Audified MixChecker Pro is a powerful audio plugin designed to simulate various playback systems and environments, allowing audio engineers and producers to test their mixes across different listening scenarios. This tool aims to solve the common problem of mixes sounding great in the studio but falling short on consumer devices. MixChecker Pro offers a wide range of speaker simulations, from professional studio monitors to smartphone speakers, car audio systems, and even noise-filled environments like streets or malls. The plugin’s interface is clean and intuitive, featuring large buttons for quick access to different simulations. Users can customize and save their own simulation presets, making it easy to switch between frequently used scenarios. MixChecker Pro goes beyond simple EQ adjustments, incorporating convolution-based speaker models and nonlinear distortion to provide more accurate representations of different playback systems.
Pros:
• Extensive library of 62 speaker simulations across 12 categories
• Customizable simulation presets with editable parameters
• Includes environmental noise samples for realistic testing
• Remote control via iOS/Android app for convenient auditioning
Cons:
• Effectiveness partially dependent on the quality of user’s monitoring system
• Some interface elements could be more informative (e.g., device icons and labels)
The features of MixChecker Pro are comprehensive and well-thought-out. At its core are the 62 speaker simulations, which cover a wide range of scenarios from professional studio monitors to consumer-grade devices. These simulations are organized into 12 categories, including Studio Monitor, LiveSound/PA, inEar, onEar, Radio, and more. Each simulation can be assigned to one of 12 main buttons on the interface, allowing users to create custom setups tailored to their specific needs. Users can adjust the Stereo Base, allowing for mono compatibility checks, and tweak the Distortion level to simulate how a mix might sound when pushed to higher volumes on certain devices. The Volume offset control helps maintain consistent perceived loudness across different simulations.
The plugin also offers global functions that enhance its utility. The Mono button provides various mono summing options, crucial for checking mix translation to mono systems. The Auto function cycles through loaded simulations at adjustable intervals, facilitating quick comparisons without manual switching.
A unique feature is the Noise function, which adds sampled real-world ambience to the mix. With 14 different noise loops available, including environments like streets, parks, and subways, users can test how their mixes hold up in various real-world listening scenarios. The noise is appropriately filtered when used with headphone models, adding to the realism of the simulation.
MixChecker Pro also includes a Distortion feature that simulates the non-linear behavior of playback devices when pushed to higher volumes. This is particularly useful for understanding how a mix might sound on small speakers or mobile devices at louder volumes.
The plugin’s interface is designed for efficiency, with large, easily clickable buttons and a straightforward layout. The ability to save and recall entire “Button Sets” as presets allows users to quickly switch between different testing scenarios, such as consumer devices, professional monitors, or in-car audio systems.
A particularly innovative feature is the free MixChecker RC iOS/Android remote control app. This app allows users to control the plugin from their mobile devices, enabling them to move around their listening space while auditioning different simulations.
When comparing MixChecker Pro to similar plugins, it stands out for its extensive simulation library and customization options. While plugins like Waves NS1 or Sonarworks Reference focus primarily on emulating specific studio monitors or headphones, MixChecker Pro offers a broader range of consumer devices and environments. The IK Multimedia ARC system provides room correction and some speaker emulations, but lacks the extensive variety of consumer device simulations that MixChecker Pro offers. Compared to its predecessor, the original MixChecker, the Pro version significantly expands the number of available simulations from 12 to 62 and adds the ability to edit and customize these simulations. The addition of environmental noise samples and the remote control app are also unique features not commonly found in competing products.
However, it’s worth noting that the effectiveness of MixChecker Pro, like all similar tools, is somewhat dependent on the quality of the user’s monitoring system. While it can provide valuable insights, it cannot fully replicate the experience of listening on actual devices in real-world environments.
This plugin is best for:
• Mix engineers looking to quickly test their mixes on various playback systems
• Producers working in home or project studios with limited monitoring options
• Mastering engineers needing to verify how masters translate across different devices
• Sound designers wanting to test how their work sounds in various environments
• Educational settings to demonstrate the importance of mix translation to students
MixChecker Pro is a valuable tool for audio professionals seeking to ensure their mixes translate well across a wide range of playback systems. Its extensive library of simulations, coupled with the ability to customize and save presets, makes it a versatile solution for addressing the common challenge of mix translation. The addition of environmental noise samples and nonlinear distortion modeling adds an extra layer of realism to the simulations. While not a replacement for listening on actual devices, MixChecker Pro provides a convenient and time-saving method for quickly assessing mixes in various scenarios. The remote control app further enhances its usability, allowing for more flexible auditioning. Despite some minor interface quirks, such as generic device icons and tooltip-only labels, the overall user experience is intuitive and efficient. For audio professionals working in less-than-ideal acoustic environments or with limited access to multiple monitoring systems, MixChecker Pro offers a practical solution to improve the quality and consistency of their mixes across different playback systems.