Spectral analysis of complex waveforms is the basis of many instructive demonstration and laboratory experiments in teaching acoustics and wave motion. Fourier analysis may employ either digital or analog techniques. Digital techniques, such as the fast Fourier transform algorithm, are easily carried out on hand calculators, and there are a number of real‐time spectrum analyzers which make use of these methods. Analog techniques include the use of multiple filters, a swept‐frequency filter, or a heterodyne arrangement. Limitations on the sweep rate of a filter can be circumvented by employing the time‐compression technique. These various techniques for Fourier analysis will be compared and a number of analyzers costing from $38 to $20 000 will be described and demonstrated.