio you hear—it cannot affect microphone input, outgoing calls, recordings, or anything you're broadcasting. For outgoing audio, use system-level tools like VoiceMeeter or Audio Hijack.
Process Encrypted Streams (Firefox)
DRM-protected content (Netflix, Disney+, some Spotify tracks) can't be processed on Firefox due to browser API limitations. On Chrome, TabDSP automatically uses tab capture to process DRM audio. Some sites with cross-origin CDN audio (like Bandcamp) can be processed by enabling cross-origin processing in Advanced settings.
Record, Export, or Affect Files
TabDSP processes live playback in real-time. It doesn't record audio, export processed files, or permanently modify anything. For that, you'll need a DAW like Reaper or Audacity.
Work in All Browsers
TabDSP supports Firefox and Chrome (v0.5.0). Desktop only—mobile browsers are not supported.
Key Features
Surgical Graphic EQ
8-band parametric EQ with real-time constant-Q FFT spectrum analyzer overlay. Choose between minimum phase (analog character), linear phase (surgical precision), or Mid/Side processing for stereo control.
- ±18dB gain per band, adjustable Q (0.2 to 12)
- High/Low-pass filters with 12-48 dB/oct slopes
- Linear Phase mode (511-tap FIR) for phase-coherent, transparent processing
- M/S solo monitoring for stereo imaging decisions
Multiband Compression Professional
3 or 4-band dynamics processing with Linkwitz-Riley crossovers. Independent threshold, ratio, attack, release, and makeup gain per band. Perfect for taming harsh vocals or controlling bass without affecting the top end.
- LR4 (24dB/oct) crossover network for phase-coherent splits
- Per-band RMS envelope followers with soft knee
- Real-time gain reduction visualization per band
- Crossover frequency presets: Vocal, Drums, Full Mix
Single-Band Compressor Enthusiast
Classic full-band dynamics with true sidechain high-pass filtering. RMS detection for smooth, musical compression or peak detection for transparent limiting.
- Threshold, ratio, knee, attack, release, makeup controls
- Sidechain HP filter (20-300 Hz) to prevent bass pumping
- Digital (transparent) or Analog (warm) modes
- Real-time GR, input, and output waveform display
True Peak Limiter Professional
Broadcast-compliant brickwall limiting with 4x polyphase oversampling. Prevents inter-sample peaks that cause distortion on consumer devices. 15 compliance presets for streaming, broadcast, and podcast standards.
- ITU-R BS.1770-4 compliant true peak detection
- Kaiser or ITU filter modes for different applications
- Lookahead (0.5-10ms) and release time control
- Compliance presets: EBU R128, Apple Music, Spotify, etc.
Professional Metering Professional
LUFS loudness metering (Momentary, Short-term, Integrated) with independent L/R stereo meters for input and output. Know exactly where your audio stands against broadcast and streaming standards.
- LUFS Stack: M/S/I meters, Target Validator with compliance presets, scrolling Histogram, and LRA (Loudness Range)
- Independent L/R stereo peak and RMS metering at input and output stages
- Sample Peak and True Peak hold bars
- Global meter section: IN/EQ/MB/COMP/LIM/OUT
Modular Signal Flow Enthusiast
Drag-and-drop module reordering lets you experiment with signal chain order. Try compression before EQ (parallel style) or EQ before compression (classic mastering). Glitch-free 50ms crossfade transitions.
- Reorder EQ, Multiband, and Compressor modules
- Per-module bypass with visual arc routing
- Consecutive bypass detection for clean signal path
- Module order saved in presets and site overrides
- File-based preset import/export (.tabdsp files with drag-and-drop)
The Free tier includes the full Graphic EQ, spectrum analyzer, RMS metering, Linear Phase mode, and M/S processing — no time limits. See all tiers or upgrade now.
Who Uses TabDSP?
🎙️ Podcast Listeners
Listening to podcasts with inconsistent recording quality? Apply the "Podcast Voice" preset to even out dynamics, reduce muddiness, and make speech more intelligible—whatever podcast app you use in the browser.
🎵 Music Enthusiasts
Tired of Spotify's inconsistent loudness? Use the "Music Enhancement" preset to restore dynamic range and clarity. Linear Phase EQ lets you fix harsh frequencies without smearing the stereo image.
📹 Livestream Viewers
Watching streams with harsh audio or inconsistent levels? Apply multiband compression and EQ to improve what you hear. TabDSP processes the audio coming into your ears, not what the streamer broadcasts.
🎛️ Audio Engineers
Referencing browser-based playback during production? Use TabDSP as a monitoring chain with real-time spectrum analysis and LUFS metering. See exactly what streaming platforms will see before you deliver.
📺 Video Watchers
Tired of inconsistent loudness between YouTube videos? TabDSP applies transparent dynamics processing and limiting to browser video playback—so loud ads and quiet videos land at a consistent level.
🎓 Students & Educators
Learning audio production? TabDSP provides hands-on experience with professional DSP algorithms. Visualize frequency response, compression curves, and LUFS metering—all with interactive tooltips and documentation.
Ready to Transform Your Browser Audio?
Install TabDSP and start processing in under 2 minutes.